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 Edward Jones – June 22, 2020

Lamborghini Urus SUV Gets First Exclusive Customization O...

Lamborghini has just unveiled the first exclusive customization option for the Urus super SUV called the Pearl Capsule, a new two-tone exterior that's created by the Lamborghini Centro Stile design department. This new option includes the exterior colors of Giallo Inti, Arancio Borealis and Verde Mantis which are contrasted against the high gloss black roof, rear diffuser, spoiler lip and more. Other exterior touches include the matte gray tailpipes and 23-inch high-gloss black rims with an accent that matches the body color. The interior is also dressed in a two-tone design with hexagon-shaped upholstery stitching, and carbon fiber and black anodized aluminum details. Lamborghini can further enhance the interior through with the optional fully-electric seat with perforated Alcantara, an option that's exclusive to the Pearl Capsule. The Urus Pearl capsule is available for MY2021 examples, which come with a base price of $218,009 with VAT, GST and options excluded. See All Urus for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 09, 2020

Lamborghini Urus Unlocks Any Road

We had our doubts when rumors of a Lamborghini SUV were confirmed. After a few minutes behind the wheel of a LM002 you will be begging for mercy. While its predecessor was built for the Italian army, the Lamborghini Urus unlocks any road. Lamborghini Urus Specs, Price, Photos, and Review Starting with a strong unibody chassis, the house of the Raging Bull pushed Porsche's 4-liter V8 to 641 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. Sent to all wheels, the latest in active suspension allows for fun in mud, snow, sand, or pavement. Click the button below to learn more from our dealers, and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Urus For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2020

Lamborghini Accademia Aspen 2020

While Porsche held their Ice Races in Austria, Colorado was invaded by raging bulls. Open to current and prospective buyers, this is Lamborghini Accademia Aspen 2020. Colorado has had amazing snowfall this year, and it enabled the team to build tracks on fresh powder. Instructors demonstrated the abilities of Rear Wheel Drive, All Wheel Drive, and the Urus Super SUV. If you need an Italian capable of shrugging off a Polar Vortex, click the link below to find a new Lamborghini near you. Browse All Lamborghini For Sale " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Urus Price, Specs, Photos & Review

650HP Lamborghini Urus with Advanced Vehicle Dynamics Technology - jweaver@quintess.com

By Andrew Nabors – February 10, 2020

New Lamborghini Urus is Fully Connected

Driving a Countach or a Diablo, you are connected to the road by a manual transmission and wide Pirelli rubber. You are connected to Valentino Balboni, who made sure your car responded to every input. But in the parlance of our times, being connected has a connotation. To show us how their latest communication features, let's see how the new Lamborghini Urus is fully connected. To explore all the innovations offered in the Urus, click the link below to find our dealer near you! Browse All Lamborghini Urus For Sale " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Urus Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – February 07, 2020

Lamborghini Urus Wins Best SUV in Stuttgart

Germany has a car culture unlike any other, and awards are not given lightly. That's why our peers at Auto Motor und Sport magazine take months to compile their "Best Cars 2020" awards. Making the logical choice, the Lamborghini Urus won best SUV at their event in Stuttgart. The brief press release shows Chairman and CEO, Stefano Domenicali holding the coveted prize. It's no surprise to us, as every new Lamborghini Urus for sale offers 641 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. They are a blast to drive and enchanting to look at, so click the button below to find one for yourself, and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse All Lamborghini Urus For Sale " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Urus Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2019

Lamborghini Urus Dinamica Terra Conquers Siberia

Situated at the crossroads of Asia, the Katu-Yaryk Pass is one of the world's most historic, and dangerous roads. The Altai Mountains form a triple-border between Russia, China, and Kazakhstan. To show off their incredible active suspension, the Lamborghini Urus Dinamica Terra has conquered Siberia. Ten new Lamborghini SUVs attacked 35-degree slopes and easily cruised at 120 mph across the hostile and desolate terrain. On the center console is the ANIMA selector, dialing the suspension into Terra provides the ultimate off-road experience. If you need the world's most capable SUV, click the button below and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse All Lamborghini Urus For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 28, 2019

New Photos of the Lamborghini Urus ST-X Super SUV Released

Over the weekend, Lamborghini preview a new hypercar that will be released in 2020. At the same time, the Italian automaker also took the Urus ST-X to the track for the very first time. Driving the Super SUV was none other than nine-time Motocross Champion Tony Cairoli. The Urus ST-X is Lamborghini's upcoming Super SUV that will be entering the world of racing. In fact, Lamborghini will have races designed specifically for the Urus ST-X, with the first one taking place during the 2020 World Finals in Misano Adriatico. The drivers in this race will actually be comprised of winners of the four classes of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo and motorsport celebrities. Lamborghini Urus Specs & Pricing As for the Urus ST-X itself and it's specifics, it's a beast of an SUV. Its beating heart is a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 650 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Lamborghini also dropped the weight of the Urus ST-X by 25 percent when compared to a stock Urus. see all lamborghini urus for sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 10, 2019

Lamborghini LM002 American Torture Test

Chrysler was riding high on the successes of Lee Iaccoca. He had singlehandedly saved Plymouth, Dodge, Jeep & Mitsubishi from going bankrupt. Noticing another struggling automaker, he organized the purchase of Lamborghini in the late 80's. By this time, their first SUV was almost ready, but it needed final testing to meet our DOT laws. So here is the VINwiki story of the Lamborghini LM002 American Torture Test. The most public way to introduce it was entering One Lap of America. Chrysler sponsored a 3-man team to compete in this SCCA sanctioned rally. It is perhaps the most difficult Lamborghini ever built, combining a Countach drivetrain with rugged suspension. But it was meant for military use so compromises were made. Browse Lamborghini LM002 For Sale Several decades later, these mistakes were studied when the Raging Bull decided to do it again. This time, they would not accept anything less than perfection, and the Lamborghini Urus is the best SUV on the market. Tell us your wild rally stories in the comments below, and click the button to find an Urus near you. " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Urus Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2019

Lamborghini Urus Tears up the Beach in Sabbia Mode

Growing up on an island, driving on the beach was a way of life. But driving on sand can be hit-or-miss if you don't have the right equipment. Without 4WD and locking differentials, your day in the sun will turn into a nightmare. Because Italy is one of the world's longest peninsulas, it seems only natural to consider the beach. That's why the Lamborghini Urus tore up the beach in sabbia mode. To show off the super SUV's abilitities, their latest upload begins in Terra mode. This "Earth" mode is for 4WD fun. It includes pitch and roll angles along without invoking stability control when mud starts flying. When the Urus convoy reaches the beach, Sabbia (sand) mode combines drifting with horsepower. Your sand castle doesn't stand a chance against these raging bulls, and David Hasselhoff isn't fast enough. Your SUV can't do this, so please don't try. Just click the link below to find out what make the Urus unbeatable. Find Your Lamborghini Urus Here Related: Lamborghini Unveils Urus Off-Road Package Lamborghini Urus: Carbon Fiber For Your Dynamic Lifestyle

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2019

Lamborghini Unveils Urus Off-Road Package

Many owners of Lamborghini's latest SUV probably won't punish them with off-road antics. But if you need a family hauler with grip in all situations, Lamborghini has unveiled the Urus off-road package, and it is ready for any situation. Announced on their news page this weekend, the new package starts with ride height. If you need to take on an obstacle, you will have 9.8" of ground clearance. This increases the approach angle from 20.3 to 27.9, and departure is up to 28.3 from 26.8 degrees. We already knew it would have more driving modes than their cars, and now they are explained. Sabbia locks the differentials for fun in gravel or sand, and Terra is meant for crawling up tough trails. The optional washing package keeps the windshield, headlights, and cameras clean, allowing you to see the adventure ahead. Our dealers have all the pricing and options, so click the link below to find an Urus near you. Click Here to learn More Related: Lamborghini Urus: Carbon Fiber for Your Dynamic Lifestyle Lamborghine Urus vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

Lamborghini News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe