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 Caitlin Duffy – September 10, 2015

223 Ferraris Gather in Switzerland

There are many things Ferrari is known for, but hosting events that are simple and small isn't one of those things. Case and point, the recent gathering in Switzerland.A total of 223 different Ferraris and their owners arrived in the town of Aarberg for the 15th annual Ferrari Treffen meet hosted by Automobile Németh, an official Ferrari service center. A Sept. 7 press release from the marque shared a few photos from the event, which is one of the largest such gatherings to date.A video shared by mffilmsCH on Sept. 6 shows each of the Ferraris arriving at the Ferrari Treffen, where they pulled their cars onto a red carpet entrance, were handed a gift bag and sent along to their designated spots. As you can imagine, 223 different Ferraris means a wide variety of models appeared, ranging from the classic staples to the modern masterpieces. 458s, 458 Speciales, F12berlinettas, F40s, F430s, Enzos; you name it, it was probably there.Automobile Németh also shared a few photos from the event on their Facebook page Aug. 23 and 24, with one shot in particular showing a line of Ferraris that, quite literally, goes as far as the eye can see. It was taken during the end of the event celebration, which saw 70 of the Ferraris go for a touring route through the local Swiss mountain roads.Check out the pictures and video of this massive gathering, and find your own Ferrari to bring to Ferrari Treffen 2016 from our exclusive listings below.Ferraris For Sale Gallery (Source: Ferrari, YouTube, Facebook) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – September 10, 2015

Maserati MC12 Corsa or Ferrari FXX Revs: Which Sounds Bet...

The Ferrari FXX and Maserati MC12 Corsa have one major similarity: their engines.Since 2002, Ferrari has been producing the F140 engine family, a series of V12 engines. These massive engines have been used in both Maserati and Ferrari models alike, and, more specifically, the MC12 Corsa and FXX. But, there is a difference between the V12s found in these cars.(Also Read: Bugatti Veyron vs. Kawasaki Ninja H2)The MC12 Corsa sports a 6.0-liter version of the V12 engine that produces 755 hp. However, the FXX utilizes a 6.3-liter version, which produces 809 hp. While they may have the same powerhouse, there is definitely a difference in power.To give you an idea of what these engines sound like, I've provided two videos below, both uploaded to YouTube Sept. 9. The first is from NM2255, who filmed the MC12 Corsa enjoying a day at the track. Below it is a video from TheTFJJ, who filmed an FXX that had been made road-legal at this year's Salon Prive event.After watching the two video, give your opinion on which car sounds better in the comment section and vote in the poll below. (Source: YouTube)

By Caitlin Duffy – August 27, 2015

Google Exec. Benjamin Sloss Gets Wife Ferrari FXX K for B...

It seems incredibly safe to say that the couple that races together, stays together.Case and point, Google executive Benjamin Sloss and his wife, Christine. A series of posts to Sloss' Instagram account, @yonly65, today and Aug. 26 show that the two recently took a trip to Ferrari in Maranello, Italy, where the final result of a December purchase was waiting as a birthday surprise for Christine.https://instagram.com/p/62OD67pwOd/?taken-by=yonly65"SURPRISE!! I told #Racewife that we were visiting Fiorano to do a track day in our XX. I may have neglected to mention a key detail," described the caption of an Aug. 26 post. The FXX K was waiting for her, wearing stunning yellow paint with black details.https://instagram.com/p/61qF_tJwJ1/?taken-by=yonly65It was first reported that Sloss had purchased an FXX K in December of 2014, when it was reported that he announced buying one of the 32 cars planned for production. Eight months later, it appears that FXX K is complete. Of course, that warranted an immediate trip to the track, where Christine tore through the Fiorano circuit, as you can see in the video below.https://instagram.com/p/64Yn5dpwI3/?taken-by=yonly65Be sure to stay with us for more updates from the world of celebrity cars, and find your own Ferrari from our exclusive listings at the button below.Ferraris For Sale Gallery (Source: Instagram, Ferrari) See More Celebrity Car News

By Andrew Nabors – August 19, 2015

Special Edition Ferrari F12berlinetta Celebrates Singapor...

It has been a half-century since Singapore parted ways with Malaysia. Since this modern city-state controls much of the wealth of Southeast Asia, Autoblog reported yesterday, August 18, that a 50th Anniversary edition of the F12berlinetta was commissioned to celebrate their independence the SG50.(Related: Justin Bieber’s Liberty Walk Ferrari 458)A unique paint scheme inside and out combines a special red, the aptly named “Rosso Singapore,” with a contrasting white for the wheels and stripe package. Embroidered headrests and engraved sill plates are just a few of the features that Ferrari’s Tailor Made program produced exclusively for this historic car.Much like the California T that was shown at Goodwood, almost every non-mechanical part was made to order. While the build process may take slightly longer, the Tailor Made program is the purest way to build the Ferrari of your dreams.Be sure to check out the images below, uploaded by the Ferrari Tailor Made Facebook page on August 13.Ferraris For SaleGallery (Source: Facebook, Autoblog) See More Ferrari News, Pics and Videos

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By Caitlin Duffy – August 17, 2015

Ferrari International Cavalcade California

American lovers of the Italian prancing horse had the chance to enjoy the company of each other and their cars as the Ferrari Cavalcade's first event outside of Italy gathered them in San Francisco.The "Ferraristi," as an Aug. 11 press release from Ferrari calls them, enjoyed San Francisco Bay's highlights in the days leading up to the culmination of Monterey Car Week and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Fairmont Hotel was the home base for their excursions, which took place from Aug. 11 to 14.The drivers and their Ferraris visited Napa Valley and the Big Basin Redwoods State Park, soared through the Altamont Pass' desert vistas and enjoyed some time on the Sonoma Raceway. At night, as we can see in the video, above, shared along with the press release, that the nights were just as exciting as the days, with 1920s themed boat rides into San Francisco Bay, around Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge.Check out the video above, and when you're finished, find your own Ferrari for the next cavalcade from our exclusive listings below.Ferraris For Sale (Source: Ferrari) See More Ferrari News

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By Caitlin Duffy – August 12, 2015

Sebastian Vettel Whips F12berlinetta at Ferrari Racing Da...

There are many ways that you can learn how to properly drive and maneuver a powerful car, but few are better than observing as a professional puts one through its paces.The crowds that turned out for the Ferrari Racing Days Budapest in late June were treated to quite a show of talent, but few could have learned more than they did watching Sebastian Vettel in an F12berlinetta. A video from European Motor News posted on August 11 shows us Vettel tearing around the Hungaroring, and today they shared photos in a press release of his drive.Check out the video above to see what a professional can do behind the wheel of one of Ferrari's most potent cars, and find your own F12berlinetta to test on the track from our exclusive listings below.F12berlinettas For SaleGallery (Source: Ferrari) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – August 10, 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB Quick Acceleration and Flamethrower Exhaust

We saw the Ferrari 488 GTB fly down the Autobahn at speeds of over 210 mph, and now we get to see the flames it spits when accelerating in such a manner.In a video uploaded by The Drivers Club August 3, we get to see how quickly the 488 GTB accelerates up to 194 mph and its flamethrowing exhaust during the action. I won't give away just how extreme the flames are, but all I'm saying is Khaleesi and her dragons better watch out.These flames are sourced from the sports car's turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces 660 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Quickly putting the car through its gears is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.Check out the video below to see the car and its flames in action.Editor's Note: We're not sure where this drive was performed, but we have to remind everyone to not perform illegal high-speed activities. If you feel the need for speed, head out to your local track, drag strip or stretch of the Autobahn. Ferraris For Sale (Source: YouTube via Autoevolution.com) See More Ferrari 488 GTB Videos, Pics and News

By Caitlin Duffy – August 06, 2015

30 Ferraris Gather for Ferrari Cavalcade Poland

The roads of Poland were flooded with a different kind of horse from July 29 to August 1 as the third annual Ferrari Cavalcade Poland toured the country, from the southern tip to the Baltic coast.Ferraris ranging from a Testarossa to the new California T gathered for a 700 km (434.96 miles) road trip over the course of four days. As a release from the marque tells us, they began in Katowice, a city near the border of the Czech Republic, and ended at the Sopot spa resort on the Baltic Sea.Along the way, they stopped for a private garden party "with delightful homemade cakes and jams," as well as at the Autodrom Pomorze, Europe's newest racetrack. It had just opened the week before, and the Ferrari cavalcade was able to learn new driving techniques while testing out their skills on a wet course.(See Also: Ferrari FXX With Guy Martin at the Wheel) The event ended with a day at the horse races and a gala dinner, where the 488 GTB sat alongside the Ferrari 308 GTB, celebrating the berlinetta's 40th anniversary. Check out the photos from the event below, and browse our exclusive listings to find a Ferrari for the upcoming cavalcade closest to you.Ferraris For SaleGallery (Source: Ferrari) See More Ferrari News

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By Caitlin Duffy – August 03, 2015

Ferrari F40s Revving in a Tunnel

There's something exhilarating about the sound of a Ferrari revving, and there's something overwhelmingly exciting when it's a Ferrari revving in a tunnel. And when it's a Ferrari F40, it becomes downright majestic.With the incredible acoustics of a rounded, concrete, enclosed space, a Ferrari's engine can be amplified to insane levels, almost to the point where other drivers on the road are jumping from surprise.While headed to a Supercar Day event, the Supercar Driver captured a video of precisely that show of sound. Two F40s can be seen among a crowd of Porsches, Lamborghinis and McLarens headed down a highway together, and when they enter the tunnel, each switches gears to show off their best noise.(See Also: Ferrari F12 Versione Speciale Spotted Ahead of Official Unveiling)Check out the video above to get a good listen to these incredible sounds, and browse our exclusive listings below to find a Ferrari F40 for yourself. Remember, always follow local traffic laws, including speed limits - the sound of an accelerating car is amazing, but a car that arrives in-tact and safely is even better.F40s For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More Ferrari News

By Caitlin Duffy – August 03, 2015

Ferrari F12 Versione Speciale Spotted Ahead of Official U...

Ferrari has yet to release any information or teasers of this new model, but thanks to Cavallino Rampante on Facebook, we have a great shot of the F12berlinetta's evolution.Two photos shared today and August 2 by the page, which is not affiliated with Ferrari and lists no website, reportedly show us a bright yellow Ferrari F12 Versione Speciale. Ferrari's website doesn't mention this model anywhere, but, according to The Supercar Kids, it's set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA).An article from the The Supercar Kids today reports that sources close to the blog have shared with them that this is the Ferrari F12 Versione Speciale (VS), a lighter, more powerful version of the F12berlinetta. Though unconfirmed, they tell us it will create 780 hp and 535 lb-ft, and with a curb weight of approximately 3,119.5 pounds, it can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds. GT Spirit reported today that the engine is a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12(See Also: Ferrari 488 Spider Officially Revealed)Their article goes on to say that it will be introduced at the show alongside the 488 Spider, which Ferrari officially introduced July 28. With these reports of sightings and specs, it will be interesting to see if Ferrari releases any information earlier than anticipated, or at all.Stay with us for more updates as they are released, and find your own Ferrari from our exclusive listings below.Ferraris For Sale(Source: GT Spirit, The Supercar Kids, Facebook) See More Ferrari News

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