Why To Buy

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 – December 12, 2017

Lamborghini Huracan: 10 Facts You Need To Know

Some people can't stand to be noticed. Sure there is something to be said for flying under the radar, but if you don't enjoy the limelight you should probably stop reading now. Mr. Sinatra said it best: "Buy a Ferrari if you want to be somebody. If you are somebody, buy a Lamborghini". His Miura would be worth a fortune today, and partly because Lamborghini doesn't build boring cars. We've had ample seat time in various flavors of the Huracan, so here are the top 10 reasons why it should be your daily driver. 10: Sales Speak For Themselves After only three years in production, the Huracan is approaching 10,000 examples. The factory is turning them out day and night, a situation that is unprecedented. Mr. Lamborghini would be 100 years old, and happy to see so many satisfied customers. 9. Five Flavors Another first for the brand was launching the Huracan in four styles. Buyers could initially choose from coupe or convertible, in RWD or AWD configurations. The wild Performante is the 5th version, they are five fingers of a fist, clinched & ready to knock out any competitor. 8. Police Edition Running from the fuzz is never a good idea. Here in the US, cops are allowed to drive AWD Dodge Chargers packed with the SRT8 Hemi. Civilians can't buy them new or used, another nearsighted move by Fiat-Chrysler. Their rival in St. Agata builds cars for everyone, but they gave the Italian State Police some nice equipment. In addition to lights and a gun rack, the front compartment is equipped with a small fridge. This is used for high-speed transport of organs heading to transplant. Why can't our cops do this? 7.Forged Composite While other supercars must make due with carbon fiber, the Huracan has pioneered the use of forged composites. The wonder material began as a partnership between Lamborghini and Callaway Golf. After building a lab in Seattle, Boeing came into the mix, using it for the wings and fuselage of the 787 Dreamliner. It is strong, light & unique. The patented material is used in several critical areas of the Huracan and Aventador, and it won't be found on any other car. 6. Strength As the Gallardo evolved, they decided to start work on a predecessor with one goal above all others. Every part of the frame and body were rendered in virtual reality to build a stronger car. Something as insignificant as the motor mount has been tuned to the frequencies of the chassis, all in the name of grip. The Huracan is 50% stronger, a testament to late nights and countless simulations. It allows the suspension to be much more relaxed, and that is a major reason why it is so comfortable on broken roads. 5. Processing Power All modern cars operate with interconnected systems, with communicate over a network. Tesla uses a TCP/IP like the internet, but Lamborghini chose the Flex Ray protocol to keep hackers away. The Huracan exists as a collection of computers exchanging data at 10 Megabits per second. Fast is an understatement. 4. Corporate Cousins It might come as a shock to see the similarities between the Huracan and the Audi R8, and they are not coincidental. Both cars share the same aluminum space frame that is welded by master coachbuilders. From there, the chassis is shipped to Italy to become the Huracan. This collaboration between engineers on both sides of the Alps has allowed both cars to be incredibly successful. Lamborghini Huracan Performante vs McLaren 720S 3. Visibility What good are windows if you can't see out of them? Everyone expects the Huracan to be claustrophobic until the door is closed. Contrary to what you have heard, the Huracan is easy to see out of, even with the monster V10 behind you. The engine is mounted lower than the Gallardo in order to keep the center of gravity close to the ground. The vertical rear glass eliminates glare, and it makes the cockpit feel much larger than it is. The beltline is also lower than before, which makes it a breeze to drive. 2. Close Shave Scraping your car on the ground is embarrassing, and it damages the fragile aerodynamic parts underneath. If you don't enjoy replacing expensive panels, the Huracan offers 6.8" of ground clearance from the hydraulic lift system. The system is optional, but it is a must-have unless you live at the track. It allows the car to ride 2" higher than a Corvette, and drop down for the ultimate grip at the push of a button. 1. Everyday Is Race Day If you are up to a challenge, it doesn't take much time or effort to race-prep your Huracan. The car is so potent in stock form, that all you probably need is a set of 18" wheels from the Huracan GT3 and some sticky rubber. The car is so well composed in any situation, you want to drive it fast. Thanks to magnetic suspension and the incredibly stiff frame, each driving mode has its own personality. View Lamborghini Huracan Price, Specs, Photos Browse Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 31, 2017

Why You Should Buy A Lamborghini Aventador S

Even the best knives need occasional sharpening, so Lamborghini has unleashed an updated version of their flagship: the Aventador S. By carefully studying the efficiency of the engine’s air flow, the variable camshaft timing and intake manifolds have been massaged to deliver more horsepower. The 2017 Aventador S for sale arrives with 730 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque. A top speed of 217 mph is achieved by raising the red line from 8,350 rpm to a screaming 8,500 rpm. It is Lamborghini’s first production car with rear-wheel steering. Redefine your limits. Incredible Aventador S spec we just delivered. Let your eyes feast! #prestigeimports #lamborghinimiami #aventadorS A post shared by Prestige Imports (@prestigeimports) on Aug 31, 2017 at 7:50am PDT On the inside, a new TFT gauge cluster has multiple modes that will prioritize the display for track or street. The most anticipated new features include Apple CarPlay and magnetic suspension. The first keeps you connected, and the second will keep you disconnected from rough roads. The Aventador SV will remain the hardcore model, so the Aventador S offers the perfect blend of performance and comfort. In terms of value, the Aventador S price is comparable to other V12 supercars. Specs Price: $399,500 Engine: 6.5-liter V12 Horsepower: 730 Torque: 509 lb-ft Top Speed: 217 mph 0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds Transmission: 7-Speed Single Clutch Weight: 3,472 lb With more power and steering response, the Aventador S needed more grip. The new front end has a more aggressive splitter to keep air from going under the car, and two giant scoops to cool the brakes. The front end has 130 percent more downforce, and the revised rear has up to 400 percent more, thanks to a new three-position spoiler. To cool the more powerful engine, most of the rear body has been redesigned to force more air into the radiators. Increasing grip also forces more stress on the tires, so Pirelli has delivered a new version of their sticky P-Zero. You should buy one because cars like this are usually hard to drive. Rear steering makes it corner like a shopping cart.You should buy one because cars like this are usually hard to drive. Rear steering makes it corner like a shopping cart. As a brief automotive anecdote, the Milwaukee Auto Show takes place at the Wisconsin Center. Each car must pass through narrow corridors with several right-angle turns. If every car was rear-steer, it would save hours of time and stress. Another equally important innovation is the magnetic suspension. Our nation's roads are crumbling around us. Broken pavement will ruin your day and damage the fragile undercarriage of high-performance cars. Magnetic shocks make adjustments several thousand times per second, and they can instantly adjust for potholes or ruts. If the left front wheel takes a dip, the three other shocks are tuned to adjust each corner before the cockpit is affected. The experience is hard to relate in words, so you must experience to believe us.Lamborghini Aventador S For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 28, 2017

Why You Should Buy a Lamborghini Veneno

Released in 2013, the Lamborghini Veneno was created to celebrate the automaker's 50th anniversary. The name for the supercar follows Lamborghini's history of naming models after fighting bulls. Lamborghini has stated that Veneno, which is Spanish for poison, is the name of one of the strongest, most aggressive and fastest fighting bulls ever. A bull that became particularly famous after it fatally wounded the famous torero José Sánchez Rodríguez during the bullfight in the arena Sanlúcar de Barrameda’s, Andalusia, Spain.When it was first released, the Veneno was pinned as a $4 million car. Now, why would someone buy such an expensive car off of the production line? I'll tell you. View Listing Exclusivity - One of the most important aspects about the Veneno is how rare it is. Only five examples of the coupe version were ever made, with two staying in Lamborghini's hands and three being sold to customers. However, nine Veneno Roadsters were also made. With such a low production number, this is the kind of car that will see appreciation throughout the years. Style - One look at the Lamborghini Veneno and you'll soon come to the conclusion that nothing like it exists on the road. In the front, two long headlights curve with the car, mimicking a snake's fangs. Additionally, a majority of the car's styling looks like it came from Le Mans Prototype cars, including the lights and rear wing. Power - Sitting in the engine bay of the Veneno is a 6.5-liter V12 engine. This powerhouse is capable of producing 740 bhp and 507 lb-ft of torque. Mated to this engine is an ISR (Independent Shifting Roads) seven-speed transmission and an all-wheel drive system. When all components are powered up, the Veneno will run from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 221 mph. The Veneno is most definitely one of the most powerful vehicles Lamborghini has ever created. Lightweight - Lamborghini decided to build the Veneno on a carbon fiber frame, allowing them to keep its weight low while also maintaining rigidity. There are other weight saving aspects within the Veneno, including the bucket seats made of Lamborghini's patented Forged Composite and the carbon fiber CarbonSkin used to dress the cockpit, seats and headliner. Each of these elements drop the weight of the Coupe down to 3,197 hp. Resale - As I mentioned earlier, the Veneno will more than likely see appreciation in its value throughout the years. The reason for this is due to the points I've previously stated and many more. If you're looking for a car that will be the star of your collection and also act as an investment, the Veneno is a solid bet. Buy Now

By Andrew Nabors – July 18, 2016

Why You Should Buy A Lamborghini Murciélago

Sometimes it feels good to be bad. If you have ever empathized with Tony Montana, allow us to explain why the world needs automotive antagonists. It offers no apologies for styling or performance, and that is how it brought the brand into the modern era. We have had the opportunity to sell countless versions of these raging bulls, and here is why it should be your next car. Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640 RoadsterIn our travels among the Italian exotic community, Murcielago owners share a unique camaraderie. Unlike the Aventador, the Murcielago is not over-engineered. Oil changes and a majority of routine service can be done in your driveway. Instead of an integrated infotainment system that cannot be modified, the Murci has a normal single DIN radio and 4 speakers. Upgrading to aftermarket audio is easily done, and it will sound better than any new car on the market. Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperveloceIf you are in the market for a new Italian exotic, they are only available with two pedals. Manual transmissions are an endangered species, but Murcielago was built with a solid six-speed gearbox. Nothing comes close to the sound and feel of a gated shifter, and the clutch pedal is in the perfect location. Lamborghini Murciélago LP 650-4 RoadsterThe Aventador is a great car, but it sacrifices low-speed acceleration because it is geared for land speed racing. Above 150 mph is where it really shines. But Murcielago has a shorter final drive, which puts more power to the ground at legal speeds. Aventador will not let you approach its limits thanks to several traction control and stability systems. Murcielago requires you to know how far it can be pushed. Lamborghini Murciélago RoadsterLamborghini produced 4,099 cars between 2001 and 2010 with several special editions and a Roadster. Styling and engines were updated in 2007 with the launch of the LP640, but the early cars have a cult following. If you need a supercar that keeps you connected to the road without breaking the bank, take a look at the great listing from our dealers to find the one that is right for you.Murcielago For Sale Lamborghini Murciélago

By Andrew Nabors – July 08, 2016

Why You Should Buy A Lamborghini Huracan

If you have never considered owning a Lamborghini, the Huracan deserves a few minutes of your time. Of all the cars we encounter, it tops the list for polarizing an audience. As an example, having a Huracan at an event either evokes notions of love, or contempt. The latter is fuel by perceptions of stereotypical owners which have been perpetuated by pop culture. But Huracan is far removed from any of its predecessors. View Lamborghini Huracan Price, Specs, PhotosOwning an Italian exotic is a great achievement in life, but many see it as not worth the headaches. Driving an Aventador in traffic can be a white knuckle experience thanks to limited visibility and zero tolerance for potholes. Behind the wheel of a Huracan on the street is a stress relief. First off you will notice the seating position is not as compromising as the Gallardo or Aventador. It becomes quickly evident that countless hours were spent making sure Huracan is easy to live with. Because the seats aren't nearly as low as other exotics, claustrophobia becomes a fear of the past.We're not sure why it took so long for Italians to embrace magnetic suspension, but it will make or break your driving experience. My 2003 Corvette was the first sports car equipped with the system, and it had the ability to transform Clark Kent into Superman in a tenth of a second. Conventional shocks on sports cars are set incredibly stiff to keep the car planted on the track. But they are a brutal ride on the street. Driving the Huracan in "Strada" or street mode is actually comfortable because the computer is adjusting the ride several hundred times a second. This one option alone is why Huracan is superior to any other exotic running conventional suspension.Another innovation that has been long overdue is the dual clutch transmission. Aventador can shift as fast as you need it to, but engine power to the wheels is interrupted as the single clutch box works its magic. Another detriment is the cost of clutch replacement. Any Italian owner can attest to a hefty repair bill for removing the driveline. Dual clutch boxes have separate clutches for even and odd numbered gears, so the load is shared between them. This translates to instant shifts, less heat, and much less in maintenance costs.As if these reasons weren't enough, Huracan is offered in both all wheel drive and rear drive models. With the latest in active rear differentials, the added weight and decreased fuel economy of AWD make it unnecessary for weekend cruising. If you need a modern exotic with no compromises, check out the great deals on 2016 models from our dealers.View All Huracans For Sale

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