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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 – October 18, 2016

Motorcyclist Wheelies All Over Lamborghini Gallardo

Imagine you're driving down the street in your Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder with the top down and you're enjoying the weather. Behind the sound of the wind flowing by and the rumble of the V10 engine, you suddenly hear the distinct sounds of a motorcycle. Then, in your peripheral vision, you see a BMW S1000RR pulling a wheelie right beside you while the rider is staring you down. What do you do?Well, this driver just went about his day wondering why in the world a motorcyclist was doing a wheelie beside him on a public road. I'll say this now, always follow your local traffic laws, including speed limits.After following the Gallardo for a bit and pulling off some more stunts, the motorcyclist and Lamborghini end up at a stop light together where they chat for a brief second and the rider hands the driver what looks like a sticker.2004 Lamborghini Gallardo For SaleCheck out the whole event in the video below and let me know what you would've done in the comments below if you were the driver of the Lamborghini.All Lamborghini Gallardo For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2016

38 Lamborghinis Packed Indoors for Hurricane Matthew

Lamborghini Palm Beach was under a hurricane warning last week as hurricane Matthew aimed its sights on the state of Florida. Having such an expensive inventory, they knew they had to protect their investments from potential damage that the storm could cause. So, they had to carefully pack up their exotic cars inside where they would be safe. The only problem is that they had almost 50 cars that needed to be brought inside.(Related - Five Things to Love About the Lamborghini Huracan)Our friend Nue Vue was at the dealership when the packing commenced and he thankfully recorded it all on film. He told me there were 38 Lamborghinis that needed to be brought in, as well as 11 other exotic cars. If you watch the video below, you'll see just how careful they had to be when bringing the cars in. Heck, some cars are parked almost less than an inch away from each other. One wrong move and you've got yourself a costly repair.Check out the video below and give some props to the guys driving these cars. Lamborghini Palm Beach Inventory

By Edward Jones – October 11, 2016

Nitrous-Injected Lamborghini Huracan Flies Down Drag Strip

"I need NOS. I need NOS. My car topped out at 140 mph this morning...I need one of these, one of the big ones. Actually, you know let's make it two." - Brian O'Conner, lover of the tuna fish sandwich and played by Paul Walker.Many were introduced to nitrous oxide injected cars thanks to Fast and Furious. And though many weren't able to inject their cars with nitrous oxide back in the day, they were able to do it virtually through Need for Speed: Underground.(See More FL2K Videos)But for those who have had the chance to drive a car that gets a little extra pep via nitrous shots know that they can throw you back into your seat. But what about when you put nitrous into a car that's already remarkably fast like the Lamborghini Huracan? In the video below you'll get to see a nitrous inject Huracan take on a Ford Lightning at the recent FL2K event. Click play to watch it, and try and guess the Huracan's nitrous shot for the chance to win a DragTimes shirt.Lamborghini Huracan 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 Edward Jones – October 05, 2016

Ducati and Lamborghini Celebrate Italian Heritage

Back on September, Lamborghini, Ducati and the Italian Air Force teamed up to celebrate "Passioni Tricolori," or Tricolour Passion if you're not familiar with the Italian language. At the event the three Italian forces combined for one at spectacular land and sea show, displaying what Italy is capable of.(Related - Driving $2 Million Worth of V12 Lamborghinis with Brett David of Prestige Imports)Lamborghini was on hand with their Aventador and Huracan Avio models, while the Ducati Desmosedici GP bikes rode alongside them. While these bikes and cars were laying down rubber, the Italian National Aerobatics Team performed stunts above them.Check out the video below to see the incredible event go down.View All Lamborghini For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 26, 2016

Tesla Model S P100D vs Huracan & GT-R

Drag racing and all-wheel drive seem like a match made in heaven. Launching a rear wheel drive car is tricky for anything over 400 horsepower. So when three of the world's fastest cars show up at Palm Beach International Raceway, the local 1/4 mile heroes were probably a little jealous.Drag Times has a flair for unlikely comparisons, so first up was a new Tesla Model S P100D against a Lamborghini Huracan. When fully charged the Tesla offers 760 hp from two electric motors. It arrived with 82% and lined up against the Italian. The Huracan is rated at 602 hp and has the latest in active center differentials.Up next was a modified Nissan GT-R with cat-less mid pipes and a tune. Lining up against a GT-R is always a white knuckle experience because you never know what is under the hood. Basic upgrades unlock incredible power, so how does Godzilla compare with a Tesla that needs a recharge?Looking at the time slips, you can see the obvious advantages of Tesla's instant power. The Model S P100D is rated by the manufacturer to reach 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. We are approaching the limits of what tires are capable of with times like this. Nissan prefers to keep their differential gears on the conservative side, and you can see this as acceleration on the top end. Being able to reel in a competitor in the last few feet is the best way to win, but what would happen against a battery at 100%? If you would like to meet us at the drag strip with your Tesla on a trailer, we will be happy to find out. In the meantime be sure to check out more heads up action from DragTimes.GT-R For Sale|Model S For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 22, 2016

Lamborghini Centenario Transformer Caught on Film

The Lamborghini Centenario has been making the rounds in media since it's been released, having been featured on the cover of Forza Horizon 3, our magazine and even Transformers: The Last Knight. If you're unfamiliar with this car, it's Lamborghini's latest "special model" that celebrates the centenary of Ferruccio Lamborghini's birth. It's a celebration includes a 770 horsepower V12 engine that is the company's more powerful engine that they've ever produced. And to think we all get cakes for our birthdays...(Related - Lamborghini Centenario Roadster Sounds Like a Monster)Recently, TheTFJJ and JBB013 caught the Centenario on the streets of London as it was being filmed for the upcoming Transformers movie. The Transformer that will be taking the form of the Lamborghini is Hot Rod, who was actually the main protagonist in the original 1986 movie, "The Transformers: The Movie." He takes the lead role in the classic movie after Optimus Prime dies and goes from being Hot Rod to being reformatted into Rodimus Prime. Maybe we'll see Optimus Prime lose his lead role in the upcoming movie and Rodimus will take his place. Who knows!Check out the videos below to see cars like the McLaren 570S and more in action for the filming of Transformers: The Last Knight.Lamborghinis 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 Edward Jones – August 17, 2016

Two 2,000 HP Lamborghinis (Gallardo and Huracan) Duke It Out

At a drag event, two brothers took their respective Lamborghinis to the starting line to see which of their would come out on top. Each of the brothers own a different model Lamborghini: Huracan and Gallardo. While their cars have different names, both of the cars have been tuned up to 2,000 hp.(Also Check Out : Electric Hypercar Crushes LaFerrari and Tesla Model S in Race)During the race, the cars easily cruised to speeds of over 200 mph, but one dominated the race, hitting over 220 mph. While one of the cars definitely took the win, one guy came out as a winner no matter what: their dad. In fact, the brothers' dad was at the event and even noted that there was no way he could lose.Check out the race below to see whether the Gallardo or Huracan takes the win.Lamborghini For Sale Lamborghini Gallardo For SaleBuy Lamborghini Huracan

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

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