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 – August 25, 2016

360° Video of Lamborghinis in Park City is the Most Gorge...

Having a rough day? Sometimes all you need is some beautiful scenery and cars to cheer you up. That's why I'm here to present you with Lamborghini's latest video.In this new video we see the Huracan Spyder driving through the streets of Park City. The picturesque town and rolling green mountains are exactly what you need to make your day that much better.Oh that's not enough? Well I guess I should mention that this video features YouTube's 360-degree technology, meaning you can look around just like you're in the car yourself. Check it out by clicking play below.View All Huracans For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 27, 2016

Lamborghini Introduces Three New Packages for the Huracan

This week, Lamborghini made the Huracan a little better by announcing that they are now offering three distinct After Sales packages for their best selling supercar. Each package can be fitted for the all-wheel and rear-wheel drive Huracans. Here's what the packages offer:The Aerodynamic KitWind-tunnel tested, the aerodynamic kit features everything you could want to make your already superior Huracan a little more top notch. The kit features "a sporty front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser with large rear wing," according to the Lamborghini press release. The kit is available in matte black and it made of "strong, light composite materials" designed specifically for aerodynamic excellence. This is the only factory approved kit of its kind available for the Huracan.The Aesthetic PackageCustom designed livery features "double, pre-cut racing graphics" which will be available in three finishes: matte black, glossy black or red. The livery is removable and will not cause damage to the Huracan paint job, and it is designed for application from front to rear of the vehicle.The Center-Lock KitThis is the first package of it's kind for the Huracan, and it features "exclusive racing technology of locking system with center lock." The package will feature exclusive rims, which are, "finished in shiny black" and exhibit a Super Trofeo inspired design which fits the Huracan's 20" tires.These packages are currently available for installation. One of 130 dealerships have the authority to install them without affecting the warranty. No price information was released, but dealerships will have more information on pricing.Lamborghini Huracans for Sale

By Edward Jones – June 20, 2016

Drag Race: Tesla Model S P85D Ludicrous Mode vs Lamborghi...

Go back a few years ago and you'd never think a civilian electric car would be dominating drag races. Since the Tesla Model S came out, it's been the center of attention at the drag strips, especially when the Ludicrous Mode was announced.For example, here are just a few races we've covered that include the Model S: Tesla Model S and BMW i8 Face Off on Autobahn Tesla Model S vs Model X Ludicrous Mode Drag Race Tesla Model S P85D vs. American Muscle Cars in Drag Races For today, we have a video from DragTimes of a Model S P85D with the Ludicrous Mode engaged taking on a Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4. The Huracan comes with a 5.2-liter V10 that's capable of 602 hp and 412 lb-ft of torque. As for the Model S, it's electric motors provide the wheels with 502 hp in the rear and 259 hp in the front, with over 700 lb-ft of torque on tap. The torque is where the Model S takes over the Huracan, allowing it to made quick starts, but the horsepower of the Huracan gives it a higher top-end. What's more, the Model S has a price tag that's roughly half that of the Huracan.So, who wins the race? Check the video below and remember to always follow your local traffic laws.Huracans For Sale | Model S' For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 06, 2016

Lamborghini Huracan vs McLaren 650S Spyder All-Out Street...

DragTimes is back again with another drag race that took place somewhere, definitely not in the United States.The competitors are the English 2015 McLaren 650S Spyder and Italian 2016 Lamborghini Huracan. Which one takes the win in the video below? Before you find out, here are some stats so you can familiarize yourself with the supercars.2015 McLaren 650S Spider Twin-Turbo 3.8-liter V8 Engine 641 hp 500 lb-ft of Torque 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission RWD $353,000 (MSRP as tested) 650S Spiders For Sale2016 Lamborghini Huracan Coupe 5.2-liter V10 Engine 602 hp 412 lb-ft of Torque 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission AWD $278,000 (MSRP as test) Huracans For SaleLook at both specs, the 650S has a decent edge in the power department, while the Huracan holds its all-wheel-drive layout and cheaper price over the McLaren's head. But, which of these two wins in the race? Click play below to find out.And, as always, don't try street racing on your own and always follow your local traffic laws.

By Edward Jones – April 05, 2016

McLaren 675LT vs Supercharged Lamborghini Huracan

Interested in watching a battle between English and Italian? Here's your video. At Shift S3ctor's Exotic Airstrip Attack, a McLaren 675LT took on a supercharged Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4. Making the 675LT a contender is its twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine that packs 666 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, no specs were given for the Huracan, but when it was stock it was housing a 5.2-liter V10 that was capable of 602 hp and 412 lb-ft of torque. However, who knows how much it's packing after its supercharged treatment. Check out the video below to see who wins this battle of the Europeans. 675LTs For Sale | Huracans For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 21, 2016

Watch Fastest Lamborghini Huracan Ever Run 0-60 mph in 1....

Nowadays, 0-60 mph times for hypercars typically sit in the 2-second range. For example, the McLaren P1, LaFerrari, and Porsche 918 Spyder can run 0-60 mph in the famous 2-second range. But when you take an already fast car like the Lamborghini Huracan and install a twin-turbo setup, you end up with a monster that can take down anyone of the "holy trinity" of hypercars (P1, 918 and LaFerrari). What is the Worlds Fastest Lamborghini? In a video uploaded by DragTimes, we see a chrome green Huracan packing Heffner's Stage 2 Twin Turbo system. At the Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida, this car put on quite a show for spectators. Even though it spun its tires at the start, it was still able to run 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, and 0-100 mph in 2.7 seconds, completing a 1/4 mile run in 8.6 seconds at 173 mph. Check out the video below to see the hypercar crusher in action. Lamborghini Huracans For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 30, 2015

Did the Lamborghini Huracan Superleggera Just Get Spied?

Typically, Lamborghini likes to wait a few years to release their extreme variants, like the Superleggera and the Superveloce. For example, take the Gallardo, which went into production in 2003. After four years of production had passed, Lamborghini unveiled the Gallardo Superleggera at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. On the other hand, the Murcielago Superveloce took about eight years for it to come around.More recent, the Aventador SV came into existence four years after the base model was introduced, which is half the length of time it took for the Murcielago SV.For the Huracan, Lamborghini seems to be on the same path. Having unveiled the base model in 2014 and the LP 580-2 this month, Lamborghini may already be on the move towards another model.Posted on HuracanTalk.com were these images were taken in Italy and show a Huracan that has been heavily modified. Among the modifications, including the carbon fiber accents and new body panels, the rear wing is the most notable difference. Could this be the Huracan Superleggera? A lot of people seem to think so.That being said, this is all speculation with no official word from Lamborghini. Until a new model is released, stay with us for up-to-date info the Lamborghini. (Source: HuracanTalk.com)

By Edward Jones – November 17, 2015

The Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2 is a Purist's Dream

Lamborghini is throwing a bone to those who prefer to hoon around in a rear-wheel-drive sports car. Presenting, the Huracan LP 580-2. Unveiled today, this new model creates "an enhanced Lamborghini driving emotion," according to a press release issued by the Italian automaker. It carries over the same 5.2-liter V10 used in the LP 610-4, but it has been turned down to 580 hp. Along with the detuning, the engineers dropped the weight by 73 lbs. Weight distribution for the car was also adjusted to be 40% at the front and 60% at the rear. This was done to reduce inertia in the front, putting more in the rear where the power will be laid down. When it comes to performance the LP 580-2 runs a 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds, 0.2 seconds slower than the all-wheel-drive Huracan. Also, it's top speed is 3 mph slower at 199. But, these reductions in performance don't mean a thing, because this car is was created for those who want to bring its tail out and around for exciting drives. For those also looking for a manual transmission, it won't be found here. To differentiate itself through appearance, it comes with a new look in the front and rear and a set of new 19-inch Kari rimes. View Lamborghini Huracan Price, Specs, Photos The Huracan LP 580-2 is available now at Lamborghini dealerships. Its price in Europe is €150,000 (not including tax), which equates to roughly $159,717 (according to the exchange rate at time of publication). (via Lamborghini)

By Caitlin Duffy – November 06, 2015

2016 Lamborghini Huracan Details Released

The Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 has seen immense success and popularity since its release in 2014, and it's about to become even more popular.The Italian marque announced today in a press release that a round of new updates are coming to the Huracan for 2016, bringing Lamborghini engineering and design to entirely new levels, even though the price remains unchanged.Engine efficiency is increased in both the coupe and Spyder versions thanks to the addition of cylinder deactivation, the first time such a feature has been used on a naturally aspirated V10. The four-wheel drive system has been fine tuned for a smoother ride, creating "even more improved driving behavior, particularly in STRADA mode," as the release describes.Door handles and the upper half of the center console will now come with leather as a standard feature, while color options have been increased for the trim. Interior personalization is also now available thanks to Lamborghini Ad Personam, and both heritage colors and matte paints are now available for the exterior.If you're in the mood to show off the V10 more often, a clear engine bonnet is now available. If that's not quite your style, you can opt for the carbon fiber bonnet instead. But be sure to show off the exhaust - with high gloss black tailpipes, the optional sports exhaust system is now open to customers world wide.If the 2016 Huracan sounds like your kind of car, find yourself a dealer from our exclusive network. Or, if another Lamborghini better suits your tastes, find one from our exclusive listings.Lamborghinis For Sale (via Lamborghini, YouTube)https://blog.dupontregistry.com/features/2016-lamborghini-huracan-coupe-specs-review-photos/

By Caitlin Duffy – October 13, 2015

Lamborghini Huracan Police Car "Chase": Behind the Scences

When your camera car is a Gallardo Spyder, you know you're working on something powerful.Just a little over a year ago, Dave Nickerson of Nue Vue Photography shared a video with the world of a choreographed chase through the streets of South Florida. Two Lamborghinis, one in police livery, the other a black Superleggera. Within the first three days, the video hit 300,000 views, and now we get to see how it was put together.A year later, he's shared a look at how this video was made and the results of a photoshoot with the Huracan police car, the result of an impressive wrap from the team at Lamborghini Palm Beach. With a police escort for the evening and some editing to speed up the chase, Nickerson was able to create an intense chase scene without running afoul of traffic laws.Check out the videos above and below and the gallery to get a close look at this one-of-a-kind fictional face off, then find your own Huracan from our exclusive listings.Huracans For Sale Gallery (Source: YouTube, Nue Vue) See More Lamborghini News

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