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 Jordan Aquistapace – August 19, 2024

Lamborghini Showcases The Future Of Performance At Monter...

Lamborghini takes over Monterey Car Week 2024! At Monterey Car Week 2024, Lamborghini wowed the crowds with its exclusive Lamborghini Lounge Monterey, a luxurious villa where the brand showcased its latest creations. The star of the event was the newly revealed Lamborghini Temerario, a supercar that sets a new standard in hybrid performance. Presented in two vibrant configurations, Blu Marinus and Verde Mercurius, the Temerario is now available with the lightweight 'Alleggerita' package, perfect for track stars. VIP guests had the opportunity to explore the Temerario's state-of-the-art features through a mixed reality experience, combining virtual elements with the physical car. In addition to the Temerario, Lamborghini displayed its fully hybridized lineup, including the Urus SE, the first PHEV version of their luxury Super SUV, and the Revuelto, a hybrid supercar with a jaw-dropping 1,001 horsepower. Guests also experienced Lamborghini's new collaboration with luxury audio brand Sonus Faber, which showed off an exclusive demo of the Revuelto's bespoke in-car sound system. Lamborghini Squadra Corse further impressed with its showcase of three motorsports models, including the SC63, Lamborghini's first hybrid racecar prototype, the Huracán GT3 EVO2, and the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2. Each track-focused model embodies Lamborghini's dedication to motorsports. Adding to the excitement, Roger Dubuis presented its Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph, a watch inspired by the Lamborghini SC63's Verde Mantis livery. The highlight of Monterey Car Week, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, saw Lamborghini's Temerario standing out with its ingenious design on the prestigious Concept Lawn. With Stephan Winkelmann and Mitja Borkert serving as Honorary Judges, Lamborghini once again left a lasting impression on automotive enthusiasts worldwide. View all Lamborghini supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghinis For Sale Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Dylan Orluck – August 19, 2021

Lamborghini Countach 50th Anniversary: The Rally Heard Ar...

On August 10th, 2021, the team at Miami Based vintage car dealership, Curated, put together an event with Luxury Rally Club which will make an indelible mark on automotive history. Twenty-nine vintage Lamborghini examples, including twenty-two Countachs, were unloaded into the parking lot at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay in preparation for their internet debut. Everything from “lowbody” cars to 25th Anniversary Editions were on display with their doors up. Albert Manduca That night, Luxury Rally Club hosted a dinner where the drivers had a chance to take a look at the new Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini timepieces from behind their gifted pairs of Leisure Society sunglasses. The drivers then went to their rooms as they prepared for the trip of a lifetime. On the second day, the cars began to line up with Valentino Balboni leading the pack to Monterey. 22 Countachs hit the streets with an LM002 “Granada-Dakar” and Diablo GT, SE30, SVR variants following up the rear. The evolution of Lamborghini cars lined up one by one as the iconic audience to the 50th anniversary of the Countach. The cars shut down the pier in Santa Cruz, and then made their way into Monterey, their angular forms heralding a week of automotive excellence. duPont REGISTRY And on the third day, The Countach Rally was able to make every automotive enthusiast’s dream come true. All the cars made their way to Laguna Seca for a parade lap around the track. To see this many Countaches is an incredible sight in its own right, but to see them hitting the infamous “Corkscrew” was truly exhilarating. From there, the cars were displayed at the Saint Lucia Preserve party until they drove out onto the field of The Quail event for Friday. Albert Manduca The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering helped bring the rally full circle, for this was the day the brand new Lamborghini Countach was unveiled. Regardless of personal opinion, to experience a week of the Countach’s retro charm culminating in its rebirth within the newest model is unforgettable. A performance like that, which unites nostalgia with radical newness, makes all of Curated’s hard work worth it. duPont REGISTRY Trevor Johnson and his team are first class. They created an experience that goes unmatched by anything that has previously been done in the automotive space. John Temerian and his team took care of the rest and made sure each driver had the time of their lives and a properly running car. It was truly an honor to be a part of history with our dear friends at Curated. It will be hard to surpass the opportunity to participate in The Rally Heard Around the World. The event was sponsored by Turtle Wax, Roger Dubuis, Burgess Yacht, the Luxury Rally Club, and ModFind. View Countach For Sale Media Sources: Albert Manduca & @thespeedyguidy

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 10, 2021

The Countach Rally Presented By Luxury Rally Club And CUR...

The Lamborghini Countach is known as one of the most iconic Italian supercars in automotive history, ever since its prototype debut at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Lamborghini Countach, making Monterey Car Week that much more special to celebrate. The professionals at Luxury Rally Club and CURATED are proud to announce The Countach Rally. The six-day VIP experience starts from The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay with an end destination of Pebble Beach for the Concours d'Elegance. MUST-READ: A New Lamborghini Countach Has Been Announced The Lamborghini featured group will include countless examples of exclusive models from all around the country. During the rally, guests will enjoy a Laguna Seca Track Experience, The Preserve Party, and The Bonhams Private Event. As part of The Countach Rally, Luxury Rally Club has partnered with The Quail Motorsport Gathering to help celebrate 50-years of the legendary Lamborghini Countach. Alongside the numerous VIP events, attendees will have the opportunity to drive on some of the best roads in the world, with a luxury hotel stay and dinner included. The importance of historic supercars is illustrated through the meticulous work of Trevor Johnson at Luxury Rally Club and John Temerian of CURATED, as supercars like the Lamborghini Countach are the very examples that fueled the passion for anything automotive. The Countach Rally presented by Luxury Rally Club and CURATED is making history celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Lamborghini Countach during Monterey Car Week 2021. @countachrally

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster Feature

By Andrew Nabors – August 19, 2019

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster & Huracan EVO GT Ce...

We knew they were saving something special for Monterey, and Lamborghini did not disappoint. At a private event over the weekend, the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster & Huracan EVO GT Celebration were unveiled. Starting with the 10-cylinder Raging Bull, the Huracan EVO GT Celebration was built to celebrate two years of dominance at 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Known colloquially as the 36 Hours of Florida, the Huracan GT3 EVO. As such, only 36 examples will be produced, mimicking the livery of the Grasser Racing Team. Three new body colors are offered from their Ad Personam program, and the 20" Centerlock wheels are borrowed from the Aventador. Speaking of their flagship, the Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster is a collaboration between the Centro Stile design center and the Ad Personam department. Only 63 examples will be offered. in 8 unique liveries. The upper body is available in matte or glossy finishes, with carbon fiber for the roof, engine cover, intakes, and mirrors. Inside you are treated to 3 shades of Alcantara along with their lightweight Carbon Skin package. Of course, every example has already been spoken for, but our dealers are able to build the Aventador of your dreams through the Ad Personam department. Click the link below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Lamborghini updates. Browse Lamborghini Aventador For Sale " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Price, Specs, Photos & Review Lamborghini Huracan EVO Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – August 12, 2019

Lamborghini Miura Receives Dedicated Class at Pebble Beach

Nothing will ever capture your attention like a Lamborghini Miura. It is the result of a team of stylists and engineers who intended to beat Maranello at their own gams. Ferruccio Lamborghini built an empire with his tractor business. As an engineer, he kept finding flaws in his wife's Ferrari. Enzo told him to go back to farming. So began Lamborghini Automobili. He hires Giampolo Dallara, and Marcel Gandini, and the oldest of the group was 27 years old. The Miura is a 4.0L DOHC V12 mounted transversely behind the cockpit. Nothing like it will ever happen again, so the Lamborghini Miura has received a dedicated class at Pebble Beach. Only 763 cars were built by hand between 1966 to 1973, including the famous wreck at the intro of "The Italian Job". When Miura owners heard of this year's special class, only 5 cars met the criteria to be displayed. They are in-transit from around the world, with 3 examples being restored by Lamborghini Polo Storico. The cars are as follows: 1967 P400 from Belvedere, CA Chassis #3087- 22nd production car built 1968 P400 from Medina, WA, Chassis #3303- Originally owned by the Shah of Iran 1968 P400 from Liechtenstein Chassis #3586- The hero car from "The Italian Job" 1972 P400 SV- Owned by FIA President Jean Tod Chassis 3673- Restored by Polo Storico in 2018 1968/1975 SVR- Sold to Shinji Takei, Japan Chassis 3781. Sold to Heinz Steber in Germany (1974) who sent it back to the factory to be converted into a race car. Recently restored by Polo Storico to SVR specs Browse Lamborghini Miura For Sale " width="680">

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