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 Andrew Nabors – September 15, 2020

2021 Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 Will Arrive Ready To Race

Nothing was left to chance when developing their latest race car. With 830 horsepower and 614 lb-ft of torque, the 2021 Lamborghini Essenza will arrive ready to race. Step inside the world's first carbon fiber roll bar and you will find controls for the clutch and differential at your fingertips. All essential racing controls are at your thumbs, allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel. You can dial the ABS and Stability controls from mild to world, or turn them off to harness the beast on your own terms. Revealed: The Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 Hypercar Perhaps the best feature is a new six-speed sequential transmission. Designed to carry the loads of the rear suspension, it is a compact and brilliant step forward for the brand. Only 40 lucky customers will be able to compete in a new Squadra Corse series devoted to this car. Tell us what you think of it in the comments below, and check out great incentives on 2020 Lamborghini Aventador for sale. Browse Lamborghi For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 17, 2020

Lamborghini Clear Film Will Protect Your Raging Bull

Here in the Sunshine State, our UV index & humidity is a recipe for fried paint. That is why paint protection is such a booming business. Clear vinyl is a great solution, but it requires incredible skill to adhere to complex corners. That's why Lamborghini Protective Film will protect your raging bull. With the incredible lines of every Lamborghini, it costs a sizable amount for time and materials to wrap your car. That is why Lamborghini's pre-cut kits can be installed by your dealer and backed by a factory warranty. Every Lamborghini is an investment, so keep the paint in new condition by learning more from our dealers. Click the button and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 13, 2020

Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD Traction Control in Action

Being a native Floridian I never have a need for AWD. That is why I am glad Lamborghini still builds cars for spirited drivers. Dirt roads, tropical storms, and Independence Day are all perfect opportunities to drift, so engineers want to make sure you have the most possible fun while staying safe. Therefore, let's watch the Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD Traction Control in action. Lamborghini Huracan Price, Specs, Review & Photos First off, once the computer predicts a drift, you don't have to pedal the car. Hold the throttle wide open while the system modulates the throttle body movements and ignition timing. The electronic differential is faster at torque vectoring, and the rear-wheel steering system has new programming. This all adds up to 30% more counter-steering ability and 20% more grip when exiting a corner. If you like to hang it out in the corners, click the link below to find your Huracan and stay with us for all your Lamborghini updates. Browse Lamborghini Huracan EVO For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 30, 2020

2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD Gets Nice Updates

While many fans of the Raging Bull enjoy the grip of AWD, the Rear Wheel Drive Huracan is lighter and fun in the corners. Since the engineers listen to what customers want, the 2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD is getting a few updates. Starting with a new front bumper, it adds downforce while improving brake cooling. Drifting around a corner is no fun with weak seats, so the new Sport Seats have massive bolsters. The 610 horsepower V10 allows for a top speed of 202 mph, and new intake valves are cut from titanium. Not only are they lighter and stronger, but they also help dissipate heat from the heads. This allows the engine to rev faster, so 62 mph arrives in 3.3 seconds. A new rear diffuser adds even more downforce, and it is a nice contrast to the new color: Giallo Belenus. Our dealers have all the info, so click the button below to learn more. Browse Lamborghini Huracan 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 – July 10, 2020

Lamborghini Museum Reopens With Sian Roadster Front & Center

Fans of the Raging Bull rejoice. The Lamborghini Museum of Technologies (MUDETEC) reopens today. Their latest achievement is the Sian Roadster, and it will be on display until Sunday evening. If you are planning a trip to Sant’Agata Bolognese, the facility will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and only with advanced booking. This is to make sure the patrons are protected from the virus, and there will be disinfection spaces available to all guests. Lamborghini Sian Explained by Chief Technical Officer Once inside, you will be treated to a journey of the brand's aesthetic and engineering innovations over the past 57 years. Starting with the 350 GT, you will see prototypes of the Miura, Countach, LM002, Centenario, and the Aventador SVJ. Other exhibits include their foray into Forged Composites, Active Aerodynamics, all-wheel drive, and the Human-Machine Interface. While it would be worth the trip, we can empathize if the notion of traveling is unsettling currently. That's why our dealers have amazing displays without the need for a passport. Click the button below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 09, 2020

Lamborghini Sian Roadster Explained by Chief Technical Of...

Maurizio Reggiani has the final say on every aspect of Lamborghini's lineup. After learning the ropes at Maserati, he was responsible for the quad-turbo V12 for the Bugatti EB 110. Now as the Chief Engineer, he holds the reigns of the Raging Bull, a position held by Horacio Pagani when he oversaw the development of the Diablo. Therefore, there is nobody more qualified to explain how supercapacitors transform a supercar into a hypercar. Even though they are already sold, we have a few Aventador SVJs you might be interested in. Click the button below to find yours, and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Aventador For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 08, 2020

Lamborghini Sian Roadster Unveiled With Hybrid Supercapac...

Ever since Edison perfected the electric battery, engineers have sought ways to unleash a rush of voltage at an instant. While every other hypercar makes due with Lithium-Ion cells, the Lamborghini Sian Roadster has been unveiled with a powerful supercapacitor. Combined with a 34 horsepower electric motor, the hybrid system only weighs 34 kg (75 lbs). "Sian" literally translates as lightning, and that is what capacitors do. They charge in a few seconds to unleash every electron simultaneously. Every old TV, air conditioner, and neon light uses them to start up, whenever a massive shock is needed. That is why they make a perfect fit for hybrids. Electric cars need low voltage, sustained power, while the Sian will have a 34 horsepower burst of acceleration at your command. Titanium intake valves and a few other trick components were added to the V12 to achieve 785 horsepower. Adding 600 amps at 48 volts allows the total output to be 819 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. The 7-speed single-clutch transmission has been calibrated to maximize electric power during gear shifts. Lamborghini has perfected the technology without the complexity and incredible weight of a dual-clutch gearbox. The press release says drivers will no longer feel the gears change, as electricity takes over for a few milliseconds. " width="680"> Instead of the ALA system used on the Aventador SVJ, the Sian Roadster makes use of smart materials and electric servos to channel air around the body. This allows a top speed well over 217 mph after reaching 62 mph in under 2.9 seconds. The capacitors fully charge every time you press the brake pedal, saving on brake wear, and keeping a burst of energy at your command. The hybrid system is so powerful that it even adds 10% more power to the ground in 3rd gear. While every other hypercar uses high voltage to accomplish their goals, Lamborghini has done more while running on only 48 volts. Not only is the Sian safer, it represents the future of high-performance electric cars. The only downside is that Lamborghini is only building 19 of them, and each one is already sold. CEO Stefano Domenicali said: The Sián Roadster encapsulates the spirit of Lamborghini. It is the expression of breathtaking design and extraordinary performance, but most importantly embodies important future technologies. The Sián’s innovative hybrid powertrain heralds the direction for Lamborghini super sports cars, and the open-top Sián Roadster affirms a desire for the ultimate lifestyle Lamborghini as we move towards a tomorrow demanding new solutions.” Designed without a roof in mind, the buttresses behind the seats evoke the lines of the periscope roof found on the early examples of the Countach. As this unprecedented technology trickles down through the Lamborghini lineup, you will see it here first. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 29, 2020

Lamborghini SCV12 Onboard Hot Laps at Imola

Don't let Monday give you the blues. Even if your weekend was filled with monotonous chores, this Macchina Veloce will make you smile. Last week, a new Raging Bull was teased for the Squadra Corse Series. While the Aventador doesn't make a bad track car, engineers pulled out all the stops for something new. Taking lessons learned on the SVJ63 and the Sian, the new SCV12 has big shoes to fill. That's why they decided to start the week with inspirational footage of factory driver Emanuele Pirro lapping Imola in their new track car. Not encumbered by emissions or noise regulations, this is how all V12 engines should sound. If you think you can handle it, our dealers have all the details on the Squadra Corse program. Have a great week, from all of us at duPont REGISTRY! Browse Lamborghini For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 26, 2020

Lamborghini Opens Qualifying for Round 3: Nürburgring

Have you always wanted to take on "The Green Hell"? Now you can compete against the world's best drivers from the comfort of your home. Lamborghini puts maximum effort into everything they do, and that is how their E-Sports program has gone viral. Round 3 will separate skilled drivers from amateurs by competing on a perfect digital rendering of the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Not only is this a great marketing tool for their Squadra Corse program, but the dynamics of your virtual car have also been compiled from professional drivers and Lamborghini engineers. Nothing beats the thrill of a raging bull, so click the button below for great incentives on remaining 2020 models, and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse New Lamborghini For Sale " width="680">

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