McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Lamborghini News

Lamborghini news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily, covering the V12 hybrid Revuelto, the Temerario and the Urus, one of the biggest names in luxury SUV news. Our reporting runs across reveals, first drives, one-off builds and the auction results that set values. We also follow the earlier cars, from the Countach through to the Veneno. Many sites carry supercar news, but very few carry it beside live listings. A great many of the Lamborghinis covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, so the reporting and a real asking price appear together. For Lamborghini news today, start with the stories below.

By Andrew Nabors – August 06, 2015

The Lamborghini Aventador: A Revolution for Automotive De...

Only a few times in automotive history have stylists made such an impression that it changed the industry. To the conservative motorist, Lamborghini’s Aventador may seem to be an exercise in excess, or at least an impractical form of transit. To us enthusiasts, it represents the state of the art in naturally aspirated supercars. The 2004 Murcielago RoadsterLamborghini's website has a fantastic historical archive, definitely a must-read for any Italian aficionado; so, allow us to distill for you how this car came to be. Starting with the most obvious attribute, the polarizing styling was first seen on the 2007 Reventon. The press and public response demanded production, but only 21 examples were built.Knowing full well that this would be the basis for the Murcielago’s successor, engineering was given a clean sheet to develop a chassis and drivetrain worthy of the shocking silhouette. From the ground up, weight was a primary concern. Because V12 engines and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems weigh more than most race cars, they chose to use a carbon fiber cockpit molded as one piece to join the front and rear suspensions together. Another weight saving measure was the change from traditional coil springs and shocks to a pushrod design. This moves weight inboard and allows for wider wheels and tires than a traditional layout. The 2009 Reventon RoadsterThe Murcielago was also the Swan Song for Lamborghini’s original V12 engine. It had seen continual improvements and refinements since 1963, but advances in technology and efficiency were combined for an all-new powerplant. The result was 700 hp and 507 lb-ft of torque from an engine weighing only 518 lbs. Named for a famous bull, the Aventador arrived in early 2011 ready to fight. They never seem to be satisfied, so a roadster joined the lineup in 2013. Twenty additional horses were found hiding in the intake and computer calibrations, and they were unlocked for the 50th Anniversary Edition.The latest news is the return of one of the most storied names in Lamborghini's history: Superveloce. In the past it has meant a farewell to civilities in a quest for super velocity, but the 2015 Aventador SV makes 740 hp by raising the redline to an incredible 8,500 rpm. Sixty-two mph arrives in 2.8 seconds on your way to a top speed of 217 mph. We don’t know how or when the Aventador will be eclipsed, so in the meantime you should experience one for yourself. Take a look at what our dealers have to offer, and see if you can tame the bull from Sant'Agata.2014 Lamborghini Aventador North Miami Beach, Florida View Price 2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Costa Mesa, California View Price 2015 Lamborghini Aventador Sarasota, Florida View Price 2014 Lamborghini Aventador Atlanta, Georgia View Price 2014 Lamborghini Aventador 50th Anniversary LP720 Lynnwood, Washington View Price 2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster Fort Lauderdale, Florida View Price 2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Richardson, Texas View Price 2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Fort Lauderdale, Florida View Price 2015 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster Wayland, Massachusetts View Price 2014 Lamborghini Aventador Henderson, Nevada View Price(Source: Lamborghini) See More For Sale News

By Edward Jones – July 28, 2015

Lamborghini Aventador SV Photoshoot by Future Photography

Captured by Future Photography is this gorgeous Lamborghini Aventador SV finished in the new Giallo Orion paint. Providing a perfect background for the car is a beautiful and sunny day in Porrentruy, Switzerland, thanks to Lamborghini Porrentruy. Check out the gallery below to see all of the images from the photoshoot.(Related: Stock Lamborghini Aventador and Huracan Drag Race)Just like the other Aventador SVs, this one comes with a revitalized 6.5-liter V12 engine that pumps out 750 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque. This added power comes from the optimized Variable Valve Timing and Variable Intake System. Additionally, a new lightweight exhaust system that reduces back pressure has been added. Carrying over from the Aventador is the same seven-speed transmission.Aventadors For SaleGallery (Source: Future Photography) See More Lamborghini Pics, Videos and News

By Edward Jones – July 20, 2015

Stock Lamborghini Aventador and Huracan Drag Race

It's a battle of two Italian bulls: the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 and Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4.In a video uploaded by DragtimeInfo to YouTube July 17, we get a chance to see two stock versions of these two cars go head-to-head in a high-speed drag race.(Related: Gallardo Spyder vs M4 vs C63 AMG vs R8 Drag Race)As far as specs go, the two are quite different. For example, the Aventador is powered by a 6.5-liter V12 that produces 690 hp and 507 lb-ft of torque, while the Huracan's 5.2-liter V10 produces 602 hp and 412 lb-ft. Though the power difference is noticeable, so are their weights of 3,475 lbs and 3,135 lbs, respectively. The Huracan's lower power is made up through a loss of over 300 lbs, making for almost even power-to-weight ratios.Check out the video below to see these specs put to the test. Are the results what you expected? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.Aventadors For Sale Huracans For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More Lamborghini Videos and News

By Edward Jones – July 09, 2015

Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster First Look

Photographer Jordan Shiraki has created the world's best glimpse yet at what is to be the new Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster. After the model was confirmed by Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Lamborghini, in a press release issued June 29, we have been waiting to see what the car will actually look like. (Related: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Reportedly For Sale) Source Through some careful rendering of the Aventador SV and possibly using design cues from the spyshots of the SV Roadster, this image of the car was created and published on the photographer's website, where more photos can be found. Finished in Blu Glauco, this Aventador SV Roadsters gives us more hope than ever for the upcoming model. While we wait for the official unveiling, stay with us for more Lamborghini news and Aventador SV Roadster news as it is released. Aventadors For Sale (Source: JordanShiraki.com) See More Lamborghini News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 30, 2015

Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster Production Confirmed at...

If the news that the Aventador SV had sold out of all 600 examples set for production, you may have another chance at being the first owner - it'll just be a roadster version. Announced at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and in a June 29 release from the marque, the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster has been confirmed for production, with a projected 500 examples slated for creation. This comes as welcome news after the June 2 news of them all selling out. “The Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce is the most pure, sports-oriented and emotional incarnation of a Lamborghini, and all 600 units have been sold, with first deliveries starting now," said Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Lamborghini, in the release and at the Festival of Speed. "We will also produce a roadster version, which our dealers worldwide are now taking orders for.” (Related: Chris Brown’s “The Dark Knight” Aventador Before & After) The idea of experiencing the Aventador SV's insane 0-62 mph time of 2.8 seconds in a topless version is beyond exciting, as is the prospect of reaching its top speed. Of course, to accomplish those feats, whoever is driving will more than likely require a helmet, as well as a closed airstrip with professionals supervising the stunt. With the design alterations required to create a roadster version, there's a chance those numbers will drop a little - 217 mph may become 214 - but that slight difference won't matter when you hear the wind around you. (See Also: Heavy Drifting of a Lamborghini Countach) Stay with us for more information about this new roadster edition as it is released, and if the Aventador isn't quite your style, find yourself another Lamborghini from our exclusive listings below. Lamborghinis For Sale (Source: Lamborghini) See More Lamborghini News

By Edward Jones – June 12, 2015

McLaren 650S Races Lamborghini Aventador Over 190 mph

It's a battle of the Italians and the English in this video uploaded June 8 to YouTube by GTBOARD.com.(Related: Veyron Super Sport vs. 918 Spyder during Gold Rush Rally)At GTBOARD.com's May event, the McLaren 650S took on the Lamborghini Aventador in a drag race that resulted in speeds of over 190 mph. They ended up racing twice, with similar results. Does the Aventador's V12 engine and its 690 hp outrun the 650S and it's 640 hp V8 engine?Check out the video below to see who smokes who in a straight line. And, after watching, let us know if your predicted outcome was correct. Aventadors For Sale 650S' For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Caitlin Duffy – June 02, 2015

Lamborghini Aventador SV Sold Out

Those who were hoping to own an Aventador SV are going to have to begin searching our website for listings, because all 600 planned for production have been sold.The production numbers were only released on April 20, just slightly over a month ago, but a June 1 Autovisie article on Telegraaf.nl tells us that each has found a home. An importer reportedly filled Autovisie in on the details, letting them know that 200 are planned for delivery to North and South America, 200 to the Asian-Pacific market and the last 200 for Europe.Its engine can create 750 hp and 509 lb-ft to propel itself to a top speed of 217 mph while reaching 62 mph from a standstill in 2.8 seconds, and though it may be a little too powerful for everyday trips, its track experience is unlike any other.(See Also: Aventador SVs on the Track at Barcelona-Catalunya)Check out the gallery of photos below from K&S Photographers, who had a chance to see a few SVs in Spain during an event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and shared their experience with us May 27. When you're done, take a look through our exclusive listings of Aventadors for sale, and keep watching for an SV for your collection.Aventadors For SaleGallery (Source: Telegraaf.nl via WorldCarFans.com) See More Lamborghini News

By Caitlin Duffy – May 27, 2015

Lamborghini Aventador SV Testing at Circuit de Barcelona-...

Though the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce has only been in the world for a few months, it has already taken the automotive world by storm.First unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show March 2, the 6.5-liter V12 engine of this beast produces 750 hp and 509 lb-ft. There's a limited run of 600 cars being produced, but they'll certainly see high demand for decades to come; it achieved one of the fastest times ever recorded on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing all 17.563 miles in just a hair under seven minutes.The "K" and "S" of K&S Photographers had an opportunity to get up close to quite a few examples of the rare Aventador SV over the past two weeks, and despite a few rainy days, they managed to capture some stunning images of them outside of the W Hotel in Barcelona, as well as en route to and on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.(See Also: Official: Lamborghini Urus to be Produced in 2018)As they tell us, Kevin Poderoso Gomez and Sergio Noguerol Gorriz had more than their fair share of fun getting up close. As you can see in the photos showing off Kevin's well placed tattoo, he and Sergio are both big fans of Lamborghini. " happy to see these amazing bulls," they shared.Check out the gallery of their time with a fleet of Aventador SVs in the photos below, then take a moment to visit their Facebook page and give it a like by clicking here. When you're done, browse through our exclusive listings of Lamborghinis for sale, and find the model that fits you best.Lamborghinis For Sale Gallery (Source: K&S Photographers) See More Lamborghini News

By Caitlin Duffy – May 18, 2015

Lamborghini Aventador SV's 7 Minute Nurburgring Run

Created in 1925 and officially opened in 1927, the Nürburgring has set the benchmark for performance of supercars for just under 100 years, testing the best of the best with its steep inclines, quick turns and changes in elevation. Its North Loop, known as the Nordschleife, is approximately 14 miles of the full 17.563-mile course, and possibly the most well-known area for tests of mettle.As the website for the track tells us, a reporter's at the track for its opening race June 18, 1927, said, "that it seemed as if a reeling, drunken giant had been sent out to determine the route."The Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce, or the Aventador SV for short, is a limited run of 600 Aventadors featuring an impossibly powerful 6.5-liter V12 capable of 750 hp and 509 lb-ft. It'll take you from 0 to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, deliver you all the way to a top speed of 217 mph and cost you a cool $504,264 to add to your collection.Everyone knew it would be impressive when this beast finally took on on the infamous Nürburgring, but nobody could have guessed it would be quite this exhilarating.(See Also: Lamborghini Huracan on a Mountain Road with TMash Photos)Added to YouTube by Lamborghini May 16 is a first-hand look at the Aventador SV tearing through the course, shoving its way into the position of fourth car to ever complete the track in less than seven minutes. It clocked in at 6:59:57, nearly ten seconds faster than the next fastest vehicle and just two seconds behind the Porsche 918 Spyder.Check out the video below for the view from the driver's seat, complete with heads-up display metrics, then browse our listings of Aventadors to find the perfect one for your next trip to Germany.View All Aventador Listings (Source: YouTube) See More Lamborghini News

By Edward Jones – April 22, 2015

Lamborghini Aventador SV Production Numbers Released

Now that the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce is making its debuts around the world, everyone has had one question in their mind: How many Aventador SVs will be made?Lamborghini addressed this question in a press release issued April 20, which also featured the car's debut at the 2015 Auto Shanghai Show. According to the press release, only 600 examples of the car will be created. This is a huge increase over the Murcielago SV, which was rumored to only have under 200 examples created. See More Lamborghini News We also know that the Aventador SV's price tag is set at $497,069, which does not include the $3,700 gas-guzzler tax and destination charge of $3,495. Altogether, it carries a total price of $504,264, which is $100,000 over the Aventador's base price.Be sure to stay with us for more Lamborghini news as it is released. View Aventadors For Sale (Source: Lamborghini)

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