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

Ferrari News

Ferrari news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, auction results and current market prices. Our coverage runs across the whole line-up, from the 296 and 296 Speciale to the SF90 XX, the 12Cilindri and the F80. We also follow the earlier cars that built the reputation of the Prancing Horse over seven decades. Reporting comes from the Monterey and Pebble Beach auction floors, and from first drives of new models as they arrive. One thing separates this from other supercar news: many of the Ferraris covered here are listed for sale on the duPont REGISTRY marketplace. Read the story, then see what an example is genuinely worth. For Ferrari news today, and the exotic car news around it, start here.

By Andrew Nabors – September 27, 2016

1995 Ferrari F50 at Velocity Motorcars

To celebrate a half-century of building the world's fastest cars, Ferrari built one for the ages. The F50 reigned supreme from 1995 to 1997 as the successor to the legendary F40. It's powered by a 4.7-liter version of their 3.5-liter V12 engine from the early 90's Formula 1 team. Transforming a race engine to behave well on the street is no easy task, but it allowed the driver to have 514 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque on tap. It was to be the last Ferrari supercar to have three pedals, and the close ratio six-speed manual was the only gearbox offered. It may look like a hard top coupe, but a large storage box for the removable roof is included.The mid 90's saw a host of advances in engine technology along with ever-tightening safety standards. Sixty mph arrives in 3.8 seconds on your way to 194 mph. Ferrari knew this would be their last street legal race car, so production was limited to only 349 examples. It has all the conveniences of a street car with a dry weight of 2,700 lbs. Sadly, we will never see another car with such a brutal power-to-weight ratio, or another race engine disguised for the street. As part of the Halo Collection, it has only amassed 1,598 miles since new. Considering the recent sales records of its stablemates, this Classiche Certified Ferrari F50 is a solid investment.View Listing

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 23, 2016

Velocity Motorcars' Ferrari Halo Collection by TMash Phot...

Written by Tanner MashburnHaving the opportunity to photograph a collection of the best Ferraris in the world is definitely something that doesn’t come around very often. The Ferrari Enzo, F50, F40 and 288 GTO are rare enough to see on their own but all in one place is almost unthinkable. Although I would have loved to spend an entire weekend with these amazing cars the deadline was very soon so these, along with other rare Ferraris in the collection, had my full attention for one day only. They were all to have full inventory photos taken for Velocity Motorcars. These photos would then be used for advertising purposes and featured in the October Issue of duPont Registry.Ferrari For Sale Miami Walking into the building where this collection was kept left my jaw on the floor. They were all lined up perfectly and were as clean as the day they came from the factory. I found a corner of the storage space that was best for these cars to be photographed. The white wall was simple but combined with the red paint of each Ferrari made for a perfect photo. Even better, the glass opening in the ceiling provided natural light from the sun that shined down on each car throughout the day.The process to photograph these cars was very simple yet incredibly time-consuming. In total it took about nine hours to photograph the cars. I am sure the process could have gone much quicker, but it was impossible not to slow down and admire the little details. After the inventory photos were done we took the four main cars to a nearby location for some night photos. Driving an F50 to the location and an Enzo back when we were done is definitely a check off the bucket list!Once at the location, we lined the four cars up for a group photo. Once that was complete individual photos of the F50 and Enzo were taken. All of the photos used no major lighting equipment, just a handheld light and a long exposure from the camera. Almost everything in the final product was straight from the camera with very little editing. In the end, I was very pleased with how the photos came out. The inventory photos captured an overall view of every car that I hope results in a quick sell and the group photos were a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. Seeing the Enzo photo on the cover of the October duPont Registry was definitely a dream come true for me.Learn More About the Collection

By Edward Jones – September 15, 2016

So Close: Jaguar E-Type Barely Misses Crashing Into $40 M...

We've all joked about not getting into an accident with the expensive looking car in front of us. But, what about when that car is worth £30 million (approx. $39,000,000 USD at today's current exchange rate)?Well, that's what happened at the Goodwood when a Jaguar E-Type was taking part of a classic car race. When the classic English vehicle was coming up to a corner, it came in hot. So hot, in fact, that the Jaguar started to spin out. Unfortunately for the driver who was trying to control his car as he was losing control, there was another car right in front of him and that car was a Ferrari 250 GTO.Somehow, and I'm not sure how, the Jaguar managed to miss hitting the Ferrari by what looks like inches. I'm serious. It doesn't get much closer than this. Check out the video below and get ready to catch your jaw, because you almost just witnessed one of the most expensive car accidents, ever.View Classic Ferraris For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 10, 2016

Electric Ferrari 308 GT: An "Obscene Concept"

Have you ever seen an electric-Ferrari? Probably not, and that's because such a thing is an "obscene concept" to Sergio Marchionne, according to WIRED UK's video description for their latest upload: "The Electric Ferrari 308 GT - The Car That Shouldn't Exist." (Also Read - Tesla Autopilot Might Save Your Life)After a very special 308 GT suffered from a fire that rendered its engine useless, a team in California decided they would give the car new life. After some precise engineering and heavy-duty batteries, the team ended up with that obscene concept. And by that, I mean they ended up with an electric Ferrari.The car, driven by WIRED's Jack Stewart seems to be full of electric torque, while still maintaining the classic styling that Magnum P.I. would appreciate. Check out the video below to see the car in action for yourself.Ferrari 308s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 08, 2016

Ultimate Buyers Guide to the Ferrari F430

As one of the most popular pre-owned models on the market, the notion of buying an F430 should come with a few considerations. Many owners will overlook the troublesome aspects which might lead one in the wrong direction. YouTube sensation the.leviathan uploaded a synopsis of his experience with the vehicle and what potential buyers should look for before buying.Ferrari For Sale Miami, FloridaAs the successor of the 360 Modena, it was produced from 2004 to 2009. A slew of special editions still demand premium prices, so if you are looking for a weekend driver without the fear of depreciation, he offers helpful advice on what to avoid. Careful investigation of previous ownership is a major determinant of your future maintenance costs, so ensure you've done proper research. If you plan on driving your F430 or F430 Spider infrequently, we recommend having a battery charger wired in. The F430's battery is mounted in front of the passenger foot well, so a float charger will save you hours of heartache.Read All Ferrari F430 Articles View All F430s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 05, 2016

Award-Winning 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO heading to Monterey

If you find the electronic wizardry of the LaFerrari too complicated, allow us to take you back to a simpler time. Group B racing was one of the most popular (and deadly) forms of motorsport. Without restrictions on engine power, manufacturers turned their engineers loose to outdo each other. All Ferrari supercars in the last 3 decades have been inspired by the a contender in Group B racing, the 288 GTO. Engine size was limited for the class, so Ferrari chose a small V8 with two large turbochargers. Styling was inspired by the 308, but looks are the only similarity.Starting with a tube frame chassis, the engine is mounted north-south instead of the transverse layout of the 308 & 328. With a displacement of only 2.85L you might think it would be underpowered. But being small has the advantage of revving faster than the competition. Quickly able to awaken the turbos, the factory rated power is 400 hp and 366 lb-ft of torque. The body was fashioned of race-weight kevlar and fiberglass for a curb weight of only 2,555 lbs. Offering a power to weight ratio better than most modern performance cars, the 288 GTO was a dominating force in the racing world. A series of high-profile accidents proved Group B cars were overpowered, and the series was canceled at the end of 1986.With only 272 cars produced, the 288 GTO stands as the predecessor for the F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari. Being certified by Ferrari Classiche, it has won awards at Concourso Italiano in Carmel and Concorso d’Eleganza in Italy. The odometer reads 11,980 kilometers (7,445 miles) which is incredible for the 31-year-old car. If you enjoy the art of analog driving, this race-ready GTO will be offered by Mecum Auctions as part of their primetime lineup on Saturday in Monterey.View Listing

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 03, 2016

Ferrari's Second Quarter Hints at Another Record Year

If Ferrari's second quarter is any indication, 2016 is shaping up to be a good year for the Italian car maker. Even with the phasing out of the 12 cylinder FF, Ferrari is seeing record sales and delivery numbers. Here's the breakdown according to a company press release: An additional 155 shipments brings the car maker up 8% Net revenue has grown by 5.9% Adjusted net profit is up 35% Even with a 22% drop in V12 deliveries because of phase-outs, overall sales were up, as marked by the total 2,214 units delivered. The brand's V8 models bring in an increase of 16% thanks to the launch of the new 488 GTB and the 488 Spider. With tax rate drops, an increase in industrial cash flow, and a decrease in industrial debt, Ferrari is on track for another record year.Ferrari continues to excite aficionados and collectors with the announcement of the long-awaited, open-top LaFerrari, which has been completely pre-sold. Though limited details have been released about the new supercar, an official unveiling is scheduled for the Paris International Motor Show in October of this year.Great things are happening in the supercar world! Stay tuned to Autofluence for more insights and information on your favorite brands.View All Ferraris For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 02, 2016

Ferrari 488 Spider Takes Off For Jump

Going airborne in a press car is frowned upon by most publications, because most late model cars don't seem to fly as well as " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>. But recent advances in magnetic suspension allowed Ferrari to incorporate serious hang time in their new 488 Spider. In a move that would leave Waylon Jennings speechless, AutoExpress made perfect use of the 488's light weight and incredible power for one of the longest jumps we have seen. In the old days of steel wheels and cast iron brake rotors, hard landings caused several hundred pounds of un-sprung weight to impact the pavement, placing the suspension into full compression. With the tire's sidewall being the only cushion, landings usually bent or fractured the steering gear and control arms.(Also Watch - Kobe Bryant Tests Out the Track at Ferrari in Maranello) The 488 Spider arrives with carbon ceramic brakes and forged wheels that are 20 lbs lighter than the 458's rolling stock. Instead of conventional hydraulic shock absorbers, the new magnetic units can react several hundred times a second to changes in elevation. So once the car leaves the pavement, shocks are instantly prepared for landing by going to their maximum stiffness. Sometimes automotive engineers are just big kids, and they know how to build cars capable of enduring foolish behavior. We don't endorse or condone this type of driving, so leave the flying to certified pilots.Ferrari 488 GTB For Sale Additional Supercar Jumps

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 28, 2016

This is What Taking Delivery of a Ferrari Enzo is Like

The SupercarDriver had the opportunity to accompany a member on the delivery day of his 2004 Ferrari Enzo. Since most of us will never have such a unique experience, we have to settle with watching the collection of an iconic supercar, which is pretty amazing. The Enzo the member is picking up has only 3,000 miles clocked and although it's being purchased as an investment, the SupercarDriver host states the car will be used and that the owner will have it fitted with a custom full Capristo exhaust system.(Also Watch - A Day in the Life of a Bugatti Owner)It starts out simple enough with the signing of some documents and some light conversation, which seems to lead to some congratulations. And then... the Enzo is brought out of the garage and it's time to get excited. Nigel, the car's new owner, fires up the Enzo and takes it out on the highway to "open her up a little bit."Check out the full video below to see what it's like to take delivery... and then drive the masterfully crafted Ferrari Enzo.View Ferrari for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 07, 2016

Sneak Peek: Ferrari Powered Toyota GT86

With the demise of the Scion brand, the importance of the Toyota GT-86 grows. Also built as the basis for Subaru's BRZ, these sporty coupes are powered by a 2.0L flat four. While the boxer engine offers a very low center of gravity, many enthusiasts have derided the lack of a performance edition.(Also Check Out - Drifting in a Ferrari 458 and Scud Makes For Beautiful Footage)To solve the horsepower deficit, drift master Ryan Tuerck is stuffing a Ferrari V8 into his GT86 and creating a monster. In a video uploaded earlier today, the preview only lists the engine's designation as F136. This describes all late model V8 engines found in all Maseratis along with the California and 458 Italia. Hopefully, it is the latter, as the 458 was a force to be reckoned with. The 9,000 rpm redline is perfect for sideways action, so we hope he has multiple tire sponsors onboard. Details are scarce at this point, so stay with us for updates on this wild ride.Ferrari 458 For Sale

Ferrari News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe