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

A shiny red sports car, the 1-of-1 Alfa Romeo DoppiaCoda by Zagato, is parked on a racetrack with a modern building and cloudy sky, highlighting the significance of this exclusive masterpiece.

By Khris Bharath – May 26, 2025

The Significance Of The 1-of-1 Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda B...

At this past weekend’s 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, Zagato was once again in the spotlight for showcasing its latest coachbuilt cars. Besides the BMW M4 convertible-based Bovensiepen Zagato, the Milanese atelier also unveiled the Alfa Romeo DoppiaCoda: a one-off concept that reimagines the iconic 8C Competizione. A model in production between 2008 and 2010, the 8C also served as the base for the stunning Disco Volante by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. This particular build was Commissioned by an Italian collector, and is a follow-up to the six-cylinder Giulia SWB project from 2023. It pays tribute to the legendary 8C lineage, which dates back to the 1930s, when Alfa Romeo and Zagato first collaborated on race-winning cars. “We may have just started a new chapter in Zagato design, focused on researching tail sections and exploring new aerodynamic and stylistic solutions to spark innovation. With the 8C DoppiaCoda, instead, we created a true fusion of round and truncated tails into a single body style—one that still preserves the functional benefits of both.” Andrea Michele Zagato, President of Zagato The front facia features revised air intakes and a sharper headlight profile compared to the standard 8C. The black contrasting with Zagato’s signature double-bubble roof serves as a great visual contrast to the striking red paintwork. However, The highlight of this bespoke one-off commission is in the name; ‘DoppiaCoda’, which in Italian translates to ‘double tail. Unlike a detachable tail-section seen on the AGTZ Twin-Tail, the DoppiaCoda combines two of Zagato’s most distinctive design codes: the signature the aerodynamic Kamm-tail (Coda Tronca), or truncated near-vertical tail section, and rounded-tail (Coda-Tonda), resulting in a singular, visually striking yet functional rear end. A contemporary interpretation of two classic design elements from the past, the wrap-around fixed wing, which appears detached when viewed from the rear, is actually hormonally integrated into the body and enhances both downforce and aesthetic appeal. Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 with 'Coda Tronca' Tail Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ2 with 'Coda Tonda' tail The Coda Tronca is a design solution traditionally used in extreme, race-inspired sports cars.But if applied directly to a high-class GT like the 8C, the tail would have felt visually heavy. That’s why this “wing tronca” was developed specifically for this car.”— Norihiko Harada, Chief Designer at Zagato Although there’s no word on the 8C Doppiacoda's exact performance specifications, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione featured a 4.7-liter Ferrari/Maserati F136 Yc V8 engine under the hood, with 444 horsepower on tap, paired to a six-speed automated manual transmission. As previously mentioned, this is a bespoke one-off build with no plans for further production. The Alfa Romeo Doppiacoda won the Concept Car Cup at this year’s Villa d’Este, and not only does it serve as a reminder of beauty and individuality, but also a celebration of more than a century of collaboration between Zagato and Alfa Romeo. View All Alfa Romeos For Sale Source: Zagato, Alfa Romeo

01GiuliaGTAmAntonioGiovinazziandKimiRaikkonen

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

HOME PAGE Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA dedicated Livery (13)

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

By Andrew Nabors – April 26, 2018

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Debuts in Beijing

If you are in the market for a luxury SUV with twin-turbo power, Alfa Romeo has something for you to consider. The Stelvio is a rarity in the US, an Italian Compact Crossover with grace and efficiency. Based on the Giulia sedan, they have offered two flavors of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, until yesterday.Fastest Quarter-Mile Production CarA press release from the Beijing Auto Show has confirmed the new Stelvio Quadrifoglio. It arrives with the same 2.9-liter twin turbo V6 as the Giulia, offering 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The best news is that the torque is available from 2,500 rpm all the way to 5,000. This is thanks to the same turbo technology pioneered by their cousins at Ferrari. The variable geometry units have a lightweight turbine and compressor wheels for instant boost. Feel it for yourself in the California T or the 488 GTB!An 8-speed automatic sends power to the Q4 All Wheel Drive System. It will have you at 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, on your way to a top speed of 176 mph. To keep it thrifty, the V6 becomes a three-cylinder when max power is not needed. To keep you safe, Alfa Chassis Domain Control includes the latest stability control with 4-corner torque vectoring. You might not expect to see lightweight Sparco seats and carbon ceramics brakes on a compact crossover, but they are options on this mean machine. Our dealers have all the info, so click the link below for more info.Browse Alfa Romeo Stelvio For Sale

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