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 – February 04, 2025

NOVITEC Reveals The New N-LARGO Ferrari 296 GTS

Ferrari's open-top V6 supercar just got some serious upgrades. Gaining traction as one of the most beloved new supercars to hail from Maranello, the Ferrari 296 GTS portrays the future of the Italian marque in the best way possible. Proving purists wrong with a hybrid-assisted twin-turbocharged V6, the 296 GTS has finally fallen into the hands of the professionals at Novitec, who specialize in elevating the look and feel of modern-day Ferraris with upgrades and software tuning. View All Ferrari 296 GTS For Sale Taking the Ferrari 296 GTS to the next level, Novitec's N-LARGO conversion dramatically widens the stance with a custom carbon body designed by Vittorio Strosek. Widened by 12 centimeters over its stock size, the perfect fitment comes from the custom 21-inch front and 22-inch rear forged wheels from Vossen. Functional aero, including a bold front face and integrated air ducts, reduces lift and improves high-speed stability. The package is completed with a carbon ducktail spoiler and an optional exposed carbon hood for the full look. Inside, NOVITEC offers a fully customizable cockpit, wrapping surfaces in Alcantara and leather in practically any color. The cabin maintains Ferrari's driver-focused layout while incorporating bespoke touches tailored to the owner's vision. Under the hood, the N-LARGO kit boosts the 296 GTS's hybrid powertrain to an impressive 868 horsepower. Upgraded turbo inlets, high-flow exhaust options, lightweight Inconel with optional 999 fine gold plating, and optimized gas flow unlock additional power. A lowered suspension by 35mm sharpens handling, while an optional front-lift system guarantees everyday drivability. View all Ferrari 296 GTS for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari 296 GTS For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 28, 2022

Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS Price, Specs, Photos & Review

Smaller engine, bigger performance, forever Ferrari. Delivering otherworldly performance and handling, the Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS embodies a new chapter for the Maranello-based company. While it might not be a V12 or even a V8, its plug-in hybrid design that combines a twin-turbo V6 engine, an electric motor, and high voltage makes this model one of the fastest road cars ever produced by Ferrari in the last decade. The all-new supercar represents the very quintessence of what it means to be a Ferrari in the modern world. But the Ferrari 296 GTB is not the first hybrid from the Italian automaker. MUST READ: Ferrari Roma Price, Specs, Photos & Review That would be the LaFerrari, a limited-edition mid-engine mild hybrid supercar launched in 2013. Nevertheless, the 296 GTB stands out for being the first ever V6 road car. The Dino 206s and 246s, built in 1967 and 1974, respectively, don’t count since they never rocked a Ferrari badge. Let’s not forget its luxurious cabin and stunning bodywork that makes it a show-stopping piece. Read on to learn more about the car that’s defining the rules of fun to drive. Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS Price Most cars from the Prancing Horse stable, if not all, fetch high prices. Even used models can set you back thousands of dollars. These prices are a sign that the automaker is clearly confident in its products, and the Ferrari 296 for sale is no exception. Sure! It comes with two fewer cylinders compared to the Hybrid V8 for the SF90, but don’t mistake it for an entry-level Ferrari. The 296 MSRP starting price is $312,000 before the on-road cost. Of course, the Ferrari 296 price varies significantly based on the options you choose. For instance, if you opt for the Assetto Fiorano package, you will need to part with an additional $25,000 or more. But this high price is justified by the performance-enhancing features enjoyed, including racing-inspired shock absorbers, a high-load carbon-fiber splitter on the front bumper, a lightweight Lexan rear screen, and other optimizations. Working together, these features boosts the car's overall lap time and weight. The 296 GTB/GTS high price tag means fewer people can afford one, but that’s the idea behind it. Competitors for the road car include Maserati MC20 ($216, 995), Porsche 911 ($102, 550), Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD ($252, 000) and Mercedes-AMG GT-R ($294,007). Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS Review Some people might claim the Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS is a betrayal of the Prancing Horse house. But we bet they will change their minds once they get to read the Ferrari 296 review or get a chance to drive one. Despite its surprisingly small size, this beautifully proportioned and surfaced sports car comes with a striking design that balances form and function while paying homage to the mid-engine 250LM from the 1960s as well as the 330 P3 and Dino 206. The vehicle redefines the boundaries of a mid-rear engine two-seater Berlinetta concept. An obvious example of this is how the visor architecture incorporated in the passenger cell blends in well with the polished front end. The teardrop-looking light cluster at the front adds a sense of uniqueness, while the single-mouth grille at the center creates enough space for a suspended carbon fin. The 296 GTB's rear styling is also something to marvel at. Wide wheel arches, distinct B pillar, and trimmed tail unmistakably design cues from the 250LM. As for aerodynamics, the GTBs signature aero element generates downforce without assistance from an active device. Nevertheless, nearly every element of the 269 plays a role in aerodynamics, from the super-slim headlight to breaks. Furthermore, the Ferrari 296 horsepower is 819hp, which allows drivers to achieve better acceleration and high speeds. Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS Specs When it comes to Ferrari 296 specs, the supercar combines superior handling, hybrid efficiency, and blistering speed in a single package. At the core of this mid-engine Ferrari is a twin-turbo V-6 engine working with an electric motor to generate a combined horsepower of 819hp. When paired with the F1 eight-speed automatic dual-clutch, changing gear is super-fast, and Ferrari 296 0-60 is achieved in just 2.9 seconds. Furthermore, Ferrari 296 top speed is 205 mph, making the plug-in hybrid super-fast on traffic-free highways and race tracks. The 296 GTB/GTS ¼ mile in 9.7 seconds confirms the hybrid is truly a pinnacle of performance. What’s even more interesting, the supercar can run on electric power, but only for a short distance of about 8 to 15.5 miles, then the engine kicks in. Even though the powertrain is the heart of this plug-in-hybrid model, every element of the car works together to deliver the best driving experience. The 296 weight is 3,395 pounds, but this changes slightly with the addition of fluids. Besides that, the super features a variable displacement oil pump (monitors oil pressure), 20-inch wheels, a La-Ferrari-inspired active rear spoiler, an active wing, revamped IHI turbochargers, and a high-mounted central exhaust. In addition, it comes with a brake cooling system and gearbox designed based on the aero caliper used in the SF90 Stradale. Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS Engine Sitting at the heart of the 296 is a 3.0L 120° twin-turbo V6 engine, which traces its construction to Ferrari’s 246 SP launched in 1961 and the 156 F1. The Ferrari Engine on its own generates 654hp and 546 lb-ft. For most people, that’s enough for an electrifying riding experience. But the engineers at Maranello saw it fit to integrate the internal combustion engine with an electric motor powered by a 7.5kWh high voltage battery. Sandwiched between the engine and gearbox, the electric motor creates 165hp. Combined, the two units produce a stunning peak output of 819hp. Using 120° vee architecture, Ferrari creates more space between the cylinder banks for the IHI turbos to nest neatly. According to the manufacturer, this setup reduces the engine mass and reduces the distance air has to travel to reach the combustion chamber. Therefore, it maximizes fluid dynamics and output. On top of that, the engineers at Ferrari redesigned the turbos, and they now use high-performance alloys. As a result, they can achieve high spins of up 180,000 revs per minute (rpm). Unlike the F8 Tributo V-8 engine, these IHI turbochargers have adopted smaller compressor wheels and rotors. Also, the 296 GTB and GTS use SF90’s combustion chamber, which comes with a 350-bar injection system for minimized emissions and increased performance. Sound-wise, the V6 soundtrack matches its performance, creating a sense of advanced engineering. Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS Transmission Ferrari 296 transmission is an automatic eight-speed dual-clutch from the legendary SF90 sports car. It’s lightweight and compact compared to the seven-speed transmission used by other Ferrari cars because it lacks a dedicated reverse gear. The new transmission for rear-wheel drive allows for lighting fast shift times, allowing the car to reach its maximum potential with ease. Using tactile paddle shifters, drivers receive a unique sensory excitement when clicking through the gears. Best of all, the automatic transmission promotes an uninterrupted flow of torque from the V6 engine and electric motor to the driveshaft. It also reduces the weight of the 296 by approximately 10kg and minimizes CO2 emission. Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS Interior Like the SF90, the Ferrari 296 interior offers a full-digital experience. The dashboard features a large configurable instrument display that works as an infotainment unit. Drivers can control the display via capacitive controls and buttons on each side of the leather steering wheel. Many instruments are on the driver's side of the screen. The passengers also enjoy the display that allows them to take part in the journey, more like a co-driver. Other standard features include luxurious Italian leather seats, climate control, a push button shifter, and easy access to several drive modes. As for accommodation, there’s enough space for only the driver and a lucky passenger. The passenger side boasts a minimalistic look coupled with enough head and leg room. The cabin features Italian leather accents combined with a bit of Alcantara and carbon fiber. Buyers can request carbon fiber addition to specific areas and even select leather finish options for carpets. For a few more bucks, they can also get carbon fiber on their shift paddles, steering wheels, and other components. Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS Standout Features Perhaps the unique feature of the Ferrari 296 GTB and 296 GTS is the all-new V-6 hybrid engine codenamed FI63. The engine spins smoothly up to 8,500 rpm while producing great sounds like that of the V-12-powered supercar. Because of the hybrid element, it can output higher horsepower and torque, 819hp and 546lb-ft, to be more specific. That's a lot for a supercar smaller than the F8. It's rear-wheel drive only, meaning it delivers more balanced performance, enhanced torque, and better handling. It also boasts a shorter wheelbase and aluminum wheels available in two sizes: 20” X 9” (Front wheel size) and 20” X 11” (Rear wheel size). The tires also come in two sizes: P245/35ZR20 (front tire) and P305ZR20 (rear tire); what's even more impressive is that they include clever aero elements like a carbon filter splitter, carbon ceramic breaks, and a dynamic, active wing to boost aerodynamics and driving capabilities. For those who don't love owning the standard 296 GTB, Ferrari provides them the ultra-lightweight Assetto Fiorano package to spice up things by increasing performance. View All Ferraris For Sale Images Sourced From Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 26, 2022

Ferrari F1 Drivers Charles Leclerc And Carlos Sainz Race ...

The Ferrari 296 GTS causes a little friendly competition between the two F1 drivers. Since its highly-anticipated debut, the new Ferrari 296 GTS continues to establish dominance as the brand’s first-ever V6 open-top road car to sport the prancing horse badge. The 296 GTS holds the nickname ‘Thrill Seeker’ because of its exciting new plug-in hybrid system that assists the twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The high-tech powerplant was first introduced to the Ferrari LaFerrari, its first plug-in and member of the ‘holy trinity'. In a video uploaded to the Ferrari YouTube channel, the Italian supercar manufacturer enlists the help of Scuderia Ferrari F1 team drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to do some on-track driving to test the performance of the new 296 GTS. MUST-READ: Super Rare LaFerrari Duo Shines At Foreign Cars Italia The private track event held at the circuit of Imola quickly turned into a race between friends, as the two drivers sprint throughout the track at high speeds while performing textbook overtakes. Only a few days before the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a fun-filled day with the 296 GTS seems to be the perfect practice for Leclerc and Sainz. Watch Scuderia Ferrari F1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz put the Ferrari 296 GTS to the test on Imola by clicking the video link above. View all of the current Ferrari examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle and celebrity car news. View All Ferrari For Sale Source: Ferrari YouTube

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 19, 2022

The New Ferrari 296 GTS Has Been Revealed

The spider version of Ferrari’s latest 296 combines the open air with a hybrid Italian supercar spirit. Ferrari shocked the enthusiast community when it announced that its new entry-level model, the 296 GTB, would be a V6-powered plug-in hybrid. However, we quickly learned that this setup made for immense power, impressive dynamics, and one of the most spirited Ferrari supercars we have seen yet. Combined with its fresh, modern look that still pays beautiful homage to historic Ferrari hallmarks, the 296 GTB is becoming a fast favorite. MUST READ: Ferrari SF90 Stradale Price, Specs, Photos & Review Now, it gets even better, because Ferrari has announced the 296 GTS, a Spider version of the 296 that combines the amazing driving experience and lets the sky in, all while refusing to compromise the incredible spirit of the car. It features the same incredible hybrid powertrain as the GTB counterpart, with its 120-degree V6 that allows for turbochargers to be installed inside the vee. To accommodate for the retractable hard-top roof of the car, Ferrari’s engineers redesigned much of the car so that it, while being an open-top supercar, remains just as rigid, fast, and dynamic as its coupe counterpart. Ferrari says the chassis of the 296 GTS improves torsional rigidity by 50%, and bending stiffness by 8% compared to other Ferrari spiders, and that a lot of work was done in the A and B pillars, as well as the sills. The aerodynamics have also been optimized, meaning the 296 GTS and the 296 GTB deliver the same amount of downforce. Best of all, the roof is able to transition from closed to open in a mere 14 seconds, allowing for the driver to bring the sky into their drive on a whim. Along with the incredible speed of the opening top, the action can also be performed at speeds of as much as 27 mph. And for the sake of performance, the Assetto Fiorano package available on the 296 GTB will also be available on the 296 GTS. Uncompromising and true to the spirit of the original, the Ferrari 296 GTS speaks to what all spiders and all supercars should be. Source: Ferrari

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