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 Edward Jones – September 28, 2016

Driving $2 Million Worth of V12 Lamborghinis with Brett D...

Brett David of Prestige Imports has always been an incredibly knowledgeable person when it comes to Lamborghinis. This may be because he not only runs Lamborghini Miami, but also because he is a true automotive enthusiast that has a passion for the Italian brand. To learn some lessons from Brett, The Drive ventured down to South Florida to take Lamborghini's lineage of V12 cars out for a spin.(Related - Brett David of Prestige Imports Featured on Automotive News)In a video posted to Facebook, Sean Evans and Brett take four V12-powered Italians out for joyrides in this order: Countach, Diablo VT 6.0, Murcielago SV and Aventador SV. Each of these cars are naturally aspirated and were the flagship models for Lamborghini at some point in time.Check out the video below to see the cars in action and learn some quick Lamborghini facts from one of the most knowledgeable enthusiasts we know. Prestige Imports Inventory

By Edward Jones – February 23, 2016

Lamborghini and McLaren Newport Beach Supercar Cruise: Fe...

On Sunday, February 21, McLaren Newport Beach and Lamborghini Newport Beach teamed up to put together one heck of a supercar cruise.Supercars For SaleThe event took participants through some freeway cruising and canyon driving all throughout Orange County in California. Altogether, the drive took about two hours.Cars that joined in included a Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce, Aventador Roadster, pair of Huracan LP 610-4’s, new Huracan LP 580-2, a pair of Gallardo Bicolore Coupes, Diablo 6.0 VT, McLaren 675LT, McLaren 570S and a pair of McLaren 12C Coupes. Check out the images above to see the event unfold yourself. McLaren Newport Beach Inventory | Lamborghini Newport Beach Inventory

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 10, 2016

Lamborghini Newport Beach Supercar Show- February 2016

Right on schedule, Lamborghini Newport Beach hosted Supercar Saturday at their dealership in Costa Mesa, CA on February 6. This month's event, which some of their social media followers are calling the "best yet" was so big that the dealership couldn't fit all the supercars on their expansive lot.Spectators caught a rare glimpse of some of the world's favorite supercars from the McLaren P1 to the Porsche 918 and of course, more than a few Lamborghinis.Check out a few of the cars that made an appearance in the photos below.View Lamborghini Newport Beach Inventory

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – January 29, 2016

2016 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster Pirelli Edition for Sale

The Aventador alone is an incredible supercar, but add in the exclusivity of the Pirelli Edition and you have a truly remarkable example that's sure to compliment any collection. This rare 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition Roadster, available at Lamborghini Newport Beach, is a limited edition vehicle that was produced in commemoration of the 50-year relationship between Lamborghini and Pirelli.2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition Roadster Specs 6.5-Liter V12 700 hp 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds 34 Miles Vin: ZHWUR1ZDXGLA04546 ExteriorThe exclusive finish on this brand new Aventador Pirelli Edition features red accents across the front bumper, rear bumper and roof among other sections of the exterior and interior that parallel the Pirelli tire design. Carbon Fiber drips from every angle, as this Aventador features Carbon Fiber Hood Vents, Carbon Fiber Side Scoops and a Carbon Fiber T-shaped engine cove-- and that's just the exterior.InteriorContinuing with the Carbon Fiber theme the interior features Carbon Fiber Interior Trim, Carbon Fiber Navigation Screen Bezel, Carbon Fiber Media Console, Carbon Fiber Instrument Cluster Shroud, Carbon Fiber Door Handles and Aventador-branded Carbon Fiber Door Sills. The seats are fully heated and electric and are embroidered with special Pirelli Edition stitching.To learn more about the car, be sure to click the button below.View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – December 15, 2015

Black on Black 1990 Lamborghini LM0002 at Cats Exotics

Many people will tell you that the Ford Explorer was the first SUV, but Lamborghini’s LM002 hit the trails before anyone else. Only 328 examples of the Rambo Lambo were ever produced, so you aren’t likely so see one on traffic. That’s why we’re here. This pristine That’s why we’re here. This pristine 1990 LM002 at Cats Exotics is one of the final builds, and it left the factory with all options. The fuel injected V12 and 4WD drivetrain have only 11,851 miles since new, with documentation to prove it. All necessary services have been performed by the certified technicians at Cats Exotics, which included a new set of Pirelli Scorpions. The original tires are included along with a book of records. A recent interior restoration makes this Final Edition LM002 among the best remaining examples on the market. New leather replaced the aged Italian hides, and the tonneau cover sports the original fasteners. If you are waiting for the upcoming Urus, you still have a year to be upset that no manual transmission will be offered. The LM002’s five-speed transmission has a two-speed transfer case that you operate yourself. And yes, you can disconnect the front end if you only need rear wheel drive. READ ABOUT THE LAMBORGHINI LM002 HISTORY To make it period correct, we recommend a Motorola Bag Phone and a few mix tapes. Tell us where you would drive it, and stay tuned to Autofluence for more low mileage exotic cars. View Price and Listing Gallery

By Caitlin Duffy – October 13, 2015

Aventador-Only Drive Through Laguna Beach with Lamborghin...

Of all the exotic car dealerships across the country, Lamborghini Newport Beach may be one of the most active. That is, they regularly host drives and events for their clients, and the community that they've built around their dealership is regularly gathered.Case and point, the VIP 700 Club. On Oct. 10, a few dozen Lamborghini owners gathered with their cars for an Aventador-only drive through Laguna Beach, California. They started at the dealership in Newport Beach and made their way along the coast, finishing the day with dinner at Mastro's Ocean Club.(See Also: Lamborghini Huracan Police Car "Chase": Behind the Scenes)It was an exciting day for all - and the high horsepower and incredible variety of Aventadors weren't the only reasons. After dinner, an attendee gave everyone else another reason to celebrate as he got down on one knee, ring box in hand, and got a "yes" from his date.Check out the photos of the event and video of this massive group's rollout, and when you're done, find your own Aventador from Lamborghini Newport Beach and prepare for their next event.View Dealer Inventory Gallery (Source: Lamborghini Newport Beach) Lamborghini News, Pics and Videos

By Edward Jones – August 26, 2015

"Bianco Isis" 2016 Lamborghini Aventador SV For Sale

Lamborghini Newport Beach has for sale the ultimate and most reactive Lamborghini produced, a 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce. This 2016 Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce features the high gloss "Bianco Isis" exterior paint and provides the most visceral driving experience.Options that are equipped on this mean white bull include "Bianco Isis" exterior paint, "Nero Cosmos" SV Alcantara interior with Red accents throughout via Lamborghini's bespoke Ad Personam program, "Carbon Skin" throughout the interior, "Dianthus" 20"/21" wheels in gloss black with red center-lock nuts, multi-function steering wheel, big SV logo on rear fender, fire extinguisher, carbon ceramic brakes with red calipers, high downforce carbon fiber rear wing, carbon fiber engine bonnet, carbon fiber hood vents, carbon fiber side intake vents, carbon fiber B-pillar window scoops, carbon fiber air intakes, carbon fiber media console, carbon fiber navigation trim, carbon fiber instrument cluster, carbon fiber Alcantara bucket seats, Lamborghini branding package and much more.Call them at your earliest convenience if you have any questions regarding this 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce.View ListingGallery (Text and Images Provided By: Lamborghini Newport Beach) See More Unique Cars For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – August 13, 2015

Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce in Bianco Isis

The Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce, or Aventador SV for short, has been enticing enthusiasts for months with its 750 hp and 217 mph top speed. Now, at last they've started making their way into the United States, and opportunities to see one in person are starting to arise.Enthusiasts in the vicinity of Southern California are particularly in luck, as Lamborghini Newport Beach has just received delivery of their first Aventador SV. In short, it's drop-dead gorgeous.The exterior shines in Bianco Isis paint, while the interior jumps out at you thanks to Nero Cosmos SV Alcantara. Lamborghini's Ad Personam customization program added red accents throughout the interior, creating a contrast of colors that captivates. Red calipers and carbon ceramic brakes are behind gloss black Dianthus wheels, completing the color scheme and tying the beautifully aggressive aesthetic together.And, of course, there's the carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is used extensively, and can be found in the form of the interior's carbon skin. Other aspects of the car crafted from carbon fiber include the rear wing, engine bonnet, hood vents, side intake vents, B-pillar with window scoops, air intakes, media console, navigation trim, instrument cluster and bucket seats.Other features on this particular SV, one of the 600 already-sold-out models, include a multi-function steering wheel, a fire extinguisher, Lamborghini branding package and, of course, the signature "SV" logo on the rear fender. Check out the photos of this beauty below, and browse Lamborghini Newport Beach's inventory to find your own dream Lamborghini.View Dealer InventoryGallery (Source: Lamborghini Newport Beach) See More Lamborghini News

By Caitlin Duffy – August 13, 2015

Lamborghini Newport Beach Launches Racing Program

Lamborghini Newport Beach has officially launched a racing program, and just two weeks ahead of their first race, a party was held at the California dealership to commemorate the moment.Though the parking lot and showroom both were filled to the brim with stunning exotics, the focus of the night was car #88, a Huracan LP 620-2 Super Trofeo. As the caption of a gallery from the event shared on Facebook Aug. 10 tells us, Jeffrey Cheng and James Sofronas will be the hands behind the wheel at the Virginia International Raceway Aug. 21-23.Photos of the Aug. 7 event show a crowd surrounded by Lamborghinis, McLarens, Porsches and Ferraris enjoying some beverages, having light conversations and browsing the selection of Blancpain watches on display. A few took advantage of the virtual racing simulator, then all gathered around the cloaked Super Trofeo for its official unveiling.(See Also: The Lamborghini Aventador: A Revolution for Automotive Design)Check out the photos below, see the full gallery by visiting Lamborghini Newport Beach on Facebook and find yourself a Lamborghini from their exclusive inventory at the button below.View InventoryGallery (Source: Lamborghini Newport Beach) See More Lamborghini News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 24, 2015

50 Lamborghinis Accompany The Auto Gallery to Supercar Su...

Sunday has long been the day designated for driving.In Los Angeles, they take it to an entirely different level.Every Sunday, in the parking lot of the Topanga Westfield Promenade Mall, enthusiasts come to mingle and see dozens upon dozens of stunning cars. It's Supercar Sunday, an event established by The Auto Gallery in 2000 that rivals most all car shows in the country.On July 19, The Auto Gallery saw a few more guests than usual driving one particular breed of supercar: Lamborghini. As a post on their blog and Facebook profile July 20 tell us, more than 50 Lamborghinis arrived for the show, where complimentary baked goods sat next to a driving simulator and hundreds of beautiful cars.After the Supercar Sunday show, these 50 or so Lamborghinis and their owners broke into four groups, traveling as a rally through the canyons of Malibu. When they finished their drive, they all gathered for spaghetti, risotto, chicken and fish at the Westlake Valley Inn. A few attendees won a couple of raffle prizes, ranging from a free oil change, to $100 towards accessories for their bulls.(See Also: Lamborghini Gallardo's Paint Changes Into Captain America)Check out some photos from the day in the gallery below, and when you're finished, peruse through some of the listings currently offered by The Auto Gallery, and prepare for their next Supercar Sunday with your own car to show.View The Auto Gallery's ListingsGallery (Source: Facebook, The Auto Gallery) See More Lamborghini News

Lamborghini News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe