Celebrity Cars

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 – January 10, 2024

The Ferrari Incredible Garages Series Explores Ernie Boch...

With nearly 8 acres including a garage full of Ferraris, Ernie Boch Jr. is living a car enthusiast’s dream. Norwood, Massachusetts is Ernie Boch Jr.’s hometown, and over 20 years ago, he purchased his home there, which at the time was on less than two acres of land. Over the following two decades, Ernie Boch began to purchase the 17 surrounding properties, increasing the size of the land to a total of nearly 8 acres. What to do with the last piece of land was a mystery, until Boch’s friend suggested that he create a salon for his car collection. As the former owner and CEO of a car sales and service network, as well as the former lead of a blues rock band, his passions for cars and for music simply had to collide in the project and in Ferrari’s new Incredible Garages series, the historic Italian manufacturer simply had to visit and explore this unique space. Completed in June 2020, the garage features displays of guitars, and an area to listen to Boch’s favorite records. Similarly to his love for the analog nature of classic rock, one of Boch’s favorite cars is his 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2, with an analog nature of its own, as well as a 1979 512 BB. Another favorite of Ernie Boch Jr., however, is much more modern: the Ferrari Roma. While it’s one of Ferrari’s latest creations, the grand touring ethos and beautiful, timeless proportions of the Roma evoke the beauty of classic cars that inspired the Roma’s “la nuova Dolce Vita” ethos. In addition to his immense guitar collection, memorabilia of his car sales and service empire, and his Ferrari collection, Boch also has an extensive collection of art from India, with a whole room dedicated to his love for the country. With his eclecticism and impeccable taste in the Prancing Horse’s greatest creations, Ernie Boch Jr.’s Ferrari collection makes the perfect addition to Ferrari’s Incredible Garages series. Watch The Episode

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 05, 2024

Check Out Jake Paul's New Ferrari SF90 Spider Hybrid Supe...

Sporting the same vibrant finish, Jake now has a matching set of yellow Ferraris in his garage. Dominating both in and outside the professional boxing ring, it's no surprise that Jake Paul has become a household name around the world. While his passion for training and fighting competitively is known, his love for Italian supercars may be more of a well-kept secret. Shortly after purchasing and moving into his $16 million Puerto Rico mansion back in May 2023, the entrepreneur and YouTube star splurged on a head-turning yellow Ferrari 296 GTB for the new garage. The 296 GTB not only stands out as Ferrari's first-ever V6 hybrid supercar but also the most desirable and exclsuive model to get your hands on right now. Just six months later, Jake Paul is back from the dealership to take delivery of his brand new Ferrari SF90 Spider at his home. Jake took to his Instagram page to share the first few moments of the electrified supercar's arrival. Sporting the exact same Giallo Modena from Ferrari, the SF90 Spider is slowly reversed off the trailer where his 296 GTB patiently awaits to meet its new garage companion with brother Logan Paul in the front seat. Before having the chance to unleash all 986 horsepower from its hybrid-assisted 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8, Jake creates some satisfying content by removing the plastic screen protectors from all the LED screens. As we wait to see and hear how Jake Paul enjoys his new Ferrari SF90 Spider, we hope that he breaks it in with some parking lot donuts like he did in the 296 GTB. View all Ferrari SF90 Spiders and Ferrari 296 GTBs currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari SF90 Spiders For Sale View All Ferrari 296 GTBs For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jake Paul (@jakepaul) Source: @jakepaul Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 19, 2023

Ferrari Announces Its New 'Incredible Garages with Swizz ...

With plans on owning all of Ferrari's SP cars, Swizz Beats may be the ultimate Ferrari collector. Living the ultimate California dream with his singer-songwriter wife Alicia Keys and family, record producer, DJ, rapper, and songwriter Swizz Beatz resides on the Gold Coast in the iconic 'Razor House.' Along with a passion for art and music, Swizz Beats also proudly calls himself a car collector and enthusiast. And while he recognizes the true beauty behind every car, the Ferrari brand sparks a special place in his heart and garage. Ferrari is proud to collaborate with Swizz Beats on a new video series titled "Incredible Garages With Swizz Beats." His and Alicia Keys's lineup of Ferrari's Italian prancing horses currently features icons like the LaFerrari, Monza SP1, and Monza SP2. Only making space for the highest-caliber and most exclusive examples, Swizz Beats expresses his devotion to the brand by saying, "My goal is to have all the SPs." On Swizz Beat's journey through car collections around the world, he has seen some pretty incredible garages, but none quite like the garage of his dreams. Stay tuned into duPont REGISTRY for more updates and coverage on Swizz Beats' growing collection of Ferrari supercars and hypercars. View all Ferrari models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Edward Jones – December 12, 2023

Ed Bolian's 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso Heads To Auction On So...

Automotive enthusiasts all know Ed Bolian as a true gearhead with a passion for automobiles and the host of the ever-popular VINwiki channel on YouTube. Over the years, Ed has collected several unique vehicles, each of which carries a fantastic backstory that make for great stories to tell on his YouTube channel. Coming soon to SothebysMotorsport.com is a collection of Ed's prized vehicles that will be auctioned off through the online platform, giving fans, collectors, and enthusiasts a chance to become the next chapter in one of his stories. One such vehicle that will be auctioned off is Ed's 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso. This four-seater Ferrari packs a powerful V12 engine that holds a special place in Ed's garage. Don't believe me? Just watch the video below where he refers to it as the "best Ferrari they've ever made." "My family and I have loved the car dearly this year. It is amazingly useful. My son and his friends love riding in the back," says Ed regarding this Ferrari being offered on SoMo. "We took it on two fairly long trips - once to Indianapolis for Breakfast at the Brickyard with Travis Bell and to a speaking engagement I had in Savannah." " width="680"> Okay, so if Ed really loves this Ferrari, why is he selling it? In his own words: "I am selling it for 2 reasons, I am out of space and the car is too good. When I have it, I drive it instead of cars like the Murcielagos and the Spyker because it is more comfortable, useful, and faster. I love those cars and want to drive them even though they are worse. This car has been standing in the way of that. It is the perfect enthusiast 1 car solution but that subverts my automotive masochism and my impractical, unreliable cars have been neglected. For these reasons, it must go. You will love it, your other cars will not." Building upon the foundation that the Ferrari FF laid, the GTC4Lusso is an incredible automobile even without an incredible backstory like this one. On the outside, the GTC4Lusso is as elegant as you'd expect from Ferrari but it's the inside that really breaks the mold of what you typically see from the Italian automaker. With two seats up from and two in the back, this grand tourer gives its driver and passengers an unheard-of amount of space that's not offered in your typical exotic car. And that's not even including the trunk space. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ed Bolian (@edbolian) The GTC4Lusso's accolades don't stop with looks and comfort. Underneath the hood is a 6.3-liter V12 that pumps out 681 horsepower and 514 lb-ft of torque. With V12s disappearing from lineups left and right these days, this is a wonderful chance to own the last of a dying breed. What's truly impressive about the GTC4Lusso's power is how it's handled. Unlike your typical grand tourer, this one has Ferrari's 4RM Evo, a four-wheel drive system that also boasts four-wheel steering. Having experienced this system for myself, I can say that no corner will be left unhugged by this car. Set to hit SoMo's online auction platform on December 14th, this 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso comes with a story, beauty, and raw power. Additionally, It comes with a warranty that remains in effect until January 23, 2024 (Ed strongly recommends continuing that coverage). Be on the lookout for more of Ed's cars being auctioned through SoMo in the coming days as there are more coming with backstories and, of course, VINwiki videos about each of them that you can show your friends. In the meantime, be sure to browse SothebysMotorsport.com for more incredible vehicles that are being auctioned off each and every day. Visit SothebysMotorsport.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 16, 2023

Artist Alec Monopoly Takes Delivery Of Two New Ferraris A...

Joining the Porsche and Ferrari families in style, Alec Monopoly picks up three of the hottest models on the market. For any passionate car collector or enthusiast, there's no better day than taking delivery of a brand-new car, whether it be an everyday driver or a million-dollar collector car. New York street artist and DJ Alec Monopoly is getting a double dose of this after recently visiting the Ferrari dealership to pick up not one but two brand-new Italian supercars. Having incorporated his artistic touch into the automotive world with works that feature icons like the Bugatti Chiron and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, it's no surprise that the world-renowned artist has quickly converted into a celebrity car collector. Documenting the once-in-a-lifetime experience, Alec Monopoly takes fans on the full-driven journey on his newest YouTube vlog upload. The stage is set in Puerto Rico where Alec currently resides, headed to the local dealership in his Tesla Model X to retrieve a 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari 296 GTB, and a Ferrari SF90 Spider. Locking in his orders with Ferrari and Porsche more than two years ago, Alec arrives at the dealer with news that only the Ferrari models are ready for delivery. Shortly after filming the delivery of his two Italian prancing horse supercars, Alec's 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS finally arrived in a stunning white finish with vibrant red accents and wheels. Finished in matching traditional Rosso Corsa shades with brown leather interiors, the 296 GTB and SF90 Spider showcase the future of Ferrari and its status as a leader in supercar engineering. It wasn't long before Alec jumped behind the wheel of the SF90 Spider after both Ferraris were delivered by truck to the driveway of his home. An exhilarating first drive in the electrified 986 horsepower supercar proved that Alec Monopoly made the right choice when ordering two of Ferrari's most powerful models. Now with a fleet of track-focused supercars in his arsenal, Alec Monopoly is read to hit the Puerto Rican streets in style. View all Ferrari SF90 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTB, and Porsche 911 GT3 RS examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari SF90 Spider & 296 GTB For Sale View All Porsche 911 GT3 RS For Sale Source: Alec Monopoly YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 27, 2023

Watch WhistlinDiesel Do Donuts In Triple F Collection's $...

Just by the look of excitement on his face, WhistlinDiesel wants a Ferrari LaFerrari now. With one of the most impressive supercar and hypercar collections on the planet, the team at Triple F Collection prides itself on sharing the experience of owning, driving, and enjoying multi-million dollar cars with its community of fans and followers. Often tossing the keys to one of their many guests, Jordan and Jason Frecka experience pure excitement when they have the opportunity to put someone behind the wheel of an exclusive example. In the newest episode uploaded to their YouTube channel, Triple F Collection welcomes world-renowned YouTuber WhistlinDiesel to their Ohio compound to check out some cars and do some drag racing. Not wanting to show up empty-handed, WhistlinDiesel brought out his twin-turbocharged Lamborghini Huracán and Dodge Challenger to show the boys. The guys participate in a friendly demolition derby with an Infinite SUV and Chrysler PT Cruiser before grabbing keys to the really expensive and exclusive cars. While crashing cars and sprinting down the drag strip proved to be exciting, the highlight of the visit was WhistlinDiesel's first time behind the wheel of a Ferrari LaFerrari hypercar. And even though the Triple F Collection saw what happened to WhistlinDiesel's recently destroyed Ferrari F8 Tributo, they still gave him the opportunity to drive and do donuts in the 1-of-499 Ferrari. Having toured the entire Triple F Collection property and spent some time behind the wheel of their hypercar, we think there may be a Ferrari LaFerrari in WhistlinDiesel's future. View all Ferrari LaFerrari examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari LaFerrari For Sale Source: Triple F Collection YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 19, 2023

Watch Shmee150 Take Delivery Of His New Rosso Dino 2023 F...

Adding another Italian prancing horse to his stable, Shmee is ready to drop the top in the Ferrari 296 GTS. Since its first debut at Monterey Car Week 2021, the Ferrari 296 has quickly gained traction as one of the manufacturer's most popular and sophisticated supercar models yet. With a high-tech powertrain that introduces a new 6-cylinder configuration assisted by EV technology, collectors were left sprinting to Ferrari dealerships in hopes of securing an allocation for the GTB (coupe) or GTS (convertible). Today, renowned automotive YouTuber Shmee150 uploaded a new video documenting the delivery day of his all-new 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS. Already showcasing a stunning Blu Electrico Ferrari SF90 Stradale in his collection, Shmee hops behind the wheel to pick up his newest addition at a dealer just outside London. Removing the car cover, Shmee reveals his Ferrari 296 GTS (chassis #296981) and the traditional Rosso Dino finish he chose to commemorate the late son of founder Enzo Ferrari. Along with a historic color choice, the license plate reads "SH60 MEE" as a nod to the Ferrari Dino from the 1960s. The interior of the 296 GTS presents a dual-tone design that beautifully blends Grigio Scuro and Charcoal to give it a throwback look. After setting it side by side with the SF90 Stradale for a quick photoshoot and comparison, Shmee takes the first drive in his Ferrari 296 less than a mile away to drop it off for full PPF and ceramic coating. Now safely in the possession of Shmee, we cannot wait to see future Ferrari 296 GTS content on his YouTube channel. View all Ferrari 296 examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari 296 For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tim - Shmee (@shmee150) Source: Shmee150 YouTube