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.

An Arancio Atlas Lamborghini Sián sports car is parked indoors on a patterned floor, viewed from the front left angle, and is now for sale.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2025

One of 63: 2020 Lamborghini Sián Coupe Finished In Aranci...

One of Lamborghini's most legendary supercars is up for sale. Automobili Lamborghini has been a benchmark for Italian design and performance, engineering supercars that balance aggressive styling with mind-blowing horsepower for decades. Beyond its production lineup, Lamborghini occasionally turns its attention to exclusive, small-batch hypercars built for its most dedicated clientele. Born as Lamborghini's first hybrid production car, the Sián debuted in 2019 with just 63 units planned as a nod to the company's founding year of 1963. The car's name, "Sián," means "lightning" in Bolognese, which fits perfectly considering it combines the manufacturer's iconic naturally aspirated V12 with a touch of electrification. The team at Velocity Honolulu is proud to present this 2020 Lamborghini Sián as part of its inventory of exotics for sale on duPont REGISTRY. Finished in a vibrant Arancio Atlas gloss paint, this Sián example pays homage to Lamborghini's early use of bold colors on icons like the Miura. The sharp, wedge-shaped bodywork features gloss carbon fiber accents that both add to its timeless look and also shed unnecessary weight and improve aero. From its front fascia and Y-shaped headlights to its rear with hexagonal taillights and integrated active aero, the Sián looks more like a concept car than a five-year-old production supercar. Lightweight multi-spoke wheels, staggered for performance, complete its aggressive stance and guarantee the Sián can lay down the power while setting lap times. Step inside, and the Sián takes a different approach. Instead of drowning you in luxury, it strips things back to keep the focus on the drive. The black-and-orange cabin mirrors the exterior, running through the sport seats, center console, and steering wheel with an aggressive but purposeful style. Carbon fiber trim reinforces the lightweight DNA, while the layout feels more like a cockpit than a lounge, reminding you that, despite its exclusivity, Lamborghini built the Sián strictly for speed first. Under the skin is where the Sián really makes its mark. The 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 produces over 808 horsepower when combined with its electric motor, making it the most powerful Lamborghini ever when it launched. Instead of a heavy lithium-ion battery, it uses a supercapacitor for instant power delivery, setting it apart from most hybrids on the road. Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Sián rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. It's fast, loud, and dramatic, everything you expect from Lamborghini, yet it also hints at the electrified direction supercars are inevitably heading. View Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 26, 2022

The New Life-Size LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sián Model Use...

The 1:8 scale LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sián now has a much bigger counterpart. In 2020, Lamborghini and LEGO announced the launch of a LEGO Technic model of the Lamborghini Sián in 1:8 scale. However, both brands have decided to join forces again and up the ante, this time creating a 1:1, life-size recreation of the car by using over 400,000 LEGO pieces of over 154 types of LEGO. What resulted is a stunningly impressive and realistic model that matches the shape and look of the Lamborghini Sián and captures its beautiful design. MUST READ: Top 10 Lamborghinis Ever Made The model matches the dimensions of the Sián with absolute perfection, with the chassis covered in hexagonal LEGO pieces that together tessellate and form a shell like the bodywork of the car, and the hexagonal shape of the pieces forms a beautiful reference to one of Lamborghini’s most iconic design motifs. The LEGO designers, however, didn’t stop there. They also recreated the interior of the car, with a steering wheel that has the Lamborghini logo on it, racing seats, and an instrument panel. The model took over 8,660 hours of work to complete and weighs more than 4,850 pounds, and for the first time ever, a LEGO model was given a paint-effect coating to match the official Lamborghini paint. The model is on display at Museo Automobili Lamborghini in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, and just like the real car, it’s quite an impressive sight. View All Lamborghinis For Sale Source: Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 14, 2022

Check The Spec: 2020 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 in Arancio A...

The chance at owning one of Lamborghini's most exclusive models. Automobili Lamborghini continues its legacy as an iconic Italian brand through its lineup of performance-focused supercars. Although the fleet features regular production models that are shipped worldwide to thousands of happy owners, Lamborghini also creates limited-edition examples exclusively for its top clients. The Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 is the brand’s latest small-batch production hypercar, with a production of only 63-units worldwide. The Italian supercar specialist at Lamborghini Palm Beach is proud to showcase this 2020 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 as one of the only examples for sale on the market today. The exterior of the Sián features a vibrant gloss Arancio Atlas finish that pays homage to the early years of Lamborghini and its use of color on famous models like the Miura. The body lines are accentuated with gloss exposed carbon fiber components that help to alleviate extra weight while enhancing the hypercar’s aerodynamics. A staggered set of factory lightweight multi-spoke wheels help provide the road contact needed to push the Lamborghini Sián to its limits. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: A Designo Desert Sand BRABUS G700 While the exterior resembles a futuristic spaceship, the interior takes on a minimalistic layout that connects the driver to the vehicle without any distractions. The interior features a black and orange design that flows through the sport-style cabin, incorporating highlights into the sport bucket seats, carbon trim, center console, and sport steering wheel. The Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 delivers over 808-horsepower from a 6.5-Liter Naturally-Aspirated V12 paired with an electric hybrid motor. Managed by a state-of-the-art 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic transmission, the Sián FKP 37 launches from 0-60mph in only 2.8-seconds. Making its appearance as one of the only examples for sale, this 2020 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 from Lamborghini Palm Beach is currently available with 476-miles for $3,999,951. View the vehicle listing on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming Check The Spec specials. View Listing

By Edward Jones – June 08, 2021

Life-Size LEGO Lamborghini Sian Took Almost a Year to Make

But can we drive it? A life-size LEGO Lamborghini Sian has just been unveiled and it's absolutely unreal. While we've seen the LEGO Lamborghini Sian in 1:8 scale, we've never seen a true 1:1 creation until now. And as far as 1:1 LEGO automotive creations go, this may be the most impressive one yet. A team of 15 from both LEGO Group and Lamborghini spent 8,660 hours, or about 360 days, to create the finished product. In total, 400,000 Technic elements were used, including 20 elements that were molded specifically for this creation. The exterior also features a paintbrush-effect UV color coating, which is a first for a large-scale model and a perfect match to the 1:8 scale LEGO Technic model. It features a detailed interior, as well as lighting created from LEGO Technic elements. While you can't necessarily build this model, you can buy the 1:8 model by click the button below. Shop the Sian On LEGO.com Source: Lamborghini

By Andrew Nabors – January 06, 2021

First 2021 Lamborghini Sian in North America Delivered By...

After flying halfway around the Earth, the first 2021 Lamborghini Sian has been delivered by Lamborghini Newport Beach. In their latest YouTube upload, we see a lucky customer being treated to the ultimate Christmas gift. After arriving in a new Lamborghini Urus, the box was unwrapped to reveal a work of art. Lamborghini Sian Roadster Explained by Chief Technical Officer Not only is it their first hybrid, it is the first production hybrid to use ultracapacitors instead of heavy batteries. Only 63 cars were offered, and all are sold. Each will arrive with 803 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. Locking differentials allow it to reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, making it the fastest and most powerful Lamborghini ever offered. The staff stands ready to make your dreams come true, so click the button to find your destiny at Lamborghini Newport Beach. Browse Inventory " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 25, 2020

UPDATE: More Images of the First Lamborghini Sian Roadste...

It is delightful to see such a dedicated team. In just a few months, the most advanced Lamborghini concept ever shown has become a reality. In an Instagram post by team member @mitjaborkert, the first Lamborghini Sian Roadster was presented to CEO Stefano Domenicali. The man responsible for the Urus, Aventador SVJ, and the Centenario now has another hypercar to his credit. He is the Chief that must build a case to his bosses at VW that Lamborghini needs to stay on the cutting edge. Therefore, the Sian Roadster uses a 774 horsepower V12 and supercapacitors to offer 807 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Click the button below to find great offers on 2020 models and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 20, 2020

Lamborghini Sian Smart Material System Explained

With the ever-increasing power of their big V12, engineers at Lamborghini developed an ingenious cooling system. When underhood temperatures exceed the safety margin, four flaps begin to open just ahead of the rear spoiler. The Lamborghini Sian Coupe & Roadster are the first production cars to use smart metals, so they were quick to patent the system before the cars were introduced. Lamborghini Sian Roadster Unveiled With Hybrid Supercapacitor Memory metals are not new, but they are expensive to produce. It is worth it to forego complex electronic parameters and servos, as these memory springs can operate reliably for thousands of heat cycles. Nothing beats an analog solution in our modern, digital world, so we salute the workers in Sant'Agata for thinking outside the box. The Sian represents the future of Lamborghini, so click the button below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 28, 2020

Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 by LEGO Technic Unveiled

To celebrate the life of an automotive visionary, Lamborghini decided to name their most powerful car ever built in honor of Ferdinand Karl Piëch. As the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, he led VW group to purchase Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Ducati in order to bring them into the modern era. The 1:8 scale car arrives in a hard case that evokes the lines of the supercar. No less than 3,696 pieces are included, along with unique instructions. QR codes on the pages will unlock a video library from Lamborghini and Lego designers and engineers. This new LEGO Technic set has a ton of features that make it exciting not only to build but to show off. First, there's the replica of the Sián's powerful V12 engine that sits right by the moveable rear spoiler. Like all real Lamborghini models, this one has scissor doors that open up to a brilliant cockpit. Between the seats rests a fully-functioning eight-speed sequential gearbox that's controlled via a moveable paddle shift. There's also a functioning steering wheel with the Automobili Lamborghini badge. That wheel controls each of the golden wheels that also benefit from front and rear suspension. But the fun little details don't stop there. If you open the front hood, there's even a replica Lamborghini overnight bag.The kit will be available directly from Lego beginning June 1st for $379.99. In the meantime, our dealers have great incentives on new & pre-owned Aventadors, so click the button below to find yours. Browse Lamborghini Aventador For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 17, 2019

Lamborghini Celebrates One Million YouTube Subscribers

Being successful in the Supercar world means keeping in touch with your clientele. For every manufacturer that understands modern advertising, there are dozens who produce truly awful campaigns. A search for incompetent car commercials will lead you down a rabbit hole of confusion. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. A beacon of hope among lesser brands is Lamborghini's video department. That is why we congratulate them on this achievement. Last night Lamborghini reached 1,000,000 YouTube subscribers. Browse Lamborghini For sale Each time we gain another million Facebook fans, we come together and exchange ideas. The celebration is a time for rewarding hard work while looking to the future. We couldn't be where we are without Ferrucio Lamborghini or Valentino Balboni. Their inspiration is carried into the modern era with a lineup that includes the Sian V12 Hybrid and the wild Urus family rocketship. So, here's to your next million fans, from all of us at the duPont REGISTRY. " width="680"> Related: Live Look at the Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 at Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – September 11, 2019

Live Look at the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 at Frankfurt Mot...

Walking through the Lamborghini booth in Frankfurt, we were able to get up close and personal with the latest from Lamborghini. It took great leadership and a forward vision to bring Lamborghini into the modern era, and we lament the loss of their inspiration. Although the model was already finished, the head of VW Group passed away on August 25th. That is why the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 Honors the late Dr. Piëch. Browse Lamborghini For Sale Ferdinand Karl Piëch was born in Vienna in 1937. As a grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, he studied as an engineer while also becoming a visionary for Volkswagen's future. Under his leadership, Volkswagen transformed Audi into a luxury brand and oversaw the acquisition of Škoda, SEAT, Bentley, Ducati, Bugatti, and Lamborghini. He even fought off a hostile takeover by his Porsche cousins who attempted to take the entire company private in 2011. So many enthusiasts and employees have him to thank for leading VW into the modern era. We thought it would be Porsche who would honor him first, but the good people of Sant'Agata chose their latest supercar as a fitting tribute. The Lamborghini Sián represents the future of the brand. Combining their bulletproof V12 with supercapacitors is the perfect blend of power and hybrid technology. Lamborghini Chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: Prof. Dr. Piëch innately understood the attraction and potential of the Lamborghini brand and how it could fit within the Volkswagen Group, whilst retaining its unique Italian super sports car identity and design and engineering. (He) was an engineer and an innovator, particularly appreciating the appeal of the iconic Lamborghini V12 powertrain on which today, the Sián FKP 37 combines pioneering hybrid technologies. The Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 provides fitting recognition of the role Piëch, and the Volkswagen Group, played in facilitating our flourishing brand today, as well as heralding Lamborghini’s innovative route to the future.” Ferdinand Karl Piëch: April 17, 1937-August 25th 2019 Ferdinand Piech, chairman of Volkswagen AG, passes through a display of automobiles at the company's annual general meeting (AGM) in Hanover, Germany, on Thursday, April 25, 2013. Volkswagen AG, Europe's biggest automaker, aims to offset plunging European demand this year by rolling out 60 new and updated models, including luxury cruisers like the Bentley Flying Spur. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** Ferdinand Piech Related: Lamborghini Sián Hybrid Debuts Ahead of Frankfurt Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster & Huracan EVO GT Celebration Unveiled

Lamborghini News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe