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 Tyler Rampersaud – May 10, 2023

Lamborghini Shows Off A Matching Original & New Countach ...

Lamborghini’s modern icon meets its legendary predecessor.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 09, 2023

Lamborghini Starts Delivering The New Countach LPI 800-4 ...

With more than 100 builds to go, make sure to check back in to duPont REGISTRY to see the other amazing Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 deliveries. The iconic Lamborghini Countach first shocked the automotive scene more than 50 years ago when it was revealed to the public at the 1974 Geneva Motor Show. Since then, Lamborghini made waves by announcing a limited-production line of the new Countach LPI 800-4 at The Quail: A Motorsport Gathering in 2021. Lamborghini is proud to be in full production of the new Countach and its exclusive series of only 112 chassis at the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory, of which some have safely made it to the forever homes of anticipated owners. MUST-READ: 2022 Lamborghini Countach Price, Specs, Photos & Review Lamborghini has opened its configuration process to give Countach LPI 800-4 owners complete when speccing their dream builds, resulting in some of the most incredible designs we have ever seen. So far, we have seen modest combinations that pay homage to historic brand examples, along with stunning one-of-one models that incorporate colors and materials outside Lamborghini’s traditional design palette. View all the current Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 deliveries by clicking on the links below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY as more lucky owners get the call that their Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 hypercars have arrived. View All Lamborghini For Sale Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Arrives In Japan Lamborghini LEARN MORE The New Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Delivered In New York Manhattan Motorcars LEARN MORE Two New Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4s Delivered At Monterey Car Week Lamborghini LEARN MORE Lamborghini of Salt Lake City Takes Delivery Of The Only Verde Hermés Countach LPI 800-4 TheStradman YouTube LEARN MORE Lamborghini Palm Beach Takes Delivery Of An Incredible New Countach Lamborghini Palm Beach LEARN MORE Lamborghini Houston Receives A Giallo Elivigar Countach LPI 800-4 Lamborghini Houston View Lamborghini Houston Inventory

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 03, 2023

Lamborghini Palm Beach Takes Delivery Of An Incredible Ne...

With Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4's finally reaching the hands of anticipated owners, we can't even begin to guess the color combinations we will see next. Reviving one of its most influential supercars ever created, Lamborghini shocked the automotive world after announcing the production of the all-new Countach LPI 800-4. As we start to see a portion of the limited 112-unit series roll off the production line, it's clear that the lucky new owners didn’t hold back when speccing out their dream configurations. The team of professionals at Lamborghini Palm Beach is excited to document the delivery of this breathtaking Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4. MUST-READ: Lamborghini of Salt Lake City Takes Delivery Of The Only Verde Hermés Countach LPI 800-4 In The World Allowing the sharp lines of the new Countach to do the talking, this build features a stealth-like gloss black finish with a set of bright gold sport wheels that add contrast to its design. The added flare continues as the scissor doors open to reveal a vibrant red monochrome interior, paying homage to past other classic Countach examples from the 80s. Showcasing itself as the most powerful production Lamborghini ever created, the Countach LPI 800-4 harnesses over 803 horsepower from its hybrid-assisted 6.5L Naturally-Aspirated V12 engine. With more variations of the limited-series hybrid supercar finding their forever homes, we are more than excited to see the next head-turning specs. View all inventory from Lamborghini Palm Beach on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View Lamborghini Palm Beach Inventory Source: Lamborghini Palm Beach

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 20, 2023

Lamborghini of Salt Lake City Takes Delivery Of The Only ...

Featured in a stunning dark green finish with gold wheels and a brown interior, it's safe to say that this will forever live on as one of the greatest specs. Shaping itself as one of the most legendary poster cars in history, the Lamborghini Countach quickly evolved from an 80s icon to a modern marvel with the release of its LP1 800-4 predecessor. As Automobili Lamborghini continues to roll each of the 112 chassis off its Sant'Agata Bolognese factory line, anticipated owners are beginning to take deliveries of the most powerful production Lamborghini ever made. In the most recent video uploaded by The Stradman, the automotive influencer visits his home dealership of Lamborghini of Salt Lake City to witness the unboxing of a very special Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4. MUST-READ: 2022 Lamborghini Countach Price, Specs, Photos & Review In a wooden crate sent straight from Italy, the owner of Lamborghini of Salt Lake City was ecstatic to finally receive his $2.7 million Lamborghini Countach with over $150k in additional options. This Countach LPI 800-4 is the only one in the entire world to feature Lamborghini’s breathtaking Verde Hermés exterior finish, with a set of gold wheels that contrast beautifully against the deep metallic green. Inside, the 21st-century Countach reveals a sophisticated brown leather interior with plenty of carbon fiber trim components. Headed straight to the shop for its pre-delivery inspection, The Stradman hops inside to show viewers an unclose look at Italian perfection. With a handful of Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 examples already delivered, we are excited to see some of the incredible specs to come. View all current Lamborghini Countach models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Lamborghini Countach For Sale Source: The Stradman

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 09, 2023

CURATED Sources And Smuggles A Rare Lamborghini Countach ...

The historic Countach 'Downdraft' gets its name from the six Weber downdraft carbs on Lamborghini's famous 5.0L V12. With modern supercars developed and engineered every day, the importance of finding and preserving pioneering examples proves to be an art in itself. The dedicated team at CURATED of Miami specializes in buying, restoring, and selling the world’s greatest automobiles, from vintage Lamborghini race cars to highly-exclusive classic Ferraris. Always on the search for the next barn find, CURATED owner John Temerian documents his wild stories of acquiring these rare specs on his CuratedTV YouTube channel. John sits down on a recent upload to talk about a rare Lamborghini Countach ‘Downdraft’, and its journey from Venezuela to the CURATED dealership in sunny South Florida. MUST-READ: The New Lamborghini Countach: Electrifying A Legend With only 544 units built in the Downdraft configuration, the special-edition Countach standouts as one of the rarest variations of its 16-year production life. This particular black-on-tan Countach Downdraft happened to be located in Caracas, Venezuela and belonged to an extremely passionate individual. After several years of consistent conversation, the owner finally decided to sell it with all kinds of documents, service records, and photos of the car. Once the Lamborghini Countach made its way to CURATED, the team found that it was originally sold in Fort Lauderdale. The Lamborghini was also in one of the most iconic Countach photos and on the cover of Sports Car Illustrated. Watch the full story of CURATED’s iconic Lamborghini Countach Downdraft by clicking the video link above. View All Lamborghini Countach For Sale Source: CuratedTV

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 26, 2022

Two New Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4s Were Delivered To...

The new Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 arrived in the US through Monterey Car Week. With deliveries of the 112 units of the new recreation of Lamborghini’s legendary Countach underway at long last, two special examples of the car have reached American shores, and where and when they arrived to their clients made for a very special event. The delivery of these two examples of the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 coincided with Monterey Car Week, one of the most anticipated parts of the annual automotive calendar. At this year’s Monterey Car Week, the two new cars were unveiled to a private audience at the Lamborghini Lounge Monterey. MUST READ: Manhattan Motorcars Unveils The New Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 In New York The two cars, which feature a hybrid-V12 powertrain with a total of 814 horsepower and a 0-60 time of less than 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 220 mph, also feature two unique colors, Bronzo Zante, and Luci Del Bosco. The two shades of brown featured on each Countach make those two cars the only North American examples to carry that color out of the 112 new Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 cars that will be made. Fast, rare, stunning, and unique, these two new Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4s are ready to be the crown jewels of their owners’ car collections. View All Lamborghinis For Sale Source: Lamborghini

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By Tyler Rampersaud – August 24, 2022

Manhattan Motorcars Unveils The New Lamborghini Countach ...

A big icon comes to the Big Apple. When it comes to just about anything a city can have, there are few places in the world like New York City. Whether it's culture, art, fashion, or food, New York seemingly has it all, and the same apparently goes for cars, especially since Manhattan Motorcars’ latest uncrating. Similar to New York among cities, the Lamborghini Countach, both old and new, has it all when it comes to cars. Performance, looks, luxury, and pop culture cachet are all assets that the Countach possesses in spades, and the concrete jungle was the perfect place for it to go for it to be unveiled to an enamored crowd by Manhattan Motorcars. Stradman's Car Collection: MUST SEE The new Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 was uncovered by Manhattan Motorcars to show off the car’s iconic white color scheme. The new Lamborghini Countach’s bold styling inspired by the original Countach, hybrid performance, use of Lamborghini’s legendary V12 engine, and rarity make it just as much of a timeless icon as the original, and with only 112 units of the Countach LPI 800-4 being made, the opportunity to see one in the flesh is an incredibly rare one, hence the big crowds at the uncrating event. Manhattan Motorcars is no stranger to the fast, the rare, and the beautiful when it comes to the automotive world. View All Lamborghins For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manhattan Motorcars Inc. (@manhattanmotorcars) Source: Instagram/Manhattan Motorcars

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 01, 2022

The Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Debuts In Asphalt 9: L...

The title “Legends” makes Asphalt 9 a perfect place for the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4. A legacy nearly half a century old provides the context for Lamborghini’s incredible Countach LPI 800-4, and it makes what is already an amazing car even more special. The car, limited to 112 units, is an homage to one of the most iconic Lamborghinis ever made, the Countach that defined the brand’s signature bold, angular design, scissor doors, and of course, amazing V12 performance. That V12 is soon leaving not only Lamborghini but the automotive industry as a whole, and the Countach LPI 800-4 is one of the final celebrations of the magic that is a V12 engine. MUST READ: The Best Lamborghinis You Can Buy Today To preserve its legacy, Gameloft and Lamborghini have introduced the Countach LPI 800-4 to the world of Asphalt 9: Legends. To celebrate the introduction of the car to the game, an in-game competition has been created dedicated to the Countach. In the first stage of the competition, contestants will enter qualifying trials to get the fastest lap time, and in the Grand Finals, which whoever earns the best lap time will be entered into, contestants will participate in a double elimination race to determine who will compete in the iOS Final, which will be live streamed on Lamborghini’s social media channels. Asphalt 9 also features the Terzo Millennio, the Huracan EVO Spyder, and the Essenza SCV12. Starting today, players will be able to get behind the wheel of the Countach, which boasts its status as the most powerful road-going Lamborghini ever. It’s a car that is a legend for reasons relating to both the past and the future, which is why Asphalt 9: Legends, is the perfect place for it to shine. View All Lamborghinis For Sale Source: Lamborghini

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 06, 2022

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Owners Each Get An Exclusi...

The lucky 112 owners of the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 are privy to even more than an exclusive car. The Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 has been arriving to its customers as early as April, and as the car starts to hit the road, along with it come exclusive and celebratory experiences for its owners. Lamborghini is known for its customer experience and its aspirational lifestyle as a brand, and the owners of the incredible reborn Countach get to experience its highest form, as only 112 Countach LPI 800-4s have been made. Lamborghini adds these experiences to Countach ownership because owning a piece of automotive history and innovation that honors a car that influenced the Diablo, Murcielago, and Aventador after it simply isn't enough for the likes of Lamborghini. MUST READ: Makes And Movements: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán MB x Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 Exclusive commemorative gifts come with the purchase of the car, along with a letter signed by Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s Chairman and CEO, on paper made with laser-engraving that evokes the silhouette of the car. Along with it, each customer received one of 112 replica paintings done by Lamborghini Centro Stile’s exterior designer and artist, Mateusz Wowk. As if owning the Countach LPI 800-4 wasn’t enough of a dream, Lamborghini goes the extra mile in making ownership of one of its most exclusive models the opportunity of a lifetime. View All Lamborghinis For Sale Source: Lamborghini

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 23, 2022

The New Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Arrives In Japan W...

The new Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 arrives in Tokyo for the first time. There’s no place in the world quite like Tokyo. Its metropolitan area is the most populous in the world, and that makes it a place richer with culture, art, and personality than most places in the world. The new Lamborghini Countach fits right in. It’s a car whose unique styling comes from the Countach of decades ago, a car known for its daring looks, which went on to define the Lamborghini brand as we know it today. When the new Countach was introduced to Japan at a special unveiling event at Warehouse Terrada in Tokyo, it was welcomed with fanfare, because the Lamborghini Countach is a car with ties to Japan. MUST READ: The Duke Of Richmond Will Drive The Lamborghini Huracan EVO At Goodwood The Lamborghini Countach has appeared in Japanese Manga comics since the car’s early days in the 1970s, but in 2004, a Manga series called “Countach” was drawn by Haruto Umezawa and published by the Shueisha publishing house, which featured a Countach LP 400 stars as the protagonist of the main character, Sorayama Shun’s adventures and racing challenges. Today, it’s a Manga series that enthusiasts love, and seek to achieve the rare feat of collecting in full. View All Lamborghinis For Sale Source: Lamborghini

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