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 – January 02, 2020

Lamborghini Surprises Father & Son Building 3D-Printed Av...

Another year means another chance for Lamborghini to reward their fans. Their social media campaign is known as "#RealLover", and it brought a secret project into the light. That is how Lamborghini Christmas 2019 surprized a father & son. Sterling Backus and his son Xander have been hard at work. Using the latest in 3D printing, they have been spending late nights building an exact replica of a new Aventador SV. When Santa Claus arrived, he left a new Aventador S Roadster in the driveway. Browse All Lamborghini Aventador For Sale Well done Lamborghini! If you share their passion, click the button above to find your Aventador and click the link below to see ou coverage of this project from last year. " width="680"> Related: Dad 3D Printed a Lamborghini Aventador for His son Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 16, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan AWD Dominates Drifting

Drifting a Rear Wheel Drive Car is easy, turn the steering wheel and stomp the gas pedal. However, the opposite is true in 4WD and AWD cars. Cars like the Porsche 993 series 911 Turbo and the early Subaru WRX had permanent 4WD. Once the back wheels broke loose, the front tires were quickly destroyed as they are spinning against themselves. That is why the Lamborghini Huracan AWD dominates drifting. Finding a spouse that shares your passions is worth the wait. Such is the case with Samuel & Stina Hubinette this race-winning couple love to destroy rubber, but the latest Lamborghini Huracan for sale won't let them. Browse All Lamborghini Huracan For Sale Realizing the car is drifting for fun, the center differential instantly disconnects the front wheels. Replacing two tires is cheaper than 4, and the car can pull you home on FWD if you burn the rears beyond comprehension. " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Huracan EVO: Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 11, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan RWD Makes Any Airport Safer

Here in the U.S. our FAA requires ground crews to use hand signals and cone lights to park jetliners. Not only does it pose a risk, it requires several people doing the same job across the tarmac. That's why a bright orange Raging Bull is a much better idea. Let's see how a Lamborghini Huracan RWD makes any airport safer. The press release says this continues decades of cooperation between Lamborghini, and their local airport in Bologna. Each car has strobe lights, bright graphics, and a constant open channel to the control tower. We hope the FAA is taking notes, so click the button below to find your Lamborghini Huracan for sale. Browse All Lamborghini Huracan For Sale " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Huracan EVO 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 21, 2019

How This 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV Sold to a Celebrity

Back in 2017, we wrote an article regarding a 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV that was being sold by Curated. When we wrote the article, we had no idea what kind of ordeal this car would go through. To tell the story, John Temerian of Curated traveled to VINwiki's headquarters for one of the latest editions of "Car Stories." While you should really click play above to get the whole story of this Miura, here's a quick breakdown. Curated received many offers on the car that was around what they were looking for. Still, they went ahead and took the car out to Monterey Car Week to be auctioned off. After a disappointing visit to the auction block, the car returned home to Florida. The Miura then sat on Curated's showroom floor until they got a call from Lamborghini. To Curated's shock, Lamborghini was looking to sell the car to a celebrity. That celebrity? Jean Todt, the President of FIA and previous CEO of Ferrari (2004-2008). view curated's inventory

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 Edward Jones – October 08, 2019

Dad 3D-Printed a Lamborghini for His Son

I still remember when I was a kid asking my dad if we could buy a Lamborghini Countach after seeing it in, and I'm not doing this because of where I work, the pages of the duPont REGISTRY magazine. To my demise, he said no. Looking back, it was incredibly silly of me to ask for such a thing. I mean, we lived on a dirt road in Arizona! While I didn't have good luck when it came to supercars and my dad, one kid in Colorado did. After racing a Lamborghini Aventador in the video game Forza on his Xbox, Sterling Backsus's son asked his dad if they could build one. Well, they're actually building a replica and they set a budget of just $20,000. See All Lamborghini Huracans for Sale Backus is building the car's body panels by 3D-printing them, wrapping the 3D-printed pieces in carbon fiber and then coating it in epoxy. This process is called carbon-fiber encapsulation. As for the inner-workings of the replica Lamborghini, Backus crafted the chassis out of steel. For the source of power, they have opted for an LS1 V8 engine. They expect this car to be rolling on the streets by October. They then plan to take the car around to schools. More specifically, he wants to introduce it to kids in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) program to get kids interested in sciences. see all lamborghini aventadors for sale Source: CTV News

By Andrew Nabors – September 24, 2019

Lamborghini & Design Concorso d’Eleganza by Polo Storico

Judging a car at a Concours event can be arduous, and you must assume the drivetrain is in working order. Lamborghini has raised the bar with their latest event, as it involves a road trip between Venice and Trieste. Open to all Raging Bulls from 1964 to '91, it is the Lamborghini & Design Concorso d’Eleganza by Polo Storico. Browse All Lamborghini For Sale Their heritage department invited 36 cars to participate, along with judges from around the world. The theme for this year's event was to pay homage to Italian architect Gae Aulenti, with the cars placed in front of her iconic designs. Judges gave awards for longest ownership, movie car, best preserved, best front-engine, and best mid-engine cars. The boat class was limited to a single 1968 Riva with twin Miura V12 engines. It was built & owned by Mr. Lamborghini. The event concluded with a Best in Show trophy presented to a Swiss collector. His 1964 350 GT is chassis #102. This event should serve as a benchmark for other shows, so stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster Specs, Price & Pics

By Andrew Nabors – September 17, 2019

Lamborghini Celebrates One Million YouTube Subscribers

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

By Andrew Nabors – August 09, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan EVO Dynamics Team Wins Award

While the latest Lamborghini Huracan EVO shares a similar design with earlier versions, engineers were given free reign to refresh it. Going through each system with a fine-tooth comb, they were able to surpass everyone's expectations. That's why the Lamborghini Huracan EVO Dynamics Team won an award at the International Vehicle Dynamics Awards. Because modern cars are so complex, Dynamics refers to how the car responds to human input and changing grip conditions. Earlier versions of the Huracan and the Gallardo before it used separate computers for each system. Seeking to speed up the car's response, every system has been integrated into one central processor. LVDI stands for Lamborghini Dynamic Vehicle Integration. It monitors and even anticipates driver input from steering angle, throttle, and braking. In doing so, it continually adjusts the torque sent to each wheel, rear-wheel steering angle, rotational G-Force, and the current applied to the magnetic shocks. Lamborghini Leads Huracan EVO Expedition into the Arctic This is all controlled through the Human-Machine Interface. Lamborghini's first touchscreen is 8.4" and controls infotainment, connectivity, climate, and it allows you to fine-tune the aforementioned LVDI to your driving style. The difference between the EVO and its predecessor is night & day, and I would daily drive it. But don't take my word for it, click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Find Your Huracan Here! " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Huracan EVO Price, Specs, Photos & Review

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