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 Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2017

Ferrari 458 Challenge: Not Civilized

If you thought the 599xx was amazing, the Ferrari 458 Challenge introduces a number of important modifications to adapt it for competition use. The direct injection 4497 cc V-8 remains strictly in production tune, with an output of 570 hp at 9,000 rpm. That said, modifications have been made to the gear ratios and calibration of its dual-clutch F1 gearbox to guarantee higher torque at lower revs. The 458 Challenge is also equipped with the E-Diff electronic differential already employed on the road-going version, a first for Ferrari’s track-only cars. As with previous challenge cars, weight reduction is the cornerstone. Following in the footsteps of the F430 Challenge cars, the 458 Challenges are not street legal, but it's only illegal if they catch you.Related - Why is the Ferrari FF so Fantastic? We thought the perfect race car was the 360 Challenge Stradale, but Ferrari never stops improving the performance of their track cars. Body panels are much thinner, with carbon fiber playing an even more critical role. Lexan trumps glass at all corners for a safer & lighter experience. The 458 Challenge also has a specific suspension set-up with solid aluminum bushings, stiffer springs, single-rate dampers, center-lock 19-inch forged wheels, larger Pirelli slicks and it has been lowered by 30mm all around. For breathtaking stops, giant Brembo carbon brakes (which debuted on the 599XX), are integrated with a dual mode ABS system.Justin Beiber's Widebody 458 Another first for a Ferrari Challenge model is the adoption of the F1-Trac traction control system, the most sophisticated of its kind. Developed in-house by Ferrari, the F1-Trac system constantly monitors levels of grip for maximum high-performance road-holding. Two specific track-biased calibrations—wet and dry—have been developed for this application, with control logic and strategies derived from Ferrari’s extensive racing experience in the F1 and GT championships. The F1-Trac is completely integrated with the E-Diff to guarantee maximum acceleration out of corners. With the new 458 Challenge, Ferrari is offering its sportier clients: professional and gentlemen drivers alike a car that is extremely responsive with great performance and superb handling. This mid-rear V-8-engined Berlinetta will allow Ferrari Challenge participants to on the world’s leading circuits, as well as the passion that has always been an integral part of Ferrari’s one-make championship. ENGINE:4.5-liter V-8 HORSEPOWER: 562hp @ 9,000 rpm TORQUE:398 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm TRANSMISSION:7-speed dual clutch 0–60:Less than 3.4 seconds TOP SPEED: More than 202 mph WEIGHT:3274 lb LENGTH:178.2 inches TIRES: R Compound Pirelli PRO:You don’t need to be a professional driver to own one CON: You do need to be financially sound to buy one

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2017

Ferrari 458 Spider: Last Naturally-Aspirated Convertible ...

The big news for the Ferrari faithful back in 2012 is the addition of the 458 Spider to the lineup. Unlike its predecessors, Ferrari avoided the fabric convertible top, and also the flip-top SuperAmerica. Where the Superamerica’s transparent roof rotated into the rear deck lid, the 458 Spider’s roof separates and stacks before flipping under a traditional tonneau cover. Ferrari says its patented design keeps the folded roof from intruding into the engine compartment or cabin area and even leaves room for a small luggage bench behind the two chairs. Made entirely from aluminum, the 458 Spider’s top apparatus weighs 55 pounds less than a traditional soft-top and opens and closes in a fast-for-a-hardtop 14 seconds. Altogether, Ferrari says the 458 Spider (it dropped the Italia part for the convertible) is 111 pounds heavier than the coupe for a dry weight of 3,153 pounds; we anticipate its curb weight to be around 3,400 pounds. Ferrari says it will run zero-to-62 mph in 3.5 seconds and top out at more than 198 mph, a modest increase of 0.1 of a second and decrease of four miles per hour compared to the coupe. The new rear cover features two large and six smaller intakes feeding the engine and cooling the radiators for the clutch and gearbox oil. Air is diverted inward by two large roll hoops behind and on either side of the passengers’ chairs. The visuals provided by the intake vents and buttresses, especially from an angle above the car, are nothing short of mesmerizing. The rest of the Pininfarina-penned coupe’s aerodynamically sculpted lines and compact shape are retained. The only item we will miss is the transparent rear window with easy visual access to the 4.5-liter V-8 engine. Like the coupe and an often unmentioned aspect of the 458 Italia, the car’s screaming engine normally creates 557 hp and only makes the full 562 when the little deformable flaps in the front intakes are flattened at very high speeds. The V-8 features direct fuel injection for less fuel consumption and emissions while improving performance. Ferrari 458 Price, Horsepower & Specs Despite its high-revving nature, the power plant puts out 80 percent of its 398 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. Of course, the traditional flat-plane racing crankshaft and triple exhaust parlay with the 9,000-rpm redline to produce a mechanical aria that is as patriotic sounding to Italian car lovers as the car’s name. Ferrari says it tweaked the 458 Spider’s exhaust note further for even more ear splendor within the cabin. The sublime F430 is a pretty tough act to follow, but with the original 458 Italia and now with the 458 Spider, Ferrari has surpassed most people’s expectations while raising the bar on the other exotic-car manufacturers. LIST PRICE: $225,325 coupe, ENGINE: 4.5-liter V-8 HORSEPOWER: 557 hp @ 9,000 rpm TORQUE: 398 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm TRANSMISSION: 7-speed DCT 0–60: Less than 3.4 seconds (coupe), 3.5 seconds (spider) TOP SPEED: More than 202 mph (coupe), 198 mph (spider) WEIGHT: 3,267 lb (coupe), 3,400 lb (spider) LENGTH: 178 inches TIRES: Front: 235/35ZR-20, Rear: 295/35ZR-20 PRO: Deserving successor to the beloved 430 CON: No more clear view of the engine View All Ferrari 458 Italia News, Articles, Video

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 27, 2016

Ferrari 458 Speciale's Color Combinations

Thanks to the importance the Italian car maker places on customization, the Ferrari 458 Speciale offers a host of customized color options to choose from. The best part? You can see exactly what the 458 Speciale color combinations look like right from your computer screen. In an effort to make the customization process more hands-on, Ferrari created an online car configurator to put the power in the hands of the buyer when it comes to vehicle customization. The car becomes an expression of the owner, making it truly unique. Speciale customers can choose between historical, metallic and solid colors for the body of their vehicle. Exterior Color Options Historical Solid Metallic They can then choose livery that either compliments or contrasts the finish of their car. Final touches can be added to the rims with gold, silver or black finish. The 458 Speciale color combinations are truly unlimited. Check out a few of the options below. Specialty Color Combinations Looking for something truly rare? This Azzuro California 458 Speciale is quite the prize at Ferrari of Houston. Ferrari of Seattle features this 2015 458 Speciale in Argento Nurburgring Metallic with black livery A bold and well-received sportscar combination, Boardwalk Ferrari offers this 458 Speciale in yellow with black and contrasting white livery. Miller Motorcars keeps it classic with a Rosso Corsa finish and black livery. For a little extra flare, Velocity Motorcars found this Argento Nurburgring Silver finish with the black and yellow livery a pretty eye-catching and rare combination. Velocity Motorcars does it again with this limited run Rosso Corsa finish complimented by white and blue NART livery. Over at Scottsdale Ferrari Maserati, this gorgeous 458 Speciale in Bianco Avus with Blue NART Livery Blu Scuro definitely gets some attention. It's hard not to notice this combination. The gloss black finish with gray and white livery is a stunning look and offered by Boardwalk Ferrari Maserati. Velocity Motorcars rounds out the list with a classic white finished complimented by black livery. The Ferrari 458 Speciale Configurator Ready to see which combination calls to you? Check out the Ferrari 458 Speciale Configurator for yourself. We're pretty sure you won't be disappointed. Design your own and show us what you've come up with. Sell My Ferrari 458 Speciale: Get a Cash Offer View All Ferrari 458 Italia News, Articles, Video

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2015

Italian Battle: Ferrari 458 Speciale vs F430 Scuderia Race

Having these two powerful and rare Ferrari models next to each other is a sight to behold, but to have them in action against one another is something you will never see again.In a video uploaded to YouTube December 4th by GTBOARD.com, it's easy to see how the 458 Speciale surpasses its predecessor. The 4K clarity of the video makes it possible to see every inch of these gorgeous cars.We love the 458 Speciale almost as much as ice cream, but the F430 Scuderia is a bargain in the Ferrari world. We have quite a few listed on our website, from dealers around the nation. You can view them by clicking the corresponding button below.If you're in need of more power and want the prestige that comes from owning one of the presumed last 458 models, behind the Speciale A, the Speciale is what you're looking for. But, you better bite on them quickly because they're in extremely low production, as the new 488 GTB is making its way to streets...For more wild drag races, stay tuned to Autofluence.F430 For Sale 458 Speciale For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Caitlin Duffy – July 08, 2015

LaFerrari vs. 458 Speciale Drag Races

Tim Burton, better known as Shmee150 on YouTube, is known for managing to be at the right place at the right time with a video camera whenever something incredible involving supercars happens. On July 3, he added a video of another one of those moments, featuring two of Ferrari's most potent engines going up against each other.(Related: Insane Porsche 911 Turbo vs. Lamborghini Aventador Drag Race)At Vmax Hypermax, a recent Vmax 200 event, Burton managed to capture footage of a Ferrari 458 Speciale racing a LaFerrari down an airstrip. A regular gathering of supercar owners, Vmax 200 events allow drivers to test out their car's top limits in a safe and controlled environment, and the results are always a spectacular show.Check out the spec comparison between Ferrari's V8 and electric motor/V12 combo below, then watch the video and let us know if the results of this match up surprised you. When you're done, find your own 458 Speciale or LaFerrari to test out at an event like this.458 Speciale Engine: 4.5-liter V8 Horsepower: 597 Torque: 398 lb-ft Transmission: 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission Weight: 2,843 lbs 0-62 mph: 3.0 seconds Top Speed: 201+ mph View 458 Speciales For SaleLaFerrari Engine: 6.3-liter V12 Horsepower: 949 Torque: 663+ lb-ft Transmission: 7-speed DCT Weight: 3,495 lbs 0-62 mph: <3 seconds Top Speed: 217+ mphEditor's Note: It seems as though some of the specs for the LaFerrari and 458 Speciale were mixed up, but the necessary revisions were made to correct these mistakes.(Source: YouTube) See More Ferrari News

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 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

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