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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 Andrew Nabors – May 06, 2020

2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Engine Recorded in 8D Sound

Get your nice headphones out for this one, earbuds won't do it justice. In an epic symphony of V12 power, Lamborghini just uploaded a 2020 Aventador SVJ in 8D sound. Audio engineers spent countless hours balancing microphone levels to create the perfect immersive experience. Why go to all that trouble? Because the Aventador SVJ for sale represents the state of the art for naturally-aspirated V12 engines. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Price, Specs, Photos & Review It offers 770 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque from a massive 6.5-liter block. It is a big bore (3.7") and short stroke (3") beast that instantly revs to 9,000 rpm. It takes four throttle bodies to feed the cylinders, at a compression ratio of 11.8:1. I don't care how much boost your car has, a big V12 is always more fun. Remember, YouTube only offers sound at 128 kbps or the same quality as early MP3s. That's why you need to experience an Aventador in person and unleash the raging bull. Click the button below and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Aventador For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 16, 2018

See How the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ's Insane Aero System

Lamborghini's ALA 2.0 (Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva) is the latest iteration of their aerodynamics system. This new system was used in the Aventador SVJ in order to make it more competent on the track and it seemed to have worked quite well. How do I know? How about the fact that it's the quickest car around Nurburgring. While Lamborghini has mentioned this new system in the past, we haven't had a good chance to see how it really works. Thankfully, Lamborghini is in the business of showing off and put out a video (found below) that gives us the secrets of how this new system works.After watching the video, I can easily say that Lamborghini's aero engineers are serious about taking their cars to the next level. The new ALA 2.0 has a clear centerpiece and it's the rear active aero that's located under the rear wing, smack dab in the middle. It has two flaps that can open up independently depending on the situation. Seriously, just watch the video below and check out how crazy this new system is. View All Lamborghinis For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 06, 2018

Lamborghini Aventador Attacks the Autobahn

There is no excuse to be late to work in Germany. The Autobahn was envisioned before WWII as a national highway grid, devoid of speed limits. German cars have always been fast and safe, but a raging Italian bull can run with the best of them. The Lamborghini Aventador has several special edition models, but our friends in the Netherlands chose the most popular version.Lamborghini Aventador Specs, Price, & PhotosThe LP700-4 has been in production since 2012, and represent all that is right in the world of supercars. Without any compromises to comfort or safety, they built the 5,000th example in 2016, and production is still going strong. The one-piece carbon fiber cockpit is only 385 lbs. Once the chassis is added it is a whopping 506 lbs. So before fluids and the body panels, the Aventador is 75 lbs lighter than a cast iron small-block Chevy v8. So if you think you can tame a beast of this nature, click the link below and stay with us for more top speed Autobahn action!Your Aventador Awaits

By Edward Jones – July 31, 2018

See the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ's Record Nurburgring Lap

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ has lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in record time before its worldwide debut. This means that the SVJ has lapped the famous circuit quicker than the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, the previous record holder, and the Lamborghini Huracan Performante. Lamborghini put Marco Mapelli behind the wheel of the Aventador SVJ for the record lap. Mapelli is currently a Lamborghini Factory Driver and has been racing for more than a decade. Now, he's the king of the 'Ring. To record the lap, Lamborghini used GPS certification that utilizes VBOX-Racelogic instrumentation and Remak personnel were on hand to manage it all. The entire event was under heavy scrutiny, meaning no one can argue their lap time. You can see the entire record lap from the cockpit for yourself by clicking play below. After watching, it's easy to see how Mapelli managed the to break the record.

By Andrew Nabors – July 25, 2018

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Teased With Active Aero

Is it just me or is it getting hot in here? By here, we mean the Nürburgring. Because Lamborghini just uploaded another nail-biting clip of the 2020 Aventador SVJ. It was only a matter of time before the patented aerodynamics used on the Huracan Performante could be adapted to their flagship model. Even with heavy camouflage, we see the intake for the hollow rear spoiler right behind the engine. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Price, Specs, Photos & Review The massive rear spoiler is perforated along is trailing edge, filling the vacuum that all cars create at high speeds. It is the same principle as drafting, but you don't have to deal with someone riding your bumper looking for a win. Many supercars have exhaust pipes aimed into the void, but moving high-pressure air to a low-pressure area slashes the car's coefficient of drag. The front end will also have the same system, allowing air to pass under the floor or up through vents ahead of the radiators. Could they have broken the 'Ring Record? They have done it before, so stay with us for all your Aventador updates. If you are looking for a comfy ride, the Aventador S is a perfect blend of street and track performance, so click the link below to learn more.

By Edward Jones – February 28, 2018

Lamborghini Caught Racing Highway Patrol Trooper

A state trooper was recently caught racing a Lamborghini Aventador on a public highway in Florida. A video showing the race has popped up on YouTube that shows a state trooper in a Dodge Charger taking on the Italian supercar and ultimately losing in the race.The original video was uploaded to Instagram by a user who has not commented on where the video was recorded. They also have noted that the original video was recorded three years ago. Florida Highway Patrol has announced that they have opened up an investigation into the matter.Hennessey Cadillac Escalade Races Stock Camaro ZL1 1LEWhat do you guys think about this? Leave your thoughts on the matter in the comments section down below.

By Edward Jones – January 25, 2018

Surprising Race Between Lamborghini Aventador and Ariel Atom

The Lamborghini Aventador and Ariel Atom are two incredibly different cars. One is an Italian supercar filled with luxury, while the other is a track-machine that puts the driver out in the elements. The differences between the two can go on for days and result in two cars that are just completely different. But, in the world of racing, it doesn't matter how much each car costs or how much leather is covering the seats. All that matters is speed.2017 Lamborghini Huracans for SaleRego Apps recently pit his Aventador up against an Ariel Atom that had been tuned up to 600 horsepower. He called it a race between "one of Lamborghini's fastest versus one of Ariel Atom's fastest." The race took place during a recent WannaGoFast event at the Jumbolair airport where the cars had a runway all to themselves.The result of the race was surprising to say that least, considering how close it really was. Check it out below by clicking play and leave a comment of which you'd rather race in the comments below.Supercars for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 22, 2018

1,200 Horsepower Aventador vs E55 & CLS63 AMG

If you have a case of the "Mondays", we try to start each work week with the best in half-mile grad racing. DragTimes always seem to find the fastest cars in the eastern hemisphere to battle it out at their track near Moscow.Sports Cars For SaleSince I am from Jacksonville, I know what it's like to be an underdog. So when we saw an older E55 lining up against a late-model Lamborghini Aventador, it made us wonder if the German had a chance against the raging bull. Gad Motors has an obsession with boost, so they transformed the Aventador from 740 horsepower to only 1,200.The first opponent was a 750 horsepower E55 AMG. They have tremendous aftermarket support, but the W211 chassis is as aerodynamic as a box truck. Next up is a CLS63 AMG with a reported 700 horsepower. It doesn't take much to get the already potent CLS to this level, so it probably didn't have many modifications. The times at the 330' will surprise you, so tell us which car you would prefer, and stay with us for more great heads-up action from DragTimes.Aventador S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 19, 2017

Lamborghini's Aventador S is Not Afraid of Altitude, Turn...

From pre-historic times until now, the Alps have been Italy's natural barrier against invasion. Training in thin air is a proven technique for success because oxygen is severely limited as altitude increases. That is why Lamborghini's cold weather track is used to test technologies destined for production cars. As part of their Winter Accademia, the "Twelve hours of Livigno" is a great way to learn the abilities of your new Aventador S. Hannibal's invading elephants would have turned back if they saw such a horde of raging bulls guarding the border.With less oxygen at your disposal, the demands of driving a 730 horsepower AWD supercar are exacerbated. Reactions are slower, which pushes drivers to their limits. The Aventador S comes standard with magnetic suspension which adapts to the frozen surface hundreds of times each second. Also new is the four-wheel steering system which allows for smoother transitions in and out of the corners. But all these changes can't overcome the engine's need for oxygen. Just like our bodies, naturally aspirated machines are limited at high altitudes. Turbo and supercharged cars are able to quickly adjust to limited air by dialing up the pressure, but the lack of power helps traction on the frozen surface. Once driver and car are back at sea level, the true potential can be unlocked. We'll cover high altitude performance another day, so stay with us for more wild Lamborghini updates.

By Andrew Nabors – April 17, 2017

Lamborghini Aventador With Capristo Exhaust Shooting Flames

Microphones and speakers will never be able to fully replicate the shrieks of a tuned exotic car. The Lamborghini Aventador is a marvel of engineering but it arrives with a conservative exhaust in order to meet noise regulations. That's why the skilled engineers at Capristo have developed a great set of pipes to make your raging bull even more imposing. By carefully shaping the size and path of the system, Capristo has made a beautiful balance of sound and flow. Keeping the exhaust gas flowing is how unburned fuel is able to reach the tailpipes and ignite in a flash. Environmentalists are quick to cry foul at cars that shoot flames, but burning the fuel is better than sending it airborne.Related - Lamborghini Huracan Performante: Raging TechnologySupercarsfromeu was able to get up close with the latest Capristo system installed on a Lamborghini Aventador and uploaded it to YouTube. The driver (who will remain anonymous) has excellent control of the accelerator which makes us think he is an accomplished flame thrower. Modern cars don't like to dump raw fuel into the engine, but sometimes it is necessary to keep it from over-revving. As the tachometer approaches redline, the computer kills ignition timing to prevent damage. Bouncing from the rev-limiter has its own issues, but we'll save those for another day. Please don't try this at home, especially if your car has catalytic converters. Your engine and your wallet will be happier if you let us keep you entertained instead. Turn up your volume and stay with us for all your Lamborghini action.

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