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 – August 29, 2018

Lamborghini Launches Aventador SVJ Configurator

The latest raging bull from Sant'Agata is the 2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. It combines the active aerodynamics of the Huracan Performante with the power of twelve cylinders. Using lessons learned on the Aventador SV, it allowed Lamborghini to return to the top of the list at the Nurburgring, beating the 911 Turbo S by 3 seconds. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Specs, Price, Photos & Details Only 900 examples will be produced, and it is doubtful that any of them will be identical. That is because we tried out the new configurator, and the options will blow your mind. You are greeted by a landing page that has 5 inspirational examples. But we are the duPont REGISTRY so that should give you a clue. Black and red are easy right? Not so fast! Lamborghini has no less than 49 finishes for your car's exterior. They are grouped by Solid, Metallic, Pearl Special Metallic, and Matte. We chose Rosso Bia from the Special Metallic because it has an extra clear coat for a mile-deep reflection. Check Out LeBron James' Car Collection! Center-lock wheels are part or the SVJ for two reasons. The first is weight savings compared to lug bolts. The second reason is to keep the aftermarket out of the running. The power and speeds produced by this car will shatter cast or 3-piece designs. Three designs of forged 20" front and 21" rear are offered, with several paint options. We chose the Dianthus Y-spokes because they allow for a perfect view of the massive brakes. Our attention was then focused on the finer details of the engine compartment. Of course we wanted carbon fiber details, but then the suspension got involved. This might be the first time Lamborghini has offered different colors on their coil springs, and they are available in Black, Red, or Bright Green. Sultan of Brunei Car Collection is at 7,000 Cars & Growing From there it was a choice between 7 colors for the brake calipers, but all brakes should be red. The final exterior details included matte carbon fiber for the center caps, mirrors, rocker panels and rear aerodynamic parts. The SVJ graphics are also optional, but who would order one without? Now let's head inside. Three interior packages are: Black, Black/Contrast Color, and Ad Personam. The latter is their most prestigious offering, and we chose Rosso Alala with cross-stitching. Your choices for the footwells are bare carbon fiber or anodized aluminum, the carbon fiber makes the car look unfinished, so we went with red aluminum. Illuminated sill plates and the carbon fiber interior package completed the process, but we didn't splurge for the premium audio. The Sensonum surround sound is nice, but our friends at JL Audio offer a superior product to any factory system. Tell us how you would build yours, and click the link below to find an Aventador near you. Browse Lamborghini Aventador For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 23, 2018

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Leaked Ahead of Reveal

Instagram is home to car spotters around the world, and even if this is just a rendering, I want one. In an Instagram upload last night, we see a fully revealed Aventador SVJ. It looks like the active aerodynamics (ALA 2.0) are not only used on the rear, as extractor vents are now integrated into the nose.Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Teased in Bright Green Lamborghini added winglets ahead of the front fender and wider rocker panels keep the slipstream close to the body, and the trapezoid intake behind the engine rams air into the hollow rear spoiler. This is probably how they chopped 3 seconds off the Nurburgring lap time, using the same technology as the Huracan Performante. Tell us what you think, is this real or is it someone with too much time on your hands? We will cover the unveiling as soon as Lamborghini pulls back the sheets, so stay tuned to our Facebook page for all your Monterey updates.Browse Lamborghini Aventador S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2018

New Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Teaser Released

Teaser shots are cruel. It might seem illogical to make us wait until the formal unveiling, but Lamborghini knows how to get our imaginations revving. In their latest Instagram upload, we get up close & personal with the upcoming Aventador SVJ. It will arrive with the 2nd generation of their active aerodynamic system (ALA 2.0). What we see here could be extractor vents from the inner fenders or the cooling system.Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Teased in Bright GreenNear the bottom of the frame is the intake for the hollow rear spoiler. Moving the air from high to low pressure will keep the slipstream close to the car. This gets deep into laminar flow theory, and it is not unlike the heat reduction ports on the F-117 Stealth Fighter. While the famous night fighter was invisible to infrared, the Aventador SVJ will be the hottest car on the market in just a few weeks. Every part of a modern Lamborghini has style and functionality. Compared to the Miura's eyelashes and the periscope on the early Countach and it is safe to say they have come a long way. Stay with us for complete coverage of the Aventador SVJ from Monterey later this week.Browse Lamborghini Aventador For Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/Bmvv1WOlhWB/

By Edward Jones – August 08, 2018

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Teased in Bright Green

The upcoming Lamborghini Aventador SVJ will be the most extreme take on the flagship supercar yet. We've learned that the car will more than likely be hosting the same naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine found in the Aventador SV. However, it will get an additional 20 hp, resulting in 760 hp and 530 lb-ft of torque. Along with the changes being made to the engine, the supercar's exterior will be modified for greater aerodynamics and handling. So far, we really haven't had a chance to see what it would look like in an uncamouflaged form, but now Lamborghini has teased a tiny taste of the supercar. On their Facebook page, they showed off the emblem of the SVJ and a pair of new air vents. What's more, the car is finished in a brilliant green paint that will likely be the color of the launch vehicle. But for the answer to that question, we will have to wait for its unveiling at the Monterey Car Week.

By Edward Jones – August 07, 2018

How to Change a Lamborghini Huracan's Oil

Many car owners have changed their car's oil. It's a pretty simple task that, unbeknownst to many, can be accomplished pretty quickly and easily if you have a standard car. For some cars, however, it's a bit more complicated. Royalty Exotic Cars recently uploaded a video showing off how you change the oil of a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder. This is the same company that detailed how to change the oil of a Bugatti Veyron.Like the Veyron and many exotic cars, the Huracan has multiple drain plugs. In fact, there are a total of eight drain plugs that need to be addressed. On top of that, there are also over 50 fasteners that need to be removed in order to even access the drain plugs, with multiple tools needed to remove them. On HuracanTalk.com, forum user doltmo has laid out the exact process on what you need to do and what tools you'll need, with pictures for each step. They note that it will take about two to three hours for your first go at changing the oil in a Lamborghini Huracan. Be sure to check out that thread for some in-depth steps. If you want a quick show of how it's done, click play below!

By Edward Jones – August 03, 2018

Lamborghini Centenario Roadster Sounds Like a Monster

Lamborghini's most extreme roadster, the Centenario Roadster, was unveiled during Monterey Car Week 2016. This supercar is the most powerful open-top car the Italian automaker has ever made. Powering the car is the same V12 engine found in the coupe version, capable of 770 hp and 507 lb-ft of torque, which will rocket the car from 0-62 mph in just 2.0 seconds. Its top speed? More than 217 mph. (Related: Lamborghini Centenario Price, Specs, Review) In Lamborghini's area at Monterey Car Week, guests crowded around the new car, admiring "Argento Centenario" finish and new topless design. Our friend and YouTube BrianZuk was on hand as well and happened upon the car as it was starting up and taking off. Check out the video below to hear its monstrous V12 engine come to life. View All Lamborghinis For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 30, 2018

Lamborghini Avventura 2018: Fjords Of Norway

Every year Lamborghini invites their customers to join them on excursions to the world's most beautiful places. From the highlands of Scotland to Transylvania, this parade or raging bulls looks amazing in any setting. For this year, they decided to head north, to explore the Fjords of Norway. The herd of Huracan Performantes and angry Aventadors could be heard through the land of the Vikings.This 300-mile adventure started in Ålesund, then they attacked the winding and treacherous Trollstigen, the road of the Trolls. No Troll sightings were reported, but they did find eleven hairpin curves, waterfalls, and vertical rock walls along the way.From there it was on to Valldal, known as the valley of strawberries. What they encountered next was one of the most beautiful scenes on Earth, the Geirangerfjord. After stopping to take in the view, it was on to Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in Europe.Cardi B and Offset Get New LamborghinisThese icy dirt roads proved the capability of Lamborghini's AWD system and probably a few epic drifts from the RWD Huracans. The final stop was the small village of Loen, which sits at the end of Nordfjord. Then it was onto a Ferryboat to Mount Aksla, which overlooks their starting point in Ålesund. If you want to get in on the action, click the link below for great deals on the Aventador S and stay with us for all your Lamborghini updates.Your Aventador S Is Waiting For You

By Andrew Nabors – July 26, 2018

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Breaks Nurburgring Record

We had a suspicion something momentous happened at the Nürburgring. Lamborghini has been teasing short clips of their run, and now it is official. In a press release, they announced the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ has lapped the historic Nordschleife course in 6:44.9.....That places the Porsche GT2 RS into 2nd place with their 6:47.3, and the Huracan Performante is 3rd with 6:52. Their time was GPS certified using a VBOX-Racelogic telemetry system. 2016 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Specs, Price and Pics CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “The Aventador SVJ takes the Jota suffix, following the Lamborghini tradition for denoting a car’s track-focused talent. This new car is the convergence of Lamborghini technologies to produce a super sports car that transcends current performance benchmarks." Extensive CFD modeling allowed engineers to adapt the ALA aerodynamics from the Huracan Performante into ALA 2.0 for the latest Aventador. Official performance numbers were not released except it has a power to weight ratio of 4.36 lbs/hp. For a comparison, the Corvette ZR1 is at 4.8, which means each horsepower has 1/2 pound more to push around. The Aventador SVJ has chopped the record by 3 seconds, so we can't wait to get behind the wheel. Until it arrives, check out these great offers on the Aventador SV from our dealers:

By Edward Jones – July 24, 2018

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Designed for Best Power to Weig...

Lamborghini has released their second video for the upcoming Aventador SVJ model, and it's touting something very specific. Throughout the new video, we see quick cuts of the car driving around what looks like Nurburgring and the words: "DESIGNED TO HAVE THE BEST WEIGHT TO POWER."Official: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ AnnouncedLamborghini using a video just to tout that this car is focused around having a great power-to-weight ratio means they're very serious about the matter. If you recall, the Huracan Performante had its weight dropped through the utilization of certain and new materials. Speaking of materials, the video shows a quick shot of the interior where you can see forged composite. Could this car be full of forged carbon like the Huracan Performante supercar? More than likely. Another interesting shot shows the exhaust sitting more centralized, again, like the Huracan Performante. Check it out for yourself in the video below.

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2018

Lamborghini Espada & Islero Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Half a century Lamborghini released two beautiful cars. The Espada was their first 4-seater, and it was powered by a 4.0L V12. It was carefully sculpted by Marcello Gandini at Bertone. It had a 10-year run, with 1,226 cars built between 1968 and 1978. Another Raging Bull released in 68 was the Islero. It was the successor to the 400 GT and powered by the same 4.0L V12 along with six Weber carburetors.Lamborghini Marzal in Public for 1st Time Since 1967Production only lasted for 2 years, with the Islero being discontinued for model year 1970. Only 225 examples were produced, making it one of their rarest models. Examples of both models have recently undergone complete restoration by the company's heritage and restoration division "Lamborghini Polo Storico". Both cars will be on tour from September 7-11. The cruise begins in Umbria, and it will be will be a 650 km road trip. Lamborghini has invited collectors to join them on the tour which will head on to Perugia. From there it is on to Assisi, Tuscany and then across the Apennines to Mugello. Then it's over the Futa and Ratticosa Passes to return home to Sant'Agata Bolognese. Only Lamborghini owners can join in the fun, so click the link below to find yours!Lambo A Gogo

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