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 Jordan Aquistapace – July 19, 2021

NOVITEC Unveils Its All-New Ferrari SF90 Stradale

The new Ferrari SF90 Stradale just got upgraded by NOVITEC. While all Ferrari models that leave the factory from Modena are fully prepped for any road or track, the professionals at NOVITEC push the limits adding performance and visual upgrades. The new Ferrari SF90 Stradale is the newest Italian supercar to receive 5-star treatment from German automotive upgrade specialists. Starting from the exterior, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale takes on a more aggressive stance using the NOVITEC sport lowering springs, which enhances its center of gravity and stiffens the ride quality for cornering. Complimenting the more aggressive look is a set of bronze 9.5Jx20 Vossen wheels. Ferrari is known for its distinctive sound, especially in the SF90 Stradale’s twin-turbocharged 8-cylinder hybrid system. The NOVITEC system optimizes the exhaust flow, which is offered various versions of the exhaust system with and without electronic sound management by means of actively controlled exhaust flaps. However, even more, impressive is the optimized performance. With the NOVITEC system, the turbocharged V8 produces even more superior 813 hp at 7,750 rpm instead of the stock 780 hp. Peak torque of the internal combustion engine increases from 590 to 632ft-lb of torque at 6,100 rpm. The range of colors for an exclusive NOVITEC interior is just as varied as the selection of colors for the NOVITEC wheels. The interiors can be created from leather and Alcantara in virtually any desired color. The all-new Ferrari SF90 Stradale upgrades by NOVITEC are currently available. Click on the link below to view all NOVITEC cars for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View All NOVITEC Vehicles For Sale Media/Information Source: NOVITEC Group For more Ferrari news, Check out Insane Ferrari F40 Drifts Around Dirt Course

By Edward Jones – July 12, 2021

GAA Classic Cars July 2021 Auction: 2007 Ferrari F430

Presented by GAA Classic Cars – As a successor to the Ferrari 360, the F430 exceeded all expectations thanks to its graceful styling and potent powertrain. To say that it was one of the hottest exotic cars on the market in the early 2000s would most definitely be an understatement. Now, years later, the F430 remains as glorious as it was when it was first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2004. Heading to auction through GAA Classic Cars is a 2007 example of the F430, finished in Rosso Corsa. It comes with a clean Carfax and has been driven just 17,050 miles. It comes with maintenance records from Ferrari of Atlanta and Foreign Cars Italia. This 2007 Ferrari F430 will be auctioned off at GAA Classic Cars’ July 2021 auction, which runs from the 22nd to the 24th. For more information about the event, click here. View Listing

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2021

Insane Ferrari F40 Drifts Around Dirt Course

This is not how your normally see a Ferrari F40 driving, that's for sure. The Ferrari F40 is a true icon in the automotive world. It doesn't matter if you're a collector or just a fan of automobiles, you will drool over the F40 when you see one. And now, if you're a collector, your going to have to spend a pretty penny if you'd like to add one to your collection as their prices just keep going up. That's why it's so crazy to watch the latest video from TheTFJJ. In the video, we see an F40 drift around a dirt course, something we haven't seen since TaxTheRich100 uploaded their Farmkhana video. If you click play up above, you'll see the F40 going wild for yourself. And no, this is not a replica and is a true-to-life Ferrari F40. Now, if you had the chance, would you take an F40 out for a drift on a dirt course? See All Ferraris For Sale Source: YouTube/TheTFJJ

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2021

Ferrari 296 GTB Unveiled: A New Hybrid V6 Supercar

The first Ferrari road car with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine. Coming out of Maranello is the new Ferrari 296 GTB, a new hybrid supercar that packs a V6 engine and hybrid power. Don't let the thought of a smaller engine fool you, because this new model packs 818 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. While the V6 engine provides 654 hp, the rear e-motor adds an additional 164 horsepower for the 818 hp total. That's more horsepower than the F8 Tributo (710 hp), but less than the SF90 Stradale (986 hp). Ferrari notes that this new V6 engine "sets a record of 221 hp/l for specific torque output for a production car." It should be mentioned that this is Ferrari's first road-going car to be powered by a V6 engine if you don't count the Dino. When it comes to performance, the new Ferrari 296 GTB delivers. With a 0 to 62 mph time of 2.9 seconds and a 0 to 124 mph time of 7.3 seconds, the 296 GTB is an absolute rocket. Ferrari states that its max speed can be found just over 205 mph. Like all modern Ferraris before this one, it has been tested heavily on the Fiorano Circuit. With a lap time of 1'21", it's 1.5 seconds quicker around the circuit than the F8 Tributo and 0.5 seconds quicker than the 488 Pista. Being a hybrid with a battery, weight is a topic that needs to be discussed. Thankfully, the new 296 GTB's weight is just 3,241 lbs. This power is distributed 59.5% to the rear and 40.5% to the front. The battery adding a few pounds in weight will allow the 296 GTB to travel up to 16 miles in pure electric mode. As far as looks go, the Ferrari 296 GTB is beautiful. Being the most compact berlinetta from Ferrari in the past decade, its smaller size allows its design features to really stand out. What many will notice right away are the flying buttresses of the rear, which flow in from the muscular wheel arches and towards the rear wing. The design of the rear wing was inspired by cars like the classic 250 LM. A new central tailpipe is found just below the rear wing. Up front are new headlights that are mated with air intakes for the brakes. Inside the 296 GTB is an interior that's designed to focus on the driver. When looking at the dashboard, all of the necessary instruments are right in front of the the driver so they don't have to take their eyes off of the road. It's a perfect example of a driver-oriented cockpit. Ferrari also gave the 296 GTB all new seats that feature carbon fiber shells to keep weight low. Alongside the release of the new 296 GTB, Ferrari also unveiled the new Assetto Fiorano package. This set-up includes aerodynamic and weight reduction modifications that make it an even more formidable track car. Changes found in this set-up include the Multimatic dampers, use of even more lightweight materials in the interior and exterior, a Lexan rear screen and an optional livery that was inspired by the 250 LM. Expect to see the new Ferrari 296 GTB starting to be deliver in the beginning of 2022. Browse All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 14, 2021

The All-New PUMA x Ferrari ION F Sneaker Is Available Now

It's like lacing up a pair of Ferrari SF90 Stradales to your feet. When it comes to fashion and footwear, Ferrari continues to use the same design process and resources as when creating the next supercar for the market. In partnership with PUMA Motorsports, the Italian manufacturer is proud to announce the release of the brand’s most technologically advanced sneaker. The all-new Ferrari x PUMA ION F pulls inspiration directly from the Ferrari SF90B Stradale. The shape of the reflective TPU panel in the rear of the shoe wrapped by a PU Foam gathered the inspiration from the dynamic front spoiler of the SF90. Clean and rich mesh materials on the upper with a knitted sock construction generate ajaw-dropping look without compromising comfort. The premium magnetic fit-lock buckles up your feet for the next G-force-driven serpentine road.The ION F is part of Ferrari's new fashion collection. Shop the new Ferrari ION F sneaker styles, as well as the rest of the Scuderia Ferrari Collection, by clicking the link below. Shop PUMA x Ferrari PUMA For more Ferrari news, Check out Watch The Ferrari Live Fashion Show Featuring Its Newest Collection

By Edward Jones – June 10, 2021

Ferrari Appoints New CEO With Tech Background

He joins with a background in advanced technologies. It has been announced that Benedetto Vigna will be the new CEO of Ferrari starting September 1, 2021. Vigna will be joining Ferrari after a long history with STMicroelectronics, where he founded the company's Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) activities. During his time with ST, he also worked with connectivity, imaging and power solutions. Vigna also piloted the company into new business areas, with a focus on the industrial and automotive market segments. This experience in the automotive market with such advanced technologies is going to help Ferrari apply next-generation tech in their vehicles. With the appointment of Vigna, it's clear to see that Ferrari is aiming to innovate and advance the company towards a more technologically advanced future. Benedetto Vigna commented: “It’s a special honor to be joining Ferrari as its CEO and I do so with an equal sense of excitement and responsibility. Excitement at the great opportunities that are there to be captured. And with a profound sense of responsibility towards the extraordinary achievements and capabilities of the men and women of Ferrari, to all the company’s stakeholders and to everyone around the world for whom Ferrari is such a unique passion.” John Elkann, Chairman of Ferrari, said: "His deep understanding of the technologies driving much of the change in our industry, and his proven innovation, business-building and leadership skills, will further strengthen Ferrari and its unique story of passion and performance, in the exciting era ahead.” See All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 27, 2021

Watch TAG Motorsports' Ferrari 488 Pista Race Rob Dahm's ...

The true test between modern and modified performance. As time goes on, the automotive industry continues to be introduced to new supercars with more power than the previous model before it. The Ferrari 488 Pista is the perfect example, as it produces 711-horsepower from its 3.9L Twin-Turbocharged V8. The team over at Hoonigan Industries decided to put the modern-day supercar up against YouTuber Rob Dahm’s 1,033-horsepower 3-Rotor Mazda RX7. The video highlights the technological advancements in performance and aerodynamics between the two generations of cars. Along with putting both cars up against each other on the drag strip, Alex from TAG Motorsports shows the guys what the shop’s Ferrari 488 Pista can really do with a series of burnouts and donuts. Watch TAG Motorsport’s Ferrari 488 Pista take on Rob Dahm’s modified Mazda RX7 in Hoonigan’s new YouTube video by clicking the video above. View All Ferrari 488 Pista For Sale For more Ferrari news, Check out Intriguing Interiors of Exotic Cars For Sale Media Source: Hoonigan YouTube

By Edward Jones – May 24, 2021

CCP Spring Classic Auction: 1979 Ferrari BB 512 Berlinett...

Presented by Collector Car Productions - The Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer was the first in a series of Ferraris to use a mid-mounted flat-twelve engine, and was the first mid-engined road car to bear the Ferrari name and the Cavallino Rampante (prancing horse). The name 512 referred to the car’s 5-liter 12 cylinder engine and 929 BB512 units were built. The example offered here is a very special one indeed having traveled only 23,650 kilometers from new! Even more impressive, is the fact that the paint is mostly original. We found the original paint condition to be extremely impressive and free of obvious damages or imperfections. The interior was equally impressive and although there are some minor signs of small scuff marks, the original interior soft components are not far away from showroom new. The engine bay and suspension components are amazingly free of dust or grease and speak volumes to the care and attention to proper storage conditions that this car has resided in. Aside from the original trunk accessories such as the jack roll and tool kit, this Boxer comes with the original service book and manuals. And to put the icing on the cake, the car comes with a complete inspection report from Ferrari Classiche who issued the Ferrari Certificate of Authenticity. A World Class Documented Ferrari . . . This is just one of approximately 100 great hand-selected cars to be offered at the Toronto Spring Classic Car Online Auction to be held on June 12, 2021 by CCP Auctions. View Listing

By Edward Jones – May 20, 2021

One-of-a-kind 2021 Ferrari 812 GTS For Sale

You won't see another Ferrari on the road like this one. The new Ferrari 812 GTS is already making waves in the automotive marketplace and this example is no exception. Available at EUROCAR, this 812 GTS is a true one-of-a-kind, featuring a slew of special and attractive features. First up is the custom orange finish that's contrasted by black trim. Other features include the Capristo exhaust, Novitec suspension, and custom Vossen wheels. EUROCAR notes that the original parts are available for an extra charge. On the odometer, this 812 GTS reads just 437 miles, making extraordinarily close to being an untouched example. To see more of this remarkable Ferrari, click the button below to view its listing. View Listing

By Edward Jones – May 19, 2021

Rare Sunroof Six-Speed Ferrari 360 Modena Coupe For Sale

Presented by Ferrari Lake Forest - This specific 360 is one of the rarest and most desirable 360 Modena’s produced. In addition to being equipped with a manual six-speed transmission, it was also optioned with a " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>. It is believed that only 25 cars worldwide were fitted with this option and of those only 12 were released in the US market. The manual removable section works like a GTS body style and adds almost no additional weight so the center of gravity won’t be affected. The detachable sunroof stores neatly behind the seats. With less than 23,550 miles, this unique 360 would make an exquisite addition to any collection. The 360 Modena was a clean-sheet design that foretold future trends for Ferrari road cars. The design called for seemingly contrasting objectives, lower weight combined with greater chassis rigidity. The engineers in Maranello were able to achieve such success by employing innovative construction technology. The 360 Modena was the first production Ferrari to be constructed entirely out of aluminum. The car's body shell, chassis, and suspension wishbones were all made from lightweight material. Aluminum allowed engineers to achieve the best overall performance and handling in a mid-engined Ferrari at the time. The Chassis was designed and built in collaboration with Alcoa. The partnership allowed for a structure to be built that was 40% stronger in structural rigidity and 28% lighter, compared to the model's predecessor, the 355. The suspension mounting points are one-piece casting and the chassis was assembled on the same technique used for the F50, a CNC workstation. The styling was the 163rd Ferrari to be penned by Pininfarina. It combines elements of classic Ferraris, such as the 250LM, 268SP, and Dino. Like the 488 and many other modern Ferrari models today, the 360 Modena was the first Ferrari to show the ventrally mounted V8 engine under a glass cover. View Price and Listing

Ferrari News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe