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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 Andrew Nabors – April 24, 2019

Lamborghini Connects Humans to Huracans

If you remember your first experience in a Murcielago or a Gallardo, it was probably confusing. Italian supercars traditionally had controls that are not intuitive. They were fast and gorgeous, so many manufacturers were guilty of placing important controls in unlikely areas. Those days are over, because Lamborghini has connected humans to Huracans. It wasn't until the arrival of the Aventador that Lamborghini offered a symmetrical center console with a logical layout. Then came the Centenario. This limited edition supercar was the celebration of Mr. Lamborghini's 100th birthday. He would be happy to see the first integration of a touchscreen to control the car's systems. Lamborghini Huracan Evo Price, Specs, Photos & Review The HMI, or Human-Machine Interface is now standard equipment on the Huracan Evo, and it allows the driver or passenger to easily access every system. From displaying the torque bias to Apple CarPlay, it is placed at an ergonomic angle. Yes, this is long overdue, but the experience is not unlike drone racing. So check out the wild similarities in their latest upload, then click the link below to find a Huracan near you. Find Your Lamborghini Huracan Here Related: Huracan Evo Spyder Revealed Ahead of Geneva

By Edward Jones – March 22, 2019

Review of the Lamborghini LM002: The Rambo Lambo

Before the Lamborghini Urus, there was the LM002. Many don't realize that Lamborghini created this militaristic SUV back from 1986 to 1993. During that time, there were just over 300 examples created. Because of its low production numbers, it's a rarity to see an LM002, let alone drive one. That's why the new video from Carfection is pretty special. In the new video, they get a chance to drive around a pristine example of the LM002 around Italy during the recent Lamborghini Winter Academia. The host, Tim Stevens, notes that the classic SUV is incredibly "1980's" and the steering quite loose. Clearly, the LM002 is far less refined than the Urus but it sure does hold a special place in Lamborghini's lineage. Check it out in the video above.

By Andrew Nabors – December 20, 2018

Lamborghini Urus vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo S POV Race

What are your considerations in shopping for a super SUV? If you want V8 power with twin turbos, the Lamborghini Urus is the hottest model on the market. But it shares a majority of its parts with the Porsche Cayenne and the Bentley Bentayga. While they are each assembled in their own plants, they are all corporate cousins in the VW Group. Fastest SUVs In The World Also shared among them is engine technology. Bentley advertises the 4.0-liter Bentayga V8 at 540 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is rated at 550 horsepower and 570 lb-ft. Nothing too shocking here. But when they decided to build a Lamborghini SUV, engineers gave it a new top end. Revised cylinder heads, cams and a bit of secret sauce help the Urus to offer 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. For those outside the US, look for an Audi RS Q8 with the same specs. To see how that translates to acceleration, our friends at AutoTopNL put them to the test. It might seem like a Camaro vs Firebird debate, so you tell us which one you would choose in the comments below. Related: View All Lamborghini Urus For Sale View All Porsche Cayenne For Sale View All Bentley Bentayga For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2018

Lamborghini Urus vs Tesla Model X P100D Results in New Wo...

Even the fastest production muscle cars considered 13 seconds to be blistering in the old days. Now we live in an age where 12's are embarrassing. So what happens when the world's fastest SUVs line up at Palm Beach International Raceway? Our friend Brooks is able to find the latest exotic cars for sale, and he was able to arrange this world-record attempt. The electrical powerhouse arrived in the form of Tesla's most potent Model X. It has 588 horsepower and a whopping 920 lb-ft of torque from 0-130 mph. Batteries aren't light, so it tips the scales at 5,700 lbs. An Italian opponent is the Lamborghini Urus. It uses a 4.0-liter V8 and twin turbos to make 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. With a curb weight of 4,850 lbs, they ditched the floor mats and made sure the fuel level was low. Tell us which one you would drive in the comments below, and stay with us for all your exotic car news. Related: Lamborghini Urus Screams Through the Netherlands Tesla Model X vs Ferrari 812 Superfast

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2018

See the Entire Evolution of Lamborghini Models

Lamborghini was founded back in 1963 to compete with sports car companies like Ferrari. Since then, the Italian automaker has released a lengthy list of models that have been automotive icons. In a new video from the YouTube channel Cars Evolution, we see the evolution of Lamborghini models take place right before our very eyes. The video goes through the first model, the 350 GT and ends with the newly released Urus SUV. As the video takes you through each model, you'll learn interesting facts, like that the Jarama was the last front V12 GT made by Lamborghini or that the LM002 SUV had the same 5.2-liter V12 that the Countach used. It's a very educational video and a must-watch for all Lamborghini fans. Check it out below! Top 5 Celebrity Car Collections

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 Edward Jones – August 14, 2018

Japan's Lamborghini Scene is Nuts

The Bōsōzoku scene in Japan is downright bonkers. It's been around for decades and it all started with gangs customizing their motorcycles so they better fit their personal style. Since then, it's expanded to cars, but not just any cars. We're talking about Lamborghinis.When Shmee150 arrived in Tokyo, Japan with the 2018 Gumball 3000 crew, they were joined by a crazy group of bōsōzoku Lamborghinis. The meet-up was lead by Morohoshi of Fighting Star, and it was arranged by none other than Team Salamone. Cars in this extreme group included the new Aventador SV and Huracan performante. There were also older models, like the Diablo and Murcielago. The guys in this group absolutely love their supercars and love making them their own. Many who are not accustomed to this scene will be taken aback by their eccentricity, but you have to appreciate the lengths they're willing to go to make their Lamborghini truly theirs.Be sure to follow Shmee150's channel for more videos of the 2018 Gumball 3000 rally.Mad Mike Explores Japan's Wild Supercar Culture

By Andrew Nabors – August 10, 2018

When a Lamborghini Test Drive Goes Bad

If you have ever worked at a dealer in an urban setting, test drives are part of any deal. A decade ago I worked at a Lexus dealer, and everyone wanted to drive the IS300 (Altezza to you JDM fans). This was also the era of the 1JZ-powered SC300 and GS300, so everyone wanted to experience the mythical straight six. But almost a dozen "potential customers" simply wanted to beat on a new car.Lamborghini Gallardo Specs, Price, Photos & ReviewOur friend Ed Bolian was a sales manager at Lamborghini Atlanta, and he desperately needed to sell a Gallardo Performante that had been sitting for months. The regular LP550 Gallardo was always a strong seller, as it was priced as the entry-level Lamborghini. But many buyers couldn't justify nearly $300,000 in 2012 dollars for the Performante Spyder. You won't believe what happens to him when a customer asks to drive.Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile Cars & Times (Production Cars)It was essentially a drop-top Gallardo Superleggera, being capable of 0-60 in 3.8 and 0-124 mph in 12 seconds flat. They are 3,200 lbs soaking wet, so the massive power, lightweight, and AWD is not a combination for novice drivers. If you are looking for a true collectible, find a six-speed manual Gallardo and keep the mileage low, it will be worth $$$ as manual transmissions keep disappearing. If you need something even more capable, click the link below to find your Huracan Performante and have a great weekend.Lamborghini Huracan Performante 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

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