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 Caitlin Duffy – August 24, 2015

Lamborghini Reventon Roadster Review by Saabkyle04 & Shme...

It's not just one of 15 models. It's one of the three right-hand drive versions ever created, and the only one outside of Asia.And YouTube reviewer Kyle Lindsey, better known as Saabkyle04, had a chance to give it a full, incredibly in-depth review. The 2009 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster is a hyper-limited edition creation from the Italian manufacturer, one which marked the transition between the Murcielago and Aventador as their primary production model.Its initial MSRP was €1,100,000. Using the exchange rate from Sept. 1, 2009, that's the equivalent of approximately $1.56 million USD - go a step further and adjust for inflation rates, and that's the equivalent of $1.73 million USD today.Lindsey traveled to the United Kingdom to spend a bit of time with fellow YouTube automotive reviewer Tim Burton of Shmee150 fame, and paid a visit to Super Vettura Sales in Sunningdale, just outside of London. There he had a chance to spend some time with the Reventon, and the resulting video is immensely detailed.(See Also: Lamborghini to Build $1.2 Million Exclusive Supercar)As Lamborghini prepares to introduce its next $1 million+ design, which is rumored to be limited to 20 models, the Reventon Roadster gives us a chance to see just which jumps they'll be making. Check out the video above, and find your own Reventon from our exclusive listings at the button below.Reventons For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More Lamborghini News

By Caitlin Duffy – August 21, 2015

Lamborghini to Build $1.2 Million Exclusive Supercar

It's no question that Lamborghini tends to sell out of its exclusive cars rather quickly, but their next project will likely be gone before we even know its final form. The Lamborghini Urus, expected to be in production by 2018A closed-door meeting of exclusive guests at Pebble Beach saw the introduction of a new Lamborghini, which, as Yahoo! Autos reported Aug. 17, will be an extremely limited run."Lamborghini declined to discuss details," states the article, "but Yahoo Autos has learned the new car will be a rare and expensive beast — starting around $1.2 million, with just 20 copies set to be built."Speculation states that it could be targeted at taking on the hybrid hypercars of Porsche, Ferrari and McLaren, setting the P1, LaFerrari and 918 Spyder in its sights. This will also be another offering from the marque in the future, in addition to the Asterion and Urus models that are slowly but surely working their ways toward production.(See Also: Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster Specs, Price and Pics)It's not unheard of for special editions to sell out before their public introductions, with some models selling before a name or specs are even available. Stay with us as more information is released to see if you'll have a chance at owning Lamborghini's next incredible creation, or find your own now from our exclusive listings below.Lamborghinis For Sale (Featured Image Source: Paul Breshke) (Source: Yahoo! Autos) See More Lamborghini News

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By Caitlin Duffy – August 13, 2015

Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce in Bianco Isis

The Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce, or Aventador SV for short, has been enticing enthusiasts for months with its 750 hp and 217 mph top speed. Now, at last they've started making their way into the United States, and opportunities to see one in person are starting to arise.Enthusiasts in the vicinity of Southern California are particularly in luck, as Lamborghini Newport Beach has just received delivery of their first Aventador SV. In short, it's drop-dead gorgeous.The exterior shines in Bianco Isis paint, while the interior jumps out at you thanks to Nero Cosmos SV Alcantara. Lamborghini's Ad Personam customization program added red accents throughout the interior, creating a contrast of colors that captivates. Red calipers and carbon ceramic brakes are behind gloss black Dianthus wheels, completing the color scheme and tying the beautifully aggressive aesthetic together.And, of course, there's the carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is used extensively, and can be found in the form of the interior's carbon skin. Other aspects of the car crafted from carbon fiber include the rear wing, engine bonnet, hood vents, side intake vents, B-pillar with window scoops, air intakes, media console, navigation trim, instrument cluster and bucket seats.Other features on this particular SV, one of the 600 already-sold-out models, include a multi-function steering wheel, a fire extinguisher, Lamborghini branding package and, of course, the signature "SV" logo on the rear fender. Check out the photos of this beauty below, and browse Lamborghini Newport Beach's inventory to find your own dream Lamborghini.View Dealer InventoryGallery (Source: Lamborghini Newport Beach) See More Lamborghini News

By Edward Jones – August 13, 2015

Lamborghini Yellow 2006 Gallardo Spyder

Taggart Autosport is currently offering this absolutely gorgeous 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder in the signature Lamborghini Yellow with perfectly matched black wheels.Its 5.0-liter V10 with 530 hp will rocket you from a dead stop to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds, speed you'd expect from a car donning the bull badge. A lavish and well-appointed interior will keep you comfortably surrounded as you have more fun driving than you ever thought possible. Whether you're on the highway, sliding it out on a track or cruising downtown, this Lamborghini will give you the looks and performance you've always wanted, and then some. (Related: Audi R8 V10 with APR Performance Carbon Fiber Aero Kit) This example has been thoroughly inspected by Taggart Autosport's experienced engineers and technicians, and it meets their rigorous standards of quality and performance. For its price and more information, click the button below. More Info Optional Features Electronic Parking Aid Front Heated Seat Front Power Lumbar Support Navigation Aid Steering Wheel Mounted Controls Trip Computer Vehicle Anti-Theft Gallery

By Caitlin Duffy – August 13, 2015

Lamborghini Newport Beach Launches Racing Program

Lamborghini Newport Beach has officially launched a racing program, and just two weeks ahead of their first race, a party was held at the California dealership to commemorate the moment.Though the parking lot and showroom both were filled to the brim with stunning exotics, the focus of the night was car #88, a Huracan LP 620-2 Super Trofeo. As the caption of a gallery from the event shared on Facebook Aug. 10 tells us, Jeffrey Cheng and James Sofronas will be the hands behind the wheel at the Virginia International Raceway Aug. 21-23.Photos of the Aug. 7 event show a crowd surrounded by Lamborghinis, McLarens, Porsches and Ferraris enjoying some beverages, having light conversations and browsing the selection of Blancpain watches on display. A few took advantage of the virtual racing simulator, then all gathered around the cloaked Super Trofeo for its official unveiling.(See Also: The Lamborghini Aventador: A Revolution for Automotive Design)Check out the photos below, see the full gallery by visiting Lamborghini Newport Beach on Facebook and find yourself a Lamborghini from their exclusive inventory at the button below.View InventoryGallery (Source: Lamborghini Newport Beach) See More Lamborghini News

By Andrew Nabors – August 06, 2015

The Lamborghini Aventador: A Revolution for Automotive De...

Only a few times in automotive history have stylists made such an impression that it changed the industry. To the conservative motorist, Lamborghini’s Aventador may seem to be an exercise in excess, or at least an impractical form of transit. To us enthusiasts, it represents the state of the art in naturally aspirated supercars. The 2004 Murcielago RoadsterLamborghini's website has a fantastic historical archive, definitely a must-read for any Italian aficionado; so, allow us to distill for you how this car came to be. Starting with the most obvious attribute, the polarizing styling was first seen on the 2007 Reventon. The press and public response demanded production, but only 21 examples were built.Knowing full well that this would be the basis for the Murcielago’s successor, engineering was given a clean sheet to develop a chassis and drivetrain worthy of the shocking silhouette. From the ground up, weight was a primary concern. Because V12 engines and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems weigh more than most race cars, they chose to use a carbon fiber cockpit molded as one piece to join the front and rear suspensions together. Another weight saving measure was the change from traditional coil springs and shocks to a pushrod design. This moves weight inboard and allows for wider wheels and tires than a traditional layout. The 2009 Reventon RoadsterThe Murcielago was also the Swan Song for Lamborghini’s original V12 engine. It had seen continual improvements and refinements since 1963, but advances in technology and efficiency were combined for an all-new powerplant. The result was 700 hp and 507 lb-ft of torque from an engine weighing only 518 lbs. Named for a famous bull, the Aventador arrived in early 2011 ready to fight. They never seem to be satisfied, so a roadster joined the lineup in 2013. Twenty additional horses were found hiding in the intake and computer calibrations, and they were unlocked for the 50th Anniversary Edition.The latest news is the return of one of the most storied names in Lamborghini's history: Superveloce. In the past it has meant a farewell to civilities in a quest for super velocity, but the 2015 Aventador SV makes 740 hp by raising the redline to an incredible 8,500 rpm. Sixty-two mph arrives in 2.8 seconds on your way to a top speed of 217 mph. We don’t know how or when the Aventador will be eclipsed, so in the meantime you should experience one for yourself. Take a look at what our dealers have to offer, and see if you can tame the bull from Sant'Agata.2014 Lamborghini Aventador North Miami Beach, Florida View Price 2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Costa Mesa, California View Price 2015 Lamborghini Aventador Sarasota, Florida View Price 2014 Lamborghini Aventador Atlanta, Georgia View Price 2014 Lamborghini Aventador 50th Anniversary LP720 Lynnwood, Washington View Price 2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster Fort Lauderdale, Florida View Price 2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Richardson, Texas View Price 2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Fort Lauderdale, Florida View Price 2015 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster Wayland, Massachusetts View Price 2014 Lamborghini Aventador Henderson, Nevada View Price(Source: Lamborghini) See More For Sale News

By Andrew Nabors – July 31, 2015

New Lamborghini to Be Unveiled at Pebble Beach

Motor Trend's latest bombshell eclipses any other news about Monterey Car Week. In a reported July 21, Senior Features Editor Jonny Lieberman reported that one fine evening between August 12 and 15, at an undisclosed location somewhere near Pebble Beach, Lamborghini will unveil their latest creation to a limited number of invited guests.This comes as no surprise, as the logical evolution of the upcoming Aventador SV Roadster will be a limited production hypercar following in the footsteps of the Reventon and Veneno. How much more power can be squeezed from 6.5 liters is a matter of debate.The current Aventador SV is rated at 750 hp and 509 lb-ft, which is nothing to laugh at. But if they keep production numbers as low as their predecessors, perhaps civility and emissions restrictions could be overlooked to unlock the full power of one of the last V12 engines. If the past is prologue, expect to see prices well above $1 million. The enormous amount of engineering and tooling costs that must be shared over only a handful of production cars, possibly as few as 30 total, will make for a seven figure retail price.(See Also: Iconic 1997 Lamborghini Diablo SV)Autocar reported July 21 that Lamborghini shelved the hybrid-powered Asterion in order to focus on their upcoming Urus SUV, so maybe the drivetrain will find its way into this new model. We will do our best to bring you anything we learn from Monterey, so stay tuned to Autfluence for Lamborghini news.Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed Senior Features Editor Jonny Lieberman's name and title as Senior Editor Johnny Lieberman. The text has been changed to reflect the proper title and spelling, and we extend our apologies to Mr. Lieberman for the error. Lamborghinis For Sale(Sources: Motor Trend, Autocar, Lamborghini) See More Lamborghini News

By Edward Jones – July 28, 2015

Lamborghini Aventador SV Photoshoot by Future Photography

Captured by Future Photography is this gorgeous Lamborghini Aventador SV finished in the new Giallo Orion paint. Providing a perfect background for the car is a beautiful and sunny day in Porrentruy, Switzerland, thanks to Lamborghini Porrentruy. Check out the gallery below to see all of the images from the photoshoot.(Related: Stock Lamborghini Aventador and Huracan Drag Race)Just like the other Aventador SVs, this one comes with a revitalized 6.5-liter V12 engine that pumps out 750 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque. This added power comes from the optimized Variable Valve Timing and Variable Intake System. Additionally, a new lightweight exhaust system that reduces back pressure has been added. Carrying over from the Aventador is the same seven-speed transmission.Aventadors For SaleGallery (Source: Future Photography) See More Lamborghini Pics, Videos and News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 24, 2015

50 Lamborghinis Accompany The Auto Gallery to Supercar Su...

Sunday has long been the day designated for driving.In Los Angeles, they take it to an entirely different level.Every Sunday, in the parking lot of the Topanga Westfield Promenade Mall, enthusiasts come to mingle and see dozens upon dozens of stunning cars. It's Supercar Sunday, an event established by The Auto Gallery in 2000 that rivals most all car shows in the country.On July 19, The Auto Gallery saw a few more guests than usual driving one particular breed of supercar: Lamborghini. As a post on their blog and Facebook profile July 20 tell us, more than 50 Lamborghinis arrived for the show, where complimentary baked goods sat next to a driving simulator and hundreds of beautiful cars.After the Supercar Sunday show, these 50 or so Lamborghinis and their owners broke into four groups, traveling as a rally through the canyons of Malibu. When they finished their drive, they all gathered for spaghetti, risotto, chicken and fish at the Westlake Valley Inn. A few attendees won a couple of raffle prizes, ranging from a free oil change, to $100 towards accessories for their bulls.(See Also: Lamborghini Gallardo's Paint Changes Into Captain America)Check out some photos from the day in the gallery below, and when you're finished, peruse through some of the listings currently offered by The Auto Gallery, and prepare for their next Supercar Sunday with your own car to show.View The Auto Gallery's ListingsGallery (Source: Facebook, The Auto Gallery) See More Lamborghini News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 23, 2015

McLaren & Lamborghini Supercar Cruise with McLaren & Lamb...

There's something exciting about seeing a supercar in the wild, tearing through city roads.There's something even more exciting about seeing two or three at once, and there's something mind blowing about seeing two dozen careen around turns on Southern California's landscape. Luckily, McLaren Newport Beach and Lamborghini Newport Beach like to make that happen.In a joint event, Lamborghini Newport Beach and McLaren Newport Beach hosted a supercar cruise July 19 for new clients and friends, leading to nearly two dozen Huracans, Aventadors, P1s, 650S' and more traveling together for a Sunday drive.There's little doubt that more than one head snapped around to do a double take as this party traveled - as you can see in the images below, this bunch was hard to ignore. It's not the first such cruise either dealership has put on either; on March 16, we shared an article from Daniel Gonzalez about the P1 Sunset Cruise hosted by McLaren Newport Beach, and on March 25, Lamborghini Newport Beach hosted the LNB300 Weekend Rally.(See Also: Unique Red and White Porsche 918 Spyder at Miller Motorcars)"The bright mix of Italian and British supercars roamed through the canyons of Orange County with the final destination at Salt Creek Grille," described captions of galleries from the gathering on both dealerships' Facebook pages. You can also see a full gallery from the event on the dealerships' Flickr page.Check out the photos from the supercar cruise below, and when you're finished, decide whether you'd prefer a Lamborghini or McLaren, and pick one for yourself from their exclusive inventories at the buttons below. Then, prepare for their next drive.View McLaren Newport Beach's Inventory View Lamborghini Newport Beach's InventoryGallery (Source: Lamborghini Newport Beach) See All Dealer News

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