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 Edward Jones – July 31, 2018

Ferrari Reveals New Paint Tech, A World's First

Ferrari is continuing their collaboration with PPG in terms of creating new innovative paint solutions for their automobiles. Their latest tech is a new low temperature paint system that makes Ferrari the "world's first car manufacturer to adopt the new Low Cure clear coats technology."2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast Specs, Price, Photos, & ReviewThis new paint system uses two components, including a special clear coat that allows the car to be baked at 100 degrees, as opposed to the standard 150 degrees. Ferrari says this will cut energy costs, as well as enhance the sustainability of the process. The Low Cure resin that's now being used contains a new hardener that will bolster the coating's resilience. Additionally, the new formula will increase "chemical hydrophobicity and reduces water permeability." If all of that wasn't enough, the new process allows Ferrari to bake the carbon fiber and composite components with the bodyshell at the same time. They say this will result in better color uniformity across all body components.

By Andrew Nabors – July 25, 2018

Ferrari & FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne: Rest In Peace

Yesterday we announced that the CEO of Fiat-Chrysler and Ferrari, Sergio Marchionne, was stepping down. After going in for shoulder surgery, complications arose, forcing him to step down from his position at the helm. Today, we regret to say that the automotive icon Sergio Marchionne has passed away due to his deteriorating health. Under his leadership, Fiat purchased a controlling stake in Chrysler and reorganized their brands for unbelievable profits. Fiat's value saw a ten-fold increase, and he brought Alfa-Romeo and Fiat back to the US. When they couldn't produce enough V6 engines in Italy, he brought Jeep's Toledo Engine Factory back to 24/7 operations, casting the blocks and heads and shipping them to Italy for final assembly. Dodge and SRT have made us rethink what a muscle car truly is with the Hellcat and Demon. As for Jeep, the Grand Cherokee was one of the best-selling vehicles in America in 2017, and the upcoming Wrangler pickup is going to be a runaway success. His decision to spinoff Ferrari was another genius move, as their IPO raised serious cash for innovations. He was also Ferrari's CEO, making sure the brand was protected from any market fluctuations that plague all big automakers. Taking over his position as Chairman is John Elkann. Elkann's resume includes being the CEO of Exor NV, the holding company for the Agnelli family, who founded Fiat. He said, "My family and I will be forever grateful for what he has done, Sergio Marchionne, man, and friend, is gone." Ferrari Sergio: Only Six Being Made When he was frustrated, he would take his aggressions out on his black Enzo, lapping Fiorano wide open to clear his mind. He said in 2014 "When you’re pissed off, there’s nothing better than this". We agree and now he is gone to race in a better place. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be missed by all. June 17th, 1952- July 24th, 2018

By Brian Story – July 09, 2018

1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso for Sale

Caring for a true automotive icon is an opportunity that rarely arises, and when it does, it’s a privilege. LB Limited is exclusively offering a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso that stands as a prime example of automotive stewardship and a desired centerpiece of the next collection it joins.This Lusso, part of a long-term collection for the past 30 years, stands in immaculate numbers-matching and roadworthy condition. Purchased in 1985 with a meticulously-documented history of ownership, this chassis has traveled only 16,340 miles.As a vehicle, this 250 GT has been maintained in near original condition, both mechanically and aesthetically. The window glass, sheet metal, and ALTO-type light fixtures remain in original and immaculate condition as a result of dedicated efforts from the current owners.Looking inside, the Lusso’s interior is in remarkable original condition, with the leather luggage straps and upholstery supple and un-faded. The careful wear and patina that has developed over the past 52 years serves only to add value to this Ferrari, a detail that cannot authentically be reproduced in restoration. It exemplifies the definition of preservation and we love it.Mechanically, the Lusso’s 60 degree, 2.9-liter Colombo V12 remains in excellent original condition as a result of an aviation-grade, low-lead, gasoline diet. Having never been exposed to ethanol fuel mixes, the original Weber carburetors remain in-place and undamaged.(See Also: Nero Fiammato 2013 Ferrari 458 Spider at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale)Offered as a piece of automotive lore and a rare investment opportunity, this 1963 250 GT has won over our hearts as automotive enthusiasts, and it will do the same for its new owner. This exclusive offer will be a rewarding purchase on a number of levels as it will add prestige, variety, character, and value to any collection it enters.Explore this stellar example of automotive stewardship in the gallery below. For more detailed information and the full listing, click the button below.View Price and ListingGallery

By Andrew Nabors – July 03, 2018

Dino 50th Anniversary Event Held by Ferrari In Maranello

It has been half a century since the first Dino rolled off the assembly line. This sporty mid-engine car was named for Enzo's first son Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari. He followed in his father's footsteps becoming an automotive engineer. Dino worked on prototype racing engines like the 1.5 liter V6 that would see action in Formula 2 in 1955. He also styled and built the 750 Monza race car. But he lost his life to Muscular Dystrophy in 1956, he was only 24 years old.Interview With David Lee: Ferrari Collector and Owner of the “Monza 3.6 Evo Dino”When Enzo decided to build a smaller & lighter sports car, he named it in honor of his son. For a long time, Dino owners were treated like second class in Ferrari collector circles, but now it is quite the opposite. A numbers-matching Dino can bring big bucks. Built from 1968 to 1976, the 206 and 246 Dino models used all-aluminum V6 engines with close ties to the 1.5 V6 mentioned above. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the marque, Ferrari invited all of them to come home last weekend. In a press release last night, we see over 150 Dinos and over 300 customers at Fiorano.Browse Dino For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 03, 2018

LaFerrari Aperta Dominates An Italian Hillclimb

It is sad to know that only a few of Ferrari's hypercars will be driven to their limits. If I had the means, not only would I buy a LaFerrari Aperta, but I would equip it with R-compound tires and head to the Tail of the Dragon. One lucky owner got a chance to enter his car in the Giau Pass Hillclimb, and we applaud him on excellent use of counter-steer.Wildest Camo LaFerrari Revs Hard (RIP Ears) and Looks MeanGive me a mountain, and I will delight in using 950 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque to reach the summit. Not only is it Ferrari's most powerful V12 engine, it is combined with the same KERS system used on their F1 cars. In a video uploaded by Powerslide Lover, he chases a high horsepower shifter kart up the mountain. Living up to his name, many of the corners are excellent drifts, making this run slower than the others, but much more enjoyable. If you think you can handle it, click the link below to find one for yourself. The 4th of July might entice you to spin a few for Independence Day, but please drive responsibly and enjoy the day in a responsible manner.Browse LaFerrari For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 22, 2018

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Heading To RM Sotheby's

Without a doubt, the Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the world's most coveted cars. Earlier this month, a 1963 example sold privately for nearly $80 Million dollars. So our friends at RM Sotheby's have put a conservative estimate of $45 Million on a 1962 model. It will be the centerpiece of their Monterey Auction during Monterey Car Week in August.Our friends over at Autoblog were first to notice this pristine prancing horse. This 250 GTO is chassis 3413 GT is just one of 36 examples, and it began life as a factory test car for Phil Hill at the Targa Florio. It was then sold to Edoardo Lualdi-Gabardi who won 9 out of 10 races in 1962. He sold it to Gianni Bulgari, the founder, and owner of Bulgari Jewelry. This car has complete documentation back to the factory, and it retains its original engine, transmission and differential. If you need a new daily driver, we'll see you in Monterey. If you don't need a race car, our dealers have a nice selection of Ferrari 250's that are ready for you. Stay with us for all your RM Sothebys updates. Browse Ferrari 250 For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=XBp9QmDFTfY

By Andrew Nabors – June 15, 2018

Ferrari Unveils Piloti Edition 488 Pista

Because the biggest race of the year is tomorrow, Ferrari's Tailor Made program has released a new version of the 488 Pista. The "Piloti Ferrari" 488 Pista was built to recognize the dedication of their client's race teams. The cover was removed this morning at LeMans, next to the car that inspired it. The #51 car of AF Corse is driven by Alessandro Guidi and James Calado, and they won last year's World Endurance Championship Drivers' and Manufacturers' trophies.That is why this new Piloti Ferrari can only be ordered by factory-supported drivers. Four color choices are Argento Nurburgring, Nero Daytona, Blu Tour de France, and of course, Rosso Corsa. Inside you are treated to black Alcantara with perforated seats to keep you cool. The Italian flag can be seen in several spots, and the Tailor Made artists will emblazon your car's number on the dash and on the exterior if so desired.Behind the cockpit is the latest 709 horsepower twin-turbo V8. The 3.9 liter has been voted best turbo V8 for the 3rd consecutive year. The finishing touches are graphics from the 488 GTE and PRO. Natural finish carbon fiber makes up many of the aerodynamic bits. If you think you might be on the list, click the link below to find our dealer nearest you, and take the 488 GTB for a spin.Find Your Ferrari 488 GTB Here

By Andrew Nabors – June 05, 2018

Ferrari's Twin Turbo V8 Wins Best Engine in 20 Years

Under the hood of the 488 Pista and a few other Ferraris is the 3.9-liter twin turbo V8. In a press release from Stuttgart earlier today, we've learned it has won the best engine in the past 2 decades. This year's International Engine of the Year Awards was held in Germany, and Ferrari took home six trophies. The most awards by any manufacturer in a single year, it takes Ferrari's total to 27 awards from this prestigious gathering.Engineers from around the world dissect everything part. Reliability, specific fuel consumption, internal friction, and other categories were taken into consideration. Since the 388 Pista makes 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, it makes engines twice its size look like boat anchors. Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the IEOTY Awards said: “In the 488 GTB, the 3.9-litre eight-cylinder was a near-perfect example of a high-performance turbocharged engine, setting the bar so high that it swept aside rival powertrains. But redeveloped and tweaked for the 488 Pista, the best engine in the world just got better. Without a doubt, we’re looking at an engineering masterclass from Ferrari. No turbo lag, beautiful delivery, raw emotion, a furious growl and so much power – this Ferrari V8 is a work of art.”Another award was given to the 6.5 liter V12 found in the 812 Superfast. It replaces the 6.3 liters found in the F12 series with 789 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. These amazing engines are found in Ferrari's latest cars, so click the link below for great deals on masterpieces from Maranello.

By Andrew Nabors – June 01, 2018

Report: Ferrari 250 GTO Sells For $80 Million

It might be impossible to take a bad photo of a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO; the iconic curves look great in any situation.But we're not here to talk about just any Ferrari 250. The specific car we're here to talk about, chassis 4135 GT, placed fourth at its first race. That race just happened to be LeMans in 1963. Next, it won the 10-day Tour de France rally in 1964. The car has raced around the world and in a post on FerrariChat, it's said that it has now sold for $80,000,000 (stated that it was "a bit less than CHF 80 million in the forum) in a private sale.This sale, if true, breaks all previous records, including the famous $38 million sale of a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO. According to forum posts, the new owner of the car is David MacNeil, the CEO of WeatherTech, but this is not confirmed.To give you an idea of how loved the Ferrari 250 is, below is the video of the previously mentioned 1962 250 GTO selling for $38 million at auction in 2014. If you're looking for your own Ferrari 250, click the link below and stay with us for all your Ferrari news.Browse Ferrari 250 For Sale

By Edward Jones – May 30, 2018

Wildest Camo LaFerrari Revs Hard (RIP Ears) and Looks Mean

The title of this article reads "Wildest Camo LaFerrari We've Ever Seen," but I feel like I should change to "The Only Camo LaFerrari We've Ever Seen" (not counting the camo ones we saw before the car's release."This LaFerrari has been making quite a scene in Monaco, being spotted by YouTubers and posted on Instagram. The Instagram posts allude that the car is owned by @florianmerckx and it was wrapped by @mmlc_06.Why You Should Buy A LaFerrariIf the camo wrap looks familiar to you, then you're not alone because I thought of Jon Olsson's cars right away. What's funny is that Olsson was even invited by the owner for a drive. After being taken out for a spin in the LaFerrari, Olsson said in an Instagram post: "This might be the coolest car I have seen EVER! Its for sure the coolest car I have been in!" If he approves of the camo hypercar, then it must be legit.https://www.instagram.com/p/BjaZUqEApuK/?taken-by=jonolsson1The owner seems to have named this LaFerrari "Tank," which is fitting considering how brutal it looks. In the front are headlights that have a yellow film on them, just like a race car. Combine those headlights with the wrap and insanely loud exhaust and you have "Tank," one of the coolest LaFerraris out there.View Ferraris for Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BjMvnKzA6zN/?taken-by=florianmerckx

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