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 – June 25, 2015

Novitec Rosso Ferrari California T N-Largo Unveiled

Aftermarket Ferrari tuner Novitec Rosso has unveiled the California T N-Largo. According to a June 23 article by World Car Fans, this kit for the turbocharged Ferrari features a carbon fiber widebody conversion kit that was developed in cooperation with German designer Vittorio Strosek. The front fenders add six centimeters to the front-axle's width, while the rear fenders add eleven centimeters to the back end. All of this added width makes room for the three-piece Novitec Rosso N-Largo NF5 NL alloy wheels. Matching side skirts are also included. (Related: Tailor Made Ferrari California T to be Showcased at Goodwood) Aside from aesthetic touches, the new N-Largo has added power underneath its hood. Through a retune of the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the car's power is increased by 108 hp and 71 lb-ft of torque to a total of 668 hp and 642 lb-ft. The added power gives the California T N-Largo the ability to sprint from 0-62 mph in just 3.2 seconds and hit a top speed of over 201 mph. To make all of this power sound even better than before, Novitec is also offering a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system that sounds brutal. Price points for the kit have not been issued yet, but stay with us for more information as it is released. Gallery (Source: WorldCarsFans.com) More Automotive Aftermarket News

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By Caitlin Duffy – June 24, 2015

Tailor Made Ferrari California T to be Showcased at Goodwood

Ferrari's Tailor Made program has unveiled some stunning creations in the past, each more stunning and visually arresting than the last, and their newest product from the program is no exception.As a press release release from the Italian luxury auto maker tells us, they're set to bring a Bianco Italia California T to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which runs from June 25-28. This stunning California T pays homage to the game of polo, most notably through the double-asymmetric Blu Hellen stripe on the left side of the car.Blu Hellen appears again on the 20" forged wheels, as do Argento Nürburgring accents. The interior is dominated by the warm color of Blu Sterling, with Bianco accents bringing the body color to the interior.Take a moment to check out this stunning example from Ferrari's program in the images below, then find yourself your perfect California T from our exclusive listings.Californias For Sale Gallery (Source: Ferrari) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2015

Ferrari F12berlinetta vs 599 GTO Drag Race

It's always interesting when you see a car take on its predecessor. In this case, it's the Ferrari 599 GTO taking on the F12berlientta that replaced the 599 grand tourers.(Related: Ferraris vs. a Snowmobile at Modball Rally 2015)In a video uploaded by DragtimeInfo June 19, the two cars face off in a drag race that takes them to speeds over 160 mph. Before you watch the race, check out the quick specs below to see how they stack up against each other.Ferrari F12berlinetta 6.3-liter V12 Engine 730 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual 227mph top speed 0-62 mph time of 3.1 seconds F12berlinettas For SaleFerrari 599 GTO 6.0-liter V12 engine 670 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque 6-speed automated manual 208 mph top speed 0-62 mph time of 3.1 seconds 599 GTOs For SaleWere the results what you expected? Leave your thoughts and the drag race you want to see in the comments below.Editor's Note: Do not attempt to recreate anything seen in the video above unless on a closed course under professional supervision. The editors at the duPont REGISTRY do not condone any illegal street activity, and remind you to always obey local traffic laws.(Source: YouTube via MotorAuthority) More Ferrari Videos

By Edward Jones – June 23, 2015

Ferraris vs. a Snowmobile at Modball Rally 2015

When you think of a snowmobile, you, naturally, imagine them on the snow. But we are humans: defiant and creative. Because of these traits, the Modball Rally 2015 ended up pitting Ferraris against a snowmobile at the Varano de' Melegari racetrack in Italy with no snow to be found.The snowmobile first takes on a Ferrari F430 Spider and then races against a Ferrari 458 Spider, giving quite a fight in both pulls. What's surprising about the drag races is the results.To give you an idea of the amount of power this snowmobile is taking on, here are some brief specs.Ferrari F430 Spider 4.3-liter V8 engine 483 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque 6-speed auto-clutch manual 193 mph top speed 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds F430 Spiders For SaleFerrari 458 Spider 4.5-liter V8 engine 561 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission 199 mph top speed 0-62 mph time of <3.4 seconds 458 Spiders For SaleNow that you know what these cars are packing, check out the video below to see how it all plays out. Leave your thoughts about the race in the comments below.(Source: YouTube) More Ferrari Videos

By Edward Jones – June 22, 2015

Unique Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani For Sale at $1.7 Million

The Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani is a strange sight, but underneath the sloping design is a story and a mean twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine.The car was created back in 1989 by Luigi Colani, a German industrial designer. He designed the car to overtake the land speed world record and the Bonneville Salt Flats, hence the long and slipstream shape. Powering the car is the previously mentioned twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine. BoldRide dug into its history in a June 19 article, sharing some of this car's more fascinating details.This engine was taken from the Testarossa, but the turbocharger were obviously implemented into the powertrain. Overall, the car pumped out 739 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque.(Related: Venenos, Huayras, Veyrons & More at Blancpain Endurance Series)For the sake of comparison, the powerful F12berlinetta produces 731 hp and 508 lb-ft of torque.Unfortunately, the car never took the crown as the fastest car on the Salt Flat, but it did leave an impression. So much of an impression, in fact, that some sources are reporting that it will sell for $1.7 million. While this monetary figure has not been authenticated, it would not come as a surprise.The car is currently listed for sale by Maranello Purosangue, a company based in Maranello, Ferrari's hometown.Gallery (Image and News Source: Maranello Purosangue via BoldRide.com) More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – June 19, 2015

Winners of the 2015 International Engine of the Year Awards

The 17th International Engine of the Year Awards have been handed out and we now know the winners. Ferrari 458 SpecialeTo decide which engines would win, the jury consisted of 65 of the world's most experienced automotive journalists from 31 countries. They judged engines from all manufacturers, from Ford to Ferrari, and engines of all sizes.(Related: Porsche Finishes Production on the 918 Spyder)The big winners from this year's awards are BMW and Ferrari, with the i8 engine getting three awards and the 458's engine getting two. Other notable winners are the McLaren's famous twin-turbo V8 engine and Tesla's full-electric powertrain.Below are the categories and the winners of each from the awards' website. International Engine of the Year - BMW 1.5-liter three-cylinder electric-gasoline hybrid (BMW i8) Performance Engine - Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (Ferrari 458 Italia and 458 Speciale) New Engine - BMW 1.5-liter three-cylinder electric-gasoline hybrid (BMW i8) Green Engine - Tesla full-electric powertrain (Tesla Model S) Above 4-liter - Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (Ferrari 458 Italia and 458 Speciale) 3-liter to 4-liter - McLaren 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 (McLaren 675LT, 650S, 625C and 12C) 2.5-liter to 3-liter - BMW M 3-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder (BMW M3, and M4) 2-liter to 2.5-liter - Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo (Audi RS3 and RS Q3) 1.8-liter to 2-liter - Mercedes-AMG 2-liter turbo (Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, CLA45 AMG and GLA45 AMG) 1.4-liter to 1.8-liter - BMW 1.5-liter three-cylinder electric-gasoline hybrid (BMW i8) 1-liter to 1.4-liter - PSA Peugeot Citroen 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo (Peugeot 208 and 308. Citroen C3, DS3, Cs Picasso, C4 Cactus, C4 and DS4) Sub 1-liter - Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo (Ford Fiesta, B-Max, Focus, C-Max, Grand C-Max, Mondeo, EcoSport and Tourneo Connect/Courier) (Source: UKIPME.com)More Automotive Industry News

By Edward Jones – June 18, 2015

Rare Vossen Forged Ferrari 458 Italia Show Car For Sale

By itself, the 458 Ferrari is a beauty. Replacing the F430, it has the power and style you would expect from the Italian sports car manufacturer. But certain modifications can take this to a whole new level. A perfect example of a 458 Italia that is beyond standard is the one Vossen Forged Wheels is selling. Used as the Vossen Forged's show car, it has been kept in "mint" condition. As it should be, because it's donning an incredibly rare finish known as "Rosso Fucco Opaco," a $32,600 option. To further enhance the car's beauty is a full Novitec package and 21- x 9-inch and 22- x 12.5-inch Vossen Forged Wheels. It comes with the Ferrari Factory Warranty until June 29, 2016 and Ferrari Maintenance until June 28, 2020 or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first, along with the 20-inch factory wheels and tires. Below are the factory options included and additional upgrades made to the car. AFS System - $1,983 Brake Calipers Yellow Color - $1,406 Carbon Fiber Racing Package - $13,228 Colored Safety Belts - $908 Leather / Alcantara Interior - $5,126 Colored Upper Dashboard - $1,240 Suspension Lifter - $4,630 Electric Steering Column - $837 Horse Stitched on Headrest - $1,204 Sport Exhaust System - $722 iPod Connection - $925 'Scuderia Ferrari' Shields - $1,620 Electrochromic Inner Mirror - $661 Rear Parking Camera - $3,637 White Rev Counter - $908 Carbon Fibre Racing Seats - $7,937 Colored Special Stitching - $471 Two Tone Body Painting - $11,242 Special Paint Color - $21,401 Total MSRP - $319,940 Vossen Forged VPS-310 F: 21x9 R: 22x12.5 - $8,800 Pirelli PZero Tires - $2,000 NOVITEC ROSSO Sport Spring Kit 458 - $1,630.00 *for lowering in combination with the original suspension. This kit is for all models including cars with the factory lift-system. NOVITEC ROSSO Front Lip Spoiler (2 pieces) - $4,390.00 *fits to the original front bumper in visible carbon. NOVITEC ROSSO Front Bumper Flaps (2 pieces) - $1,550.00 *fits to the original front bumper and extends the front splitter in visible carbon. NOVITEC ROSSO Front Bumper Ventilation-Louvers in visible carbon - $2,190.00 NOVITEC ROSSO Side Skirts in visible carbon - $5,730.00 NOVITEC ROSSO Rear Lip Spoiler in visible carbon - $3,270.00 NOVITEC ROSSO Front Bumper Splitter (2 pieces) - $2,990.00 *visible Carbon, to replace the original splitters on the front bumper. NOVITEC ROSSO Rear Fog-Light Covers - $2,250.00 *visible Carbon to replace the original cover. NOVITEC ROSSO Rear Apron fits to the original diffusor in visible carbon - $2,850.00 NOVITEC ROSSO Power Optimized Exhaust System without Flap-Regulation stainless-steel version - $6,270 NOVITEC ROSSO Side Turn Indicator Set black (2 pieces) - $230 Total NOVITEC package upgrade - $33,350 Total Vossen Forged Wheel and NOVITEC package - $44,150 As you can see, the car comes fully loaded with a plethora of options. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only own a rare car, but also a famous once. In fact, you can see the car in the video provided below. Click the button below to see the listing and asking price. View 458 Italia Price and Listing Gallery

By Andrew Nabors – June 17, 2015

NASCAR's Jim France Visits Ferrari in Maranello

Jim France is not afraid of speed, as he is the Chairman of International Speedway Corporation. The company his father founded now owns and controls NASCAR’s most popular tracks; they took a series started by dirt track moonshiners and built it into one of the largest spectator sports in the world. As a fan of all forms of motorsport, Ferrari opened their doors to him for an historic visit.In a press release from Ferrari yesterday, Mr. France can be seen with a LaFerrari in front of the museum in Maranello. Piero Ferrari presented him with a large print of the historic finish of the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. The cars built by Peiro’s father, Enzo, finished 1-2-3 at the Daytona Superspeedway.(See Also: Ferraris & Fashion at Isleworth, Florida)Jim did several laps around the Maranello test track and saw the office where his father met with Enzo in the early 1960s. After having lunch with Eddie Cheever, they visited the engine factory and toured the museum.We don’t know what these famous sons of racing discussed, but a Ferrari Challenge race at Talladega or Daytona would make for a nice Autofluence report from the infield. Stay tuned for more Ferrari news, and browse our exclusive listings to find a Ferrari for your collection before they plan any additional US events.Ferraris For Sale (Source: Ferrari) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – June 10, 2015

Only LaFerrari For Sale in the U.S. at Naples Motorsports

At Naples Motorsports in Naples, Florida is the only LaFerrari for sale in the United States. This example comes finished in Nero with a tan leather interior and only 202 miles clocked on the odometer.It sits at the dealership with title in hand, loaded with options and ready to find its new owner. This is one of 499 and it's the only LaFerrari currently available in North America, making it a hot commodity.(Related: Sand White 2005 Porsche Carrera GT For Sale)Whoever jumps first at this rare Ferrari will own a piece of history. The LaFerrari "boasts the most extreme performance ever achieved by a Ferrari production car." It's powered by a V12 engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor connected to a HY-KERS system. Power output for the car is rated at 963 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. This is, indeed, Ferrari crowning achievement thus far in the new millennium.Be sure to click the button below to see the LaFerrari's listing and additional pictures.View Listing Gallery

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By Andrew Nabors – June 09, 2015

The Rise of the Ferrari 575M Superamerica

Enzo Ferrari always knew that marketing his cars in the United States was a key to his success. That’s why he reserved the 575 Superamerica name for specialized versions of his best cars. No one will deny that the 575 Maranello was a proper Ferrari. It debuted in 2002 with a 5.7-liter V12 and a six-speed manual transmission as an updated 550M, touched up with smooth Pininfarina styling. While it looks great as a hardtop coupe, something was lacking. For the discerning American driver who wants the feel of a convertible, they decided to add an electro-chromatic roof panel. Much like the Magic Sky roof of the Mercedes-Benz SL, it uses an electrical current to change from translucent to opaque on command. The real treat is that if you want to feel the wind in your hair, this roof can rotate 180 degrees to lay flush into a concave depression in the deck lid. Due to the complexity of the construction and the reinforcements needed for the chassis, only 599 Superamericas were built. Because they are among the last V12 Ferrari to offer a manual transmission, we have witnessed a recent surge in their sales. Improved intake and exhaust pushed horsepower to 532 with torque sitting at 434 lb-ft. (See Also: Ferrari Trio Worth $7+ Million at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale) Only 64 cars were built with the manual transmission option, and they are among the most sought after collectible of the modern era. Optional was the HGTC handling package, which added carbon ceramic brakes and faster ratio steering along with a lower ride height. If you fancy a V12 Grand Tourer with a disappearing top, check out these listings from our dealers. 575M Superamericas For Sale

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