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 Jordan Aquistapace – August 22, 2022

The Record-Breaking Pikes Peak Lamborghini Urus Perfomant...

The new king of the hill, seen on the Concept Lawn, is an iteration of the Urus Performante. Aside from displaying some of the most magnificent examples of past and present automobiles, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance offers the perfect venue to introduce new and futuristic creations. The concept lawn presents the latest and greatest in automotive excellence, with leading brands on-scene with concept examples that act as the start of something special. Automobili Lamborghini is proud to showcase the Urus Performante that set the record in the production SUV category on the track used during the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The appearance took place at the center of the concept lawn during the 71st Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, just after its initial debut on Friday at The Quail: A Motorsport Gathering. MUST-READ: Lamborghini Urus Horsepower, Torque & 0-60 The Lamborghini Urus Performante first made history on August 10th with Pirelli test driver Simone Faggioli behind the wheel, tackling the 156 bends of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 10:32.064. Although the Urus Performante was not entered in the race, its time was recorded faster than the previous record-holding Bentley Bentayga by the official timekeepers. The new super-SUV features a camouflage wrap in addition to other safety-compliant characteristics for competition use. The new Lamborghini Urus Performante uses an upgraded 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 that produces 666 horsepower with a weight reduction of 103.6 pounds. View all current Lamborghini Urus examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news and Monterey Car Week 2022 releases. VIEW ALL LAMBORGHINI URUS FOR SALE Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 26, 2022

Automobili Lamborghini Participates in The 2022 Motor Val...

Lamborghini brings out some heavy hitters for the renowned event. After unveiling new vehicles and plans for future endeavors, manufacturers like Automobili Lamborghini are happy to focus efforts on celebrating success and the art of innovation in the automotive industry. Lamborghini is proud to showcase its best examples at the 2022 Motor Valley Fest, an open-air festival of Emilia-Romagna’s Motor Valley featuring conferences, shows, exhibitions, and activities designed for two and four-wheel enthusiasts. MUST-WATCH: 2022 Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae Review: Is This The Ultimate Aventador? As part of the monumental event, Chairman and CEO of Lamborghini Stephan Winklemann is one of the key panelists that participated in a round table discussion on the challenges and opportunities of the high-performance driving industry. Alongside Stephan Winklemann, Lamborghini CFO & Marketing Director Paolo Poma and Chief Human Capital Officer Umberto Tossini spoke about the brand’s finance and future talents. On scene at the 3-day event is Lamborghini’s Aventador Ultimae, Urus, Huracán STO, and Terzo Millennio concept. Lamborghini’s participation in this year’s 2022 Motor Valley Fest proves its mark on the automotive scene as an industry leader. View all of the current Lamborghini examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news and supercar releases. View All Lamborghini For Sale Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Dylan Orluck – August 19, 2021

Lamborghini Countach 50th Anniversary: The Rally Heard Ar...

On August 10th, 2021, the team at Miami Based vintage car dealership, Curated, put together an event with Luxury Rally Club which will make an indelible mark on automotive history. Twenty-nine vintage Lamborghini examples, including twenty-two Countachs, were unloaded into the parking lot at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay in preparation for their internet debut. Everything from “lowbody” cars to 25th Anniversary Editions were on display with their doors up. Albert Manduca That night, Luxury Rally Club hosted a dinner where the drivers had a chance to take a look at the new Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini timepieces from behind their gifted pairs of Leisure Society sunglasses. The drivers then went to their rooms as they prepared for the trip of a lifetime. On the second day, the cars began to line up with Valentino Balboni leading the pack to Monterey. 22 Countachs hit the streets with an LM002 “Granada-Dakar” and Diablo GT, SE30, SVR variants following up the rear. The evolution of Lamborghini cars lined up one by one as the iconic audience to the 50th anniversary of the Countach. The cars shut down the pier in Santa Cruz, and then made their way into Monterey, their angular forms heralding a week of automotive excellence. duPont REGISTRY And on the third day, The Countach Rally was able to make every automotive enthusiast’s dream come true. All the cars made their way to Laguna Seca for a parade lap around the track. To see this many Countaches is an incredible sight in its own right, but to see them hitting the infamous “Corkscrew” was truly exhilarating. From there, the cars were displayed at the Saint Lucia Preserve party until they drove out onto the field of The Quail event for Friday. Albert Manduca The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering helped bring the rally full circle, for this was the day the brand new Lamborghini Countach was unveiled. Regardless of personal opinion, to experience a week of the Countach’s retro charm culminating in its rebirth within the newest model is unforgettable. A performance like that, which unites nostalgia with radical newness, makes all of Curated’s hard work worth it. duPont REGISTRY Trevor Johnson and his team are first class. They created an experience that goes unmatched by anything that has previously been done in the automotive space. John Temerian and his team took care of the rest and made sure each driver had the time of their lives and a properly running car. It was truly an honor to be a part of history with our dear friends at Curated. It will be hard to surpass the opportunity to participate in The Rally Heard Around the World. The event was sponsored by Turtle Wax, Roger Dubuis, Burgess Yacht, the Luxury Rally Club, and ModFind. View Countach For Sale Media Sources: Albert Manduca & @thespeedyguidy

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 10, 2021

The Countach Rally Presented By Luxury Rally Club And CUR...

The Lamborghini Countach is known as one of the most iconic Italian supercars in automotive history, ever since its prototype debut at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Lamborghini Countach, making Monterey Car Week that much more special to celebrate. The professionals at Luxury Rally Club and CURATED are proud to announce The Countach Rally. The six-day VIP experience starts from The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay with an end destination of Pebble Beach for the Concours d'Elegance. MUST-READ: A New Lamborghini Countach Has Been Announced The Lamborghini featured group will include countless examples of exclusive models from all around the country. During the rally, guests will enjoy a Laguna Seca Track Experience, The Preserve Party, and The Bonhams Private Event. As part of The Countach Rally, Luxury Rally Club has partnered with The Quail Motorsport Gathering to help celebrate 50-years of the legendary Lamborghini Countach. Alongside the numerous VIP events, attendees will have the opportunity to drive on some of the best roads in the world, with a luxury hotel stay and dinner included. The importance of historic supercars is illustrated through the meticulous work of Trevor Johnson at Luxury Rally Club and John Temerian of CURATED, as supercars like the Lamborghini Countach are the very examples that fueled the passion for anything automotive. The Countach Rally presented by Luxury Rally Club and CURATED is making history celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Lamborghini Countach during Monterey Car Week 2021. @countachrally

By Andrew Nabors – May 05, 2021

Top 5 Facts You Don't Know About The Lamborghini Super Tr...

This season is going to be intense! You might consider the idea of a Gentleman Racer to be obsolete. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Super Trofeo travels to the best tracks around the world to allow the Huracan to run free. Six events are on the calendar for 2021. Each consists of free practice sessions, qualifying, and two 50-minute races. The owner/drivers fall into three categories: Pro, Pro-Am, and Lamborghini Cup. Since 2018, they have driven the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO. This masterpiece weighs much less than the street-legal Huracan STO, which was inspired by these races. So without further adieu, here is what you need to know: Celebrity VIPs on the grid The points system has never been changed Younger drivers than ever before Almost 1,000 drivers over 13 years 47 Tracks and counting, as new locations added every year! Our dealers compete in the series, and they are happy to explain the differences between the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and the street-legal Huracan Super Trofeo Omologato. Click the button to learn more and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Huracan For Sale Images (C) Lamborghini Automobili

By Andrew Nabors – February 07, 2020

Lamborghini Urus Wins Best SUV in Stuttgart

Germany has a car culture unlike any other, and awards are not given lightly. That's why our peers at Auto Motor und Sport magazine take months to compile their "Best Cars 2020" awards. Making the logical choice, the Lamborghini Urus won best SUV at their event in Stuttgart. The brief press release shows Chairman and CEO, Stefano Domenicali holding the coveted prize. It's no surprise to us, as every new Lamborghini Urus for sale offers 641 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. They are a blast to drive and enchanting to look at, so click the button below to find one for yourself, and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse All Lamborghini Urus For Sale " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Urus Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 10, 2019

Lamborghini Miura Takes Centerstage at Art Basel

Miami's Art Deco District was the perfect setting for a VIP gathering. "A Dreamscape of Italian Design" took place on the 2nd floor of the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, allowing the Lamborghini Miura to take Centerstage at Art Basel. Ferrucio Lamborghini wanted a work of art, and Marcello Gandini penned the Miura. It was and is such a gorgeous design, he was chosen to sculpt the Countach and the Diablo. In a quote from the Italian Consulate of Miami: "Lamborghini represents the perfect symbol of the beautiful and well-crafted Made in Italy, ‘il Bello e il Ben Fattoitaliano’. The aesthetics of an Italian high-end product like that of a super sports car derives from centuries of culture enriched by state-of-the-art technology and a perfect match between tradition and innovation.” Browse All Lamborghini For Sale Built by hand between 1966 and 1973, it was the first transverse-mid mounted V12. Each example has stood the test of time because nothing like it will ever be seen again. That's why our dealers use them as the centerpiece of their inventory. Click the link above to find your Miura and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news.

By Andrew Nabors – September 24, 2019

Lamborghini & Design Concorso d’Eleganza by Polo Storico

Judging a car at a Concours event can be arduous, and you must assume the drivetrain is in working order. Lamborghini has raised the bar with their latest event, as it involves a road trip between Venice and Trieste. Open to all Raging Bulls from 1964 to '91, it is the Lamborghini & Design Concorso d’Eleganza by Polo Storico. Browse All Lamborghini For Sale Their heritage department invited 36 cars to participate, along with judges from around the world. The theme for this year's event was to pay homage to Italian architect Gae Aulenti, with the cars placed in front of her iconic designs. Judges gave awards for longest ownership, movie car, best preserved, best front-engine, and best mid-engine cars. The boat class was limited to a single 1968 Riva with twin Miura V12 engines. It was built & owned by Mr. Lamborghini. The event concluded with a Best in Show trophy presented to a Swiss collector. His 1964 350 GT is chassis #102. This event should serve as a benchmark for other shows, so stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster Specs, Price & Pics

By Andrew Nabors – September 16, 2019

Lamborghini & Design Concorso d'Eleganza: Venice to Trieste

If you and your Raging Bull happen to be in Italy next weekend, you can join in a unique experience. The 2nd half of this year's Lamborghini & Design Concorso d'Eleganza will travel from Venice to Trieste. Organized by Lamborghini Polo Storico (Historic Department) it is open to all Lamborghini models up to 1991. Because the Diablo represents the modern era, the classic models will be shown to celebrate the architecture of Gae Aulenti. Browse All Lamborghini Countach For Sale She was a renowned Italian Architect who's works inspired everything from furniture, to stage design and even industrial works of art. Her style undoubtedly influenced Marcello Gandini when he was dreaming of a successor to his famous Miura. Working with Lamborghini's Chief Engineer (Horacio Pagani), the Countach enjoyed success and evolution from 1974 to 1990. Of course, we will have complete coverage of the event, so stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Here is a blast from the past thanks to CBS News: " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Price, Specs, Photos & Review Lamborghini Huracan Evo Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2019

Lamborghini Sián Hybrid Debuts Ahead of Frankfurt

This one has been in the works for a while because the engineers have hidden their prototypes in plain sight. Last night the Lamborghini Sián Hybrid debuted ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show, and its details are stunning. Sián translates to 'Lightning Bolt' in their Northern Italian dialect. The name is appropriate because it uses their traditional V12 paired with supercapacitors. Smaller and lighter than any battery, capacitors can discharge all their power at an instant, adding 34 metric horsepower when needed. We haven't seen a prototype because the technology was hidden in normal looking Lamborghini Aventadors. Another advantage of the capacitors is that they are instantly charged every time the brakes are used. The power boost is available up to 80 mph if you need to merge onto the highway in style. Capacitors are used around your home to start the A/C compressor, refrigerator, and other high load devices. They can remain charged for decades, so stay away from old TVs, ask me how I know... For an electrifying style, their central styling department (Centro Stile) partnered with Lamborghini's Ad Personam department. The reason for the inclusion of their custom shop is because only 63 cars will be built. The prototype will be unveiled in Frankfurt wearing Verde Gea and Oro Electrum base coats with several layers of clear and metal flake. Converting their metric specs to SAE, the car has an output of 807 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque to the AWD system. This gives it a better power-to-weight ratio than the Aventador SVJ. Of course, the 63 owners have already placed their deposits, but our dealers have several Aventador models to choose from. Click the link below and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Aventador For Sale

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