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 – September 22, 2021

Check Out This Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Finishe...

A highly-exclusive Lamborghini example finished in a one-of-a-kind paint scheme. The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ proudly stands at the top of the Italian supercar manufacturer’s product line as the most aggressive and performance-focused chassis. This 2021 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster is proudly offered to the public by the supercar professionals at O’Gara Coach of San Diego. The exterior of the Aventador SVJ is finished in an extremely rare Verde Ermes paint code, which changes shades depending on where the light hits the metallic flake. Accompanied by an array of black gloss and exposed carbon exterior components, the styling is perfectly balanced to highlight every angle of the vehicle. While the exterior boasts a head-turning paint scheme unlike any other, the scissor doors open up to a more modest interior layout. The sport-style seats, dash, and the center console is layered in black Alcantara with gold contrast stitching to match the ‘SVJ’ logo presented on the rear quarter panels. The Lamborghini Aventador features a 6.5L naturally-aspirated V12 that makes an astonishing 759-horsepower, which is managed through a single-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission. This 2021 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster is currently for sale through O’Gara Coach of San Diego with 1,014 miles for $899,995. Click the link below to view the listing on duPont REGISTRY. View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 23, 2021

This 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO Is Now Available At McL...

A chance to own one of the first Lamborghini Huracán STO examples on the market. Since its debut on July 15th, the Lamborghini Huracán STO continues to be one of the most anticipated automotive releases of the year. The Huracán STO is the new Italian supercar created to deliver all the feel and technology of a genuine racecar, in a road-legal version. The supercar professionals at McLaren Charlotte of North Carolina are proud to present its 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO featured in Bianco Monocerus over a Nero Cosmus and Blu Amon interior. The all-new track-inspired platform is powered by Lamborghini's 5.2-liter V10, making 640-horsepower and 417-ft lb. of torque. While the exterior carbon fiber aerodynamic components style the Huracán STO, the Sportivo Alcantara interior provides a one-of-a-kind driving experience similar to on-track driving. This all-new 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO is now available with 48-miles at McLaren Charlotte for $599,996 by clicking the duPont REGISTRY listing link below. View 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO Listing

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 Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2020

2001 Lamborghini Diablo SE With 488 Miles For Sale

Although many heroes don't wear capes, it is nice to see them drive off into the sun. As development on the Murcielago was nearing completion, Lamborghini sought to give the Diablo a fitting farewell. As such, 20 cars were built in a stunning shade known as "Sunrise Gold". This limited run served as an end of the Chrysler era and the beginning of Audi's ownership. The Diablo is THE CAR of the 90's, it is completely analog in form and function, and that is why one owner chose to preserve one in new condition. If you are looking for an investment-grade stick shift supercar, Curated is the only answer. Click the button below to view all the details and stay with us for more amazing Curated finds. View Features & Details

By Andrew Nabors – August 23, 2019

O'Gara Beverly Hills Lamborghini Huracán EVO Teaser

If you are considering the latest from Lamborghini, our friends at O'Gara can make it happen. Their sales staff has received extensive training to show you the features and abilities of this Raging Bull. To give you a preview of your life with this amazing machine, their latest YouTube film will have your mouth watering. The Evo offers 630 horsepower to all wheels thanks to a dual-clutch transmission. The interior has been redesigned with an HMI, or Human Machine Interface. Compared to earlier Huracans, it is comfortable, ergonomic, and much more controllable at the limit. So without further adieu, here is O'Gara Beverly Hills Lamborghini Huracán EVO Teaser. Of course, they have more than just Huracans. The Aventador series and the Urus are nicely represented in their showroom. Should you not find your dream car, they have a hotline to Lamborghini's Ad Personam custom shop. Click the link below to browse their inventory, and stay with us for all your O'Gara updates. Browse Lamborghini Beverly Hills' Inventory Related: Lamborghini Beverly Hills' Grand Opening

By Andrew Nabors – August 04, 2017

Lamborghini Ad Personam Builds Purple Aventador SV Roadster

Viola Parsifae is a wild purple metallic that was devised by Lamborghini a few years ago. Only a few examples have been built because it isn't a regular option. Special requests are handled by the Ad Personam department. Their artists view the Huracan and the Aventador as a blank canvas, with almost limitless combinations of color and materials.Their most recent creations have been the Miura Homage editions of both cars, each in a classic 2-tone motif.Lamborghini SV Aventador Prices and Listings Ad Personam Studio Opens For Business Many parts that are normally painted can be substituted for Forged Composites, which is a great way to customize the build. Officially, the color palette has 34 choices, each one with a Latin or Italian name. You won't find purple on any of the literature. If you would like a purple car, you need to know certain people...People like us. A few hours ago a new Aventador SV Roadster arrived at Lamborghini Palm Beach. Someone ordered it that way, so it is probably spoken for. But they would be happy to let you know more about it. No requests are ignored, so I contacted Ad Personam about a factory LS Swap and I will let you know when I hear back. If you are interested in this car, please call (561) 370-7953 click here. We are in love with this Viola Pasifae Aventador SV Roadster! Contact us today to learn more about this vehicle. #LamboPalmBeach #AventadorSV #Roadster A post shared by Lamborghini Palm Beach (@lambopalmbeach) on Aug 3, 2017 at 2:06pm PDT

By Andrew Nabors – July 13, 2017

Lamborghini Aventador Miura Homage Edition For Sale

Fifty years ago, Ferruccio Lamborghini and his team unveiled the Miura. Unlike anything else before or since, the mid-mounted V12 was mounted east-west behind the cockpit for optimal weight distribution. It had more style than any other car, the headlights have eyelashes! She was the enticing Italian at the end of the bar. You know its a bad idea but you only live once. It caught the attention of celebrities like Frank Sinatra. He said you buy a Ferrari if you want to be someone, and you buy a Lamborghini when you are someone. It also mesmerized the eye of a young mechanic named Valentino Balboni. He joined Lamborghini in 1968 as an apprentice and is still on staff for marketing and promotions.The car that invented the supercar industry was produced by hand until 1973, but only 764 Miuras were built. That's why Lamborghini chose to build 50 Aventadors as tributes to the iconic car. It's our job to offer the most exclusive cars in the world, so here are the details of the Aventador Miura Homage. Each car was ordered and built by Lamborghini's Ad Personam department due to the extensive changes from the production cars. The most striking feature is the two-tone exterior. Cars wearing two shades are rare these days, which makes no sense to us. The Miura Homage was only offered with gold or silver accents, which included the wheels, spoilers, and rocker panels. It helps to tame the aggressive looks, making it more inviting. Mr. Lamborghini would probably laugh at the notion of microfiber, so the interior is all leather. Premium Italian hides cover every inch of carbon fiber, and it's a nice departure from the "regular" Aventador. Seats are embroidered with the Miura logo, and a numbered plaque on the A-pillar displays the build number. Only 12 were built for the US, and not just any dealer could order them. These cars were reserved for Lamborghini's elite, which is why you deserve one. Check out these listings and tell us which one is your favorite. Black/Gold Yellow/Silver Red/Gold Blue/SilverThere you have it, the best combination of old and new. Make room in your collection for a piece of history and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news & reviews.

By Edward Jones – August 04, 2016

Bianco Monocerus Lamborghini Aventador SV For Sale

Lamborghini Newport Beach is pleased to present for sale this like-new 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce with just 60 miles on the odometer. This 750hp V12-powered bull is the most visceral incarnation of Lamborghini's V12 flagship model.Options include: gloss White "Bianco Monocerus" exterior paint, "Dianthus" center-lock forged wheels in Gloss Black with Red center-lock, Carbon Ceramic brakes with Red calipers, Matte Carbon Fiber Rear Wing, Matte Carbon Fiber Rear Bumper, Matte Carbon Fiber Side Scoops, Matte Carbon Fiber Window Scoop, Matte Carbon Fiber Front Hood Vents, Matte Carbon Fiber Fixed Rear Intake Scoops, Transparent Glass Engine Bonnet, Gloss Carbon Fiber Engine X-Brace, Gloss Carbon Fiber T-Shaped Engine Cover, Gloss Carbon Fiber Center Media Console, Gloss Carbon Fiber Navigation Screen Bezel, Gloss Carbon Fiber Instrument Cluster, Gloss Carbon Fiber Door Panels, Black "Nero Ade" Leather and Alcantara Interior, Adjustable Heated/Electric Comfort Seats in Black "Nero Ade" Alcantara with White Contrast Stitching, Lamborghini Crest embroidered in White stitching on Headrest, White Piping on Dash and Seats, White Leather Seat Inserts and Door Straps, Gloss Carbon Fiber Seat Backs, Multi-Function Steering Wheel in Black Alcantara with Center White Leather Stripe, Lamborghini Branding Package, Carbon Skin Headliner, Travel Package, Navigation and Infotainment System, Bluetooth Connectivity, Rear View Back Up Camera, Electric Mirrors, 750hp naturally aspirated V12 engine, all wheel drive, 7-speed paddle-shifted ISR gearbox, magnetic adaptive dampers, plus much more.Head down to Lamborghini Newport Beach's showroom to see this beautifully aggressive Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SV for sale. If you're interested in learning moree, be sure to click the button below.Dealer Info

By Andrew Nabors – July 06, 2016

Why You Should Buy a Lamborghini Aventador SV

If you haven’t had an opportunity to drive Lamborghini’s flagship model, you are missing out. The Aventador has been in production since 2011, and there is no denying that it is among the most potent and advanced supercars on the market. But as with every car, there are a few areas that needed improvement. That’s why the engineers in Sant’Agata have unleashed a host of improvements to the raging bull.The last major area of improvement is in the steering gear. Electronic power steering is here to stay, so in order to give the driver more feedback, the SV is fitted with Lamborghini Dynamic Steering. The new steering rack is variable ratio, which offers more feedback and greater control while cornering.Of course the engine is more powerful, the bodywork is more extreme and the performance is greatly improved, but the Aventador SV is a supercar that is equally at home on track and street. As usual, the waiting list will take some time, but we do have a handful of examples listed for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. Be sure to click on the buttons for pricing, more info and pictures.O'Gara Coach La Jolla View ListingLamborghini Dallas View ListingChicago Motor Cars View ListingBespoke Motor Group View ListingVelocity Motorcars, LLC Buy NowPrivate Seller Buy Now Lamborghini Long Island Buy NowLamborghini Miami Buy Now Lamborghini Miami Buy NowLamborghini Newport Beach Sold! Ft. Lauderdale Collection South Sold! CNC Motors Sold! Lamborghini Palm Beach Sold! Fort Lauderdale Collection South Sold! Professional Automobile Exchange Sold!

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

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