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 Andrew Nabors – November 23, 2016

Tommy Hilfiger's Ferrari Enzo Heading to RM Sotheby's Ari...

Fashion and Ferrari have been the motivating forces behind the world's most coveted cars. The founder of the company that bears his name, Enzo always stayed on the leading edge of the industry in terms of style and innovation. As our publisher can attest, naming a brand after yourself is a bold move. Thirty years ago the fashion industry probably scoffed at the idea of an unknown American designer who set out to change the industry. We have Tommy Hilfiger to thank for pulling us out of the despair of 80's clothing with his innovative and classy clothing. As a way to reward himself for becoming a menswear magnate, he purchased the car that changed the automotive world.(Related - This is What Taking Delivery of a Ferrari Enzo is Like) As a fitting tribute to the father of the brand, the Ferrari Enzo was a street-legal F1 car. The body is a one-piece monocoque of carbon fiber draped over a naturally aspirated V12 engine. Inboard suspension and carbon ceramic brakes were taken straight from the racing programs, along with technologies not allowed on the track. Traction control and active aerodynamics are banned in most racing classes in order to level the playing field. But a car worthy of this name is still capable of outperforming almost anything on the street, even thirteen years after it was produced.This 2003 Enzo was a wise investment, as they have been selling for nice profits in recent years. RM Sotheby's upcoming Arizona auction will bring many collectible cars to Scottsdale in January, but this one is predicted to be a show stopper. Ferrari only produced 349 examples of the Enzo, but this one has only seen 3,622 miles since 2003. Driven just enough to keep the battery charged, this is an opportunity to purchase a time capsule.No signs of wear inside or out, the original tires should probably be stored away for posterity. If you have a few million dollars burning a hole in your pocket, this Enzo is probably a wise investment. We will be in Scottsdale patiently waiting for this car to cross the block, so tell us what you think it will hammer for, and stay with us for complete coverage of the event. For more information on the car and how to register, please head over to RM Sotheby's here. We have a few other examples to choose from, so check out the listings from our dealers for a new centerpiece of your collection.All Ferrari Enzo For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 15, 2016

Jay Leno Drives the Ferrari F40 for the First Time

Jay Leno has driven more cars than any of us could even imagine. From classics to modern hypercars, he featured them all on his show and typically takes them for a spin. However, there's one car he hadn't driven until recently: the Ferrari F40.(Related - 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO for Sale with Reported $56 Million Price Tag)Last week, I wrote about David Lee visiting Leno and them taking the Ferrari halo cars for a spin. While he was only videotaped driving the LaFerrari in that episode, this week he takes the F40 spin.After driving it for only half of a mile, Leno says he "already gets it," noting the car's visceral behavior and connected drive. It was Jeremy Clarkson said that this car's turbos "wake up, cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war." It looks like Leno experienced this happening firsthand.Check out the video below to see his drive in action.All Ferrari F40 For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 08, 2016

Jay Leno Drives David Lee's Epic Ferrari Supercar Collection

David Lee is the proud owner of five of the most iconic Ferraris in the world: the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo and LaFerrari. We've covered his extension car collection before, which includes more than just Ferraris. His latest outing in the media includes the famous Jay Leno and his television show. (Related - Jay Leno's Complete Car Collection) In the upcoming season premiere of Jay Leno's Garage, Leno takes the wheel of Lee's LaFerrari as he and the rest of the Italian supercars take around the track in a spectacular fashion. What's nice about Lee, and even Leno points it out, is that he truly enjoys his cars and drives them out instead of keeping them pent up. Check out the video below to see what truly is a historic event as the five Ferrari halo cars venture along a track. All Ferrari For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 29, 2016

Gordon Ramsay Spotted in his Ferrari California T

Gordon Ramsay is a well-known chef, and a well-known Ferrari aficionado. He's been spotted putting the engine of a brand new F12 to work, seen cruising through the streets of London in a stunning LaFerrari, and he's even equated the fine craftsmanship and detail of Ferrari to the excellence of a fine meal. Given his love for the exotic car maker, it should come as no surprise that the paparazzi recently caught the famed chef exiting a parking lot in the state-of-the-art California T.Check him out driving a stunning California T in the video below.Ferrari California For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 26, 2016

Chris Harris is Scared of the Ferrari F12tdf

You can't deny the F12berlinetta is a potent machine, but it takes a British accent to fully appreciate the new F12tdf. Limited to only 799 cars, this masterpiece is a response to the Aventador SV with a few nice upgrades. Intake and exhaust systems are new, which takes horsepower to 780 and torque to 520 lb-ft. I never had to opportunity to push our F12berlinetta anywhere near its limits. But it didn't take much seat time to realize that having a big V12 just behind the front wheels makes for a nose-heavy car.(Related: LeBron James Buys Wife Ferrari Testarossa)Understeer is a terrible menace because it simply takes the fun out of cornering. Ferrari has eliminated it by increasing front tire width from 255mm to 275mm, and adding steering to the rear tires. No matter how advanced your differential and traction control software are, the ability to instantly change the angle of the rear tires makes up for any other handling issues. All 799 cars have been sold, but we know a great resource to find the next best thing. Please allow Mr. Harris to showcase the finer points of the F12tdf and stay with us for all your Ferrari news.View F12tdfs For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 22, 2016

LeBron James Buys Wife Ferrari Testarossa

When you've got a lot of money and love your significant other, you tend to buy them a lot of nice things. As for LeBron James, a man who has a lot of money and loves his wife, Savannah Brinson, he had to get her something very special for her 30th birthday. Ferrari For Sale At her surprise birthday party, King James shocked Savannah by presenting her with a stunning Ferrari Testarossa finished in white. The classic Italian comes as a gift for her 30th birthday. In one of his Instagram posts showing her posing with the car has in the description: "Took me a long time to find your masterpiece but I wouldn't stop until I did and now I can't wait to watch u cruise off into the sunset on the PCH." So it seems as though she had her mind on a car like the Testarossa and the King is all about making sure his Queen is happy. Ferrari Testarossas For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/BJYNL9GjZqs/ Ferrari For Sale New York https://www.instagram.com/p/BJYIkBih7q8/ Source

By Edward Jones – August 01, 2016

Prince of Qatar Shows Off His LaFerrari

The LaFerrari is one of the go-to cars for the most affluent citizens in the world-- tt's price, power and elegance is rivaled by only a handful of cars. Qatar's Prince, Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani, knows this about the LaFerrari and has purchased one for himself, finished in a stunning white paint.(Related - Epic Hypercar/Supercar Track Day For The Ages)Recently at Juans-les-Pins in Southeastern France, G-E SUPERCARS was on-hand with his camera to capture the prince and his Ferrari. In the video found below, we get a chance to see his brilliant Italian hypercar in action.Check it out in the video below.View All LaFerraris For Sale

By Edward Jones – July 07, 2016

Vice President of Google, Benjamin Sloss, Gets His Ferrar...

As a Google executive, more specifically the Vice President, Benjamin Sloss has quite a bit of money. But we're not here to look at mountains of cash. No, we're here to see what he recently purchased with his earnings: a Ferrari F12tdf.Sloss is no stranger to the supercar lifestyle, having bought his wife a Ferrari FXX K, buying himself a LaFerrari and taking them out around the track. One detail each of his cars have in common, including his new F12td, is the yellow hue of the paint. Now we get to see four of his V12 supercars parked all next to each other, each dressed in their finest yellows and blues. It's quite a sight to see.I want to take this time to congratulate Mr. Sloss on his latest acquirement and be the first to say that I can't wait to see him tear it up on the track.View F12tdf For Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BHiT1BlhAmo/https://www.instagram.com/p/BHjFGLrhXlj/https://www.instagram.com/p/BHjFGcMBPDV/

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 17, 2016

Wolf of Wall Street Ferrari Testarossa For Sale

Many know the name "Wolf of Wall Street" thanks to the 2013 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Others know the name because they heard about the Wall Street Ponzi scheme Jordan Belfort (the guy the Wolf of Wall Street movie was based on) pulled off in the 90's. Either way, this car packs some serious celebrity punch.The seller, Monegasque Classics, characterizes the 1991 Ferrari Testarossa the most famous Ferrari ever made thanks to its appearance in Miami Vice. However, this specific Testarossa is famous because it was owned by none other than Belfort, the original "Wolf". The car was hand delivered to Belfort from New York Ferrari Dealership Kessler Motors by Steven Kessler himself.The Testarossa only has 8,000 miles and can be sold in either the American or EU market thanks to being tax paid in the US and registered in the EU.The company also touts the vehicle as one of the most collectible examples available, thanks to a resurgence of interest in modern collectibles and the fact that this particular Testarossa is in perfect condition thanks to its being owned by a collector nearly its entire life.Someone has a serious chance at owning a piece of American (recent) history here. Check out the images of the famed Ferrari below.Ferrari Testarossas For Sale

1957-Ferrari-355-Sport-Spider-Scaglietti

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 09, 2016

Did Lionel Messi Buy a $35.7 Million Ferrari?

A certain 1957 Ferrari, which sold for $35.7 million, garnered much attention at the 2016 Retromobile Salon held in France. Artcurial is stating that this is the "world record price for a motor car at auction" in a press release dated February 2, 2016 (in the release they note that it is the world auction record for a collectors' car in euros and sterling). The buyer who is currently unknown, is suspected to be Lionel Messi. Autoevolution reports that some famous soccer players (Cristian Ronaldo and Lionel Messi) both placed bets on the car. Though the purchase has not been confirmed at this time, it has been reported in a press release from Sport.es that Messi placed the highest bet and won the vehicle. Messi Car Collection :: How Many Cars Does He Own? However, CNBC is also reporting that the owner of the car is actually Brian Ross, the owner of Ross Development in Cortland, Ohio. The 1957 Ferrari in question is a beautiful, limited edition 335 Sport Spider Scaglietti. Finished in Ferrari's signature red, this 335 was the first to break 200 kph (approx 124 mph) at the Le Mans 24 Hour. The car boasts 400-hp and a 4.1-liter V12 Tipo 140 engine. So, do you think Lionel Messi went home with this incredible example? Check out the video below for more details on the 355.

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