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 – 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 Andrew Nabors – August 05, 2019

Lamborghini Lounge Opens in Porto Cervo

When you hear someone mention an Italian island, Sicily is usually involved. But Italy has another island that is just as beautiful. Sardinia is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, and it enjoys perfect weather year-round. On the northern end lies a historic port, as it offers the shortest distance to the mainland. Because it is a playground for the fashion world and mega-yacht owners, the latest Lamborghini Lounge has opened in Porto Cervo. Much like their first lounge in Manhattan, it is a trendy yet informal exhibition of Haute Couture along with the latest Lamborghini models. Chief Marketing Officer Katia Bassi said: " The aim of this intimate and luxurious venue is to develop a vibrant bond between visitors and our brand, highlighting Lamborghini DNA and our new products. Following the Lounges created in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Melbourne and Monterey, our Porto Cervo destination also fully interprets the key values of the brand, including Informal Luxury. Our customers love to enhance their leisure time in the spirit of informal style, yet without forgoing elegance and exclusiveness, which they will find here.” It is almost 6,460 square feet, and host to a new Huracan EVO Coupe & Spyder. The Aventador SVJ takes center-stage and the Urus is open for all to see. Clothing and accessories are on sale, and enthusiasts can become immersed in a 50th Anniversary Exhibition. We wish more manufacturers would follow their lead, but it is this level of dedication that keeps Lamborghini at the forefront of exotic car brands. Click the link below to experience the Huracan Evo, and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Huracan For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 04, 2019

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Revealed

Ask a normal engineer to build a convertible, and their first thought is what to sacrifice. Ask Lamborghini to build a roadster and you end up with more than you could imagine. Because the chassis of their flagship is so strong, something unprecedented has happened. The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster has arrived in Geneva. Attendees to the Geneva Motor Show are presented with a Raging Bull in Matte Bronze. Positioned next to the new Huracan Evo Spyder, they represent the state of the art in naturally aspirated power. Unlike previous topless Aventadors, the new roof panels are only 13 lbs. That is because the brand is moving to Resin Transfer Molding in addition to forged carbon. When the roof panels are stowed under the hood, the ALA 2.0 aerodynamic system automatically adjusts for the changes in airflow. Not only does this eliminate cockpit turbulence, it allows the Roadster to perform nearly identical to the coupe. The engine offers 770 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque through a revised 7-speed Independent Shift Rod transmission. Charging from the gate, this Bull reaches 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. Considering the curb weight of 3,472 lbs, it will scare you. Due to the complexities involved in building each example, only 800 cars will be produced. Each one has an MRSP of $573,966 includes delivery, but not any of the wild options by their Ad Personam department. These include over 350 colors, embroidery, additional carbon fiber, and anything your heart desires. Click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Shop Lamborghini Aventador Roadster For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 28, 2018

2018 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster Specs, Price, Photo...

After the unveiling of the new generation of Lamborghini's flagship model, the Aventador S, it was inevitable that a drop-top version would be on its way. And here they are, the 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster specs. “The new Aventador S Roadster sets new benchmarks in technology and performance on both road and track, with the roadster version adding a new dimension in driving enjoyment,” says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Domenicali. “The Aventador S Roadster offers the thrill of open air driving without compromising on driving dynamics or the occupants’ comfort, and adds a further luxurious dimension through the personalization options available.” 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster Specs Price: $460,247 Engine: 6.5-liter V12 Transmission: Seven-speed ISR Horsepower: 740 hp Torque: 509 lb-ft 0-62 mph: 3 seconds Top Speed: 217 mph Why the Ferrari 488 Spider Debuted in Blue Lamborghini is releasing the Aventador S Roadster specs with five different configurations. Each configuration is comprised of leather and Alcantara in both single a bi-color combinations. along with these interior options, customers can get the roof panel internals covered in either the standard black Alcantara or carbon fiber with the Carbon Skin package. For its mechanicals, the Aventador S Roadster takes the coupe's four-wheel drive, active suspension, four-wheel steering and EGO driving mode. It should also go without saying it's also powered by the naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine (740 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque). Lamborghini has stated that the Aventador S Roadster has a 0-62 mph time of 3 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph.

By Andrew Nabors – August 23, 2018

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Leaked Ahead of Reveal

Instagram is home to car spotters around the world, and even if this is just a rendering, I want one. In an Instagram upload last night, we see a fully revealed Aventador SVJ. It looks like the active aerodynamics (ALA 2.0) are not only used on the rear, as extractor vents are now integrated into the nose.Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Teased in Bright Green Lamborghini added winglets ahead of the front fender and wider rocker panels keep the slipstream close to the body, and the trapezoid intake behind the engine rams air into the hollow rear spoiler. This is probably how they chopped 3 seconds off the Nurburgring lap time, using the same technology as the Huracan Performante. Tell us what you think, is this real or is it someone with too much time on your hands? We will cover the unveiling as soon as Lamborghini pulls back the sheets, so stay tuned to our Facebook page for all your Monterey updates.Browse Lamborghini Aventador S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 26, 2018

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Breaks Nurburgring Record

We had a suspicion something momentous happened at the Nürburgring. Lamborghini has been teasing short clips of their run, and now it is official. In a press release, they announced the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ has lapped the historic Nordschleife course in 6:44.9.....That places the Porsche GT2 RS into 2nd place with their 6:47.3, and the Huracan Performante is 3rd with 6:52. Their time was GPS certified using a VBOX-Racelogic telemetry system. 2016 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Specs, Price and Pics CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “The Aventador SVJ takes the Jota suffix, following the Lamborghini tradition for denoting a car’s track-focused talent. This new car is the convergence of Lamborghini technologies to produce a super sports car that transcends current performance benchmarks." Extensive CFD modeling allowed engineers to adapt the ALA aerodynamics from the Huracan Performante into ALA 2.0 for the latest Aventador. Official performance numbers were not released except it has a power to weight ratio of 4.36 lbs/hp. For a comparison, the Corvette ZR1 is at 4.8, which means each horsepower has 1/2 pound more to push around. The Aventador SVJ has chopped the record by 3 seconds, so we can't wait to get behind the wheel. Until it arrives, check out these great offers on the Aventador SV from our dealers:

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2018

Lamborghini Espada & Islero Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Half a century Lamborghini released two beautiful cars. The Espada was their first 4-seater, and it was powered by a 4.0L V12. It was carefully sculpted by Marcello Gandini at Bertone. It had a 10-year run, with 1,226 cars built between 1968 and 1978. Another Raging Bull released in 68 was the Islero. It was the successor to the 400 GT and powered by the same 4.0L V12 along with six Weber carburetors.Lamborghini Marzal in Public for 1st Time Since 1967Production only lasted for 2 years, with the Islero being discontinued for model year 1970. Only 225 examples were produced, making it one of their rarest models. Examples of both models have recently undergone complete restoration by the company's heritage and restoration division "Lamborghini Polo Storico". Both cars will be on tour from September 7-11. The cruise begins in Umbria, and it will be will be a 650 km road trip. Lamborghini has invited collectors to join them on the tour which will head on to Perugia. From there it is on to Assisi, Tuscany and then across the Apennines to Mugello. Then it's over the Futa and Ratticosa Passes to return home to Sant'Agata Bolognese. Only Lamborghini owners can join in the fun, so click the link below to find yours!Lambo A Gogo

By Andrew Nabors – May 24, 2018

Lamborghini's Design Chief on Driving the Espada

Mitja Borkert is the Head of Design at Lamborghini. That title carries a ton of weight considering his predecessors. Names like Bertone and Horacio Pagani have also been responsible for the famous raging bulls. Maybe this is just a coincidence, but for the 2nd time in a week, Lamborghini has mentioned the Espada.Lamborghini Marzal in Public for 1st Time Since 1967Last week we covered the Marzal, the concept that was shown in Monaco 50 years ago. Most of its wild features led to the production of the Espada, and the design is just as stunning today. We rarely believe in coincidence, especially when any of VW's subsidiaries are involved. With the recent introduction of the Urus, Lamborghini is becoming as bold as ever, so maybe a new Espada is in the works? A proper 2+2 with wild lines would be an amazing addition to their lineup. So tell us what you think in the comments below and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news.Browse Lamborghini Espada For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2018

Lamborghini Marzal in Public for 1st Time Since 1967

Last weekend in Monaco, vintage Formula 1 cars, and their drivers gathered for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. A Lamborghini owner decided to shock the crowds with a blast from the past. The Marzal was debuted there 50 years ago, and it made a triumphal entry with Prince Albert behind the wheel. In the press release, Lamborghini says the car was only driven in public once before, by his parents Princess Grace & her husband when they paced the field in the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix.This stunning concept was Bertone's idea of the future. Ferruccio Lamborghini asked for their help to build a 4-seater, and it is clear to see how it influenced the Espada. Since it turned 50 years old this year, a 1968 Espada was also part of the festivities. For many years the Marzal remained at Bertone's headquarters until it was sold for $2 Million in 2011. If you enjoy the clean lines of this concept, we always keep a nice supply of Espadas for sale. Click the link below to find one for yourself and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Espada For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 11, 2018

2018 Lamborghini L595 Zagato Is A Blast From The Past

Four years ago, the famous styling house of Zagato decided to work their magic on the Lamborghini Gallardo. The 595 coupe was intended to be a one-of-one build for a wealthy collector. It was unveiled at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Esta 2014, and the public demanded an encore. We've heard rumors that 3 to 5 examples were built, so we were shocked to see a topless version appear on their page this morning.Lamborghini hasn't produced a Gallardo in years, but that doesn't mean Zagato hasn't been waiting for the right time to release a roadster. We don't yet know if the L595 will have a cloth top or simply none at all. Either way, it will be the most coveted Gallardo on the market, so we'll have all the details once they become available. Until then, click the link below to find your own Gallardo and tell us what you think of Zagato's designs in the comments below Browse Lamborghini Gallardo For Sale Lamborghini 595 Zagato Coupe Gallery

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