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 Edward Jones – October 29, 2020

Lamborghini Aventador S "Yamamoto" Revealed at Lamborghin...

A collaboration between Lamborghini and renowned fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto has resulted in two different projects that were recently unveiled. The main attraction of this collaboration is the Lamborghini Aventador S "Yamamoto" that was unveiled during the opening of the Lamborghini Lounge Tokyo and new Ad Personam Studio. This supercar is dressed inside and out in patterns similar to the collection Yamamoto brought to the 2020 Paris Fashion Week. The interior of this special supercar is a must-see, as it shows just how meticulous Lamborghini Centro Stile can be when customiziang a vehicle. Lamborghini also chose this setting to reveal a new capsule collection by Yamamoto that includes a mod coat, bomber jacket and hoodie sweatshirt. These items all feature the same pattern adorning the supercar. Lamborghini's relationship with Yamamoto started back when Mitja Borkert, Head of Design for Automobili Lamborghini, met him at the aforementioned 2020 Paris Fashion Week. Borkert was impressed by the style from the red and black collection Yamamoto presented at the show. Now, that same style can be found on one of Lamborghini's supercars and a special collection of their clothing. Yamamoto has this to say about Lamborghini: “With their inimitable design, Lamborghini super sports cars are more instantly recognizable than any other car manufacturer - just one glance is enough. I am delighted to see the realization of this collaboration, highlighting the uniqueness, the timelessness, and the abundant passion, which are characteristic of both our brands.” "It has been exciting to have the chance to work with Yohji Yamamoto, the world-renowned fashion icon, who innately understood our significant Lamborghini design DNA," says Borkert." Our collaboration inspired this outstanding artwork and design for the Aventador S, which was unveiled today, and celebrates Italian craftsmanship connecting with Japanese culture." See All Lamborghini Aventador S For Sale

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 – 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 Edward Jones – February 17, 2020

LUXE Surfaces Atelier Announces New Surface Collection by...

Luxe Surfaces Atelier, famous for their work with high-end brands in the design surfaces sector, has debuted their first exclusive collection of architectural surfaces by Lamborghini. Within the Automobili Lamborghini Surfaces Collection are innovative materials that feature "elegant lines and iconic design" that are blended into a very large mineral stone slab. According to Lamborghini, "the Surfaces Collection Automobili Lamborghini was born thanks to the use of innovative and exclusive patented systems." The unveiling of this first collection happened in Valencia, Spain from February 3-7, 2020. SHOP LAMBORGHINIS FOR SALE Source: Lamborghini

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2020

Lamborghini Previews Menswear Collection Fall/Winter 2020...

Lamborghini has just showcased their Fall-winter 2020-21 menswear collection at Pitti Uomo in Florence. Within the collection are three ranges: Informal Luxury, Casual and Pilota Ufficiale. Informal Luxury is a range that blends "creativity, cool luxury and informal elegance," according to Lamborghini. Iy includes items like a black leather biker jacket, minimal-tech parka, sweatshirts, t-shirts and shoes. The Casual range features more relaxed items like a two-tone puffer jacket, slim-fit jeans, sneakers and more. Within the Pilota Ufficiale range is gear that offers both style and performance. In this range is a triple-layer thermal jacket, shirts with futuristic prints, footwear and more. shop lamborghini gear " width="680">

By Edward Jones – September 26, 2019

LEGO R/C Lamborghini Aventador SV Could Be a Reality

LEGO Ideas is a place where builders can submit their creations for a chance to have them become real LEGO sets. We've seen a lot of automotive Ideas come across the website, but a recent submission caught our eye. LEGO Builder "lego_bee" submitted their idea for a remote-controlled Lamborghini Aventador SV. This set would be a 1:12 scaled model of the intense supercar. It includes a list of impressive features, like independent suspension, doors that open, motors for driving, servo for steering, front lights, rear lights and more. It's quite incredible. Check it out below and vote on this set by clicking here. see all aventador sv's for sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 27, 2018

Lamborghini X OPPO Smartphone Uneviled

Yesterday at the Louvre, Oppo Mobile Telecommunications and Lamborghini's top brass pulled the wraps off of the ultimate accessory for your raging bull. The OPPO Find X Automobili Lamborghini Special Edition combines the latest in smartphone technology along with iconic branding. It will be a nice compliment to your Huracan Performante.UGR Lamborghini Smashes 1/2 Mile Record at 260 mphThe press release mentions it is the first smartphone to feature SuperVOOC flash charge. It sends 50 watts of power, allowing a complete charge in 35 minutes. Stefano Domenicali is Lamborghini's Chairman and CEO. His enthusiasm about the project was surmised with "With OPPO’s admirable technology capability and design prowess, we look forward to building a broad and strategic partnership.The launch of the OPPO Find X Automobili Lamborghini Special Edition in Paris marks the beginning of this enterprise. This will be a limited run, so click the link below to find our dealer nearest you to get yours on the way. Stay with us for all your Lamborghini news.Browse Lamborghini Huracan Performante For Sale

By Edward Jones – July 29, 2016

Lamborghini x Mizuno Shoes: Horsepower Meets Footpower

It's not difficult for a Lamborghini to go fast, due to the fact that they are powered by massive engines. But what about the driver? If you're someone that likes to drive fast and run fast, I've got the perfect shoes for you.This week Lamborghini posted photos of new colors for their special edition Mizuno Wave Tenjin shoes, each of which don the raging bull from the Italian automaker. The shoes are meant to "convey the power of the Huracan whilst running," according to the Lamborghini Store. The new colors Blue Caelum, Grigio Titans and Giallo Midas joins the already existing colors of Noctis Black, Italia White, Mantis Green and Mars Red. The colors of these special edition Wave Tenjin shoes mimic that of the famous supercars.Interested in getting a pair for yourself? Head over to Lamborghinistore.com for more information.

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