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 – 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 Edward Jones – June 09, 2017

Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder Spotted in the Wild

Everyone knew that it was coming, but it's now been spotted out in the wild: the Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder.Autogespot's spotter known as GIAMMISERI_PHOTOGRAPHY recently captured a photo of the car while he was in Italy. What's interesting is that the majority of this car is uncamouflaged. The only parts being disguised are the front boot, engine bay and top of the rear wing. Even with the camo, it's still quite obvious that we're looking at a convertible version of the Huracan Performante.Autogespot notes that the car will likely be revealed at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show and will start production in 2018.

By Edward Jones – June 06, 2017

How to Unload a Lamborghini Huracan Performante (Revs Inc...

Getting a supercar on or off of a truck can be nerve-racking, especially when that car is the brand-new Lamborghini Huracan Performante.Gumbal was recently witness to the unloading of a Huracan Performante at a race track for the Supercarsunday. At this event hypercars like the McLaren P1 GR, Pagani Huayra, Koenigseggs, Bugattis and many more were on hand. As the Huracan Performante made its way to join these hypercars, the driver managed let out a few very loud revs for the pursuing photographers.Lamborghini unveiled the Huracan Performante as a tuned up version of their Coupe version. Just about everything was reworked during the development of the Performante, including its weight, engine, chassis and aerodynamics. After all of the changes were said and done, the Huracan Performante would go on to complete the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in a record-breaking 6:52:01. https://blog.dupontregistry.com/ecbg-2018/2018-lamborghini-huracan-performante-price-specs-review/

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2017

Learn What Makes the Lamborghini Active Aero So Incredible

A few weeks ago Lamborghini released a brilliant teaser video showcasing their latest achievement. The active aerodynamic system (ALA) on the Lamborghini Huracan Performante is a novel approach to controlling lift, drag, and downforce. New spoilers front and rear are computer controlled. We knew they were also programmed to help in cornering, but the details of the system were not made clear. Engineering Explained has gained a following by making sense of complex designs, so he decided to break it down for us.The front spoiler takes the place of a lower splash shield. It opens to relieve the high pressure that builds in front of the radiator and allow that air to enter the slipstream along the belly pan. This cuts downforce and drag for maximum speed. In the corners, you need as much downforce as possible, and the rear system is quite a treat. We guessed the rear spoiler would change its angle like every other supercar, but Lamborghini came up with something all new. Two air ducts in the rear wheel wells are routed through the spoiler's legs to force high-pressure air into the turbulence generated by the wing. While it's not strong enough to produce forward thrust, it greatly reduces the low-pressure bubble behind the car. Another trick is air vectoring, which Lamborghini claims enhanced traction when turning. Have a great weekend and stay with us for all your Lamborghini Huracan news!Lamborghini's Brilliant Active Aerodynamics - Huracan Performante

By Edward Jones – December 22, 2016

The True Difference the Lamborghini Huracan's Launch Cont...

Launch control has been very prevalent in recent supercars. Heck, even some vehicles like the Jeep SRT's have launch control. As for the Lamborghini Huracan, it has was the Italian automaker calls "Thrust Mode," which is essentially just launch control.(Also Check Out - How To Do Launch Control In A Lamborghini Huracan)To see just how big of a difference thrust mode makes, DragTimes decided to hook their Huracan up with a VBox and record some 0-60 mph runs with and without Thrust Mode activated. Lamborghini notes that the Huracan's 0-60 mph time is 3.2 seconds, but after watching this video, it's clear to see that they were quite conservative with those numbers. In fact, the Huracan is much quicker than the official spec sheet claims it to be.Watch the video below to see just how big of a difference launch control can make in a car like the Lamborghini Huracan.All Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2016

Lamborghini Shows off Full Huracan Range in Epic Video

Did you know the Lamborghini Huracan is available in four flavors? If you want the wind in your hair, the Spyder is begging for your attention. If you don't need the grip or weight of all wheels, the transfer case and front axles are absent on Huracan RWD. In a commercial uploaded to their YouTube page, Lamborghini showcases all four variants in a race across Europe: Spyder, RWD, Coupe and RWD Spyder. The soft top can be raised or lowered below 32 mph, and its operation is much quicker than the Gallardo. If you are wondering how capable the AWD system is, we covered that here.Used Exotic Cars For SaleSending massive power to only the rear wheels can be a recipe for disaster, so the RWD cars are limited to only 571 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. Both AWD cars are rated at 602 hp and 413 lb-ft in order to reach 201 mph. The additional running gear carries a weight penalty of almost 400 lbs. Another 200 lbs in convertible top hardware make the AWD Spyder the heaviest of the four. Being able to reach 60 mph in just over 3 seconds makes weight irrelevant and it also makes the Huracan one of the best bargains in the automotive world. It carries none of the sacrifices one normally associates with supercars, as the seating position is comfortable and visibility is better than most cars we have driven. Huracan deserves your consideration if you need a daily driver, so check out the listings from our dealers if you need a stocking stuffer.All Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 11, 2016

Five Things to Love About the Lamborghini Huracan

Just about everyone loves a Lamborghini-- they're sharp, fast and loud. But for those who actually drive them, there's a lot more to the Lamborghini DNA, especially the new Huracan. Vehicle Virgins has filmed a video detailing the five things he loves about his Huracan.(Related - Tesla Model S P100D vs Huracan and GT-R)The Huracan, acting as the successor of the Gallardo, hosts an incredible V10 powerhouse that produces 610 hp. Such massive amounts of power in a small four-wheel drive supercar makes the latest raging bull rush from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds with its newly developed lightweight design. To put this power to use, Lamborghini has included three different driving modes, including Strada (think of it as a daily driving mode), Sport and Corsa.If you click play below, you'll see how special these driving modes are and learn even more about the Huracan from an actual owner. Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 20, 2016

How Much It Costs to Own a Lamborghini Huracan

Whenever there are supercars around, there's always that one person that says: "Yeah, but I bet it costs a fortune to take care of that car and the insurance must be insane." Most people will nod and accept their anecdote as fact without researching how much it actually costs to own a supercar.(Related - Who Wins? Tesla Model S P100D vs Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4)To teach you just how much it costs to own a supercar, Vehicle Virgins explains just how much it costs to own a Lamborghini Huracan. The nice thing is that the person explaining the costs owns the Huracan and knows this information first-hand. From the cost of an oil change, to how often you need to change the brakes, he goes over it allCheck out the video below and let me know in the comments below which fact you thought was most surprising. Was is the insurance? Oil change cost?View Lamborghini Huracan Price, Specs, Photos Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 07, 2016

Lamborghini Huracan Going 212 mph on the Autobahn

Our favorite death-defying Dutch dealer has an affinity for leaving the showroom in a bit of a hurry. To insure his Lamborghini was capable of performing as advertised, AutoTopNL just uploaded the best video in their series. A recent trend by the big manufacturers is to leave the top speed open ended by stating it can go past a predetermined limit. From a liability standpoint it might offer some protection against litigation from a high speed accident. Another issue arises in that achieving the top speed of a modern supercar requires several miles of perfect pavement, something the western hemisphere doesn't offer.(Related: Insane! Porsche Driver Gets Flat Tire at 207 MPH on Autobahn)Lamborghini advertises the Huracan is capable of going faster than 201 mph. That number is the understatement of the decade considering it has 600 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Clever aerodynamics along with close gear ratios in the dual clutch transmission offer power in almost any situation, but even a raging bull must submit to the laws of physics. At the behest of our General Counsel we advise against attempting this, but tell us if you think the car is capable of going faster. Stay with us for more Autobahn acceleration.Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

Lamborghini News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe