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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 02, 2020

Sarasota Ferrari Drivers Group Celebrates "Driving for th...

Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch, FL – This past weekend, Exotic Car Lovers from around the greater Sarasota area came together to celebrate fine food and exotic automobiles at the Sarasota Ferrari Drivers Group ‘Driving for the Dream’ Gala weekend. Attendees enjoyed a gala dinner and lively silent and live auctions at GROVE restaurant on Friday evening. Then on Saturday morning, some 150 cars flooded into downtown Lakewood Ranch for the group’s fourth annual Exotic Car Show in support of ‘Flight to the North Pole.’ Main Street overflowed with exotic autos from such marques as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Lotus, and Audi. There was also a special Classic Car section featuring vintage British and American cars. The weekend closed with an exhibitors’ drive on Sunday morning, followed by brunch at The Capital Grille. Just remember before getting the car of your dreams to go to https://www.anewdriver.ie/ and get driving lessons to be more prepared when you get your license and avoid any accidents out there. “It was a fantastic weekend,” said co-organizer Joe Brielmann. “The Gala dinner was a big success and the array of exotics on display Saturday was outstanding—the weather was beautiful, and we had great attendance at the show. It’s a fun weekend for car enthusiasts, but at the end of the day, we do all of this for the kids. All the weekend’s proceeds go to support ‘Flight to the North Pole,’ and this year I’m proud to say we exceeded last year’s total.” The Ferrari Drivers Group is very grateful to its 2020 sponsors for their support, including Platinum Sponsor Ferrari of Tampa Bay; Diamond Sponsor Lamborghini Sarasota, Hagerty Insurance and Sage Auto Studios; Gold Sponsor Suncoast Porsche; Dimmitt Automotive Group and Media Sponsors Sarasota Scene and iHeartMEDIA/WSRZ107.9 Stay with us for all your Ferrari events, and we'll see you at the Amelia Island Concours. Browse Sports Cars For Sale All Photos (C) Evan Lewis @Aerial_Automotive)

By Andrew Nabors – January 27, 2020

Cavallino Classic 2020 Recap

Our forces were split over the weekend. Racing fans were in Daytona for the Rolex 24, and Ferrari faithful could be found in Palm Beach. The Breakers Hotel was host to the 29th Annual Cavallino Classic, and we took some amazing shots for you. We arrived on Wednesday to spend time with our valued clients, and witness the arrival of the Apollo IE. To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the 250 GT SWB, David MacNeil arrived with the most valued Ferrari of all time. Other highlights included the 110th Anniversary of Alfa Romeo and a Classic Sports Car Sunday at Mar-A-Lago. Click the button below to view the gallery and stay with us for all your Ferrari events. Click Here to View Cavalino 2020

By Andrew Nabors – January 29, 2019

2019 Cavallino Classic Recap

Usually, winter in Florida is a perfect atmosphere for an Italian car show. But when we arrived at The Breakers, the skies were foreboding. This year marks the 28th annual Cavallino Classic, one of the world's largest Ferrari gatherings. Fans sporting their Scuderia Shields came from around the world, so join us for a 2019 Cavallino Classic Recap. This year's theme was the 60th Anniversary of the 250 GT SWB. Without a doubt the Ferrari 250 is among the world's most coveted cars, so it was nice to see these siblings back together after six decades. Even though most cars were covered throughout the weekend, it was nice to see an equal mix of race and street cars from each era. One of the most awe-inspiring machines was David Lee's 1972 Dino Monza 3.6 Evo, as it represents classic style with modern power. Attendance was steady, but it would have been better without the dismal damp conditions. Because the 288 GTO and the F40 were designed to race, they weren't scared away. It was also nice to see Ferrari's latest 488 GTB compared to Berlinettas of the past. Find Your Ferrari Here

By Andrew Nabors – June 26, 2018

Ferrari Cavalcade 2018 was a Dream Ride

If you have ever dreamed of touring northern Italy, we can think of no better way than in a Ferrari. That's why over 100 examples from around the world converged on Valle d'Aosta last week. For the 7th annual Ferrari Cavalcade, participants met up at Saint Vincent. The villagers were delighted in the display of Italian pride, and the drivers had an opportunity to enjoy the ancient town.Wildest Camo LaFerrari Revs Hard (RIP Ears) and Looks MeanOn Thursday, the tour kicked off en route to LaThuile and Little St. Bernard Pass. After the first hill climb run, they crossed the pass into France for lunch at Courchevel.Friday was another high speed run over Great St. Bernard pass, crossing briefly into Switzerland. Dinner was on Mont Blanc, with participants parking at the base of the Skyway cable car station. We have never seen so many LaFerraris in one photo before!My invitation was lost in the mail, so Ferrari apologized by publishing these photos for me to see. Tell us which car you would choose for an Alpine Attack in the comments below and stay with us for all your Ferrari news.Browse Ferrari For Sale

By Christina Avila – December 03, 2015

Ben Levy's Ferrari F430 Challenge Art Car at Art Basel Mi...

Miami’s Art Basel continues with ARTCELERATION, a live automotive painting event hosted by the Macaya Gallery and the Hoerle Guggenheim Art Gallery. Earlier this week we told you about RETNA, the first artist commissioned for the event, who left his signature graffiti on one of the three Ferrari F430s art cars to be used. Next up is Ben Levy, a London-based painter best known for his culturally influenced pop art.According to an article on HYPEBEAST.com, Levy is currently customizing his own version of the Miami Ferrari, already indicative of his trademark colorful style. The final result will be revealed in the heart of the Wynwood Art District at a VIP event tomorrow night and public viewing will be available the following day.All three cars are slated to be auctioned at the end of the week, with part of the proceeds benefitting Miami Children's Health Foundation and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.F430 Challenges For Sale A photo posted by Manuel Maté (@manumat89) on Dec 3, 2015 at 11:01am PST A photo posted by Ben Levy (@benlevyart) on Dec 1, 2015 at 12:01pm PST A photo posted by Lifestyle Miami (@lifestyle_miami) on Dec 2, 2015 at 4:41pm PST (Source: Hypebeast, Instagram)

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By Christina Avila – December 01, 2015

Ferrari F430 Challenge Art Car at Art Basel Miami Beach

World famous Art Basel Miami Beach kicked off yesterday – and it started with a bang. According to an article from ArrestedMotion.com, the Macaya Gallery has teamed up with the Hoerle Guggenheim Art Gallery for a weeklong, exclusive live painting session in the heart of the Wynwood Art District. They call it "ARTCELERATION."The event launched last night with prominent graffiti artist RETNA, who was commissioned to paint a Ferrari F430 Challenge, courtesy of local dealership ASNA Motorcars. Two other participants, London-based pop artist Ben Levy and Miami’s resident painter and sculptor Edouard Duval-Carrie, will be customizing other vehicles as part of the session later this week.Each of these cars are set to go to auction and part of the proceeds will be donated to benefit two worthy causes, the Miami Children’s Health Foundation and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.Stay with us to see what other art cars Art Basel Miami Beach creates.F430 Challenges For Sale (Source: ArrestedMotion.com, Instagram)

By Andrew Nabors – May 29, 2015

Atlanta Motorsports Park's VIP Event with Ferrari of Atlanta

Just a short drive north from Atlanta is the historic town of Dawsonville. Known as a crossroads of moonshine culture and NASCAR history, its newest attraction is bringing a worldwide audience to small town USA. The roads along the Blue Ridge are a great way to exercise your car, but tourists and incredibly slow speed limits can limit your enjoyment. If you want to test your limits in a legal and lavish setting, Atlanta Motorsports Park is the place to be.AMP’s two-mile road course incorporates features from famous tracks around the world, including the Carousel turn from Nurburgring. Adjacent to the track is the new Driver Development Center, which features a 200 ft skidpad and an “Ice Hill.” The 7.5 percent incline can be flooded on command, making for a difficult test of throttle control.(Also Read: The Evolution of Ferrari from 1947 to Now)Our friends at Ferrari of Atlanta needed to stretch their legs, so on May 9 they partnered with Hublot Watches to rent the track for seven lucky customers. With the intention of honing their skills, expert instructors hit the track with the hottest models from the dealership. Sparing no expense, Roland Linder led the team of instructors for this all-day event. Pulled from Ferrari of Atlanta’s inventory was the new California T, an F12 Berlinetta, a 458 Italia and an FF.If you like to see exotic cars pushed to their limits, Ferrari of Atlanta is holding “Rides to Remember” at AMP. Their goal is to give pediatric cancer patients a chance to enjoy exotic cars. Proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House and other local charities. Contact Ferrari of Atlanta for more information. For all your Ferrari news, stay tuned to Autofluence.More Info on AMPGallery Sponsored by:

By Nicole James – May 14, 2015

Two Special Testarossas at Silverstone's May Auction

With a 4.9-liter V12 engine that produced 390 hp and an impressive 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 196 mph, the Ferrari Testarossa is a monster, and a monster that is quickly becoming a collectible.Testarossa prices have increased by 50 percent in the past six months and on May 23 a pair of one-off Testarossas will be offered at the Silverstone Auctions’ May sale at England’s Silverstone race circuit.“The sale provides a valuable opportunity for collectors to view and purchase classics that are not just in fine condition, but are also the most iconic and rare on the market today,” Silverstone Auctions managing director Nick Whale said in a news release.One of the two being offered at the sale is a 1986 Testarossa known as the “Flying Mirror.” The car was delivered to Switzerland in Bianco paint but was soon redone in Giallo Fly Yellow. The car remained in Switzerland until the current owner purchased it in 2004. The car, which has been featured in several European automotive magazines, is offered with only 45,000 miles on its odometer and with its original Pioneer stereo intact as well as its three-piece luggage set. 1994 Ferrari F512 MMeanwhile, a 1994 Ferrari F512 M also has had two owners, but has only seen 11,000 miles on the road and comes with service books, toolbox, flashlight and Tubi exhaust. It was delivered to Germany in Gaillo Modena with Nero leather upholstery. The car later was sold to a Japanese owner.Two additional Testarossas also will be offered at the sale, including a 1989 in Rosso Corsa.Bidders can register through Proxibid or Live Auctioneers. For more information, visit the Silverstone Auctions website.Photos courtesy of Silverstone Auctions Article Provided by

By Bob Golfen – May 07, 2015

A Ferrari Masterpiece Up For Auction by Russo and Steele

The Ferrari Lusso is one of the most beautiful pieces of artwork ever put on four wheels. Designed by Pininfarina of Turin and built by Scaglietti out of steel and aluminum, the Lusso coupe reigned as Ferrari’s road-going masterpiece for two generations from 1959 through 1964.One of those luxurious grand-touring cars, a 1963 Ferrari 250GT/L Berlinetta Lusso, chassis number L5003, has been consigned to Russo and Steele’s Monterey auction in August.(Related: $7.6 Million Ferrari Final Bid, 16 $1 Million + Sales at RM Sotheby’s)The Lusso is black with a red interior, always a favorable combination, and rides on Borrani wire wheels. The Ferrari was owned at one point by popular music and TV star Adam Levine, the front man for Maroon 5 and a panelist on "The Voice."Chassis L5003 has been extensively restored, including a rebuild of its Colombo V12 engine, and has won such prestigious awards during Monterey Car Week as the Ferrari Cup in 2011 and 2014 at the Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours, and first in class at Concorso Italiano in 2014.Russo and Steel, which is celebrating its 15th year of auctioneering in Monterey, will again hold its sale on the waterfront near Fisherman’s Wharf from August 13 to 15.Article & Images Provided by

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