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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 Edward Jones – April 03, 2017

Lamborghini Aventador Races Huracan to Prove Which is Fas...

Lamborghini has two main models available right now, the Huracan and Aventador, not including their variants like the SuperVeloce or Performante. The Aventador sits above the Huracan in terms of power and price, but the Huracan is most definitely no slouch.Powering the Aventador is a 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces 690 horsepower and 507 lb-ft of torque. With all-wheel drive at the ready, this supercar will run 0-62 mph in just 3.0 seconds. As for the Huracan, it's powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine that's good for 601 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. The Huracan also has an all-wheel drive setup, but will complete the 0-62 mph run in 3.2 seconds.To test these two models, GTBOARD.com pitted an Aventador Roadster against a Huracan coupe on a private drag strip. The two cars lined up against each other and took off from a roll-start. Click play below to see which Lamborghini comes out on top.Lamborghini For Sale - duPont REGISTRY

By Edward Jones – April 03, 2017

Lamborghini Aventador S is a Non-Stop Flamethrower

The new Lamborghini Aventador S is fitted with the base original Aventador's V12 engine but sees its power increased to 740 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque. This power translates into a terrific drive, due in part to the rear wheel steering, a first for a Lamborghini production car.Those of us who don't have the cash to pick up an Aventador S right now may not be able to appreciate the car's drive, but there are other things we will get to experience regarding the supercar. First off is the car's sound, which is incredible when the throttle is open. Needless to say, you can experience the sound of the car's exhaust from miles away. The second thing we can all enjoy are the flames that the Aventador S spits out of its exhaust. Carfection has just uploaded a video that shows just how constant flames appear out of the car's exhaust at night. It's quite the treat to watch.Lamborghini For Sale - duPont REGISTRY

By Andrew Nabors – March 31, 2017

Lamborghinis New and Old Take Off in California

If you need another reason to move to Northern California, they take a civilized approach to enjoying their cars. At a recent meet of the NorCal Lambo club (@NorCaLambo), YouTube sensation Brian Zuk was invited to film the gathering. A host of raging bulls makes for amazing footage, and you will laugh out loud at the one car that is not like the others. That's right, a Ferrari F12berlinetta was either invited to join or being the ultimate troll. Some of the more notable members included the new Aventador SV Roaster & Coupe, Huracan Performante, and several Gallardos, Murcielagos, Diablos and a Miura S.At most automotive events there is always that "one guy" who ruins the show, but it seems that Lamborghini Club knows how to create the perfect gathering. By far the best part of Lamborghini meets is the soundtrack as they leave. A rarified chorus of 10 and 12-cylinder power set amongst the winding roads will be left on repeat for inspiration while we prepare for this weekend's Festivals of Speed (April 2, 2017). If you are a fan of exotics, join us at Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg for a Sunday of Supercars. Stay with us for more Lamborghini footage here on Autofluence.Exotic Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 24, 2017

This is What the New Lamborghini Aventador S Sounds Like

Wondering what the new Lamborghini Aventador S sounds like? Don't worry, we've got you covered.The new Aventador S was unveiled back in December 2016 and it boasts a myriad of new features. This is from our Dec. 18 post regarding the new car: "The Aventador S arrives with 740 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque. A top speed of 217 mph is achieved by raising the red line from 8,350 to a screaming 8,500 rpm. The engine enhancements are a logical evolution of their potent V12, but other changes took us by surprise. It will be Lamborghini’s first production car with rear wheel steering. While they didn’t go into specifics on how many degrees the rear wheels will be able to move, it is a clear response to another Italian flagship with a similar system."AUTO BILD uploaded a new video today of the Aventador S being put to the test. Click play below to hear the Aventador S for yourself!All Lamborghini Aventadors For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 12, 2017

Tubing Behind a Lamborghini Isn't Easy or...Safe

Well, it may not be easy or all that safe, but it sure looks like fun. TheStradman decided be towed around Park City, Utah behind a Lamborghini Aventador Pirelli Edition in a tube.As he was pulled around on top of the snow, he did hid best to not fall while also filming with a GoPro in one hand. Of course, he did take a few spills, but luckily none of them threw him off of the side of the mountain. You've got to give it to him, he did a good job at it.(Related - Kermit the Frog's Epic Lamborghini Aventador SV)The Pirelli Edition of the Aventador was revealed back in 2014 and sports a few modifications that allow it to stand out from other Aventadors. The exterior of the car comes in a two-tone color scheme that is available in two options: matte black with either Giallo Spica, Rosso Mars, Bianco Isis, Nero Aldebaran, Grigio Liqueo or Grigio Ater, or glossy black with Bianco Canopus, Nero Nemesis, Grigio Adamas or Grigio Titans. Whichever scheme picked, the black finish is found on the roof, air intakes, engine hood, pillars and rearview mirrors. The performance figures remain the same as in other examples of the Aventador LP 700-4.All Lamborghini Aventador For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 22, 2016

Lamborghini Aventador Shoots Flames Around Monaco

When adding an aftermarket exhaust to a supercar, the goal is to have one of the best sounding cars as possible. However, there are also some awesome side-effects that come from adding certain exhaust systems. For example, this Lamborghini Aventador was turned into a dragon after Capristo exhaust was installed.(Related - The Trump Lamborghini Aventador: Trumpventador)NM2255 caught the dragon in action in Monaco as it was driving through the streets. In the video, you get a chance to see the dragon in action as it spits flames in traffic. Check it out for yourself by clicking the play button below.All Lamborghini For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2016

Facelifted 2017 Lamborghini Aventador Spied During Tests

While Lamborghini may not release new cars all of the time, aside from variants like the SuperVeloce, they at least do a great job at revitalizing their lineup with facelifts. The latest model that looks to be getting a facelift is the Aventador, per a video released by Supercarsfromeu.(Related - Xbox One Mustang, Lamborghini Centenario and Audi R8 Consoles)In this video we get a sneak peek at a new build of the Aventador as it tears up Nurburgring Nordschleife. If the build in the video is the real deal, expect the main changes to be made in the front and rear fascias. However, there may be some changes being made in the engine bay, which could spell out more power and a more capable Lamborghini.But, this is all speculation now so stay tuned for more info as it's released.View All Aventador For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 16, 2016

Who Wins? Lamborghini Aventador SV vs Lamborghini Murcielago

Matching one worthy Lamborghini against another makes for good entertainment. In the video below, that's exactly what happens as a Lamborghini Aventador SV 750-4 faces off on a drag strip against a Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640.(Also Check Out - Donald Trump's Lamborghini Diablo is Up for Sale)To add a little more umph to the show, the Murcielago starts off with a bang and a little burnout, but who do you think wins this race? You could say this one would probably be a close call. While we have our assumptions, go ahead and make your own, and then check out the race in the video below. View Lamborghinis For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 14, 2016

360º of Tesla P90D vs Lamborghini Aventador Drag Race

Watching a drag race between similar cars is about as fun as watching paint dry. But a race between two opposite ends of the automotive world is guaranteed to be interesting. In a video uploaded last night by hartvoorautosNL, we see a rare encounter between the world's most popular electric sedan and an Italian supercar.(Also Watch - Who's Faster: Nissan GT-R vs Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Drag Race)Tesla empowers the P90D with 713 lb-ft of torque, which is instantly available to all four wheels. The Lamborghini Aventador is also All Wheel Drive with 508 lb-ft, but this power is only found above 5,000 rpm. Tesla has no transmission, so it offers the same power in almost every situation. Lamborghini's 7-speed automatic is geared to unleash the full power of the V12 above 120 mph, a severe disadvantage to drag racing. So what happens when efficient electrons encounter a raging V12? Hopefully, this road was closed, because street racing is wrong in any situation. Always remember to follow your local traffic laws.Aventador For Sale Tesla Model S For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 23, 2016

Toyota Supra Walks Lamborghini Aventador in Race

One of the many things I've learned from YouTube is that a modified Toyota Supra is nothing to mess with, even if you're driving a Lamborghini Aventador.In a video uploaded by That Racing Channel to YouTube, we see a heavily modified Supra go up against an Aventador Roadster on a highway. And now is the point in the article where I state that we don't condone these actions and that you always follow your local traffic laws. Driving in this nature on a public road is a hazard to not only yourself, but others.The Supra in the video is running an engine built by Real Street Performance, including a Borg Warner 7687 turbocharger, AEM EMS V2 tune, 4-inch exhaust and an e-85 tune. Check out the video below to see what power a tuned Supra can hold, even when it's up against a supercar like the Aventador. Aventadors For Sale | Supras For Sale

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