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 – May 06, 2020

2021 Lamborghini Huracán EVO RWD Spyder to be Unveiled Us...

Sending power to all tires is fun, but the thrill of a drift and less weight make many people happy. That is why Lamborghini will be unveiling the 2021 Huracan EVO RWD Spyder using augmented reality. We learned in a press release this morning that unprecedented cooperation with Apple will allow anyone running iOS 11 to view the car full size. The show will start at 7 A.M. tomorrow at Lamborghini.com, and it can be viewed by anyone with an iPhone or iPad with iOS 11 and an A9 processor or later. This includes iPhone 6 and later, including iPhone SE, iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad mini (5th generation or later), iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPod touch (7th generation). Our guess is that the Huracan EVO RWD Spyder will be the lightest V10 convertible on the market. To see what sets the Huracan EVO apart from competitors, click the link below to experience one for yourself and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Huracan Evo For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 10, 2020

2020 Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD in Action

The moon is full and the weather is perfect. That means a few of us will be leaving work in style. A little drifting now and then helps your differential stay healthy, so that is why we love watching the 2020 Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD in action. Over 200 lbs was lost when removing the center and front differentials, so engineers had the freedom to enhance the rear-wheel steering software. It arrives with 19" wheels and steel rotors, so it will be a low-maintenance & affordable daily driver. Our dealers are ready to give you all the info, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Huracan updates. Browse all Lamborghini Huracan For Sale " width="680"> Related: New Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD is a Pure Driver's Car Lamborghini Huracan EVO Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – January 06, 2020

New Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD is a Pure Driver's Car

Lamborghini has just announced the Huracan Evo Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) as the successor to the LP580-2. This new model is Lamborghini's love letter to driver's who love cars that are truly centered around the experience. The V10 engine delivers 610 horsepower to the rear wheels, while the new Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS) manages the torque. This is the system that will manage power during drifts and sideways action. Lamborghini has also configured the P-TCS to react differently depending on the drive mode selected. For example, in Strada mode the P-TCS will minimize rear-wheel slippage while Sport mode will see a lot more slippage. Aside from the P-TCS, Lamborghini has equipped the Lamborghini EVO RWD with a few more tricks to hide up its sleeves. For steering, the Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) system has been tuned just for the Huracan EVO RWD and there are also new exterior aero components that make the new model stand out in Lamborghini's lineup. Deliveries of the Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD will start in Spring 2020 and will come with a starting price of $208,571 with taxes excluded. For those picking one up, you'll be glad to know that Alexa has been incorporated into the Huracan EVO range. You can see this in action in the video below. SEE ALL LAMBORGHINI HURACANS FOR SALE " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 16, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan AWD Dominates Drifting

Drifting a Rear Wheel Drive Car is easy, turn the steering wheel and stomp the gas pedal. However, the opposite is true in 4WD and AWD cars. Cars like the Porsche 993 series 911 Turbo and the early Subaru WRX had permanent 4WD. Once the back wheels broke loose, the front tires were quickly destroyed as they are spinning against themselves. That is why the Lamborghini Huracan AWD dominates drifting. Finding a spouse that shares your passions is worth the wait. Such is the case with Samuel & Stina Hubinette this race-winning couple love to destroy rubber, but the latest Lamborghini Huracan for sale won't let them. Browse All Lamborghini Huracan For Sale Realizing the car is drifting for fun, the center differential instantly disconnects the front wheels. Replacing two tires is cheaper than 4, and the car can pull you home on FWD if you burn the rears beyond comprehension. " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Huracan EVO: Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 11, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan RWD Makes Any Airport Safer

Here in the U.S. our FAA requires ground crews to use hand signals and cone lights to park jetliners. Not only does it pose a risk, it requires several people doing the same job across the tarmac. That's why a bright orange Raging Bull is a much better idea. Let's see how a Lamborghini Huracan RWD makes any airport safer. The press release says this continues decades of cooperation between Lamborghini, and their local airport in Bologna. Each car has strobe lights, bright graphics, and a constant open channel to the control tower. We hope the FAA is taking notes, so click the button below to find your Lamborghini Huracan for sale. Browse All Lamborghini Huracan For Sale " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Huracan EVO Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – October 25, 2019

Lamborghini Will Test New Carbon Fiber on the Space Station

Look to the skies for the latest from Lamborghini. To improve the production of their composite materials, Lamborghini will test new carbon fiber on the Space Station. Five samples of different composites will be examined in Zero-G, orbiting the Earth at close to 18,000 mph. Advanced carbon fiber has been used in spacecraft for decades, most notably the leading edge of the Space Shuttle's wings. What has yet to make it to space is the 3D-printed continuous fiber we first saw on the Sesto Elemento. It evolved into the Forged Composite rear spoiler of the Huracan Performante. Find Your Lamborghini Here Their goal is to test the validity of replacing critical aluminum parts with stronger versions of CF. The test parts will be launched on a Northrop Grumman Antares rocket (sorry Elon) at some point before November 2nd. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 16, 2019

Experience the Lamborghini Huracan EVO's Futuristic Capab...

Lamborghini released the new Huracan EVO as an evolutionary step for their incredible supercar. Its potent 5.2-liter V10 engine produces a mean 640 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 443 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. But what is power without control? For that, Lamborghini went above and beyond. First up is the new Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI), which is a centralized system. The LDVI is essentially the brain of the car, determining how the car will react to the driver's input depending on the environment and selected driving mode. This includes the EVO's torque vectoring system, which utilizes three electronic differentials. Lamborghini also introduced their new human-machine interface (HMI), found on the central tunnel inside the Huracan EVO. It consists of an 8.4-inch multi-touch capacitive screen. Within the new HMI, the driver can control entertainment functions, driving dynamics, navigation, vehicle telemetry and more. The new Lamborghini HMI is a huge step forward in the brand's technological evolution. If you're ready to check out the new and incredibly impressive Lamborghini Huracan EVO, you're in luck. Right now, at Lamborghini San Diego, you can test drive a beautiful Grigio example of the EVO. And if you like it, you could buy it on the spot. For more information, be sure to click the button below. learn more now

By Andrew Nabors – August 23, 2019

O'Gara Beverly Hills Lamborghini Huracán EVO Teaser

If you are considering the latest from Lamborghini, our friends at O'Gara can make it happen. Their sales staff has received extensive training to show you the features and abilities of this Raging Bull. To give you a preview of your life with this amazing machine, their latest YouTube film will have your mouth watering. The Evo offers 630 horsepower to all wheels thanks to a dual-clutch transmission. The interior has been redesigned with an HMI, or Human Machine Interface. Compared to earlier Huracans, it is comfortable, ergonomic, and much more controllable at the limit. So without further adieu, here is O'Gara Beverly Hills Lamborghini Huracán EVO Teaser. Of course, they have more than just Huracans. The Aventador series and the Urus are nicely represented in their showroom. Should you not find your dream car, they have a hotline to Lamborghini's Ad Personam custom shop. Click the link below to browse their inventory, and stay with us for all your O'Gara updates. Browse Lamborghini Beverly Hills' Inventory Related: Lamborghini Beverly Hills' Grand Opening

By Andrew Nabors – August 09, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan EVO Dynamics Team Wins Award

While the latest Lamborghini Huracan EVO shares a similar design with earlier versions, engineers were given free reign to refresh it. Going through each system with a fine-tooth comb, they were able to surpass everyone's expectations. That's why the Lamborghini Huracan EVO Dynamics Team won an award at the International Vehicle Dynamics Awards. Because modern cars are so complex, Dynamics refers to how the car responds to human input and changing grip conditions. Earlier versions of the Huracan and the Gallardo before it used separate computers for each system. Seeking to speed up the car's response, every system has been integrated into one central processor. LVDI stands for Lamborghini Dynamic Vehicle Integration. It monitors and even anticipates driver input from steering angle, throttle, and braking. In doing so, it continually adjusts the torque sent to each wheel, rear-wheel steering angle, rotational G-Force, and the current applied to the magnetic shocks. Lamborghini Leads Huracan EVO Expedition into the Arctic This is all controlled through the Human-Machine Interface. Lamborghini's first touchscreen is 8.4" and controls infotainment, connectivity, climate, and it allows you to fine-tune the aforementioned LVDI to your driving style. The difference between the EVO and its predecessor is night & day, and I would daily drive it. But don't take my word for it, click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Find Your Huracan Here! " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Huracan EVO Price, Specs, Photos & Review

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