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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 Andrew Nabors – March 29, 2017

Ferrari Launches 812 Superfast Configurator

Now that the first 812 Superfast has been delivered, we decided to poke around Ferrari's 812 Superfast Configurator to see what options are available. Starting with the most obvious, 26 exterior colors are grouped into Solid, Metallic, Historical, and Special. The next decision was wheels, and it looks like six examples will be offered. Two plebeian cast aluminum versions and four examples of forged alloys for the true enthusiast. No less than nine caliper colors are offered, along with the optional titanium wheel bolts. No choices in brake material, as cast iron is for losers. Your only choice is carbon ceramic ginormous rotors. While the F12berlinetta was not short on optional content, many impatient owners chose not to wait their turn for a custom build. Thankfully our Ferrari dealers have experience working with Maranello, so we've seen some wild examples over the past years. View the New Ferrari 812 For Sale As far as the body goes, you can choose from carbon fiber front and rear aero bits along with tinted glass and optional Scuderia Shields. Inside you will have 15 choices of dyed hides or 17 shades of Alcantara to choose from. Don't forget about contrast stitching and matching leather luggage. Four distinct seats are offered, with two racing versions ready for a 5-point harness. Other options we would choose are the Passenger Display, HiFi Audio System and Fire Extinguisher because all three can be used to intimidate your passenger! No mention of price was made, so it will be interesting to see the retail costs of these pleasantries. Stay with us for a complete window sticker dissection here on Autofluence. " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

By Edward Jones – February 27, 2017

Purple LaFerrari Belongs to Crown Prince of Johor

We've seen only a few different colors of the LaFerrari, but this one may just be the best one yet. According to Instagram user @rikmunwerks, the Crown Prince of Johor owns a gorgeous purple LaFerrari.Ferrari LaFerrari Specs, Price, Photos & ReviewThe car was spotted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at what looks like a luxurious hotel. The Instagrammer noted this a photo of the car: "I've only seen four different colours on a LaF and I've already decided this is the best colour ever for a LaF." Honestly, I'd have to agree with him on that sentiment. The only other LaFerrari that would come close to me would be Jay Kay's green LaFerrari.What do you guys think? Is this the best looking LaFerrari yet? Or is purple not your thing?Ferrari For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 16, 2017

New Ferrari 812 Superfast: Fastest, Most Powerful Product...

At the upcoming 87th Geneva International Motor Show, Ferrari will be debuting the new 812 Superfast, a V12 masterpiece that was announced today. The release of this car fits perfectly in Ferrari's timeline because 70 years ago to this year they released the 125 S, a V12 automobile that would start the Prancing Horse's history. If the name "Superfast" sounds familiar to you, that's probably because of the 500 Superfast, which was produced from 1964-66. These models were supposed to don the name "Superamerica," a name we're quite familiar with but was changed to Superfast before all was said and done. Underneath the hood of the 812 Superfast is a massive 6.5-liter V12 engine that's capable of 789 hp and 529 lb-ft of torque. With these specs, this new Italian becomes the most powerful car featuring a V12 that Ferrari has ever created. Ferrari notes in a press release today that this was made possible in part "by adopting a 350 bar direct injection system for the very first time on a high-performance engine and pairing it with variable geometry intake tracts conceptually derived from those of naturally-aspirated F1 engines." Mated to this engine is a dual-clutch transmission. With 80% of its power available at just 3.500 rpm, the 812 Superfast can rocket from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds. What's more, it has a top speed of over 211 mph. The press release notes that this is "the most powerful and fastest Ferrari in the marque’s history." Of course, this notion does not include the LaFerrari. For handling, Ferrari has included Electronic Power Steering (EPS) for the first time. With the addition of EPS, the 812 Superfast can use its V12 to its fullest potential when being pushed hard around a track. Also aiding in the car's handling is the latest version of the automaker's Side Slip Control and, for the first time, the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV). As a true successor to the F12berlinetta, the 812 Superfast exceeds expectations in just about every department. Ferrari For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 21, 2016

Ferrari Reveals the SP 275 RW Competizione

One of the most significant cars of all time is the 275 GTB. A Gran Turismo Berlinetta embodies everything that is right with the motoring world. For one lucky customer, Maranello has built a modern interpretation upon the chassis of the F12berlinetta. When it arrived in Daytona for Finali Mondiali, we instantly knew it was something special. Indeed, Special Project 275 RW used the engine and transmission of the F12 tdf along with a wider track width on the rear. Details have been scarce until now, but a press release last night confirms many of our assumptions. By Taylor ShenuskiVents in the front fenders are the most prominent throwback to the classic design. Indentations behind the windows and an aluminum gas cap evoke memories of the race prepped 275 that won the GT class at Le Mans in '65. The paint scheme of Ecurie Francorchamps and carbon fiber is an homage to the winning team. Within reason, Ferrari will build anything your heart desires, and we hope to see this car at Cavallino next month. If you were given the opportunity, tell us your vision for a custom build and stay with us for more Ferrari news.F12 Berlinetta For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2016

Kimi Raikkonen Laps Daytona With John Hennessey in Ferrar...

Sometimes a YouTube video is filled with so much win, it has the potential to break the internet. Such is the case at Ferrari Finali Mondiali when Kimi Raikkonen took John Hennessey for a blistering lap of the road course of Daytona International Speedway. The vehicle of choice was a new Ferrari 488 GTB, so if you have any preconceived notions of turbo lag or brake fade this video will change your life. When you place Scuderia Ferrari's Iceman and a twin turbo Texan in the same vicinity, acceleration is guaranteed. The best part of this footage is the audio, as you can hear the traction control attempt to prevent wheel spin coming out of the chicane. Being able to reach 60 mph in under 3 seconds with a redline of 8,000 rpm are only possible from innovations derived from Formula 1 racing, which is probably why the driver makes it look easy.If you thought Mr. Hennessey limited his talents to domestic power, he let me drive his 599 GTB in Anaheim (See below). So perhaps his intentions are to turn up the boost on Ferrari's latest GTB, and when he does you will see it first here on Autofluence.View Hennessey Cars For Sale Related Video:

By Edward Jones – December 13, 2016

Ferrari J50 Celebrates 50 Years in Japan

In Tokyo, Japan, Ferrari celebrated 50 years of being on the archipelago by premiering the new J50. This two-seater mid-rear-engined roadster has been modeled after the targas of the 70's and 80's, and was created by Ferrari's Special Project department and designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre team in Maranello.Laying the foundation of the car is a 488 Spider, including a modified version of the 3.9-liter V8 engine that won the 2016 International Engine of the Year Award. Further specifications on the engine were not given in the press release issued by Ferrari.One of the key aspects that Ferrari is getting across with this car is the revival of the barchetta design: an open two-seater sports car that can perform on the track that was popular in the past. What's more, the J50 has another interesting design aspect that may not be apparent at first. On its outside, there is a black line that divides the car laterally. This black line is similar to one found on cars like the F40, F50 All around, the Ferrari J50 is a fantastic looking sports car that houses a tried-and-true engine. One accomplishment of this car is that it has successfully reimagined the Ferrari designs of the past and brought them into the modern era. Unfortunately, only ten examples of the Ferrari J50 will be created, with a price point not given yet.Used Ferrari F430 Spider For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 12, 2016

Ferrari Finali Mondiali Mega Gallery

Daytona International Speedway was recently host to Ferrari's Finali Mondiali. An unprecedented gathering of cars from around the world. Since we are only 2 hours away, our social media team bravely traversed the most dangerous highway in the US to cover the event. Armed with pit passes, photographers included Tanner Mashburn and Chad Donohoe. Our sales representatives Nick Stearns and Dylan Orluck made their way across the state and fell in love with the masterpieces from Modena.All Ferrari For SaleThe largest gathering of LaFerraris was also the first time all versions of the XX program were seen together. Since it was the final race of the season, 89 examples of the 458 Challenge were in attendance. An official unveiling of the 488 Challenge car preceded a private dinner with CEO Sergio Marchionne. Formula 1 cars from past, to present made for a wild parade lap. Famous racers like the F333 SP and 166 MM Barchetta were seen alongside recent projects like the F12 tdf and the gorgeous SP275 RW. The logistics of transporting such a staggering number of priceless cars is hard to comprehend. Ferrari has the most dedicated fan base in the automotive world, and we applaud them for allowing us to take part in the action.Chad Donohoe/C12 Productions Tanner Mashburn/TMashPhotos Tell us your favorite car of the event and stay with us for coverage of Ferrari Challenge 2017.

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2016

Ferrari FXX-K Goes Over 200 mph at Daytona

Record breaking laps are nothing new at Daytona, and it takes an impressive car to break the 200 mph barrier in the corners. Last weekend saw a massive gathering of Ferraris in the US, and one of the highlights was a demonstration of the XX program. What began as a racing version of the Enzo, each successive XX car has pushed the limits of automotive performance. Based on the LaFerrari, the FXX-K is the latest from Maranello, and it uses a race tuned V12 along with a more advanced KERS system to deliver 1,036 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque to the pavement. Stock car fans will be quick to tell you that Awesome Bill from Dawsonville holds the track record at 210 mph, but technology has far eclipsed the carbureted V8 from 1987.(Also Check Out - Last Ferrari LaFerrari Has Sold: Most Expensive 21st Century Car Sold at Auction)Only 40 examples of the FXX-K were built, so riding shotgun will likely remain a pipe dream. But one lucky passenger was fortunate enough to take his camera along for the ride. Reaching 200 mph is easy if you are running around the full circuit, but the road course comes down from the banking before Turn 1 and at the end of the super stretch.So, what we have is one of the fastest cars of all time. The FXX-K is able to reach NASCAR speeds on the road course and it makes it looks easy. The aero package is designed to make 1,190 lbs of downforce at 224 mph, but I don't know if I would be comfortable taking a million dollar hypercar through the bumpy transitions in turns 3 and 4. I paced the 2009 Daytona 500 in my Camaro, and the Bilstein HD's bottomed out a few times at only 70 mph. No doubt the FXX-K is capable of beating the track record, so we hope Mr. France invites them back for an encore performance.LaFerrari For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 05, 2016

Ferrari 488 Challenge Will Take Turbos to the Track

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ferrari Challenge series, the new 488 Challenge car has been unveiled. This is the sixth model to comprise the one-make series created by the Italian automaker. Since the series' were announced back in 1992, there have been over 1,000 races, with over 1,000 racers.(Also Read - Last Ferrari LaFerrari Has Sold: Most Expensive 21st Century Car Sold at Auction)The new 488 Challenge is set to become the first ever turbocharged Challenge car and the most powerful ever produced. Powering the new race car is a 660 hp 3.9-liter V8 engine derived from the production 488 GTB and 488 Spider. Changes made to the Challenge's powertrain include specific engine mapping, shorter gear ratios, new racing shift strategy in the F1 DCT transmission and a reduction in overall powertrain weight.Externally, the 488 Challenge looks completely different than its road-going version. The most noticeable addition has to be the massive rear wing, similar to the one found on the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship-winning 488 GTE. Up front, there's a new front bumper that has been completely redesigned, as well as a new front hood with integrated flaps.When the power and incredible aerodynamics are combined, the 488 Challenge time sees a one second quicker Fiorano lap time than the 458 Challenge EVO at 1'15.5".All Ferrari 488 For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 05, 2016

Last Ferrari LaFerrari Has Sold: Most Expensive 21st Cent...

It's a sad day as I read the press release regarding the final Ferrari LaFerrari being sold. At the Ferrari Finali Mondiali in Florida over the weekend, the final Italian hypercar was sold at RM Sotheby's auction.(Related - Ferrari Unveils All 70th Anniversary Models)How much did it sell for? A cool $7 million. With this price, the car becomes the most valuable 21st Century automobile ever sold at auction. What's more, Ferrari says that this sale will help with the "the reconstruction of Central Italy in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes of 2016."This specific LaFerrari has a unique livery that is quite Italian: red exterior with white lines running from the front to the back, an Italian flag on the hood and a commemorative plaque.All LaFerrari For Sale

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