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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 Khris Bharath – September 15, 2026

Ferrari 812 Superfast Becomes Fifth Mansory-Built Car to Join Dubai Police’s Patrol Fleet

Dubai Police has officially unveiled a custom Ferrari 812 Superfast built by Mansory at the Dubai World Trade Centre, adding a fifth Mansory-built vehicle to its luxury patrol fleet. The car debuted on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market 2026. With Mansory's signature Stallone treatment engineered for Ferrari’s front-engined V12 flagships, the 812 receives an aggressive front splitter, extended side skirts, a deep rear diffuser, and an enormous fixed rear wing. Black multi-spoke wheels, vivid yellow brake calipers, and yellow accents throughout the aero package contrast against Dubai Police's now-famous white and green livery. As for performance, the car’s naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 produces up to 800 horsepower, allowing it to get from 0-62 mph in 2.8 seconds, with a top speed rated at 214 mph. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kourosh Mansory (@_kourosh_mansory) From the outset, Dubai Police's exotic patrol fleet was never intended to replace the conventional vehicles (led by the 300-Series Land Cruiser) handling everyday police work across the Emirate of Dubai. Instead, cars like the 812 Superfast maintain a highly visible police presence around upscale neighborhoods of the city like Downtown Dubai, JBR, and other major tourist destinations, while giving officers another way to engage with residents and visitors. There is another carefully chosen detail on this particular Ferrari: its three-digit Dubai Police plate reads ‘812,’ matching the model designation. Low-digit registration numbers carry considerable prestige across the United Arab Emirates, where shorter combinations can command extraordinary prices at auction. The market has produced several eight-figure results, including the No. 1 plate that reportedly brought around $14.3 million in 2008.As for Dubai’s vast exotic car fleet, it dates back to 2013 when a Lamborghini Aventador became one of its earliest additions. That fleet has since grown to include everything from hypercars like the Bugatti Veyron and the Porsche 918 Spyder to SUVs and 4x4s like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, the Lotus Eletre, the Beast Patrol, and so many more. Mansory's involvement represents a newer chapter, beginning with a Mercedes-AMG G63 in 2024, distinguished by the tuner's signature widebody treatment and mechanical upgrades. Other builds that followed were all-V12 powered: a 1-of-1 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a Ferrari Purosangue Pugnator, and a Lamborghini Revuelto. During our exclusive interview with Mr. Kourosh Mansory for the cover story of the December 2025 edition, he revealed that more surprise projects with Dubai Police were already in development. With the 812 Superfast now joining the fleet, at least one of those surprises has officially broken cover. For clients in the United States, Limited Spec Automotive serves as the exclusive MANSORY USA dealer. View All Ferrari 812 Superfast for Sale View All Mansory Cars For Sale Images: @_kourosh_mansory, Khris Bharath

By Sponsored Article – April 29, 2026

2021 Ferrari 812 GTS MANSORY: A V12 Masterpiece Reimagined

Few supercars carry the reverence and legacy of a front-engine V12 Ferrari, and fewer still offer that in an open-top experience. The Ferrari 812 GTS is a rare machine that combines breathtaking performance with pure grand-touring flair, delivering a visceral connection between driver, engine, and road. Now, imagine that masterpiece handed over to MANSORY, the famed German atelier known for transforming elite automobiles into bespoke works of art. What emerges isn’t merely a convertible supercar — it’s a statement piece, sculpted with intense visual presence and crafted for collectors who seek something truly distinct. And now, this remarkable 2021 Ferrari 812 GTS MANSORY is available at Limited Spec Automotive in Miami — a rare opportunity to own a hypercar that stands apart from any factory production model. GALLERY-EMBED A Legacy V12, Now Sculpted by MANSORY At its heart, the Ferrari 812 GTS is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 that produces exhilarating performance and a symphony of sound that’s become synonymous with Ferrari’s grand-touring lineage. MANSORY’s transformation goes beyond mere aesthetics; it adds bespoke bodywork, unique aero elements, and typically carbon-fiber enhancements that redefine the car’s visual presence, accentuating the muscular lines of the 812 while adding the tuner’s unmistakable design flair. Whether viewed cruising down Brickell Avenue or showcased at an elite automotive event, this isn’t just another Ferrari — it’s a tailored expression that stands out from even the most exclusive supercars. Exclusivity Meets Open-Air Performance The 812 GTS’s convertible architecture makes this experience even more visceral. With the roof open, the thunderous V12 engagement, wind-in-your-hair excitement, and electrifying Ferrari soundtrack combine for a sensory experience few cars can match. Inside, the Ferrari’s driver-focused cockpit and premium appointments serve as a perfect canvas for MANSORY’s bespoke touches, blending Italian engineering with individualized craftsmanship to create a cabin as unique as its exterior. GALLERY-EMBED Miami’s Showcase Example This specific MANSORY 812 GTS at Limited Spec Automotive presents a rare opportunity: 2021 Ferrari 812 GTS — MANSORY customized Mileage: approx. 8,458 miles — lightly used and meticulously maintained Exterior Color: Silver Interior: Brown leather Transmission: 7-Speed (F1-style / manual-like) Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive Price: $749,980 at Limited Spec Automotive — an exceptional value for a one-of-a-kind supercar. This car is more than a performance machine — it’s the intersection of Ferrari’s engineering mastery and MANSORY’s bold vision of customization. The Art of Bespoke Expression In a world where many supercars deliver staggering speed and exotic appeal, the MANSORY-enhanced Ferrari 812 GTS raises the bar further. It’s a blend of unmatched performance, audacious style, and individualized design intent — a Ferrari that doesn’t just perform, but commands attention. For the collector who wants something beyond the ordinary, a supercar that feels theirs uniquely, this 812 GTS MANSORY is a trophy, a thrill, and a showpiece all in one. Learn More

2022 Ferrari SF90 Spider MANSORY — Where Hypercar Performance Meets Bespoke Mastery

By Sponsored Article – March 26, 2026

2022 Ferrari SF90 Spider MANSORY For Sale

Few cars embody the apex of modern performance quite like the Ferrari SF90 Spider — a convertible that mixes breathtaking hybrid power with the soul of a thoroughbred race car. But when the already extraordinary SF90 Spider is entrusted to MANSORY, the celebrated German custom atelier known for transforming elite vehicles into individualized works of automotive art, the result isn’t just exceptional — it’s singular. Now available at Limited Spec Automotive in Miami, this 2022 Ferrari SF90 Spider MANSORY stands as a rare fusion of cutting-edge performance, open-top exhilaration, and dramatic bespoke design — a hypercar that demands attention at every angle. GALLERY-EMBED A Hypercar Powertrain Nearly Unmatched Ferrari’s SF90 Spider pairs a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with three electric motors and all-wheel drive, forming a plug-in hybrid system that delivers roughly 986 horsepower and rockets from 0–60 mph in around 2.5 seconds, with a top speed north of 211 mph on the road. What makes this Ferrari even more intoxicating is the open-air experience. The retractable hardtop folds away seamlessly, allowing the roar of the powertrain and the whirr of electric drive to fill the cabin — an intoxicating blend of racetrack ferocity and open-air freedom that few supercars can match. MANSORY — Sculpting Performance With Artistic Intent MANSORY’s approach to bespoke tuning is not merely cosmetic; it is transformative. On the SF90 Spider, expect uniquely styled aerodynamic elements, carbon-fiber enhancements, specially designed wheels, and custom touches that accentuate the car’s aggressive stance without ever compromising its Ferrari DNA. Whether viewed from the front, side, or high-speed profile, the MANSORY SF90 Spider strikes a balance between artful sculpting and pure performance intent — an automotive statement as bold as the power underlying it. GALLERY-EMBED Exclusivity You Can Experience This particular example at Limited Spec is a rare opportunity: 2022 Ferrari SF90 Spider — MANSORY Edition 369 miles on the odometer — nearly new in feel Giallo Montecarlo exterior with leather interior AWD with 8-Speed transmission Listed at $749,980 at Limited Spec Automotive in Miami This is a Ferrari for the discerning collector who doesn’t just appreciate speed and engineering — but covets uniqueness. The combination of low miles and MANSORY’s distinct treatment elevates this SF90 Spider into the rarefied territory of automotive art that’s meant to be driven, shown, and remembered. The Ultimate Expression of Italian Thrill and Bespoke Craft The 2022 Ferrari SF90 Spider MANSORY isn’t just a convertible hypercar. It’s an invitation — to command attention, to experience technology and performance with every shift of the gearbox and wave of wind across the cockpit. It’s the rare vehicle that blends world-class engineering with individual expression, a Ferrari that stands apart from any other car on the road. For the collector who demands more than speed — who seeks something truly one-of-a-kind — this MANSORY SF90 Spider answers that call. View Price And Listing

By Khris Bharath – February 17, 2026

NOVITEC Unlocks 868 HP From Ferrari’s V12 Daytona SP3

The Ferrari Daytona SP3 already sits at the very top of Maranello’s modern hierarchy. Part of the Italian marque's revered 'Icona Series', and limited to just 599 examples, it pairs a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 with a design that references Ferrari’s 1960s sports prototypes, making it one of the most highly desirable modern-day hypercars. German tuner Novitec has decided to further up the ante with some subtle visual and performance upgrades. One of the key-highlights includes a custom high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts that reduces back pressure and improves gas flow from the 6.5-liter twelve-cylinder powerplant. The result is a 28-horsepower increase, lifting total output to 868 horsepower, over the standard car's 840-horsepower. The system is thermally insulated to reduce heat accumulation in the engine bay, which in turn supports more consistent power delivery under sustained load. For those seeking maximum heat dissipation, NOVITEC will also offer 999 fine gold plating across the exhaust components. The stock exhaust tips have been retained, preserving the original rear aesthetic. The company pairs this hardware with electronically controlled sound management. From the cockpit, the driver can adjust the exhaust note from restrained to fully open. With the flaps deployed, the V12 hardens into a sharper, higher frequency tone. The stealthy satin gray finish seen here offers an alternative perspective to appreciate the Daytona SP3’s dramatic 1960s-inspired bodywork, a form that pays homage to the Ferrari 330 P3/4, Ferrari 412 P, and Ferrari 350 Can-Am. White contrasting center stripes and an accented engine cover sharpen the visual contrast. <- Gallery -> NOVITEC also collaborated with Vossen in the United States to engineer forged wheels specifically for the SP3’s proportions. In this configuration, black finish five-spoke center lock wheels feature yellow centers color-matched to the Ferrari shield, a direct reference to Ferrari’s 1967 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Inside, NOVITEC reworks leather and Alcantara to individual specification, tailoring trim, stitching, and color to each commission. Most notably, NOVITEC’s upgrades respect the factory’s engineering and philosophy while extracting more intensity from an already historically significant platform, all without compromising the elements that make the Daytona SP3 so special in the first place. View All Ferrari Daytona SP3s For Sale Images: NOVITEC Group

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