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 – September 28, 2020

2021 Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule Unlocks Unlimited ...

With so many options for colors and interior materials, ordering a Super SUV can be intimidating. That is why this concept serves to inspire prospective owners of the Raging Bull. That is why the 2021 Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule unlocks unlimited Personalization options. Lamborghini Urus Price, Specs, Photos & Review Unveiling in their latest press release, the four new matte exteriors are: Bianco Monocerus, Nero Noctis, and Grigio Nimbus and Grigio Keres. If you want a 2-tone experience, these can be contrasted with gloss Arancio Leonis and Arancio Dryope, Giallo Taurus and Verde Scandal. The wheels are specific to the Graphite Capsule edition, and they also feature the contrast color around their 23" edges. Inside the 2-tone motif is carried over to the leather, stitched in Q-Citura. Ventilated Alcantara are only available on the Graphite Capsule and Pearl Capsule editions, which will debut for the 2021 model year. With an MSRP of $218,009, this 641-horsepower beast is waiting for you. Click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Urus For Sale

By Edward Jones – July 29, 2020

Revealed: The Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 Hypercar

The new Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 track-only hypercar has finally been unveiled after months of teasing. With a planned production run of just 40 examples, this new model will be an extraordinary rarity. Lamborghini notes that it's coming into the world as a "direct descendant" of cars like the Miura Jota and Diablo GTR. “Essenza SCV12 represents the purest track driving experience that our brand can offer, an engineering feat that highlights the inextricable link between our cars and the asphalt of the track," says Stefano Domenicali, CEO and Chairman of Automobili Lamborghini. Providing power for the Essenza SCV12 is the most powerful V12 engine that Lamborghini has ever created, which provides over 830 horsepower. Mated to this engine is a new X-trac sequential six-speed gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. Aiding the engine in its mission for speed is the Essenza SCV12's lightweight properties. A big chunk of the weight savings comes from the carbon fiber monocoque chassis. Lamborghini notes that this hypercar has a power-to-weight ratio of 1.66hp/kg. What's more, even without an internal rollcage, the Essenza SCV12 is the first GT car to meet FIA prototype safety rules. Just by looking at the new Lamborghini hypercar, you can see that its body was purpose-built for aerodynamics. Thanks to Lamborghini Squadra Corse's experience in the racing world, they were ableto create an aerodynamic component suite that allows for 2645 lbs of downforce at 155 mph. The launch example of the Essenza SCV12 has its aerodynamically-focused exterior covered in a mean Verde Silvans, Grigio Linx, Nero Aldebaran Gloss and Arancio California launch livery. Those who buy a Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 will be joining a very exclusive club that comes with some incredible perks. For starters, they will have access to special programs that allow them to drive on some of the most prestigious circuits around the world. What's more, they will be able to store their hypercar in a new hangar that Lamborghini built in Sant-Agata Bolognese specifically for Essenza SCV12. Owners will be able to monitor their cars inside the facility 24/7 through an app that's connected to webcams focused on their prized hypercar. Lamborghini will start their track calendar in 2021 and owners will take part in "arrive and drive" events at multiple FIA Grade 1 homologated circuits. Emanuele Piror, a five-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Marco Mapelli, Lamborghini Squadra Corse Factory Driver, will be on hand to provide assistance. See All Lamborghinis for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 08, 2020

Lamborghini Sian Roadster Unveiled With Hybrid Supercapac...

Ever since Edison perfected the electric battery, engineers have sought ways to unleash a rush of voltage at an instant. While every other hypercar makes due with Lithium-Ion cells, the Lamborghini Sian Roadster has been unveiled with a powerful supercapacitor. Combined with a 34 horsepower electric motor, the hybrid system only weighs 34 kg (75 lbs). "Sian" literally translates as lightning, and that is what capacitors do. They charge in a few seconds to unleash every electron simultaneously. Every old TV, air conditioner, and neon light uses them to start up, whenever a massive shock is needed. That is why they make a perfect fit for hybrids. Electric cars need low voltage, sustained power, while the Sian will have a 34 horsepower burst of acceleration at your command. Titanium intake valves and a few other trick components were added to the V12 to achieve 785 horsepower. Adding 600 amps at 48 volts allows the total output to be 819 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. The 7-speed single-clutch transmission has been calibrated to maximize electric power during gear shifts. Lamborghini has perfected the technology without the complexity and incredible weight of a dual-clutch gearbox. The press release says drivers will no longer feel the gears change, as electricity takes over for a few milliseconds. " width="680"> Instead of the ALA system used on the Aventador SVJ, the Sian Roadster makes use of smart materials and electric servos to channel air around the body. This allows a top speed well over 217 mph after reaching 62 mph in under 2.9 seconds. The capacitors fully charge every time you press the brake pedal, saving on brake wear, and keeping a burst of energy at your command. The hybrid system is so powerful that it even adds 10% more power to the ground in 3rd gear. While every other hypercar uses high voltage to accomplish their goals, Lamborghini has done more while running on only 48 volts. Not only is the Sian safer, it represents the future of high-performance electric cars. The only downside is that Lamborghini is only building 19 of them, and each one is already sold. CEO Stefano Domenicali said: The Sián Roadster encapsulates the spirit of Lamborghini. It is the expression of breathtaking design and extraordinary performance, but most importantly embodies important future technologies. The Sián’s innovative hybrid powertrain heralds the direction for Lamborghini super sports cars, and the open-top Sián Roadster affirms a desire for the ultimate lifestyle Lamborghini as we move towards a tomorrow demanding new solutions.” Designed without a roof in mind, the buttresses behind the seats evoke the lines of the periscope roof found on the early examples of the Countach. As this unprecedented technology trickles down through the Lamborghini lineup, you will see it here first. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 30, 2020

New Lamborghini Yacht Blends Carbon Fiber & Breathtaking ...

One of the advantages of Italy being a peninsula is ample waterfront to build amazing yachts. Inspired by the Sian FKP 37 with help from Ad Personam, The Italian Sea Group has unveiled the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 as a perfect blend of composite materials and design cues from the latest Lambos. Prospective owners will have to choose from two exterior and two interior color patterns, while standard equipment includes a pair of MAN V12 engines rated at 2,000 horsepower each. Since the hull is completely molded in carbon fiber, it is classified as an Ultra-Lightweight Boat. CEO Stefano Domenicali says: This yacht represents the significance of creating a valuable partnership, at its best: our co-operation allows the essence of both organisations’ style and expertise to be transferred to different worlds, sharing in their diversity to interpret and add value to the final product in a new environment. If I had to imagine a Lamborghini on water, this would be my vision. I’m delighted to celebrate this successful collaboration.” It is the fastest yacht ever built by the Italian Sea Group, so stay with us for a complete review once deliveries begin early next year. In the meantime click the button below for great offers on leftover 2020 models and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 22, 2020

Lamborghini Urus SUV Gets First Exclusive Customization O...

Lamborghini has just unveiled the first exclusive customization option for the Urus super SUV called the Pearl Capsule, a new two-tone exterior that's created by the Lamborghini Centro Stile design department. This new option includes the exterior colors of Giallo Inti, Arancio Borealis and Verde Mantis which are contrasted against the high gloss black roof, rear diffuser, spoiler lip and more. Other exterior touches include the matte gray tailpipes and 23-inch high-gloss black rims with an accent that matches the body color. The interior is also dressed in a two-tone design with hexagon-shaped upholstery stitching, and carbon fiber and black anodized aluminum details. Lamborghini can further enhance the interior through with the optional fully-electric seat with perforated Alcantara, an option that's exclusive to the Pearl Capsule. The Urus Pearl capsule is available for MY2021 examples, which come with a base price of $218,009 with VAT, GST and options excluded. See All Urus for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 28, 2020

Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 by LEGO Technic Unveiled

To celebrate the life of an automotive visionary, Lamborghini decided to name their most powerful car ever built in honor of Ferdinand Karl Piëch. As the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, he led VW group to purchase Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Ducati in order to bring them into the modern era. The 1:8 scale car arrives in a hard case that evokes the lines of the supercar. No less than 3,696 pieces are included, along with unique instructions. QR codes on the pages will unlock a video library from Lamborghini and Lego designers and engineers. This new LEGO Technic set has a ton of features that make it exciting not only to build but to show off. First, there's the replica of the Sián's powerful V12 engine that sits right by the moveable rear spoiler. Like all real Lamborghini models, this one has scissor doors that open up to a brilliant cockpit. Between the seats rests a fully-functioning eight-speed sequential gearbox that's controlled via a moveable paddle shift. There's also a functioning steering wheel with the Automobili Lamborghini badge. That wheel controls each of the golden wheels that also benefit from front and rear suspension. But the fun little details don't stop there. If you open the front hood, there's even a replica Lamborghini overnight bag.The kit will be available directly from Lego beginning June 1st for $379.99. In the meantime, our dealers have great incentives on new & pre-owned Aventadors, so click the button below to find yours. Browse Lamborghini Aventador For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 08, 2020

Full Exposed Carbon Fiber 2017 Lamborghini Centenario Roa...

Fans of the Raging Bull recently celebrated the birthday of Mr. Lamborghini. It is doubtful that anyone will ever surpass his determination to build the world's greatest cars. Literally inventing the supercar, he threw caution to the wind and left the entire automotive industry speechless. He would have been 100 years old in 2016, so his company decided to build him a birthday present. View Price and Listing Using the latest in carbon fiber, aerodynamics, and technology, the Centenario was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show as a preview of where the brand was heading. It was their first car with rear steering, a Human-Machine Interface, and 500 lbs of downforce. Pushing the limits of naturally aspirated engines, the 6.5-liter V12 offers 770 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque. It is what he would have wanted, in every way possible. Only offered to Lamborghini VIP's the owner spared no expense. This car was ordered in bare carbon fiber, adding $300,000 to the window sticker. The 2-tone Red/Black Alcantara interior shows no signs of wear, as this car is practically brand new. Having only 594 km (369 miles) on the odometer, the engine is not even broken in. Only 20 coupes and 20 roadsters were built, and because of the limited run, the development costs per unit exceeded the vehicle MSRP translating to a truly exceptional value proposition on this limited vehicle. This roadster resides north of the border, and the US to Canada Exchange Ratio is very much in your favor. This collector's item deserves to be the centerpiece of your collection, otherwise, you will have 96 years to wait for his 200th birthday. Strike while the iron is hot because it doesn't get any hotter than this! View Price and Listing " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 06, 2020

New Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD is a Pure Driver's Car

Lamborghini has just announced the Huracan Evo Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) as the successor to the LP580-2. This new model is Lamborghini's love letter to driver's who love cars that are truly centered around the experience. The V10 engine delivers 610 horsepower to the rear wheels, while the new Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS) manages the torque. This is the system that will manage power during drifts and sideways action. Lamborghini has also configured the P-TCS to react differently depending on the drive mode selected. For example, in Strada mode the P-TCS will minimize rear-wheel slippage while Sport mode will see a lot more slippage. Aside from the P-TCS, Lamborghini has equipped the Lamborghini EVO RWD with a few more tricks to hide up its sleeves. For steering, the Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) system has been tuned just for the Huracan EVO RWD and there are also new exterior aero components that make the new model stand out in Lamborghini's lineup. Deliveries of the Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD will start in Spring 2020 and will come with a starting price of $208,571 with taxes excluded. For those picking one up, you'll be glad to know that Alexa has been incorporated into the Huracan EVO range. You can see this in action in the video below. SEE ALL LAMBORGHINI HURACANS FOR SALE " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 25, 2019

Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo Revealed

Welcome the Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision gran Turismo into the world... or the virtual world. This new concept car is a new model that was designed for Gran Turismo Sport, the popular Sony Playstation 4 video game. The Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo may be the most intense-looking Lamborghini model we've ever seen. Dominating the design of the car are the Lamborghini Y-signature lights in both the front and rear. In between these lights is a body that looks as futuristic as cars come. Inside, the single-seater cabin resembles that of a fighter jet. Lamborghini has also packed the Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo with their latest powertrain. This would be the one found in the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37, a V12 engine that's paired with supercapacitors. "“Lamborghini is a very young brand, and this is why we are here today to present our newest virtual vision in the form of a real model, with a highly futuristic and cool design to be enjoyed by the young generation of racing game and super sports car enthusiasts." - Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. SEE ALL LAMBORGHINIS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – June 04, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato: The Lamborghini Rally Car W...

Want to know what the world needs? A Lamborghini rally car. Thankfully, the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato has been introduced, which fulfills that need. This new off-road supercar is a concept developed by Lamborghini based on the V10 Huracan. For power, it relies on the same 5.2-liter V10 engine that the Huracan EVO uses, meaning it has 640 horsepower on tap. The Huracan Sterrato also borrows the Huracan EVO's LDVI (Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata), four-wheel drive an more. Unlike the Huracan EVO, the Huracan Sterrato has everything optimized for off-road use. See All Lamborghini Huracans For Sale As you can see from the images, this car is clearly built for rough use off of the beaten path. Lamborghini increased its ground clearance by 1.85-inches and its wheel track by 1.18-inches. Thanks to these adjustments, larger 20-inch wheels with off-road tires could be fitted. Underneath, Lamborghini added aluminum reinforcements for when the terrain is just too rugged. There's also an aluminum skid plate and side skirts. For the bodywork, Lamborghini made sure that the composites were tough enough to deflect any errant stones. As with any off-road vehicle, the Huracan Sterrato has mudguards and an LED off-road light package. In the package is a roof-mounted LED light bar and LED bumper lights. “The Huracán Sterrato illustrates Lamborghini’s commitment to being a future shaper: a super sports car with off-road capabilities, the Sterrato demonstrates the Huracán’s versatility and opens the door to yet another benchmark of driving emotion and performance,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini. “Lamborghini’s R&D and design teams are constantly exploring new opportunities and delivering the unexpected as a core characteristic of our DNA, challenging possibilities while inspired by Lamborghini brand heritage.” For now, the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is simply a concept car, but I wouldn't be surprised if this came to life in some fashion. With Lamborghini pushing further off-road, thanks to the Urus, an off-road supercar built for something like rally racing isn't too far-fetched. See All Lamborghinis For Sale

Lamborghini News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe