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.

A man sits in a yellow Lamborghini with the doors open, exuding style reminiscent of the Miami Beach Collection.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2025

Orlebar Brown x Lamborghini's New Collection Brings Miami...

From the cockpit to South Beach. Orlebar Brown and Automobili Lamborghini are teaming up again, and this time the vibe is Miami. The new resort collection takes inspiration from the Revuelto's raw energy, the Countach's space-age flair, and the easygoing rhythm of a beach morning. It's the kind of collaboration that balances somewhere between an ocean breeze and a V12 redline. The collection combines the performance Lamborghini is known for with Orlebar Brown's knack for relaxed, tailored pieces made to move with you. The result is beachwear that carries a quiet confidence, like the guy who doesn't need to name-drop the car parked outside. The collection has all the must-have's of a well-packed vacation bag, including linen and silk shirts, swim shorts, tailored pieces, and a few easy accessories thrown in for style. The colors are where the vibrancy really comes into play. Picture Miami Beach in full effect, using factory colors bright Blu Cepheus and Verde Selvans with classic Bianco and Blu Okeanus. These shades, borrowed straight from Lamborghini's custom palette, feel like as Adam Brown puts it, "a perfect Miami morning, engine purring, shirt open to the breeze, sun hitting metal and water at the same time." Some of the other pieces include bold blue and green swim shorts with hexagonal patterns inspired by Lamborghini's signature design DNA, along with silk resort shirts and towel sets. Even the matching beach bags and towels carry that same spirit. What makes this collaboration work so well is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. The Orlebar Brown x Automobili Lamborghini collection has launched globally just in time for the quickly-approaching holiday seasons. Whether you're poolside or shifting through gears on the coast, it's a reminder that luxury doesn't always need to shout, it just needs to move. Shop The Collection Our Top Picks Black Half-Zip 'Orlebar Brown' & 'Automobili Lamborghini' Shop Now Automobili Lamborghini Mid-Length Swim Shorts Shop Now Automobili Lamborghini Synth Blue Canvas Beach Bag Shop Now Automobili Lamborghini Verde Mantis Jacquard Cotton Beach Towel Shop Now Automobili Lamborghini Synth Blue Capri Collar Cotton Shirt Shop Now

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 02, 2024

Lamborghini x Balenciaga Announce New Collaboration

High fashion and supercar excellence combine. One of the most coveted and revered supercar manufacturers in the world is Lamborghini. With a long legacy of models including some of the world’s most iconic, historic, innovative, and stylish high-performance machines, Lamborghini has earned a reputation cementing itself in the highest echelon of the automotive world. Similarly, Balenciaga has been celebrated as one of the world’s most intriguing and desirable couture houses, known for an edgy, dark, avant-garde aesthetic inspired by technology and iconic science fiction. As one of the most well-known Italian supercar manufacturers, Lamborghini is no stranger to collaborating with respected names in the couture world, like Versace in the 2000s and Rhude more recently, but now, Lamborghini has debuted a new collaboration with Balenciaga in the brand’s Fall 2025 collection. The collaboration consists of a white, boxy long-sleeve t-shirt featuring the new Lamborghini Temerario, Lamborghini’s latest plug-in hybrid super sports car, which will be available in certain Balenciaga boutiques, as well as on Balenciaga’s website to shop online. Only 630 pieces will be made available globally. The t-shirt, however, serves as a teaser for a complete collaborative Balenciaga x Lamborghini collection, which will consist of apparel, jewelry, accessories, and Lamborghini versions of Balenciaga’s iconic Hourglass and Rodeo bags, coming in Spring 2025. With decades of combined legacy at the upper echelon of luxury, the new Lamborghini collaboration with Balenciaga is sure to be a statement. Shop Now Image Source: Lamborghini

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By Jordan Aquistapace – November 01, 2023

RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini Tease Its Upcoming AW23 Co...

You're not going to want to miss out on the newest collection release from RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini. The ongoing partnership between RHUDE and Automobili Lamborghini seamlessly blends Italian supercar engineering with high-end streetwear fashion, creating a symbiotic relationship that elevates both brands in the eyes of enthusiasts and collectors. Announcing its first capsule collection at Art Basel Miami 2022 during the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato launch, RHUDE and its founder Rhuigi Villaseñor are proud to continue the fule-driven relationship by teasing a new AW23 Collection on a shared Instagram collaboration post. The teaser shot showcases one of the warmer knitted sweaters from the upcoming collection in front of an iconic black Lamborghini Countach example. While the sneak peek only gives us a small glimpse at what's to come, the apparel and accessory lineup is sure to be an anticipated release amongst car enthusiasts and high-end fashion collectors. Aiming to unveil the limited-edition collection close to its one-year anniversary, RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini is once again pushing the boundaries of luxury lifestyle. Make sure to stay tuned into duPont REGISTRY for more release information and a 'How To Buy' special on the new RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini AW23 Collection. Shop all apparel from the previous RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini collections by clicking the link below. Shop RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 16, 2023

Lamborghini Partners With TOD'S On A New Luxury Lifestyle...

Automobili Lamborghini and Tod’s announce the partnership of luxury leather goods, shoes, apparel and accessories. As a pinnacle brand for Italian design and performance, Automobili Lamborghini creates a luxurious lifestyle centered around its passion for engineering and producing some of the most powerful supercars on the planet. With heritage being the inspiration behind its push toward the future, Lamborghini continues to collaborate with other influential Italian brands that embody similar craftsmanship and values. Automobili Lamborghini is proud to announce its newest partnership with luxury footwear professionals at Tod's. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers For The Ultimate Driver With Style Tod's began its venture into the fashion sector more than 50 years ago with a passionate and visionary artisan at the lead. Made for the ultimate driver with extraordinary taste, Tod's selection of shoes, belts, bags, and accessories coincide with the same premium materials featured in Lamborghini's incredible interiors. Showcasing a sneak peek at some of the new footwear styles between the two leading companies, we are excited to see some of the automotive-inspired styles soon to come. Shop all of the current offerings from Tod's by clicking on the link below. Shop TOD'S View All Lamborghini For Sale Source: Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 07, 2023

Lamborghini Joins RHUDE On L.A.'s Runway For Its Second F...

With a Grigio Lamborghini Huracán STO front and center at RHUDE's runway show, the lineup derives inspiration from Italian design and perfromance. Since first announcing its new creative partnership at Art Basel 2022 in Miami, Automobili Lamborghini and Rhude continue to showcase their similarities through high-end fashion collections. Rhude founder and creative director Rhuigi Villaseñor expresses his love for all things Lamborghini in the all-new Fall/Winter Collection. The second menswear line made its official debut in Los Angeles during the Rhude Fall/Winter 2023/2024 fashion show, which took place on a rebuilt service station set in the heart of Hollywood. MUST-READ: Lamborghini Palm Beach Takes Delivery Of An Incredible New Countach A Lamborghini Huracán STO with a maxi Rhude logo kicked off the runway show as the push-start ignition fired up the monstrous 5.2L Naturally-Aspirated V10 engine. Models stole the show as they strut through Rhude gas pumps sporting short-cut racing and varsity jackets, bomber jackets, cargo pants, denim work pants, sweaters and sweatshirts, maxi scarves, duffle bags, buckets, beanies, and baseball caps. The capsule collection will be available from autumn 2023 on Rhude’s website, select stores, and through the Lamborghini Store online shop. View all current Lamborghini Huracán STO examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Lamborghini Huracán STO For Sale Source: Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 30, 2021

Lamborghini Squadra Corsa Releases The New Paddock Appare...

Look the part on race day with help from the team at Lamborghini Squadra Corsa. Automobili Lamborghini prides itself on producing some of the most performance-focused Italian supercars on the market, but also for its drive and determination in the world of motorsports. At one point in time, every car enthusiast wished to be a driver or crew member in the pits working on all the action during race time. Lamborghini is helping make that a reality with its new Paddock Collection, featuring apparel and accessories that sport the Lamborghini Squadra Corsa branding. The new Paddock Collection incorporates the classic Verde Mantis color scheme, with all period correct sponsor logos included as well. The clothing line is crafted from premium materials and features outerwear jackets, softshells, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hats. Whether you’re looking to match with the Lamborghini Huracán STO in the garage or just to show support to Lamborghini Squadra Corsa on its journey to victory, the Lamborghini Paddock Collection is a perfect choice. Shop the all-new Lamborghini Paddock Collection by clicking the link below. Shop The Lamborghini Squadra Corsa Paddock Collection Media Source: Lamborghini Store

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 28, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: Spooky SVJ

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is the best example of thinking outside the box and pushing the limits within the automotive industry. The creativity of the design and performance separates itself from the traditional supercar realm. It’s the same way of thinking that goes into the thought of Halloween costumes each year. This week’s feature includes a style guide for what to wear when you are driving a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ during Halloween. Click the links below to shop the products included in the breakdown. The Breakdown 2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ MSRP $417,826 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT (Price Upon Request) Etudes Logo Patch Bucket Hat $85 District Vision Koharu Eclipse Sunglasses $281 Carhartt WIP Colewood Lightweight Jacket $345 Carhartt WIP Logo Patch Short Sleeved T-Shirt $34 Off-White Paperclip Chain Belt $537 Carhartt WIP Straight Cargo Trousers $128 Carhartt WIP Embroidered Logo Socks $56 On-Running Cloudventure Sneakers $150 Gucci Off The Grid GG Supreme Blindfold Wallet $353 Gucci Off The Grid GG Supreme Shoulder Bag $1,065 Master Dynamic MW65 BAPE Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $549 Vehicle 2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ MSRP $417,826 Shop Now Watch Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT (Price Upon Request) Shop Now Top Etudes Logo Patch Bucket Hat $85 Shop Now District Vision Koharu Eclipse Sunglasses $281 Shop Now Carhartt WIP Colewood Lightweight Jacket $345 Shop Now Carhartt WIP Logo Patch Short Sleeve Shirt $34 Shop Now Bottom Off-White Paperclip Chain Belt $537 Shop Now Carhartt WIP Straight Cargo Trousers $128 Shop Now Footwear Carhartt WIP Embroidered Logo Socks $56 Shop Now On-Running Cloudventure Sneakers $150 Shop Now Accessories Gucci Off The Grid GG Supreme Blindfold Wallet $353 Shop Now Gucci Off The Grid GG Supreme Shoulder Bag $1,065 Shop Now Master Dynamic MW65 BAPE Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $549 Shop Now

By Andrew Nabors – April 11, 2018

Story of a Crashed Rental Lamborghini Huracan

Accidents in the car rental business are an inevitability. Fender benders and trading paint in airport parking lots support an entire industry of body repair shops. But things change in the world of exotic car rentals. A series of unfortunate circumstances befell a tourist who decided to rent a Lamborghini Huracan in Las Vegas.Lamborghini Huracan Embedded With 1.3 Million Swarovski CrystalsIn the latest YouTube video uploaded by VINwiki, Will relates his cautionary tale of an early morning Starbucks run. Much like last week's video regarding meeting your heroes in person, he has always been enamored by Lamborghini. After striking up a conversation with the rental agency, they decided to give him a deal he couldn't refuse on a stunning yellow Huracan. But this was not an ordinary LP610-4. Instead of All Wheel Drive, he rented the RWD LP580-2.Wheels & Wardrobe: Lamborghini Huracan SpyderThere is a reason Lamborghini builds AWD cars, and that is you need to be an expert driver to handle this level of power if it is RWD only. It doesn't matter how advanced your stability, ABS, or traction control systems are. A big V10 powering only the rear wheels is like tap dancing in a minefield, it's not if you will lose control, it's when. The LP610-4 has the fastest center differential of any production car so it will grip until you blackout from G-force. Once you break the rear loose on the LP580-2, you better snap into drift mode because you have just poked a raging bull who is always looking for a fight. Tell us your best rental car stories in the comments below and stay with us for more VINwiki films.Browse Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

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