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 – September 27, 2021

Check The Spec: A Ferrari SF90 Stradale Finished in Giall...

A chance to own one of the most unique Ferrari SF90 Stradale examples on the market. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is known as the Italian supercar manufacturer’s most exclusive and powerful vehicle. This one-of-a-kind 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale is offered to the public by the professionals at HGreg Lux in Pompano Beach, Fl. The exterior features a special Giallo Triplo Strato paint finish with the Giallo Modena DS livery package. Alongside the performance design of the SF90 Stradale, the configuration includes a set of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber wheels finished in exposed gloss carbon. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: Tailor-Made Ferrari Monza SP1 While performance is key, the build also includes the Asetto Fiorano package, which features a 66-pound weight savings, added performance upgrades, aerodynamic enhancements, and a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The interior layout of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale continues its vibrant vision with a pair of carbon fiber racing seats overlaid with Rosso Ferrari genuine leather with added Giallo Triplo Strato trim. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is packed with power, offering over 98-horsepower from the hybrid power twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8. This 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale is currently available with 25 miles for $1,100,000. Click the link below to see the vehicle listing on duPont REGISTRY. View This 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 23, 2021

Check The Spec: Tailor-Made Ferrari Monza SP1

The Ferrari Tailor-Made division takes the already desirable Monza SP1 to the next level of customization. While the Ferrari Monza SP1 is a highly exclusive example from the Italian supercar manufacturer, lucky owners tend to enlist help from the customization professionals at the Tailor-Made division when configuring a chassis. This stunning Ferrari Monza received the full treatment inside and out, starting with a head-turning Prigna met 306/C paint code complemented with a black and yellow livery. MUST-READ: Check Out This Tailor-Made Ferrari 812 GTS The black/yellow vision is incorporated into the sport-style wheels and big brake package that Ferrari offers standard on the Monza SP1 model. As the Monza SP1 is presented as a single-seater track monster, the Ferrari Tailor-Made division had a smaller interior cabin to design than normal. The interior layout is finished in a modest genuine black leather with yellow piping and contrast stitching, letting the exterior design and vehicle performance do the talking. This Ferrari Monza SP1 highlights the meticulous craftsmanship of Ferrari Tailor-Made as well as the endless possibilities for designing a multi-million dollar Italian supercar. Media/Information Source: Ferrari IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 20, 2021

Check Out This Tailor-Made Ferrari 812 GTS

A rare custom Ferrari 812 GTS configured by the Italian manufacturer's custom division. The Ferrari 812 GTS continues to grow in popularity throughout the automotive world as it is best known as an exclusive front-engine V12 with the ability to drop its top for perfect weather occasions. The Tailor-Made division is proud to present an 812 GTS chassis that went through a custom configuration process to differentiate itself from all others while catering to the vision of the owner. This Ferrari 812 GTS features a balanced combination of grey exterior surfaces, including a contrasting racing stripe that runs down the elongated body. While the exterior boasts a rather modest styling, the interior layout screams sophistication with a Frau Heritage Walnut leather. This Ferrari 812 GTS by the Tailor-Made division exemplifies the perfect balance of a custom Italian supercar specification. View all current Ferrari 812 GTS available on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari 812 GTS For Sale Media Source: Ferrari IG

By Edward Jones – September 07, 2021

How To Design Your Ferrari 812 Competizione

The new Ferrari 812 Competizione was unveiled as a V12 supercar that was derived from the already potent 812 Superfast. Unlike the 812 Superfast, the new 812 Competizione packs 830 horsepower, as opposed to the Superfast's 788 hp. The new and more limited Competizione variant also has new body components that allow for better cooling efficiency, greater downforce, and an even more aggressive look. There are many reasons to love the Ferrari 812 Competizione and the automaker's configurator for the model is yet another. This intuitive configurator allows customers to build the supercar of their dreams and see it in a beautiful 3D rendering. Below is a walkthrough of the Ferrari 812 Competizione's configurator. Configure Yours Today Exterior It all starts with the 812 Compietizione's exterior. In here, you'll be able to customize the Paintwork, Livery, Rims, Brakes, Tires, Carbon Accents and Exhaust System. You'll be spending a lot of time here. Paint and Livery The most important customization one can make when it comes to a new car is the paint color. Thankfully, Ferrari offers customers a wide range of paint colors for the 812 Competizione, including historical paint colors. There's also the ability to change the livery, which is the cherry on top for this track-ready Ferrari. Personally, I went with a Verde British Racing paint with the Transversal livery Giallo Fly. I've been in a huge "Dark Green" mode lately when it comes to cars. Interior Within the Interior section of the configurator, the Main Options of the interior, Seats, Dashboard, Lower Cockpit, Headliner, Rear Bench, Details, and Trunk Lid can be personalized. The different leather and Alcantara colors are incredible and will allow you to create a perfect cabin. Main Interior Options It's in the Main Options section that the majority of the big decision will be made. This includes the leather and Alcantara colors that can be selected, as well as stitching color. I went for a classic Cuoio and Cioccolato interior. Equipment Like any exotic car, there's additional equipment that can be ordered along with the car itself. For the Ferrari 812 Competizione, there are multiple sections of equipment, like Anti-Theft and Infotainment. Suitcase Sets The most interesting equipment that can be ordered with the 812 Competizione is the Suitcase Set. Within the set is a trolley, duffel, weekend suitcase, suitcase, overnight suitcase, and suit holder. Each of these can be added individually. Summary Once you've finished configuring your Ferrari 812 Competizione, you can choose to either save it to your Ferrari account, send to a dealer or share it with friends. This section also show you a breakdown of all of the choices you've made. Visit The Configurator

By Edward Jones – September 01, 2021

Hear the Ferrari FXX K Evo Tear Across Nürburgring

The rarely seen Ferrari FXX K Evo makes an appearance. The track-only Ferrari FXX K Evo doesn't make appearances often, but when it does, it makes a scene. Its 6.3-liter V12 engine and electric motor combine to create 1,036 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, all of which can be heard from very, very far away. Don't believe me? Then you have to check out the video that YouTube Channel Automotive Mike uploaded. In the video, we see and hear an example of the FXX K Evo screaming its way through Nürburgring. To say it's a loud vehicle would almost be an understatement. The cherry on top for the Ferrari FXX K Evo has to be its design, which is downright aggressive. Its aerodynamic suite allows it to not only look menacing but also creates 1,410 lbs of downforce at 124 mph. Check out the video up above for yourself to see just how insane the Ferrari FXX K Evo truly is. You'll see why this isn't like any other supercar or sports car for sale. LaFerraris For Sale Source: YouTube/Automotive Mike

By Edward Jones – August 26, 2021

Rare 2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta For Sale - 1 of 80

A chance to own an award winner. Back in 1990, the Ferrari 599 SA Aperta was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show as a very special roadster version of the 599 supercar. Ferrari created the new 599 SA Aperta to celebrate Pininfarina's 80th anniversary, and that's why it was limited to just 80 examples. With such a short production run, this supercar is uncommon in the automotive world and that's why this example for sale at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale is a rare opportunity. The example listed for sale won First In Class and the Platinum Class 10 Award at Cavallino. It's finished in Rosso Corsa over Nero and features a load of options. Factory options include a carbon fiber LED steering wheel, red brake calipers, full electric seats, Rosso stitching and seatbelts, HomeLink and more. With just 1,268 miles on its odometer, this one-owner Ferrari 599 SA Aperta is in immaculate condition. For more information, be sure to click the button below. View Price and Listing Image Source: @ferrarifortlauderdale/Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 25, 2021

Check Out This Tailor Made Ferrari Monza SP2 In Rosso Corsa

The Monza SP2 just got the full design treatment by Ferrari Tailor Made. The Tailor Made division of Ferrari allows passionate clientele to incorporate their own visions when configuring any model of the Ferrari fleet. Ferrari is proud to introduce the newest member of the Tailor Made branch, a Monza SP2 that embodies the true spirit of racing. The exterior features a Rosso Corsa paint job with Giallo Modena accents displayed throughout the body. While the racing number decals insinuate its track-focused agenda, the interior only secures the fact that it's meant to break lap times. The Rosso Corsa interior layout is equipped with a set of Jean Aunde fabric racing monocoque seats and plenty of driving modes to complement any driving style. A set of bronze factory wheels contrasts the design of the Monza SP2, tying into the rich motorsport heritage of Ferrari.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 19, 2021

The New Ferrari 296 GTB Displayed At The Pebble Beach Con...

The 296 GTB, an evolution of Ferrari’s mid-rear-engined two-seater sports berlinetta concept, represents a revolution for the Maranello-based company. Since its initial announcement as the newest hybrid-powered supercar for Ferrari, the 296 GTB continues to prove itself as one of the most anticipated automotive releases of the year. The all-new platform features a short wheelbase design packed with the performance to shatter lap times on circuits around the world. Automotive collectors and enthusiasts came out by the thousands to The Concorso Ferrari display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for a chance to take a first glance at the 818-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid. MUST-READ: Ferrari 296 GTB Unveiled: A New Hybrid V6 Supercar Acting as a new engine platform for Ferrari, the drivetrain truly defines the skill and further potential of the engineers at Ferrari. Alongside the all-new Italian supercar, countless historic and modern Ferrari chassis are placed throughout the field to signify the Italian supercar manufacturer's roots in motorsport. The Ferrari 296 GTB made its first appearance at Pebble Beach and made a lasting impression on the future of supercar technology.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 02, 2021

NOVITEC Unveils The N-Largo Ferrari 812 GTS With Tons Of ...

The Ferrari 812 GTS just got upgraded from the professionals at 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 Ferrari 812 GTS is the newest model to receive aesthetic and performance upgrades from the German automotive modification specialists. The NOVITEC N-Largo 812 GTS features an exterior upgrade that provides an aggressive stance and more aerodynamics through bodywork conversions on the fenders, rocker panels, front/rear facias, and rear spoiler. Alongside the functional aspects of the exterior build, NOVITEC incorporates tailor-made naked-carbon elements on the hood, side mirrors, and surrounds of the taillights to add sportier touches. The exterior finishes its aggressive look and handling with NOVITEC lowering springs and a set of Vossen wheels. NOVITEC offers more than just fascinating looks with the new N-LARGO based on the Ferrari 812 GTS. The normally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine offers still more potential, which the engine specialists of the tuner utilize. To this end, the company developed a high-performance exhaust system that coaxes another 40-horsepower from the engine. The NOVITEC high-performance exhaust system in combination with the 100-cell sports catalysts increases the output to 840 hp at 8,750 rpm. At the same time, peak torque grows to 553 ft-lb at 7,300 rpm. As a result, the powerful drop-top sports car slings itself from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. Top speed increases to 214 mph. View All Ferrari 812 For Sale Media/Info Source: NOVITEC

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 23, 2021

This 1-of-20 Ferrari F8 Tributo By Keyvany Is Now Availab...

A chance to own the ultimate limited-edition Ferrari F8 Tributo by Keyvany. When it comes to modified supercars, the team at Creative Bespoke in Phoenix, AZ specializes in delivering one-of-a-kind examples with the power to prove its upgrades. Now available through duPont REGISTRY, Creative Bespoke is proud to present this limited-edition 2021 Ferrari F8 Tributo by German tuner Keyvany. The collaboration between Keyvany and Creative Bespoke will guarantee quality and craftsmanship. With over $130k invested in modifications, the Ferrari F8 Tributo build includes the Keyvany full carbon aero package, full titanium race exhaust system, VR ECU stage 2 tune (840 HP), Novitec sport springs, AL-13 forged 22/21 wheels with Pirelli Pzero tires, and Xpell clear paint protection. The build focuses on pushing the limits of both design and performance, which is why it’s one of the only modified F8 Tributo examples on the market. Check out the duPont REGISTRY list of this limited-edition 2021 Ferrari F8 Tributo from Creative Bespoke by clicking the link below. View This 2021 Ferrari F8 Tributo Listing

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