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 Tyler Rampersaud – March 28, 2023

Lamborghini Shares A Teaser Video Ahead Of New Flagship R...

Lamborghini’s new era starts very soon.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 24, 2023

Lamborghini Celebrates The 60th Anniversary Of Its Factory

60 years ago it was empty land and a dream. Now it’s one of the greatest names in the automotive world.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 24, 2023

1-of-1 Custom Bespoke Widebody Lamborghini Aventador SV-R...

No expense has been spared to bring this aggressive Lamborghini Aventador SV to life.

By Andrew Nabors – November 16, 2021

Lamborghini Urus Price, Specs, and Photos

Urus Price The Lamborghini Urus for sale is approximately $218,000 brand new although approximately 70% of buyers spend an average of an extra $40,000 to customize their Super SUVs. As only the second SUV released by the iconic brand, Lamborghini has exceeded expectations for their latest crossover. Despite the huge interest in the Lamborghini Urus specs, production numbers are only expected to reach around 9,000 to maintain the exclusivity that Lamborghini is accustomed to. This will ensure that the Lamborghini Urus price does not fall below its current value, however, buyers who are interested in purchasing a used Lamborghini Urus in the future should be prepared to shell out for the upgrades and luxury options that many are opting for. Considering all that you get, no matter the options the Lamborghini SUV price is well worth it. The Urus is not only a Lamborghini, a vehicle everyone wants to be seen in, it's also incredibly capable. VIDEO REVIEW: Lamborghini Urus Urus Review First introduced to the market at the end of 2017, the new Lamborghini Urus specs shocked the world with its debut as the world’s very first Super Sports Utility Vehicle. Created and manufactured by the renowned Italian automaker, the expectation for the Lamborghini Urus horsepower is 641 hp. After an in-depth Lamborghini Urus review, however, the breathtaking SUV undoubtedly proves that it is worthy of donning the legendary Lamborghini brand. From the impeccable driving elements to its flawless acceleration and undeniable curb appeal, the Urus marries together practicality and exorbitance to establish an entirely new species of Sports Utility Vehicles. Urus Specs After a few laps of urban and highway driving, we decided to see what makes the Lamborghini Urus for sale such an attractive machine. First, it makes use of a compact 4-liter V8 and twin turbos. When spooled, they provoke the raging bull to run 0-60 mph in 2.93 seconds. If you have the constitution to handle such acceleration, the Lamborghini Urus top speed is 190 mph. Not many SUVs will ever be able to match the 1/4 mile times of 11.3 at 121 mph. Given the Lamborghini Urus weight of nearly 5,000 lbs without passengers, the Lamborghini Urus performance is easy to see Lamborghini Urus Specs: Price: $255,000 Engine: 4.0-liter Twin Turbo V8 Transmission: 8-speed Automatic Horsepower: 641 hp Torque: 627 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 2.93 seconds 1/4-Mile: 11.2 Seconds @ 120 mph Top Speed: 190 mph Weight: 4,844 lbs Urus Engine Fueled by a robust V-8 bi-turbo engine, the Lamborghini Urus specs are nothing short of impressive. Generating 641 horsepower and maximum torque of 627 lb-ft allow the super SUV to reach a staggering top speed of 190 MPH. Equally, awe-inspiring is the Lamborghini Urus 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. While the engine itself is powerful, the performance is enhanced by Lamborghini’s focus on the power-to-weight ratio, which is ranked as number one among all SUVs currently on the market. It is the first Lamborghini V8 to use reverse-flow heads. The intake manifolds are outboard while the exhaust ports feed both turbos inside the valley. Not only do they spool instantly, but the catalytic converters and oxygen sensors are also relatively easy to access. It is half the size of the engine found in Lamborghini's first SUV and makes twice the power. Not only will your family arrive in style, but you can also tow 7,000 lbs with ease Urus Transmission The 2018 Lamborghini Urus is operated with an exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission that allows for a smooth transition from stop to go and every move in-between. Built to order by ZF, each ratio was chosen to keep the engine in its powerband with the turbos spinning. Harnessing the power of the engine and this well-balanced weight-to-power ratio, the Lamborghini Urus specs a transmission that gains assistance from several other features. Implementations such as permanent 4-wheel drive and active torque vectoring enable the Urus to tackle any terrain. What's more, the Urus is equipped with a top-of-the-line Adaptive Network Intelligent Management (ANIMA) selector that comes complete with six driving modes, including Strada, Sport, Corsa, Sabbia, Neve, Terra, and Ego modes. Each of these modes enhances the performance of the Urus in specific circumstances to give drivers total control of their driving experience while maintaining a sporty behavior. Urus Brakes Like most Lamborghini Urus specs, it arrives equipped with an advanced braking system. In the front, the Lamborghini Urus brakes are equipped with 10 piston brake calipers while single-piston calipers are placed in the rear. Also comparable to the sports car renditions, these highly renowned brakes allow the Urus to go from 60 MPH to a standstill in just 110 feet. The front rotors are 17.3" with 10-piston calipers while the rears measure 14.5: with six pistons. Not only are they the largest carbon ceramics, but the Lamborghini Urus brakes are also the largest brakes of any production vehicle. They are commanded by the latest instability control, which can be relaxed by changing driving modes. Urus Design Best known for their exotic, sleek, and over-the-top sports cars, Lamborghini Urus specs are those of a groundbreaking SUV. Despite the substantial differences between traditional Lamborghini models and ordinary Sports Utility Vehicles, the Italian automaker set out to combine the best of both worlds without defying the brand’s identity. The result of this concept is a vehicle that is equal parts sports car and off-road SUV. Standing at 64.5 inches in height, 201.3 inches in length, and 79.4 inches in width with a curb weight of 4,900lbs, the Lamborghini Urus is both muscular and sleek with a coupe-like appearance. Urus Interior Step inside the world of a Lamborghini SUV, fully equipped with five seats. From top to bottom, the interior of the 2018 Urus is sophisticated in terms of both aesthetics and technology. From a visual standpoint, the interior exudes fine Italian craftsmanship and an alluring mystique that can only be found in a Lamborghini truck. Dressed in natural leather, Alcantara, and contrasting stitching, there is no doubt that this SUV looks the part. Furthermore, the Lamborghini Urus specs offer the widest variety of customization options ever presented in a Lamborghini to ensure the perfect fit for every owner. When it comes to technology, there is no shortage of state-of-the-art additions in the cockpit. Three separate TFT screens and a virtual keyboard launch the Urus into the future with a focus on driver comfort and control. Despite all of these inclusions, the interior of the Lamborghini Urus remains true to the brand’s DNA and follows the same “Y” dash architecture found within the brand’s flagship sports car models. Urus Standout Features Despite the fact that the Lamborghini Urus is not a traditional super sports car, it is a much more practical purchase for many drivers. With top speeds of 190 MPH, it is the fastest SUV in the world and because of its sports car influence in design, it looks every bit a Lamborghini. Likewise, it is able to comfortably accommodate 5 passengers, unlike most Lamborghini sports cars. This alone has certainly sparked the interest of those who would not ordinarily be interested in a vehicle produced by Lamborghini. Paired with its potent performance, off-road capabilities, and lavish interior that focuses on comfort, the Lamborghini Urus is the ultimate Sports Utility Vehicle. To make the Urus even more capable, Lamborghini unveiled the Urus ST-X, a race-ready version of the SUV that is planned to compete in model-specific races. There were plans for the races to begin in 2020, but the pandemic seemed to push that back. Still, Lamborghini will surely be updating the world with news regarding the Urus ST-X races soon. Sell My Lamborghini Urus: Get a Cash Offer View All Lamborghini Urus For Sale " width="680"> Image Source: Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 07, 2021

Automobili Lamborghini Unveils The All-New Aventador LP 7...

The Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae. It takes time to become timeless. The Lamborghini Aventador continues to lead the way as the brand’s iconic performance-focused V12 powered supercar platform. With an array of renditions and special edition models, the Aventador is consistently being developed in pursuit of obtaining maximum power, aerodynamics, and stability. Automobili Lamborghini announces the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae: a celebration of the iconic V12 super sports car and combustion engine in a final production model, concentrating the purest features of all Aventador editions into a perfect finale. The Aventador LP 780-4 harnesses the performance of the SVJ and intensifies the sophisticated elegance of the Aventador S, converging design and dynamism into a decisive collector’s piece in both coupé and roadster forms. The twelve-cylinder, 6.5-liter ‘Longitudinale Posteriore’ (LP) engine delivers 770-hp: 40-hp more than the Aventador S and 10-hp over the SVJ to its permanent four-wheel drive. The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae celebrates the Lamborghini Aventador’s complex yet elegant lines and surfaces: the culmination of Lamborghini’s aspirated-V12 design legacy. Although pricing is yet to be released, a new palette of options for exterior and interior is created for owners of the 350 coupés and 250 roadsters numbered editions of the Ultimae, offering a refined yet dynamic, elegant yet distinctive representation of the last Aventador. Check back for more release information on the all-new Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster. View all current Lamborghini models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini Aventador For Sale Media/Info Source: Automobili Lamborghini For more Lamborghini news, Check out Makes And Movements: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ x Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2021

Happy Birthday Mr. Lamborghini!

The boss would be 105 today! Ferruccio Lamborghini was a Renaissance Man. Seeing his nation devastated by WWII, he began building tractors to get Italian Agriculture back on on top. Along the way, he also patented home appliances and a compact home air conditioner. He would have been 105 years old today, so his company is celebrating their founder. This comes on the heels of Squadra Corse teasing a new supercar. An industrialist who was unsatisfied with quality of his wife's Ferrari, he hired the best minds from around the world to build an all-new V12. This engine was so revoltionary is lasted until 2001 and the end of the Diablo. Along the way, he took a chance by hiring a 17 year-old Argentinian genius named Horacio Pagani. When the Miura needed a test driver, Valentino Balboni joined the family. Now that Lamborghini and Bugatti are both under the leadership of Stephan Winkelmann, the future looks bright for the home of the Raging Bulls. Shop Lamborghini Images (C) Lamborghini

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

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2021

Why Black Sabbath Loves Lamborghini

Legendary Guitarist Tommy Iommi shares his love for the brand. If you happen to find yourself on stage shredding with Ozzy, you've made it in life. Being a founding member of Black Sabbath, Tommy has been touring since 1968. When he isn't on the road, he spends time with his Lamborghini collection. In the latest press release from Sant' Agata we learned it all started with a pair of Espadas. From there he bought a pristine Miura SV, the world's first supercar that also happens to be 50 years old this month. Even though Ozzy left and came back a few times, the music is just as powerful as his cars. “For us it was all about sticking to what we do, what we believe in and what we like, from day one and all the way through. I’ve never changed my style because it’s the fashion. We’ve been in and out of fashion ourselves as things around us were constantly changing. But we never compromised and came back as big as ever, until we filled stadiums again. It was brilliant!” “We started the heavy metal genre, which inspired bands like Metallica and Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters to find their own styles. Music changes as it goes on, but ours has pretty much stayed the same, because that’s what we do: when you’re involved in something and it’s in you, that’s what you play. We have improved it over the years, but we retained the original thing. Equally, Lamborghini has always looked for innovation while always retaining that unmatched power and unmistakable sound.” You know what must be done. Leaving work today, crank up the volume and play NIB on repeat. Tell us your favorite Lamborghini in the comments below and stay with us for all your celebrity car news. Shop Lamborghini Images (C) Lamborghini

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2021

Lamborghini Miura SV Turns 50 This Year

The world's first supercar What good is a V8 if it's on top of the front wheels? That was the question Ferruccio Lamborghini asked his team in 1965. Their answer was to mount the engine transversely (east-west) behind the cockpit. The result is a car with unbeatable grip and performance, even by modern standards. It also happens to be one of the most beautiful bodies ever sculpted by Bertone, so we're excited that the Lamborghini Miura SV turns 50 this year. Almost all of them are accounted for, but we need you to help Curated find the lost SV. Known as the P400 project, the Super Veloce sought to squeeze every ounce of performance from the Miura. The boss turned to his chief engineers Giampaolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani to push the car to its limits. Their upgrades included separate oil systems for the engine and transmission, with coolers for each. New carburetors fed more aggressive cams while also improving the car's temperment on the street. The Miura SV debuted in 1971 with 385 horsepower, a stiffer chassis, and 9" wide rear wheels. The car was and is far ahead of its time, and that's why we love offering them to you. Click the button to find your Miura and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini For Sale Images (C) Lamborghini

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2021

Lamborghini Celebrates 400th Huracan Race Car

In a normal world, automakers build a handful of hardcore track machines that we love to sneak onto the street. Because they value customer satisfaction above everything else, Lamborghini is celebrating their 400th Huracan Race Car. Since the Huracan entered professional motorsports in 2014, they have built more track monsters than other Italian companies build for an entire production run. Our friend Stephan Winkelmann (President and CEO) said: We are proud of the milestone, which is important not only for Squadra Corse but for the whole company. In a few years Squadra Corse has established itself in the most important international competitions and the Huracán GT3 and Super Trofeo are an undisputed point of reference in the Gran Turismo category.” The Huracans have over 100 wins, including Daytona three times in a row. Last year they saw 88 drivers in 24 teams compete around the world, but you don't need a fire suit to push the Huracan to its limits. The Huracan STO is a street-legal version of the GT3, and you can learn all about by clicking the button below. Browse Huracan For Sale Images (C) Lamborghini

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