Alfa Romeo

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 Tyler Rampersaud – May 15, 2024

Alfa Romeo Sends Off The Giulia & Stelvio Quadrifoglio Wi...

Sending off is Quadrifoglio lineup, Alfa Romeo turns a new leaf. Powered by twin-turbocharged V6 engines, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Giulia Quadrifoglio both demonstrated excellent performance and iconic Italian driving character. However, their time in the Alfa Romeo model lineup is coming to an end, and Alfa Romeo has decided to send off the two iconic Italian luxury performance cars with an exclusive special edition, the Super Sport. The Quadrifoglio Super Sport limited edition is globally limited to 275 units for the Giulia, and 175 units for the Stelvio. In the United States market, 72 Giulia examples and 52 Stelvio examples are available. For the Super Sport, the Quadrifoglio logo is revised to feature a black background instead of a white one, dark wheels are implemented, and carbon fiber is used extensively, with “Super Sport” embroidery on the seats designating the limited edition further. Three colors are available, Rosso Etna, Nero Vulcano, and exclusively for the Giulia, Bianco Alfa. Optionally, the Giulia can be equipped with a carbon fiber roof, and the Stelvio can feature a dual-pane sunroof. The 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine in both cars delivers 505 horsepower and 443 lb/ft of torque, with performance enhancements like the limited-slip differential of the Giulia GTA, a carbon fiber driveshaft, and more. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport is capable of getting from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds with a 176 mph top speed with Q4 all-wheel drive, while the Giulia Quadrifoglio Super Sport gets to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a 191 mph top speed. In the United States, the starting MSRP for the 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Super Sport is $86,770, while the starting price of the new 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport is $94,370. With the Quadrifoglio nameplate being a historic symbol of Alfa Romeo performance, the end of the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio and the limited-edition Super Sport models mark the closing of a chapter in that long history, and it’s building anticipation for the next chapter to begin. View All Alfa Romeos For Sale Image Source: Alfa Romeo

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 06, 2023

Alfa Romeo Reveals New Limited-Edition Quadrifoglio Carbo...

Embodying luxury, power, and style, these 130 exclusive units of the Stelvio and Giulia Quadrifoglio are all set to roll into showrooms this quarter. Alfa Romeo's latest masterpiece is set to thrill enthusiasts passionate about Italian performance - the 2024 Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Carbon Editions. Available exclusively for North America, the limited-edition models promise a concoction of elegance and high performance. When we talk about an exterior that demands attention, the Carbon Edition truly delivers. Doused in choices of Vulcano Black, Alfa Red, or the picturesque Rosso Etna paint colors, this work of art also showcases carbon-fiber features - be it the iconic V scudetto grille or the mirror caps. Further accentuating the vehicle's character are gold calipers, black badging, and staggered dark wheels measuring 19 inches for the Giulia and an impressive 21 inches for the Stelvio. And for those who crave that extra bit of flair, the Giulia offers an optional exposed carbon-fiber roof. Alfa Romeo hasn’t stopped with the exterior. Step inside, and the Stelvio and Giulia Quadrifoglio Carbon Editions ensure a sensory treat. Drivers and passengers alike are welcomed into a lavish cockpit accentuated by red leather sport seats - a notable divergence from the customary black seats in the Quadrifoglio line. This color splash is harmoniously complemented by carbon-fiber trims, gracing the dash, doors, and center console. With the inclusion of the Harman Kardon premium audio system and the Active Assist Plus Driver Group, the vehicles aren’t just visually appealing but technologically advanced as well. Think about intelligent speed assists, highway assists, and active blind-spot sensors to name a few. The true essence of any Alfa Romeo, however, lies under the hood, and the Carbon Editions don't disappoint. Housing the most potent production engine Alfa Romeo has ever crafted, the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 promises a whopping 505 horsepower. This beastly power is channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission, promising top speeds of 176 mph for the Stelvio and an exhilarating 191 mph for the Giulia. Alfa Romeo’s Q4 AWD system (featured in Stelvio Quadrifoglio) and the Alfa Adaptive Suspension work in tandem to ensure that the ride is as smooth as it is fast. Above all, the Carbon Edition is rare. Limited to only 130 combined units for both the Giulia and Stelvio, Alfa Romeo has kept exclusivity at the heart of this release. Those looking to acquire one of these beauties need to act swiftly, as they roll into Alfa Romeo dealerships this quarter. The Giulia comes in at an MSRP of $84,875, while the Stelvio is priced at $92,275. View All Alfa Romeos For Sale Image Source: Alfa Romeo

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 27, 2022

Alfa Romeo Updates The New Giulia And Stelvio For 2023

A new chapter arrives for an important part of Alfa Romeo’s lineup. With the sporty nature and unparalleled style that Alfa Romeo has spent decades being known for as a brand, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Alfa Romeo Giulia have enjoyed success as well-loved luxury vehicles for quite some time. And it’s no wonder that they have, as the formula of combining Italian style, luxury, and power is a surefire one. However, the time has come for the cars to be updated, and they have been for the 2023 model year. MUST READ: Alfa Romeo Is Making Its Star Appearance At The 40th 1000 Miglia A new look comes courtesy of updated grilles for both cars, as well as new sets of full LED headlights inspired by some of the world’s favorite Alfa Romeo models, like the SZ Zagato and the Proteo concept car. The instrument panel for both becomes completely digital, with layouts that you can change depending on how you like to drive. One of the most interesting changes to the cars comes in the form of NFT technology, which is being implemented in the Giulia and Stelvio the way it was introduced with the Tonale: by putting information about the car onto an NFT certificate, where the value and proper informed maintenance of the car can be ensured. Another exciting change coming to the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the introduction of the new top-of-the-line Copmetizione Special series. Based on the Veloce trim level of the cars, and available with any engine, the Competizione edition comes with special looks, boasting red brake calipers, 21-inch wheels, Competizione badging, and an exclusive Moon Light Grey color. The new cars will start to arrive at the beginning of next year, and they’re sure to bring the classic Italian luxury and performance brand even more success. View All Alfa Romeos For Sale Source: Alfa Romeo

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 17, 2022

Alfa Romeo Is Making Its Star Appearance At The 40th 1000...

The famous Italian carmaker preps for the iconic Italian race. As passionate car enthusiasts, the love for automotive design and performance carries through a worldwide community of like-minded individuals who look to attend meets, rallies, and races as a fix for their obsession. The 1000 Miglia represents the pinnacle of open-road sports car racing, making its start in 1927 and continuing its legacy as “The Most Beautiful Race in the World”. The Italian experts at Alfa Romeo are proud to be participating in the 40th Annual 1000 Miglia as the star of the event, with three models from its historical collection at the starting line beside 400 other vintage cars. MUST-READ: This Lightweight Porsche 992 911 Turbo S Preps For The 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb The iconic race tracks its way throughout Italy, starting in Brescia and making its long-distance journey to the city of Roma. After the initial 350-mile sprint to the southern portion of Italy, drivers will endure a breathtaking drive on the western coast through San Marino on their return to Brescia. The three Alfa Romeos leaving the grid in style are the 6C 1500 Super Sport from 1928, 1900 Sport Spider from 9154, and 1900 Super Sprint from 1956. These three extraordinary, moving works of art belong to the private Heritage collection, the Stellantis department dedicated to the protection and promotion of the historical heritage of Alfa Romeo. Tune into the 40th running of 1000 Miglia to see Alfa Romeo showcases pieces of its automotive history and some of the other priceless examples that will make appearances. View all of the current Alfa Romeo models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle and supercar news. VIEW ALL ALFA ROMEO FOR SALE Source: Alfa Romeo

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 08, 2022

Alfa Romeo's New Tonale SUV Is A Hybrid With An NFT Certi...

The Alfa Romeo of the future is a hybrid SUV that comes with a NFT certificate, with 22.5 inches of infotainment screens and more. Alfa Romeo’s new SUV, the Tonale, slingshots the brand into the future by being a hybrid that allows drivers to travel almost 50 miles on electric power alone, and that just scratches the surface. From bumper to bumper, the Tonale is an Alfa Romeo for a new era that celebrates the brand’s heritage of over 100 years. The exterior design takes cues from many iconic Alfa Romeo cars like the 8C Competizione, the SZ Zagato, and the many Alfa Romeos that also sported the classic “phone dial” wheels, starting in the 1960s with cars like the 33 Stradale. The centerpiece of the interior is the 22.5 inches of infotainment screens, which are designed to support 4G connectivity, over-the-air updates, and Amazon Alexa integration. With seats upholstered in neoprene, or Alcantara and vegan leather, the car maintains the sporty look and feel of its historic predecessors while heralding the future of the automotive industry at the same time. MUST READ: 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 V6 TI ITC To Be Offered at RM Sotheby’s Milan Sale Three powertrains are available on the Tonale. Two hybrid engines are available with 130 or 160 horsepower. The 160 horsepower Variable-Geometry Turbo engine allows drivers to operate the Tonale using electric power alone at low speeds, or when parking or cruising. The fastest Tonale, however, is the Q4, an all-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid version that is good for 275 horsepower. The Q4 can be operated on electric power alone for almost 50 miles, and it fully charges in as little as 2.5 hours. The Tonale also comes equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving, with the ability to recognize traffic signs, and maintain travel within a lane. To top it all off, Alfa Romeo is making the Tonale in one of its most advanced plants in Naples, Italy, where it has been making cars since 1972. The Tonale is truly a car that brings Alfa Romeo’s incredible heritage to the future.

By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2021

Kimi Räikkönen to Debut Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA in Bahrain

Sunday is the opening race for this year's Formula 1 season, and before the main event, Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi will debut the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA in Bahrain. This new flagship is years in the making and it was made possible by a collaboration with Sauber Engineering. Both drivers also added input along the way in order to make it appealing to skilled enthusiasts. It was originally supposed to debut in Geneva but the outbreak sidelined the reveal. Named after their most popular street-legal model, it offers a whopping 540 horsepower from only 2.9 liters of twin-turbo V6. Weight was cut by 220 lbs, and only 1,000 cars will be produced. Half will be GTA and the others will be GTAm, the latter arriving with a roll cage and 6-point harnesses. These nimble sedans are available for order so stay with us for all your Alfa Romeo news. Alfa Romeo Giulia For Sale Images (C) Stellantis

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2020

Alfa Romeo Refines Lineup For 2021

With the sad demise of the 4C Spider, Alfa Romeo has refined their lineup for 2021. Their latest press release highlights new technology and option packages for the 2022 model-year Stelvio and Giulia. Inspired by the classic Giulietta of 1954, the new entry-level editions of both cars will be the Sprint. They offer 280 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic, and can be equipped with AWD along with a Performance Package. Stepping up to the Ti and Ti Sport packages includes a sunroof and unlocks the 8.8" touch screen. 2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Stradale Tributo Is The End Of An Era Customers can also choose a Lusso or Carbon package that combines popular exterior options. The Quadrifoglio remains their halo model, and it is based on a 505 horsepower 2.9-liter V6. It scoots the Giulia to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and the AWD Stelvio does it two ticks faster. The sedan was able to lap Nurburgring in 7:32, the fastest 5-passenger car to ever do so. Brembo brakes, torque vectoring differentials, and 21" wheels are also along for the ride, so click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Alfa Romeo news. Browse Alfa Romeo For Sale Images (C) Fiat-Chrysler

By Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2020

2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Stradale Tributo Is The End Of ...

When the Stradale 33 appeared in 1967, it was a supercar decades ahead of its time. Now its time to say goodbye to its successor, so the 2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Stradale Tributo is the end of an era. To celebrate that groundbreaking supercar, the factory is building 33 of these tribute models for the U.S. Starting with a red-tinted carbon fiber monocoque, all the performance options are standard equipment. For $79,995 you will have Akrapovic exhaust, numbered badges inside and out, and a book documenting the brand's history. Driving a 4C is unlike anything else thanks to weighing in less than 2,500 lbs. A turbocharged 1.75-liter offers 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to a dual-clutch transmission. The 4C offers more performance per dollar than any other Italian, so click the button below to find yours. Browse Alfa Romeo For Sale Images (C) Fiat-Chrysler

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2020

2019 Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR for Sale at Ferrari of Houston

Enzo Ferrari witnessed his first race at the age of 10. From then on, he was enamored with the performance and style of Alfa Romeo. After WWI, he would not relent until they gave him a job. He was hired as a test driver in 1920 and the rest is history. Quickly dominating the world's biggest races, Scuderia Ferrari was formed in 1924 to build and race the latest from Alfa Romeo. Family and corporate loyalty between the brands has never been stronger, and their latest collaboration can be yours. Built to compete on the world's toughest tracks, the Giulietta TCR is offered by Ferrari of Houston (and Ferrari of The Woodlands). Their racing division Risi Competizione fields identical cars in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series, so their recipe has been perfected. Starting with 350 horsepower, the 1.8-liter offers 325 lb-ft of torque to a Sadev 6-speed sequential. With a minimum weight of 2,789 lbs, it has several mounts for ballast and provisions for all Balance of Performance protocols. The brakes measure 14.8 front and they are clamped by 6-piston monoblock calipers. You will also receive the spares package that includes 3 sets of springs and 3 sway bars to fine-tune the suspension. Bilstein dual-adjustable shocks and struts can be easily changed, along with caster, camber, and toe settings. The mechanical differential has 3 ramp angles, and the clutch has its own oil cooler for long life. The IMSA grid is filling up quickly for next season, and this car is your ticket to a podium finish. Showing only delivery miles, Ferrari of Houston and Risi Competizione have prepped it for you, and they have insights that only a Ferrari-backed team can offer. The WSC homologation form allows this car to participate in IMSA Michelin Pilot Series, SRO TC America, SCCA, NASA, Canadian Touring Car Championship, and many others, so click the button below for all the details. View Price & Listing

By Andrew Nabors – May 01, 2020

Alfa Romeo Unveils Wild Liveries for the Giulia GTA

We're glad Alfa Romeo returned to the U.S. That's because their current lineup represents 110 years of styling and performance. To look back on eleven decades of racing, Alfa Romeo has unveiled wild liveries for the Giulia GTA. Customers who choose to order a GTA unlock an unlimited personalization program by the Autodelta workshop in Balocco. This new model is based on the Quadrifoglio with a nice power bump to 540 horsepower. By cutting all non-essential luxuries, each one will arrive 220 lbs lighter also. A dedicated product specialist will work with you from ordering to delivery, and each car will come with a Bell helmet that matches your car's livery. Our dealers are ready to get the ball rolling, so click the link below to learn more. Browse Alfa Romeo Giulia For Sale

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