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 – May 25, 2017

Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary- Going Out On Top

Derek Jeter, Jerome Bettis and the Lamborghini Countach- Three timeless athletes that went out on top. If you are wondering how we made the comparison, think about the 80's. It was a dark time for performance because technology couldn't keep up with clean air laws. But Lamborghini rose to the challenge and transformed their Lambo Countach from a great looking car into a timeless supercar. In the latest YouTube upload from /Drive, the founder of England's Italia Autosport tells the story of its evolution. John Pogson knows a thing or two about Italians, look at the cars in the background. Countach Specs, Price, Review, History In a very long production run, the original Countach LP400 was released in 1974. It was and is an imposing design that blends curves with sharp angles. Marcello Gandini was also responsible for the Miura, another stunning Bertone body. The last real Lamborghini with a functional rear view mirror, the mid-mounted V12 used side-mounted carburetors for a low deck lid. But a young engineer named Horacio Pagani was beginning to shake things up. From starting out sweeping the floor, his insights led him to become the company's Chief Engineer, and his quest for performance was unprecedented. As Countach evolved, the QV (four valves) mounted the carburetors on top, effectively killing any rear visibility. Photos by Grubbs Photography Flared fenders, ground effects, a giant rear spoiler are just a few of the styling touched that culminated in the 25th Anniversary Countach. Lamborghini was purchased by Chrysler in 1987, and winds of change could be felt throughout the workplace. Mr. Pagani decided to give it a fitting farewell, knowing he had bigger plans in the works. Only 658 examples were built, and they were the fastest examples to date. He redesigned and smoothed most of the intakes along with front and rear bumpers. It set the tone for successive models and is considered a high water mark for classic Lamborghinis. Turn up the volume and listen to a story of a supercar. And if it piques your curiosity, we have quite a few pre-owned Lamborghinis to choose from.

By Caitlin Duffy – October 27, 2015

Lamborghini Countach 5000 S Start Up, Ride in Car Elevator

The Countach is one of Lamborghini's most iconic models. It appeared in posters on countless walls and was drawn on who-knows-how-many notebooks by automotive dreamers of every age since its 1974 introduction, and to this day, it still remains one of the most sought after collector's cars out there.So, whenever we get a chance to see one and listen to the sweet tune of its engine, we get understandably excited. And we know we're not the only ones that do.(See Also: Lamborghini Aventador Revs & Shoots Flames)Saabkyle04 was recently on a car spotting Euro trip, and when he stopped by Premium Automotive Concept Esser (PACE) Germany, his excitement turned into an incredible video. Shared to YouTube Oct. 25, it shows a red Countach 5000 S as it's being moved from one facility to another. We see and hear this beauteous classic turn on and roll across the showroom floor before taking a quick trip down a car elevator.Check out the video to see just how careful you need to be moving such an insane car, then find your own Countach from our exclusive listings at the button below.Countachs For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More Lamborghini News

By Edward Jones – June 18, 2015

Heavy Drifting of a Lamborghini Countach

Most owners of classic exotic cars, such as the Lamborghini Countach, like to keep their collection in tip-top shape and never take them out for a proper drive. While many people will say that all cars need to be taken out and properly driven, it's perfectly okay to preserve the car. Not only will it be worth more in the future, it will serve historical purposes if it's well kept for a substantial amount of time. (Related: Koenigsegg One:1 Breaks 0-300 km/h World Record) That being said, taking a classic exotic car out for a proper romp is also completely okay. To show us how it's done, the Motor Cars YouTube channel uploaded a video May 14 of a Countach performing some extensive drifts in a parking lot. What's more, the description of the video states that this car is awaiting a 800 hp twin-turbo setup. Clearly the owner wants to enjoy every little bit of this car. Check out the video below to see the Countach in action. Countachs For Sale (Source: YouTube via CarBuzz) More Lamborghini Articles

By Caitlin Duffy – June 11, 2015

Countach vs. Huracan: "The Chase" by Prins Classics

Tucked away in the countryside of the Netherlands, about two hours outside of Amsterdam, Prins Classics is filled to the door with stunning exotic cars perfect for taking in the scenery along winding Dutch roads.But truly, which cars could be better suited to such a drive than Lamborghini's penultimate classic and newest storm? Prins Classics certainly agrees - in a June 11 YouTube video, they take the Countach and Huracan from their showroom and put them to the test.(See Also: Chris Brown's "The Dark Knight" Matte Black Aventador)It's difficult to compare the two based solely on power and performance abilities. There have clearly been massive steps forward in automotive development and engineering since the Countach's 1974 debut, and even since its final run in 1990. But the design is so distinct, the interior so nostalgic, that it's easy to see why some might prefer it to the newer, more powerful Huracan.Which do you prefer? Are you more a fan of the classics, or of modern innovations? Let us know in the comments after you've checked out the info on each and video below. And, of course, when you decide which you'd rather have, click the link to the listings from Prins Classics and make it officially yours.1985 Countach LP 5000 Quattrovalvole Engine: 5.1-liter V12Transmission: RWD, Manual 5-speedHorsepower: 449Torque: 369 lb-ftDry Weight: 3,285 lbs0-62 mph: 5.1 secondsTop Speed: 185 mphBuy Now2015 Huracan LP610-4 Engine: 5.2-liter V10Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutchHorsepower: 602Torque: 413 lb-ftDry Weight: 3,135 lbs0-62 mph: 3.2 secondsTop Speed: 202 mphBuy Now(Source: YouTube) See More Lamborghini News

By Edward Jones – May 22, 2015

Impeccable Red 1989 Lamborghini Countach For Sale

Text and Images Provided by: LBI Limited Lamborghini and Ferrari both have their faithful followers, but within this epic saga between the two fabled Italian Super Car manufacturers, there became a clear divide when Lamborghini introduced the Countach to the world in 1971 at the Geneva Motor Show. The reality, however, was not apparent until 1974 when the first production car was delivered to its first Australian owner. As the years went on the LP400 evolved into the LP400S (series 1, 2, and 3) and then onto the LP5000 in 1983. It was by this point that Lamborghini had a very well developed example of an original idea. With this also came an equally well-developed following of die-hard enthusiast who were now very loyal to the brand. These early Countach owners and fans were to be the basis of the enthusiasm that drove the success of the Countach’s contemporaries, the Murcielago and the Aventador. View Price and Listing The LP5000, in 1983, was the ultimate combination of original Countach Styling (LP400) and adapted up-to-the-minute technology for Lamborghini with a larger 4.7-liter motor since its introduction in 1974. It is said that the LP5000 and the 25th Anniversary of 1989 are the two pinnacles of the Countach experience. While the LP5000 has the raw styling of the earlier cars, it’s the 25th Anniversary cars that have the ultimate combination of mechanical enhancements that allow for reliable and functional enjoyment. Introduced at the Grand Prix at Monza in 1988 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the company, it was well received and easily the pinnacle of 1980s design thanks to its classic Bertone styling. With only 658 examples produced between 1989 and 1990, the Anniversary Countach saw 183 mph, 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, wider rear tires, additional vents to improve cooling, lightly redesigned panels and much more throughout. These additions equated to the ultimate iteration of the world’s most famous poster car. The example on offer here, a 1989 Lamborghini Countach for sale, Chassis #ZA9CA05A1KLA12647, is a US Specification car that we believe was originally delivered new to California. It shows to have a clean Carfax with consistent KMreading through the years and defined location and ownership history. From about 1990-2003, the car lived under what appears to be two owners. Services were carried out at what is today; O’Gara Coach Company, then Rolls-Royce/Aston Martin of Beverly Hills. Ownership appears to change again in 2007 when it found a home in Alabama before later being traded in 2013 to a caretaker in Virginia. Throughout this period thousands in receipts are present for services performed over the years at either the Lamborghini Dealer or marque specialists. More recently however, in 2014, nearly $18,000 in receipts were collected during a total engine out service performed at Elite Motorsports of Farmingdale, New York. The service included a total Kevlar clutch replacement with rebuilt throw out bearing, total fluids change, valve adjustment, engine mounts, rear main seal, flywheel, all fluids and hoses, etc. It was an extensive service overall that dialed this Countach in as turnkey and absolutely without any needs. Shortly after, in late 2014, the car received a total strip and repaint, the wheels were refinished and overall detailing to contours specification. Nothing went untouched and today it can easily be stated that this example is as close to contours as one could hope. Cosmetically, this example requires no real attention to be shown at will. It is straight down the sides with beautifully deep red paint with no blemishes noted. The gaps are all as they should be and the front bumper is the only item that stands out as it has been converted to European Specification. All of the plastic and lenses with the exception of the driver’s side, which has a crack, are all excellent and all emblems and logos are as new. The wheels were also refinished during this cosmetic freshening, taken apart, polished and properly reassembled. The rear tires are newer as well. It is very common for Red Countachs to have faded original paint as well as faded black trim around the glass. This example has none of this and it will easily impress. The interior is well preserved overall and has been recently cleaned as needed. Many of these cars, while high quality on the inside, were never meant to be durable; rather, they were meant to look fantastic when new. As a result the sills, seat bolsters and a variety of surfaces tend to often be easily worn and aged even with low mileage. This example appears to have been well cared for over the years in the right ownership of custodians who were gentle in getting in and out of the car. As a result, we have clean sills, seats in excellent condition and only lightly used interior components. The dash shows slight shrinkage around the vents and elsewhere but it is not split or faded. The headliner, center console and gauges all present beautifully. Additionally, everything appears to be in working order and we have no real complaints. The driver’s seat makes one feel powerful, with the overall intent of positioning focused on the driving of this V12 machine, easily like no other. The front trunk and engine bay are similar in their appearance, largely original and detailed, but completely stock throughout. A set of tools/Jack and a spare can be found in the front trunk and a clean/correct trunk compartment shows nicely as well. Turning the key starts this Countach easily, it idles nicely with power easily abundant and is fast to react under throttle. The cooling and charging systems operate without fault and the oil pressure shows strong as the RPMs grow. There is nothing out of place about the way this Countach functions except for its extreme nature, plethora of power and ability to perform. There are many icons of particular eras and the Countach certainly is reminisced upon by many as the icon of the 1980s. This model is rare enough, outrageous enough and important enough in the history of the automobile that it could indeed be a contender for "Icon of the Century." Low mileage, good history, well serviced and presenting beautifully, there is no other Countach more appropriate for the enthusiast or collector who is looking to add the world’s most revered supercar to their collection. (LBI Limited Facebook, www.LBIlimited.com) View Price and Listing Gallery View More Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 10, 2014

1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition For Sale

If you are looking for a newer car, low mileage is a great attribute. But if you are in the market for a classic, attempting to find one that was parked when new can be a real headache. Everyone has heard of the old man that backs his car out of the garage every weekend. He gets her warmed up and waxed, and then it’s back into isolation. Believe it or not, this causes more harm to the drivetrain than leaving it motionless.Without a few miles of city and a dash of highway, the engine, transmission and differential never get warm enough to boil condensation out of the system. Water vapor creates rust inside these critical and expensive parts, and leads to premature failure, despite their low mileage. When looking for a classic, make sure the odometer shows enough rotations to ensure the car has had its exercise. This Countach is just such an example. What we have is a showroom new Lamborghini Countach 25th anniversary model that has been lovingly cared for. Dividing the mileage by age gives us 713 miles per year, or around 60 miles per month. This means that the owner was smart enough to let her stretch her legs.Earlier this year, I explained how important the Countach was to Lamborghini. (A brief history lesson) It brought a small Italian car builder into the mainstream, and made the raging bull part of pop culture. With a long production run beginning in 1974, it brought them into the modern age.Italians take their time designing a new model, and by the late 1980s the Diablo was approaching its debut. In order to give the Countach a proper send off, Chief Engineer (and carbon fiber alchemist) Horacio Pagani designed a wild anniversary 25th anniversary model. It may look similar at a distance, but this rarefied and refined Countach shares only a few body parts with a standard production model.He enlarged the cooling ducts and sculpted the curves of the body to channel air to the brakes and away from the floor pans. Titanic fender flares were added to the rear quarter panels in order to run a 345 mm wide rear tire. Still one of the widest tires in production, it allowed for a 0-60 run of 4.7 seconds. That's lightning fast for 1989, and still incredible today.This car is one of only 657 produced, and is a bold statement of Lamborghini’s power and Pagani's brilliance. Like Derek Jeter, Countach went out on top, and gracefully handed the reins over to the next generation. If you want a collector car that is both a sound investment and in perfect running order, this Countach 25th Anniversary Edition for sale at Exotic Motors Midwest is for you.View Price and ListingGallery

Lamborghini News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe