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 Gabriel Vega – October 01, 2021

Watch Our 2021 Lamborghini Huracan STO First Drive

There is no better place to test out a supercar than on a racetrack. That's why I traveled to California to drive the 2021 Lamborghini Huracan STO at Willow Springs International Raceway. Be sure to check out the video embedded above to see a complete overview of the brand-new STO as well as on-track driving footage. I've also published an entire Lamborghini Huracan STO first drive article journaling my full STO experience. The Huracan STO is powered by the brand's now-iconic 5.2-liter V10, which pushes out 640 hp in this application. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends all of its available power to the rear wheels. Additionally, the STO has rear-wheel steering, a first for a rear-drive Lambo. However, the biggest story here surrounds the brand-new aerodynamic elements. Just above your head, you'll find a hood scoop that feeds cool air straight into the engine bay. Behind that, a shark fin helps stabilize the STO during high-speed cornering. However, the most attention-grabbing part is the manually adjustable rear wing, which can provide over 900 lb of downforce at 173 mph. At full speed, the STO can rocket to 60 mph in 3 seconds and continue up to a top speed of 192 mph. While the STO is unique, it isn't a limited edition. While its near $330,000 base price is nothing to scoff at, it's more than justified for the driving experience on offer. Browse Huracan STOs For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 23, 2021

This 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO Is Now Available At McL...

A chance to own one of the first Lamborghini Huracán STO examples on the market. Since its debut on July 15th, the Lamborghini Huracán STO continues to be one of the most anticipated automotive releases of the year. The Huracán STO is the new Italian supercar created to deliver all the feel and technology of a genuine racecar, in a road-legal version. The supercar professionals at McLaren Charlotte of North Carolina are proud to present its 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO featured in Bianco Monocerus over a Nero Cosmus and Blu Amon interior. The all-new track-inspired platform is powered by Lamborghini's 5.2-liter V10, making 640-horsepower and 417-ft lb. of torque. While the exterior carbon fiber aerodynamic components style the Huracán STO, the Sportivo Alcantara interior provides a one-of-a-kind driving experience similar to on-track driving. This all-new 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO is now available with 48-miles at McLaren Charlotte for $599,996 by clicking the duPont REGISTRY listing link below. View 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO Listing

By Edward Jones – August 03, 2021

See the 1st Lamborghini Huracan STO Test Drives

A beautiful takeover of the Autodromo Piero Taruffi in Vallelunga. Even though the Lamborghini Huracan STO was unveiled last year in November, we are now seeing the first test drives of the supercar. After the digital premiere, Lamborghini had to hold off test drives due to COVID-19 restrictions. Months later, the automaker has been given the green light to rip the Huracan STO around the Autodromo Piero Taruffi in Vallelunga. Lamborghini notes that the feedback regarding the Huracan STO was positive and the new video of the event (found above) leaves me with positive vibes after hearing that beautiful V10. If you're looking to order yourself a new Lamborghini Huracan STO, you should know that the first year of production has already been sold out. All Lamborghinis For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 14, 2021

Lamborghini Mexico Commissions Special Edition Models To ...

A fleet of already special Huracán examples designed to celebrate the success of Lamborghini Mexico. In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, Lamborghini Mexico today debuts four special edition Huracán EVO, designed by the brand’s distributor in Mexico, Grand Chelem, and Ad Personam, the Lamborghini’s exclusive customization program at the studio in Sant’Agata Bolognese. The commemorative models represent four key themes in Mexican culture: Vita (Life), Morte (Death), Sogno (Dream) and Tempo (Time). To further commemorate Lamborghini Mexico’s 10th anniversary, the special edition Huracán EVO super sports cars will soon be on display throughout Mexico City’s most admired landmarks. Edición Vita (Life) Vita, the series’ flagship model, is colored in a special shade of Verde Ermes (green) and Oro Elios (gold) accents representing life and nature. The exterior design is contrasted with fine Oro Elios (gold) details inside, symbolized by the sun to enhance the trims and stitching. The Lamborghini Huracán EVO Vita Edition, symbolized with an emblem of an eagle, celebrates freedom and the successes in life, and perpetuated in a motif that exalts the national values of Mexico and Italy. Edición Morte (Death) Automobili Lamborghini The Lamborghini Huracán EVO Morte Edition, symbolized by the emblem of a skull, celebrates the experiences that prepare us for the journey between life and death. A Blu Astraeus (blue) color bathes the vehicle’s exterior, complemented with Bronzo Serse design accents. A similar configuration is extended inside the car, with seats and trims in Blu Teia Vintage (blue) and bronze stitching. Edición Sogno (Dream) Automobili Lamborghini The most distinctive of the four special edition models, the Sogno Edition incorporates a Blu Symi (light blue) exterior with Oro Elios (gold) highlights. The vibrant colors resemble the mythical-like creatures seen in Mexican folk art. To emphasize this bold expression, the interior sees a two-tone configuration. Inside, the white accents are contrasted with the predominantly black tones of the center console and the gold stitching on the seats. The Lamborghini Huracán Sogno Edition, commemorated with a plaque of a two-headed dragon, celebrates dreams with a mixture of fantasy and reality that give color and meaning to life. Edición Tempo (Time) Automobili Lamborghini The Lamborghini Huracán EVO Tempo Edition, the final model in the series, represents the decade-long partnership between Lamborghini and Mexico. It is symbolized with a plaque of a snake, representative of the reinvention of oneself by the shedding of skin. A Nero Nemesis (black) exterior is accentuated with Bronzo Serse underlines, while the interior sees predominantly dark hues with bronze accents around the seats, trim and stitching. Media/Information Source: Automobili Lamborghini For more Lamborghini news, Check out Makes And Movements: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ x Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2021

This Lamborghini Huracan EVO Will Guide Airplanes In Italy

An epic follow-me supercar. Lamborghini has announced that they have renewed their partnership with Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport for the seventh time. Part of this partnership is a new follow-me car, which is an epic new Lamborghini Huracan EVO. Featuring a special livery designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile, this supercar features a Verde Turbine Matte finish with Arancione matte designs. It also features the statement "Follow Me in Our Beautiful Country" on the hood, an Italian flag, flashing warning lights and a radio that's connected to the airport control tower. The job of this Huracan EVO will be to guide aircraft to and from the parking apron and taxiway. You can see this supercar for yourself at the Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport until its service ends on January 7, 2022. See All Lamborghinis For Sale Source: Lamborghini

By Edward Jones – May 26, 2021

Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 Unveiled With a Spl...

This exciting new Lamborghini race car is set to race in Super Trofeo starting in 2022. The new Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 is here and it comes with a new look that anticipates the style elements that will be found in upcoming road cars. At the front are new LED light clusters that are slimmer than before, as well as a new "omega" lip with carbon fiber fins and new air curtain intakes. In the rear, Lamborghini kept it simple but threw in a little Easter egg for us to find. Below the massive carbon fiber wing, you'll find the tail lights which are houses in a frame that pays homage to the classic Countach. It's a wonderful touch, to be quite honest. Other modifications include new plastic body panels that have been replaced with carbon fiber panels, rear fenders that now consist of a single piece, and a braking system with front discs that have been increased from 380 to 390 mm. The Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 will make its debut on May 28 in Le Castellet during the second round of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe. As far as prices go, Lamborghini has set it at €250,000, excluding taxes, for the European market with no word on North American pricing. Lamborghini also notes that current Huracan Super Trofeo EVO owners will be able to purchase a dedicated kit to upgrade their race car. See All Huracans For Sale Source: Lamborghini

By Andrew Nabors – May 05, 2021

Top 5 Facts You Don't Know About The Lamborghini Super Tr...

This season is going to be intense! You might consider the idea of a Gentleman Racer to be obsolete. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Super Trofeo travels to the best tracks around the world to allow the Huracan to run free. Six events are on the calendar for 2021. Each consists of free practice sessions, qualifying, and two 50-minute races. The owner/drivers fall into three categories: Pro, Pro-Am, and Lamborghini Cup. Since 2018, they have driven the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO. This masterpiece weighs much less than the street-legal Huracan STO, which was inspired by these races. So without further adieu, here is what you need to know: Celebrity VIPs on the grid The points system has never been changed Younger drivers than ever before Almost 1,000 drivers over 13 years 47 Tracks and counting, as new locations added every year! Our dealers compete in the series, and they are happy to explain the differences between the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and the street-legal Huracan Super Trofeo Omologato. Click the button to learn more and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Huracan For Sale Images (C) Lamborghini Automobili

By Andrew Nabors – April 26, 2021

Lamborghini Squadra Corse Teases Something Mean

Area 51 Be Warned Each evolution of the Lamborghini Huracan has yielded a potent racing version. Should you enjoy pushing your Raging Bull around a track, Squadra Corse is poised to release something unprecedented. Lessons learned in racing the Huracan EVO on the track and street yielded the brutal Huracan STO. Could it have led to an even more potent track machine? Stay with us for all the latest Lamborghini news! Browse Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 21, 2021

Lamborghini Huracan STO Joins Rocket League Roster

The raging bull gets a brand new set of rockets. Rocket League has a long list of different cars in its roster, including the Ford F-150 and McLaren 570S. Now, the new Lamborghini Huracan STO is joining the list as the latest vehicle you can fly across the field. The package that includes the Huracan STO also comes with two different liveries, a matching engine sound, two sets of tires, a Huracan STO player banner and Antenna systems. To coincide with this reveal, Lamborghini will also be the official sponsor of the Rocket League Championship Series X Lamborghini Open. A "Battle of the Bulls" tournament will run from April 23rd to 25th, with the winner taking home $5,000. This tournament will be a series of five one-on-one matches. If you'd like to add the Lamborghini Huracan STO to your Rocket League collection, it will be available from today until April 27th. See All Huracans For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2021

Lamborghini Unveils Three New Models in Shanghai

Raging Bulls in Little China The exotic nature of the Far East draws spectators from around the world. Taking all necessary precautions, Lamborghini has unveiled three new models in Shanghai. As a formidable part of this major show, this represents the future of the brand in Asia. For the first time, journalists were allowed to get up close and personal with the Essenza SCV12 hypercar. Limited to a run of only 40 cars, you know they already have buyers confirmed. Next up is the street-legal racing Huracan, the STO. Super Trofeo Omologata is the culmination of the Huracan's dominance on tracks around the world. The grand finale was the Huracan Fluo Capsule. This special project by their Ad Personam team showcases the bright colors and interior finishes offered by the talented coachbuilders. The ability to make dreams come true is just one reason why Black Sabbath loves Lamborghini. This news follows their Q1 reports which show 2020 has their most profitable year in history. As such, their CEO Mr. Wilkemann had this to say: Automobili Lamborghini closed 2020 with its highest-ever profitability and its second highest-ever in terms of turnover and sales despite an around 2 months factory closure due to the COVID-19. This growing momentum has continued into 2021: the year opened with a very positive outlook, with deliveries in the first 3 months reaching the highest level on record. Orders placed thus far already cover nine months of production." “I am proud and humbled to be leading Lamborghini again, and especially now, at this pivotal point in the company's history. We are working very hard and preparing Lamborghini for a new era. The new development plans to be announced soon will outline how Lamborghini is going to become an even stronger brand, both here in China and around the world.” Tell us which one you like the most in the comments below and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Shop Lamborghini Images (C) Lamborghini

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