2018 Buyers Guide

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 – March 16, 2021

Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Specs, Price, Photos, & Review

Ferrari revealed their latest hypercar at the Paris Motor Show, and it’s officially called the LaFerrari Aperta… not Spider. But all of the reported 209 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta specs to be known, all have already been spoken for, making it completely sold out. Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Price For most of us, the price of this car is irrelevant. That is because Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta specs were only known to owners who were chosen to purchase them. In order to be eligible to buy a new LaFerrari Aperta, you have to plead your case to Maranello. If you’re wondering how much these people had to pay to get one preordered, estimates online have been ranging from $2.1 million to $4.9 million. Of course, there are options, and those options have hefty price tags. One window sticker lister Ferrari Telemetry at over $11,000. The carbon fiber package is probably more than your daily driver. As long as you are going that far, record your lap with the "Track Inner Cams Kit". These cameras record the road ahead along with the driver in order to perfect each corner. Considering only 210 examples of the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta for sale were offered, they will only increase in value. The most elite customers were offered 200 cars while 9 were reserved for Ferrari's 70th anniversary. One final car was sold at an auction to complete the series Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Review As far as performance figures go, the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta specs are just as formidable as its Coupe brethren. The hypercar will run these figures: 0-60 mph in less than three seconds, 0-124 mph in less than seven seconds and 0-186 mph in 15 seconds. Its top speed is currently rated at over 217 mph. Driving a LaFerrari is an experience unto itself. If the high-voltage battery is charged, it will shut down the V12 under light load. Manually shifting the 7-speed transmission offers instant gratification, but shifting isn’t really necessary. That’s because this car makes power in any gear at any rpm. With a combined 949 combined horsepower and over 663 pound-feet of torque, the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta specs combine its cutting-edge engineering with efficiency, power, and stunning looks. Final LaFerrari Aperta Revealed, Being Auctioned for Charity Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Engine To achieve these numbers, Ferrari’s engineers made sure they could get the most out of the 949 horsepower combination of V12 engine and electric motor. And to do this, they had to engineer the heck out of its open-top aerodynamics and its chassis. The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta specs a battery and two electric motor/generators. Each motor is pulse-width modulated so it doesn’t require a heavy inverter. It offers 161 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque at any speed, and under light acceleration, it borrows some of the V12 power to keep itself charged. The technology is straight out of Formula 1, and it is known as Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). Because innovation never sleeps, engineers kept refining the powertrain after the coupe was launched. This allowed them to refine the tuning of the engine, hybrid system, and driving dynamics. Although it might not matter to most owners, every Ferrari LaFerrari is more efficient than its predecessor. Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Design Ferrari notes that the LaFerrari Aperta has the same rigidity and drag-coefficient characteristics as the LaFerrari coupe, both being huge feats. The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta specs were put to paper by Flavio Manzoni at Centro Stile (Ferrari Styling Headquarters). The untimely death of Sergio Pininfarina sidelined anything their stylists were working on, so the project was done in-house. The unique drivetrain configuration required ingenious packaging and the power it makes necessitated strength. Massive inlets and openings are needed to keep the beast cool, and many of the styling features hide essential elements of the car. While the looks are very similar to the coupe, every Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta for sale has unique A-pillars that are reinforced to support the door hinges. The front end is also slightly different to promote more efficient cooling. While every example looks great without a roof, you have two options for tops. The first is a normal cloth top, and the second is glossy carbon fiber. Every car came with both, so make sure they are included in the sale. Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Brakes If it's not Brembo, I don't wanna go! The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta specs demand the world’s best stopping system. They have the ability to stop a freight train, but in normal driving, the electric motors instantly turn into generators by clamping down on the engine and transmission. Regenerative braking transforms the car’s kinetic energy into voltage and sends it to the batteries. Carbon-ceramic rotors should probably last the life of the car. Fronts measure in at 15.6″ with 14.9 on the rear. In most circumstances, a majority of brake force comes from the hybrid system. It is capable of converting 120 kW of kinetic energy into heat and voltage without wearing down the physical brakes. There is nothing light about batteries, high-voltage wiring or V12 engines. Nevertheless, every Ferrari LaFerrari for sale tips the scales at 3,495 lbs. This gives it a very competitive power-to-weight ratio. Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Interior If it was not obvious from the exterior, the interior has an immense amount of F1 influence, including the steering wheel shape, the locations of controls, and pedal design. There is even a toggle between tachometer visuals for either a relaxed or a more competitive display. Every aspect of the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta specs might be optimized for performance, but the interior is actually quite comfortable. Down to the very last detail, it has been carefully sculpted. The Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta specs are unique and timeless. A central spine of carbon fiber divides the seats, and rear visibility is better than other hypercars. Controls are well thought out, and the seating position is optimal. Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Transmission Anyone who is still whining about a stick shift should realize that a manual transmission can’t handle this level of power. Because it has such a unique drivetrain, the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta specs include a potent transmission. The unique gearbox is based on their 7-speed F1 dual-clutch automatic. It has the 6.3 liter V12 on one side, and the primary motor/generator on the others. A common input shaft allows each to work together with the axles placed near the center of the case. Mounted atop the gearbox are the high-voltage controllers. They distribute power between the batteries and both electric motors, so they are placed to get maximum cooling. Gear ratios are spaced to take advantage of electric torque. Because torque between the gas and battery is always being adjusted, they made 5th gear almost direct-drive. It has a ratio of 1.03, allowing maximum power to reach the rear wheels. Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Standout Features It offers performance levels unmatched by any previous Ferrari Aperta. If it is anything like the LaFerrari Coupe, we should see a lap time at Fiorano of one minute and 20 seconds. That’s five seconds faster than the Enzo and three seconds faster than the F12 Berlinetta, making the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta specs the fastest road car in the Italian brand’s history. Other notable performance statistics include 0-60 mph in fewer than three seconds, 0-124 in fewer than seven seconds and a top speed in excess of 217 mph. Should you need a clandestine exit, Silent Start allows the car to move on battery power without summoning the beast. This is only possible with a full charge with the A/C off, and it also makes a great party trick. Convertible versions of supercars are still stigmatized by sacrifices made in normal cars. Because the LaFerrari Aperta is anything but normal, engineers reinforced the body and chassis to have the same structural rigidity as the coupe. With the same torsional modes, they didn't have to recalibrate the magnetic suspension. You might be wondering why it has fuel filler doors on each side. This was done to make the car more symmetrical than any previous Ferrari. Fuel enters the left side while the charger is on the right. Sell Your Ferrari: Get a Cash Offer FERRARI LAFERRARI APERTA SPECS: LaFerrari Aperta Price: $4.5 MillionEngine: 6.3-liter V12Horsepower: 949 hpTorque: 664 lb-ft0-60: 3 secondsTop Speed: +217 mphTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic Search Ferrari LaFerrari For Sale

ferrari-portofino-roadshow-2018-europe-3-marbella

By Andrew Nabors – November 28, 2017

2018 Ferrari Portofino Specs, Price, Photos & Review

Ferrari Portofino Price Italian convertibles are a life goal for many, so we think you should consider a Ferrari Portofino for sale. Most people will not believe that it is a drop-top, but the graceful dance of the deck lid and roof reveals a 2+2 cockpit. Along with the latest in connectivity and safety, it is easy to justify the Ferrari Portofino price of $215,000. It is a bargain in the world of Grand Touring cars because engineers made massive improvements over its predecessor. Ferrari Portofino Review To build a better GT convertible, Ferrari engineers started with the chassis. Hollow aluminum torque structures and a one-piece windshield frame are just the starting point. More welds and reinforcements around the suspension mounts make the car 35% stronger than its predecessor. This allowed the spring rates to be relaxed, offering a much more comfortable ride. Now on to the real Ferrari Portofino review. Steering response is crisp and linear, and it does not induce any cowl shake. There is plenty of trunk space with the top up, but it diminishes quickly once the roof does its elegant dance. In urban driving, the computer keeps the wastegates open to help fuel efficiency. But if you need to leave in a hurry, the Ferrari Portofino engine transforms from a tame 3.9L into a raging madman. No other car with a comparable MSRP offers such a well sorted engine. Ferrari Portofino Specs In order to understand the potential of the latest Ferrari Grand Tourer, we need to dissect the car's performance. Thanks to a lighter chassis and zero turbo lag, the most prominent Ferrari Portofino specs are based on acceleration. The computer does allow a bit of brake-boosting, therefore the Ferrari Portofino 0-60 is 3.2 seconds. Having a close-ratio 7-speed transmission keeps the turbos spinning, and the differential ratio keeps the Ferrari Portofino top speed at 199 mph. If you are into drag racing, your quarter-mile times will hover around 10.9 seconds. Considering the cost of building a 10-second car, the Ferrari Portofino price is a bargain. Price: $215,900 Engine: 3.8L Twin Turbo V8 Transmission: 7-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic Horsepower: 600 hp Torque: 560 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 3.2s 1/4 mile: 10.9 @122 mph Top Speed: 199 mph Ferrari Portofino Engine If you ask a Ferrari engineer which of their engines is best, he will probably answer "All of them". That is because Ferrari never stops innovating. Looking to squeeze more power from their 3.8L V8, they started in the combustion chamber itself. Adding 10% more compression bumps the squeeze up to 9.45. Their patented ion-sensing ignition was calibrated for more air, and each intake runner was optimized. Ferrari Portofino Receives Tasteful Upgrades from Novitec Exhaust flows through a 1-piece header into a dual-scroll turbo. Electronic wastegates close instantly, preventing any turbo lag. Built for excitement, maximum torque arrives at only 3,000 rpm. For some reason, they limit torque in 1st and 2nd gears and use longer ratios in the transmission to offer linear acceleration. This might be more comfortable for their target audience, but why restrain such perfection? Maximum power is achieved at 7.500 rpm. The Ferrari Portofino price includes ncredible power and response. Ferrari Portofino Transmission To handle such a powerful Ferrari Portofino Engine, the transmission was heavily revised. Inside the Ferrari Portofino transmission are dual clutches and seven gears. The beauty is in new software. It considers the torque-by-gear programming in the engine to offer much faster shifts than the predecessor. Several events take place almost instantaneously. Even and odd gears are on opposite sides of the main shaft, so it allows one clutch to release as the other takes over. The wheels are only without power for a split second. Another nice feature is that the Ferrari Portofino transmission is rear-mounted. A torque tube connects the engine's flywheel to the input shaft. It is connected directly to the flywheel and perfectly balanced. This is just another aspect of the Ferrari Portofino price that sets it apart from lesser convertibles. Ferrari Portofino Interior No compromises were made when designing the Ferrari Portofino interior. Not only are the controls placed in a logical manner, it has an American size cup holder. The A/C vents are placed in the right spot to work with the top down, and they are machined and anodized for a classy look. It is perfect for long drives because the Ferrari Portofino interior has ergonomic armrests on the doors and center console. You won't have to take your hands off of the wheel to control the suspension, driving mode, turn signals, Bluetooth, and wipers. In all honesty, the Ferrari Portofino interior features have raised the bar for all convertibles. Rear seat passengers have 2" of additional legroom to fix a common complaint of its predecessor. JBL Audio hides 12 speakers in the right spots and powers them with a 12-channel amplifier rated at 1,500 watts. That is why the Ferrari Portofino price is worth every penny. Ferrari Portofino: Lighter & Stronger Ferrari Portofino Brakes When the party is over, it takes massive Ferrari Portofino Brakes to keep you safe. Starting with the measurements, the front rotors are 15.4" x 1.3", and the rears are 14.2" x 1.26". All four are carbon ceramic, as steel is not an option. They are controlled by the F1-Trac system, the latest in Ferrari's stability control systems. In normal operation, the Ferrari Portofino brakes are programmed to pull you back in line should the car begin to rotate. This electronic surveillance can be progressively dialed back until Race mode disables the safety protocols. As with all carbon ceramics, they need a little heat to work properly, so your foot will learn how to awaken them. Formula 1 technology is standard equipment in the Ferrari Portofino price. Ferrari Portofino Standout Features In order to build the most comfortable GT car in their history, the Ferrari Portofino standout features include several innovations. First are the seats. Covered in the finest Italian leather, they have several lumbar adjustments and an extending bottom cushion. Two 5" TFT displays sit on either side of the tachometer, and a 12" touchscreen controls every comfort and infotainment system. The chassis is lighter and stronger than its predecessor, and the aerodynamic sculpting reduced drag by 6%. Wheels measure 20" x 8" front and 20" x 10" on the rear. This allows for 245 mm front and 285 mm tires. This staggered setup is perfect for cornering, and the sizes are quite affordable. That is why the Ferrari Portofino price represents a great investment. Ferrari Portofino For Sale " width="680">

2018 Buyers Guide

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