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 – December 07, 2022

How To Buy: Lamborghini x 3T Bikes New $15,000 Exploro Ra...

Lamborghini goes off-road on two wheels with help from 3T Bikes. Showcasing Automobili Lamborghini’s wild and adventurous side, the all-new Huracán Sterrato sheds light on the Italian supercar’s ability to perform in any weather or road conditions. Unveiled in Miami during Art Basel 2022, the off-road Lamborghini Huracán made its grand debut aside a commemorative performance bicycle. As part of its milestone achievement, Lamborghini is proud to collaborate with the two-wheel professionals at 3T Bikes on a limited-edition Huracán Sterrato-inspired bicycle. MUST-READ: Shop Porsche’s Newly Updated 2022 eBike Collection, Inspired By The Electric Taycan The all-new Exploro Racemax x Huracán Sterrato features a matte finish that beautifully mimics the launch livery of Lamborghini’s newest supercar. Available in various sizes, the lightweight frame design includes industry-leading add-ons that ensure an optimal riding experience on any level of terrain. Traction is sourced by a pair of Pirelli all-terrain bike tires, which match the off-road set that comes fitted on the 610-horsepower Sterrato. 3T Bikes is excited to offer further customization options with the purchase of a new Exploro Racemax x Huracán Sterrato bicycle. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news and gear releases. When: Available Now Where: 3T Bikes Website How Much: $15,000 Source: Lamborghini/3T Bikes

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 14, 2022

Lamborghini Magazine Celebrates Its 30th Release With A L...

With only 1,963 available, Lamborghini's most passionate collectors and enthusiasts will surely have a copy on their bookshelves. Although Automobili Lamborghini relives its historic upbringing with a timeline of classic and modern supercars, the manufacturer also documents its milestones with a curated publication started in 2007. Each regular issue of the Lamborghini Magazine is dedicated to customers, members of the media, and its affluent clientele. Lamborghini is proud to celebrate its 30th issue with a limited-edition coffee-table book titled ‘Beyond’. The commemorative book includes exclusive content that comes to life through the words of renowned writers, unprecedented video interviews, and Augmented Reality solutions across five chapters. MUST-READ: The New Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini Motorcycle Sold Out In Hours Along with interviews and stories, the 175-page issue also presents original illustrations that come to life in 3D with a smartphone. Packaging contains a soft-touch cover, storage case, and QR codes that make digital activations possible. The all-new Automobili Lamborghini ‘Beyond’ magazine is limited to 1963 copies to reference its founding year and is currently available at lamborghinistore.com for $159. View all current Lamborghini Inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and automotive news. VIEW ALL LAMBORGHINI FOR SALE Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 18, 2022

Lamborghini Opens Its Porto Cervo Pop-Up Lounge For The 4...

Lamborghini sets up shop for its affluent clientele and potential new owners. When it comes to high-end supercar ownership and its list of perks, the Automobili Lamborghini brand focuses on delivering an even more memorable after-sales experience to its passionate clientele. Catering to current clients while welcoming new potential owners, Lamborghini showcases its DNA through exclusive and luxurious lounges meticulously placed throughout the world’s most iconic locations. The Lamborghini Lounge poses both permanent (New York and Tokyo) and temporary locations, extending the operation of its Porto Cervo pop-up lounge for the fourth summer in a row. Located on Promenade du Port in Porto Vecchio, the lounge is open to owners and new customers by appointment until September 11th. MUST-READ: The Best Lamborghinis You Can Buy Today At the Lamborghini Porto Cervo Lounge, guests can take advantage of test drive opportunities in the Urus super-SUV and other models from the Huracán product line. The breathtaking landscape and road routes present the perfect for daily driving activities put on by the specialists at The Lamborghini Lounge. The 600-square-meter space features an inside area and outside patio filled with the latest products newly launched as part of Lamborghini’s luxury lifestyle. The space includes an Ad Personam Studio with more than 400 colors in its portfolio, showcasing exterior colors, interior upholsteries, finishes, and details of every new Lamborghini with a product specialist. View all current Lamborghini inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and Lamborghini news. VIEW ALL LAMBORGHINI FOR SALE Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 18, 2022

Lamborghini Celebrates Global Recycling Day With Its Upcy...

Leave it to Lamborghini to turn sustainability into a statement. Global Recycling Day is March 18 every year, and it is a day launched by the Global Recycling Foundation in 2018 established to promote recycling in an effort to reduce waste, CO2 emissions, and other harmful effects of modern lifestyle that put our planet in danger. Lamborghini is a company with a decided goal towards promoting and working towards environmental sustainability, having received ISO 14001 certification in 2009, meaning that it is internationally recognized as a company with a focus on environmental preservation. MUST READ: Lamborghini’s Record-Breaking 2021 Heralds An Electric Future This dedication towards sustainability has led Lamborghini to recover 51% of its special waste produced during manufacturing in 2021, and since 2020, Lamborghini has had two recycling and upcycling initiatives that turn what would have been waste product into a product with a brand new life, and it is using Global Recycling Day to promote these initiatives. Lamborghini uses lots of leather for the seats of cars and other interior surfaces. Sometimes, this leather does not pass quality control, or there are offcuts of leather left from making a car component. In both of these situations, the leftovers are considered raw material and are able to be made into new small leather goods. In collaboration with Cooperativa Carteria in Marzabotto, Italy, Lamborghini’s Upcycled Leather Project products include a tote bag, phone case, cardholder, and keychain pouch, all of which are available for sale on the Lamborghini Store. Along with this, leftover carbon is also recovered for other uses. Since 2020, 27 tons of carbon fiber have found a new purpose in training and education for student technicians and engineers. Even as its production site has doubled since, Lamborghini has remained carbon neutral since 2015. All Lamborghinis For Sale Source: Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 07, 2022

LEGO Adds Three New Icons To The Speed Champions Collection

A chance to build your own automotive icon with LEGO. The Lego Speed Champions collection provides an innovative building experience for collectors and enthusiasts using the automotive industry’s most iconic vehicles. Lego is proud to release three new designs as part of the Speed Champions line-up, including the Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari 512M, and Lotus Evija. The new small-scale build sets feature 200+ piece constructions that accurately depict the elegant styling of the supercars that help shape the industry. As part of the build, each package comes with branded stickers and accessories that make for a perfect display in any home or office. MUST-READ: The Top Automotive-Inspired LEGO Sets Available Now Available in the free LEGO Building Instructions app for smartphones and tablets, the interactive digital guide comes with amazing zoom and rotate tools that allow you to visualize this model from all angles as you build. The all-new Lego Speed Champion build set additions are set to release on March 1st through Lego’s online store for $19.99. Click the link below for more release information and to shop all of the current products from Lego. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Shop LEGO Speed Champions Source: LEGO

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2021

Automobili Lamborghini Launches Its New Sustainable Leath...

The Italian supercar manufacturer teams up with Cartiera to release an eco-friendly collection. While Automobili Lamborghini is driven by performance through its lineup of Italian supercars, the brand also takes pride in incorporating its vision onto the fashion runways through apparel and accessories collections. Lamborghini is proud to announce its newest venture with the ethical fashion enterprise at Cartiera, featuring a four-piece collection of reclaimed leather items. The Lamborghini x Cartiera Upcycled Leather Project crafts each piece from leather parts left over from the production line that are not suitable for the interiors of supercars. MUST-READ: The Best Lamborghinis You Can Buy Today In particular, the “Upcycled Leather Project” begins with the first four leather products: a tote bag, a smartphone case, a cardholder, and a key fob, all customized with the Automobili Lamborghini shield logo and available in black and other colors, depending on the availability of recovered leather. The collection is now available at the Lamborghini flagship store in Sant’Agata Bolognese, soon at the official online shop lamborghinistore.com and at Lamborghini dealers. View all current Lamborghini models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini For Sale Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 13, 2021

Automobili Lamborghini Launches The Fall/Winter '21 Colle...

Style yourself to match your Aventador SVJ this winter with help from Lamborghini. While most supercars prep to spend time in the garage for the colder months, Lamborghini embraces the challenge with its technologically advanced all-wheel-drive system offered in a majority of the fleet. Alongside its weathered driving capabilities, Lamborghini is proud to announce new apparel and accessory collection dedicated to complement the Italian supercar in your garage. MUST-READ: Lamborghini Squadra Corsa Releases The New Paddock Apparel Collection The all-new Lamborghini Fall/Winter ’21 Collection incorporates the same premium design and materials featured on vehicles rolling off the production line. The new clothing line includes jackets, vests, sweatshirts, long sleeves, t-shirts, and polos. Each piece displays iconic Lamborghini branded logos and factory colors. The accessories portion of the collection includes baggage, hats, and a premium pair of Cordura sneakers. The Lamborghini Fall/Winter ’21 Collection is now available in an array of styles, designs, and colors by clicking the link below. Shop The Lamborghini Fall/Winter '21 Collection Media/Info Source: Automobili 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 – September 29, 2021

Prestige Imports CEO Brett David's Lamborghini Aventador ...

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is the perfect new beach cruiser. The traditional idea of a supercar is seen as an occasional toy to take out and enjoy on the weekends, but not for the CEO of Prestige Imports Brett David. In a recent Instagram post, Brett and founder of Stampd Chris Stamp are captured in an aerial photo, securing a Hadenshapes surfboard to the roof of a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster. The Italian supercar is more known on track than at the beach, but its 770-horsepower 6.5L V12 is sure to get you out on the waves in no time. MUST-READ: Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Edition Lands at Lamborghini Miami Alongside the incredible photoshoot, the post also gives insight into a new upcoming collaboration with Lamborghini Miami x Stampd x Daniel Arsham. Using the best individuals from their respected industries, this collaboration will be highly anticipated for automotive and streetwear enthusiasts. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more updated information on the upcoming collaboration between Lamborghini Miami x Stampd x Daniel Arsham. View all of the current inventory at Prestige Imports in Miami, FL by clicking the link below. View All Prestige Imports Inventory https://www.instagram.com/p/CUXjgvvFMd_/

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