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.

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By Caitlin Duffy – March 31, 2015

LaFerrari Burnout in Warehouse: $3,000 Donuts

There are few things more satisfying than watching a powerful car take its piece of machinery take its abilities and put them to the asphalt. And there are few people who capture this happening more often than Shmee150.A video added to YouTube March 29 shows a Ferrari LaFerrari leaving some significant tire marks on the floor of what appears to be a warehouse, with a small but excited crowd watching this sonorous show.The squeal of tires on the ground can be heard over the engine's consistent roar as this LaFerrari skids around, with smoke clearing behind it the whole way. But just how much will it cost to replace those tires for the next trip around the track? View All Ferrari Listings (Source: YouTube via Carbuzz, Motor Authority, Ferrari of Tampa Bay) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB vs. F12berlinetta (Spec Comparison)

Ferrari has added a new stallion to their stable in the form of the 488 GTB. This new model comes forty years after Ferrari unveiled their first ever mid-rear-engined V8 mode, the 308 GTB. However, while the 488 GTB has a V8 powerhouse, there is one difference between it and the 308 GTB: a turbocharger.Ferrari For SaleThanks to the addition of the turbocharger, this new model is absolutely quick.Before the 488 GTB, there was the F12berlinetta, which is the most powerful series-production Ferrari ever created. An award-winning V12 engine provides the F12berlinetta with raw power.(See Also: Yellow Ferrari Enzo Sold at Ferrari of New England)Between the 488 GTB and the F12berlinetta, their main difference is their engines. With that being said, how do these cars stack up against each other? Is the V12 more powerful than the turbocharged V8? Is acceleration in the 488 GTB faster or slower than in the F12berlinetta? All of these questions are answered below in our head-to-head spec comparison. Engine: 6.3-liter V12Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automaticHorsepower: 731Torque: 508 lb-ftDry Weight: 3,362 lbsLength: 181.8 inches0-62 mph: 3.1 secondsTop Speed: 211+ mphFiorano Lap Time: 1'23"Power-to-weight: 4.6 lbs/1 hp Ferrari 488 GTB For Sale Engine: Turbocharged 3.9-liter V8Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automaticHorsepower: 660Torque: 560 lb-ftDry Weight: 3,020 lbsLength: 179.8 inches0-62 mph: 3.0 secondsTop Speed: 205+ mphFiorano Lap Time: 1'23"Power-to-weight: 4.6 lbs/1 hpSurprising, no? As we can see, these two cars are very similar when it comes down to the brass tacks. While the F12berlinetta has a more powerful engine than the 488 GTB, their weight and size allow for an even power-to-weight ratio. The only real edge either has over the other are the 488 GTB's faster 0-62 mph time and the F12berlinetta's reported top speed, but a higher top speed for the 488 GTB will surely be posted when it is released to customers.But, while these numbers are nice to look at, you won't really know which one you prefer until you get out there and drive one for yourself. So, get out there and test drive one today (you may have to wait a bit on test driving the 488 GTB). (Spec. Source: Ferrari) See More Ferrari Articles

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2015

All Five Ferrari Supercars In One Place, Revving Included

Ferrari has created five generations of super cars in their time: the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari. Each is well respected in the automotive world for their distinct personalities and traditional Ferrari styling.To celebrate Ferrari's supercar legacy, Miller Motorcars Photos by: Chris Petruccio Source:

By Edward Jones – October 27, 2014

Ferrari Sergio: Only Six Being Made

For those wondering if Sergio Marchionne was going to keep Ferrari an exclusive brand after Luca di Montezemolo left the company, there is nothing to worry about. According to an article published today by CNBC, the Ferrari Sergio, designed by Pininfarina, will have six examples created. Unfortunately, if you are hoping to pick one of the six Sergios up, you are out of luck, as each has already been spoken for. And, as of right now, Ferrari is finalizing the orders for the cars and will be sending them out to clients next year. The Sergio was originally unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show as a concept car. It is built on a Ferrari 458 Spider chassis with a 562 hp V8 engine powering the wheels. Thanks to the Sergio's power-to-weight ratio, it can go from 0-62 mph in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 199 mph. (Source: CNBC ) (Photos courtesy of Pininfarina) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – September 04, 2014

The Bachman Ferrari Collection by Clint Davis

Photographer Clint Davis recently traveled out to Greeneville, Tennessee to photograph one man's jaw-dropping Ferrari collection for Forza Magazine.The man behind the collection is Phil Bachman, a charming southern gentleman who owns close to 40 vehicles, according to a post on Clint Davis' blog published Aug. 27. While most southerners rarely get a chance to see Ferraris, Bachman breaks the mold with his incredible collection.Bachman started collecting Ferraris in 1984, according to the Forza article, written by Davis and published to their Forza-Mag.com on July 17. "I’ve been able to average acquiring one car per year. I should emphasize that most of my cars aren’t extremely valuable like many of the historic Ferraris," says Bachman in the article. "Rather, my collection embodies mostly contemporary Ferraris with a few older ones sprinkled in."(Must Read: Lamborghini Newport Beach’s Monthly Supercar Show)One oddly specific thing about his collection is that most of them are yellow. What's more, a large portion of his vehicles are the last produced in their model's run. “I think the final production car is the one that best exemplifies the series,” Bachman explains in the article.Davis' photos of the spectacular collection can be seen below. Above is a behind-the-scenes video by Keown Films. Also, be sure to give the Clint Davis Photography Facebook page a like to see more photos like these.What's next for Bachman? According to the article, he has a yellow LaFerrari on the way.Gallery (Source: Forza-Mag.com, ClintDavis.net)

By Edward Jones – December 20, 2012

Epic Ferrari Golf Car by Green Envy Golf Cars

At the recent Cars & Coffee hosted by duPont REGISTRY, I came across a vehicle of a different breed. I have seen golf cars, and I have seen Ferraris, but I have never seen those two worlds collide, until that faithful Saturday.I was checking out a Ferrari 458 when a black golf car whizzed by sporting a prancing pony on the front, F1 racing stickers on the side, and some mean looking rims. I LEFT the Ferrari 458 to check this thing out. It was decked out in custom seats that were covered in Ferrari red & black upholstery, speakers, mini Enkei rims with calipers, and much more. I got a chance to talk to the owner, and was inspired by how passionate he was about his golf car business. Here is what he had to say about the building process and his company, Green Envy Golf Cars:Used Ferrari Green Envy Golf Cars is about truly unique and innovative designs for the ever growing golf cart market. Our focus will be theme-based designs for individuals, corporations, and charities. Golf carts have proven to be an extremely versatile personal vehicle option for all walks of life, not to mention a spectacular, rolling advertisement that would be a hit at any event. We will use electric drive systems exclusively, in keeping with a greener future for all of us. Future plans consist of a less expensive production line, as well as much higher end designs, including chopper/trike and tractor trailer designs already in the works.Now, about the golf cart:I was commissioned to build a golf cart to match the customer's Ferrari 599. The car has a black exterior and interior with red daytona inserts in the seats. The brake calipers on the car are Ferrari yellow, and the car has OEM Ferrari black wheels. The customer is also a big fan of Ferrari F1 racing. The cart needed to be street legal, have seating for six, a nice stereo system, a rain enclosure for the Mrs., and more speed than the cart I had built for his friend.I started by researching the design of the F1 car, including sponsors and color schemes. Obviously, the golf cart does not have quite as much room for sponsor logos, and I didn't want to overwhelm the look of the cart. The customer acquired the OEM hood emblem, horse, Pininfarina, Scuderia, and Ferrari badges to use on the cart. Automotive grade vinyl decals were used for the sponsors. He did not want to put OEM Ferrari wheels on the golf cart, so I had to search high and low for the closest match in an aftermarket wheel. The Enkei wheels were a near match. To fit these to a golf cart requires wheel adapter/spacers be used. A custom designed high-speed motor was used to get the top speed over 30mph, about 5mph faster than his friend's cart. To increase stability, we installed a long-travel front suspension, with racing style tubing and progressive coil-over shocks, and front wheel disc braking system to reign in that extra speed. The calipers were custom painted yellow to match.The stereo package consists of all marine-grade components, with the exception of the subwoofer. An Alpine marine head unit and 4-channel amplifier is used to drive Polk Audio 6.5" components mounted in a custom dash, in the front, and Polk 6.5" coaxials in the rear of the cart. The subwoofer is a 6" Bazooka Tube custom mounted under the rear seat. I would have used Bazooka's marine-grade 8" tube, but maintaining cargo space was a priority. Custom red LED lighting was installed around the entire cart to highlight key areas, including cupholders, key switch, dash cargo area, front and rear footwells, rear cargo area and subwoofer, front grill, and turn signals in the side mirrors, as well as a full underbody LED light kit.Overall, the cart was a huge success with it's owner. We exceeded all of his expectations, both in design and execution. The cart is even more impressive when parked next to the 599 it was designed to match. Mr. Diaco has given an open invitation for pictures to be taken of the car and golf cart side by side. If you have ever though about getting a golf car, it would be hard to pass up one of these custom rides.

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