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 – November 09, 2017

Lamborghini Urus Jumps Some Dunes

It's been a while, but there's an upcoming Lamborghini that will be able to conquer the dunes: the new Urus. It hasn't been since the LM-002 that a Lamborghini was able to be taken off of the road right off of the production line. Yeah, you can drive an Aventador onto the dunes, but don't expect to make it very far. The new Urus comes with a new list of driving modes that allow the Super SUV to adapt to any terrain. In the new Lamborghini video, they show off the Urus' new "Sabbia" mode, which translates to sand. Click play on the video below to see the Urus in action and even get its tires off of the ground. Sell Your High-End Cars Here

By Edward Jones – November 08, 2017

Stolen Lamborghini Found After Six Years

VINwiki allows you to really dig into a car's documentation. A perfect example of this provided in their latest YouTube Video where Ed Bolian, Founder of VInwiki, tells the story of how he used his company to find out two Lamborghini Gallardos were actually stolen. It all started when he spotted an Arancio Borealis Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera that seemed out of place in his town. After discovering that the VIN number on the dash was fake, he went into Sherlock-mode and did some digging. Thanks to the crowd-sourced information on VINwiki, he was able to find out more about the cars, inform the authorities and actually have the Superleggera returned back to its original owner. You have to hear the story to believe it. Click play below to hear it for yourself!Check Out VINwiki

By Edward Jones – November 02, 2017

Lamborghini Huracan Performante vs Base Huracan: Who's Fa...

The Lamborghini Huracan Performante recently held the record for the fastest car around Nurburgring, that is until it was beaten out by the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. That being said, the Huracan Performante is undoubtedly an incredibly quick car. It comes with an extra 38 horsepower when compared to the base Huracan and is also 80 lbs lighter. Other differences include the new aerodynamically-focused body pieces, like the large rear wing. But, how does the Performante stand against the base Huracan in a straight line? DragTimes took the liberties to find out in the video below. Lamborghini Huracan For Sale Las Vegas, NV

By Edward Jones – October 03, 2017

Lamborghini Centenario Toys With Jaguar

The owner of this Lamborghini Centenario (@dan_am_i) has a collection that should be reckoned with. It includes multiple Paganis, a Bugatti Chiron, and so many more. Even though these cars may be parked in the owner's garage in great company, that doesn't stop him from taking that cars out for a romp around the streets.In a new video from effspot, who uploaded a video of the Bugatti Chiron, the owner takes the Centenario out for a spin and trolls the camera car (a Jaguar F-TYPE SVR). Now, everyone knows that a Centenario would walk an F-TYPE SVR when it comes down to it, but that didn't stop the hypercar from toying with the English sports car.Check out the video to hear the Centenario's insane exhaust go wild. Also watch out for a little bit of NSFW language in the video.

By Andrew Nabors – September 20, 2017

Lamborghini Unveils the Huracan Super Trofeo Evo

Inspired by the performance of the Huracan in this year's Squadra Corse racing events, next year's season will be even more intense. The 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo Evo is an evolution of the ultimate track car. It is the brainchild of Centro Stile Lamborghini, Dallara Automobili, and input from race teams.First Lamborghini Centenario Delivered in Japan As we suggested earlier, the aerodynamics package uses lessons learned on the Huracan Performante. The intakes in the quarter panels serve not only to cool the engine, but also to direct air at the rear spoiler. The 18" wheels are shorter than production cars, but they wear massive Pirelli 305mm tires up front with 315mm out back.A sequential six-speed transmission is provided by Xtrac and connected to a triple-disc clutch. Steel brakes replace the carbon ceramics in order to help race teams afford a season of competition. Braking and traction control is handled by Bosch, from a 10-position dial on the steering wheel. It will be a force to be reckoned with next year, so stay with us for complete coverage of the Super Trofeo Series and all your Lamborghini news.

By Andrew Nabors – September 20, 2017

Lamborghini Teases Wild New Huracan

Being in the ring with an angry bull is a recipe for destruction. That's why Lamborghini wants to put you in control of the action. Their Squadra Corse program offers a way for Lamborghini owners to participate in races and track days around the world. If the idea of modifying a new Huracan makes you uneasy, something new is in the works.McLaren 720S vs Huracan In a Facebook upload yesterday, we are offered a few glimpses at the upcoming race car. The new Huracan will probably be a track-only version of the Performante. This year's Super Trofeo series has proven the Huracan to be capable of the world's toughest tracks. Lessons learned at tracks like Imola and Nürburgring have led to changes at the factory, which look to have culimnated in a new car. All of the details will be released later today, so check back with us for the scoop. In the meantime, tell us what you think it will be in the comments below. Used 2016 Huracan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 05, 2017

First Lamborghini Centenario Delivered in Japan

Japan may have a supercar culture unto itself, but that doesn't mean they can't enjoy Italian exotics. Production of the Lamborghini Centenario was limited to 20 coupes and 20 roadsters, all of which were sold out as of January. To celebrate Mr. Lamborghini's 100th birthday, no expenses were spared to build a 759 horsepower raging bull. Improvements to the valve train allowed the redline to be raised to 8,600 rpm. A new intake and exhaust system were added to the already potent V12. Forged composites replace carbon fiber in many places to shed 11 lbs of curb weight. To celebrate the first example to reach Japan, Lamborghini Azabu held an unveiling over the weekend. As one of Tokyo's most prestigious auto dealers, the event was attended by enthusiasts from across the nation. Ken Saito is a contributor for Drive Life NZ and he was there to capture the action. The first customer Centenario in Japan. Dark red carbon and white combination makes this one of the nicest Centenarios I've seen. #AlmostTooClassyForJapan #Lamborghini #Centenario A post shared by Ken. (@kenmsaito) on Sep 2, 2017 at 4:18pm PDT Listen to the beast awaken! A new Aventador SV is the closest you will probably come to owning one, so take a look at these listings from our dealers. Stay with us for all your Lamborghini updates.

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 24, 2017

Lamborghini Gallardo Oil Change: 5 Year Old Edition

Almost every new exotic car includes some length of service included because they aren't exactly easy to work on. Or at least that's what they want you to believe. But excluding hybrids, most modern cars can be as easy as older ones. In the case of the Lamborghini Gallardo, changing the oil is easier than a Toyota Tundra, but I will save that story for another day. The best way to get kids involved with cars is to show them what it takes to keep them in perfect shape. Also Check Out: Lamborghini Gallardo Price & Specs The Gallardo was a long model run for Lamborghini. It was the first offspring designed after they were purchased by Audi, so it is a great combination of Italian style and German engineering. Mechanic Marcus is at a slight disadvantage in the height department, but he isn't scared to turn a wrench. The oil filter is centrally located above the engine valley, which usually makes for easy access. The factory service procedure calls for removing both intakes and throttle bodies, so one anonymous gearhead made a tool to skip this step. After unplugging a vacuum line, the filter can is pulled out between the intakes. Draining the oil is very straightforward. Both 8mm drain plugs are easy to reach, and you will have time for a break since the system holds 10 quarts. Cartridge filters are sealed by o-rings, so don't skip out on replacing them. Even if you don't have a drive-on lift and a toolbox the size of a battleship some routine jobs can be done at home. Don't be afraid of service costs, the filter and wrench can be found on Amazon direct from Lamborghini. If you want to save money and have the satisfaction of doing it yourself, check out these pre-owned Lamborghini Gallardo for sale and stay with us for more DIY videos. P.S. Ratchet wrenches are just as fun as fidget spinners

By Edward Jones – July 24, 2017

Wild Black and Yellow Lamborghini Centenario's Screaming ...

In Holland was one of the most wild-looking Lamborghini Centenarios that has rolled off of the production line in Sant'Agata. The entire car is covered in a unique black and yellow livery that seems almost outlandish when compared to the other examples that we've already seen. Supercarsfromeu captured the car at Supercars and Classics, and managed to record some little bits of fun: revs, start up and accelerating sounds. I will say that the one rev that pops off around 0:50 in is unlike any other rev you'll find. The ferociousness and raw power that sits behind the rev is both ear-shattering and glorious at the same time. What you're really hearing the video is Lamborghini's most powerful engine, a 6.5-liter V12 capable of 770 horsepower. Click play below to hear the Centenario truly come to life.

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