Lamborghini News

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

By Andrew Nabors – March 22, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan vs Modded BMW M5

It's going to be a great weekend for racing here in Florida. So keep it at the track and never judge your opponent before the end of the 1/4 mile. Our friend Brooks from Dragtimes knows this all too well, as he has a knack for filming unlikely races. In his latest upload, we see a Lamborghini Huracan vs a modded BMW M5. At first glance, the Italian would seem to have an advantage in both weight and power. The Bavarian opponent looks stock, but it has been treated to a pile of new parts along with a custom tune to take full advantage of them. But the BMW is heavier by 800 lbs, and the rule of thumb is 100 lbs is worth 0.1 seconds in the quarter mile. Once you see who wins, it is easy to guesstimate how much power it is making. Tell us which one you would choose in the comments below, and keep the racing at the track! Shop Huracans For Sale Related: Koenigsegg Jesko Already Soldout Hennessey McLaren 720S HPE900 Dyno Tuning

By Edward Jones – March 22, 2019

Lamborghini Countach Barn Find in Grandma's Garage

Barn find cars are some of the greatest things I can come across in my search for news. Seriously, there's nothing like seeing an exotic or classic car being rediscovered after years of being ignored. It's most certainly sad that these cars are ignored, but sometimes they're left alone for so long that they're like windows into the past. For one Reddit user, u/eriegin, she ended up finding a 1981 Lamborghini Countach in her grandma's garage. Sell My Lamborghini Countach: Get a Cash Offer According to one of her comments, her late grandfather had an exotic car rental business in 1989. Unfortunately, costs became too high for him to operate the company but he at least kept a Countach and Ferrari 308. The classic Italian exotic car had been resting in the "leaky" garage for over 20 years, allowing dust and rust to cover it. It sure is sad, but I'm glad that he's finding joy in the long forgotten car. Barn Find Hunter Uncovers $4,000,000 Of Classics The Reddit user also notes that she's looking to get rid of the 308 and Countach in the near future, but they're "not officially for sale, per se." Lamborghini Countach For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2019

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Wheelie & Record Breaking Quart...

So what happens when incredible power is harnessed by the latest technology? In the case of Lamborghini's flagship, our friend Brooks from DragTimes did the unthinkable. In their latest upload, a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Wheelie sets a new 1/4 mile record. The latest Raging Bull is exponentially more composed than its predecessor. Enabling "Thrust Mode" in a Murciealago not only burned the clutch, but it was also very hard on the driveline. It seems as if years of development have gone into the Aventador SVJ because this footage is proof of the car's abilities. The technology that governs the center differential along with careful mapping of the ignition timing allows the SVJ to be the first known Lamborghini to lift a front wheel. This also serves to put muscle cars on notice: your exclusivity on wheelies is over! Thanks to the Dragtimes team for capturing this, now I have to shop for new drag radials. Stay with us for all your Dragtimes updates! Shop Lamborghini Aventador SVJ FOr Sale Related: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Revealed Lamborghini Centenario and Aventador SVJ Caught Together

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo Collector 2019 Revealed

Lamborghini Squadra Corse has just unveiled the new Huracan Super Trofeo Eco Collector 2019 car. This new model is a special edition of the car used in the Lamborghini championships. Its exterior is finished in a black and gold livery that was designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile. On the roof is a depiction of the movement found in the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Performante, which was revealed recently. It's fitting that this car was unveiled during at the Roger Dubuis Manufacture in Geneva during an event. Check it out in the images below! see all lamborghini huracan performantes for sale

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 – February 26, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder Revealed Before Geneva Mot...

We all knew it was coming, but here it is. Introducing the Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder. The unveiling of this new Lamborghini comes just a little more than a month after its Coupe brother. Power, of course, remains the same at 640 horsepower and 442.54 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, the Huracan EVO Spyder comes in with just a little more weight. Its total weight is around 3,399.5 lbs, about 264 lbs more than the Huracan EVO coupe. Because of this, its 0 to 62 mph time is 3.1 seconds (0.2 seconds slower). Being just a tiny bit slower than the coupe isn't that bad when you see just how beautiful this car is as a spyder. Whether the soft-top is up or down, Lamborghini ensured the Huracan EVO Spyder is as aerodynamic as possible and offers all the downforce a serious driver could need. In fact, the EVO Spyder has more than five times the downforce when compared to the Huracan Spyder. To put the roof back, al it takes is the push of a button that's located on the central tunnel. In a matter of 17 seconds, the roof can be lowered (at speed of up to 31 mph). The driver can also raise or lower a rear window, no matter the position of the roof. Doing so will let the beautiful sound of the V10 ring true in the cabin. The Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder will start being delivered in Spring 2019 with a price of $287,400 (suggested retail price taxes/GST excluded). see all of lamborghinis for sale

By Edward Jones – February 18, 2019

Ever Seen a Disintegrating Lamborghini Miura?

One of the most iconic vehicles within the exotic car world has to be the Lamborghini Miura. Its design, power and prestige make the Miura both a sought after car in the car collector world and one that will always stand out in any show. Artist Fabian Oefner knows just how special this car is and was able to create a beautiful piece of art thanks to it called "Disintegrating X Lamborghini Miura." This piece of art is exceedingly more than just a photograph. It was created by taking photos of each of the car's pieces, which were then placed into a fashion that makes it look as if the car was exploding or disintegrating, if you will. Oefner was able to make this project possible thanks to a friend who was having his Miura restored and suggested that he use this opportunity for a new piece in his "Disintegrating" series. Learn more about it in the video below! view all lamborghinis for sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 13, 2019

Hear the Loud Lamborghini 350 GT V12 Engine on Jay Leno's...

It doesn't take common core math to understand the implications of Leno + Lambo. Lamborghinis look amazing, even if they need to be restored. What you don't normally see is their masterpiece engines up close & personal. That's why we were excited to hear the loud Lamborghini 350 GT V12 engine on Jay Leno's Garage. You might not know that Lamborghini has also been involved in powerboat racing for decades. Alongside the 3.5L V12, Jay invited the owner of an 8.0L marine engine to show off the similarities and differences of each engine. Before Valentino Balboni joined the team, Bob Wallace put each engine through its paces. Every engine was broken in for 12 hours on a dyno before it was installed. It was mounted behind the cockpit in the Miura, in an east-west layout. This allowed the car to be shorter and have great handling. Because the Countach mounted the transmission under the center console, the driveshaft passed through the oil pan to reach the differential. It took innovations like this to change the world. Dual distributors and six carburetors look imposing to novice mechanics, but they have been proven to be one of the most reliable 12 cylinder engines of all time. Turn up your speakers and listen to these raging bulls in action. Click the link below to find a Lamborghini for yourself and stay with us for more great footage from Jay Leno's Garage. View All Lamborghinis For Sale Related: Check Out Jay Leno's Collection Lamborghini Countach Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – February 13, 2019

How the Lamborghini Espada Rat Rod CHD Edition Was Created

While browsing the ol' internet one day, I came across a wild Lamborghini Espada Rat Rod that blew me away. The teams at Danton Arts Kustoms and Carrosserie Hervé took a Lamborghini model that's usually overlooked and turned it into a one-of-a-kind piece of art. I wondered how this project came about, and now I have answers thanks to a story from the builders themselves. Enjoy! By Hervé Castagno – Owner of Carrosserie Hervé The idea of the creation of this work of art and others to come was born from an inital meeting: Alexandre Danton of Danton Arts Kustoms visited ‘Carrosserie Hervé ’ with his father-in-law to see the many accolades of this workshop. During this meeting, Alexander did not say a word, rather in his eyes he left with the imagination and inspiration of achieving something great. I told myself that there was something that could be formed from this relationship. Danton is known for his extreme creations and his art of steel forms. He showed great passion for his art and the delivery of his vision in the form of automobiles is extraordinary. I've always had a passion for Italian sports cars especially after participating in many shows in Las Vegas (SEMA show). I always believed that one day I could achieve something exceptional. This now happened to be the right time and with the right collaboration would enable me to realize this dream. After buying a 1968 Lamborghini Espada , I thought it was the right vehicle to celebrate the Lamborghini Espada's 50th anniversary (1968/2018) and to partner with Danton Arts Kustoms and give free rein to our imagination. One Sunday night in November I sent a message to Alexandre offering him this challenge and he replied instantly t, saying "Let’s Go." From that point, our relationship was formed, as was a collaboration to achieve works of automotive ART that we named: "Pure Neo Vintage." We made the first drawing, then a digital model to be able to visualize what we had imagined in our heads. During the construction of this work, ideas for the final form of the vehicle and especially the color of this work of art came about. All of this was done by preserving the heart of the vehicle and especially the body, constantly keeping in mind the name of the vehicle and what it meant. The word "Espada" translates into "sword" in Spanish and Portuguese, referring to the sword worn by the matador in the arena. All forms of the vehicle were made as if it had been cut with the sword, while also trying to bring existing vehicle shapes to date from the same brand for her dress (Reventon Side Gill, Ar de Silouette). It's also in the same spirit that the Italian sword-shaped bands were made a. The matte paint, with its brilliant strips, were made without any demarcation to the touch and textures which makes it a real work unique motor vehicle in the world. In realizing this project, we came to the urge to shake up the craze for old, prestige and collectible cars and to create CHD edition with the clear passion and love of cars we have. Alexandre Danton and the Espada Rat Rod We will always keep the starting spirit that the manufacturer had given the vehicles, keeping true to the heart, curves, which we will put in a new configuration according to our vision of the work. The project will always be carried out in close collaboration with the recipient. We just wanted to take a different look at the exceptional vehicles that will become works of UNIQUE ART made by CHD édition CH = Bodywork Herve = Castagno Herve Danton Arts Kustom = Alexander Danton CHD edition is born. The exclusive unveiling of this vehicle will take place on February 13, 2019, at Supercar Rooms Miami in the Wynwood Arts District as part of their exclusive automotive curated experiences. The relationship between Supercar Rooms Miami and the Lamborghini family is further advanced by invitation and arrival of Mr Fabio Lamborghini to Miami for the very first time to host this exclusive event. Members and patrons will be able to meet, greet and finally encounter a member of the Lamborghini dynasty. For the latest Supercar Rooms Miami events and announcements, please go to www.supercarrooms.miami or follow on Instagram (@supercarrooms). For more information:Danton Arts Kustoms - www.danton-arts-kustoms.com ‘Carrosserie Hervé’ - www.carrosserieherve.fr

By Edward Jones – February 06, 2019

Beautifully Restored Lamborghini Miura SV Will Debut in P...

At Rétromobile, the famous automotive show in Paris, guests will be able to feast their eyes upon a beautifully restored Lamborghini Miura SV. This specific restoration was done by Lamborghini Polo Storico, who was tasked with the project by the car's owner, Jean Todt. If that name's familiar to you, it may be because he's the President of the FIA, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. Speaking specifically, this Miura SV is chassis #3673 and it was created all the way back on November 11, 1972. Interestingly enough, it took this chassis number from a 1968 Miura S that was destroyed. The colors that were painted on the car were the same hue back then as they are now. Lamborghini Smashed Sales Records in 2018 In total, it took the team at Lamborghini Polo Storico 13 months to complete the restoration. When it arrived at Sant'Agata Bolognese, it was complete, but Lamborghini says it showed "clear signs of wear and tear." During the restoration process, the car was completely dismantled. Each piece of the car was verified (markings, numbering, dating, etc.) in an effort to confirm the conformity of the entire build. They even tried their best to repair and restore parts rather than replace them so the car could remain as original as possible. Since the recompletion of the restoration, the Miura SV has been handed over to the owner. Even Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was present for the handover. Want to see it for yourself? Check it out at the Lamborghini polo Storico stand at Rétromobile. view all lamborghini miuras for sale

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