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 Caitlin Duffy – July 06, 2015

Ferrari Estimated to be Valued at $11 Billion for IPO

There have been plans in the works for Ferrari to become a publicly traded company for quite some time, but CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV Sergio Marchionne has released some concrete details about this shift in ownership.As Bloomberg Business reports, Marchionne announced the estimated value of Ferrari during the Fiat 500's unveiling July 3. It stands at "at least 10 billion euros," or approximately $11 billion USD, an amount that could account for 60 percent of FCA's total value. Of course, only 10 percent of the company will be made available to public investors, a move consistent with the marque's emphasis on scarcity and rarity in determining value.(See Also: Ferrari 488 GTB Takes on Hairpin Roads)To become a publicly traded company in the New York stock exchange, Ferrari is being listed as a Dutch holding with finances headquartered in the United Kingdom. Though production will continue to occur in Maranello, these changes of address push the brand closer to becoming a truly international company. Chairman of Ferrari, Sergio Marchionne, and former Chairman of Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo.There is some concern that the change in ownership could alter the brand's long-term value, with many fearing the design direction and commitment to F1 racing will fall to the wayside in the hunt for revenue. Yet the fact that just a 10 percent stake is being made available makes this unlikely. If this single marque represents 60 percent of FCA, which owns Dodge, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Ram, SRT, Fiat and more, it's safe to say they're aiming to preserve Ferrari's current formula for success.Stay with us for more information about this upcoming initial public offering, and find your own Ferrari from our exclusive listings below.Ferraris For Sale (Source: BloombergBusiness) See More Ferrari News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 01, 2015

High-Speed Ferrari FXX K Hillclimb at Goodwood

Ferrari was out in full force over the weekend of June 26 for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, bringing a total of 96 cylinders to the Supercar Paddock.Their full fleet of XX vehicles were in attendance, and as a June 28 press release from the marque tells us, all three, the FXX, 599XX and FXX K, completed the hill climb in their first appearance at the world-famous automotive festival.The FXX K was first introduced in December 2014, when it was announced as upgraded, track ready take on the already impressive LaFerrari. 1,035 hp and 663 lb-ft comes from the addition of new camshafts and modification of the LaFerrari's valve train, intake manifolds and exhaust system. It has only been seen on the track a few times since its $2.7 million price tag and 32 example production run were announced, but the Hill Climb provided a fantastic opportunity to see it in action.BalticMotorSport had a chance to share a YouTube video June 30 of the FXX K taking its turn around the track, which you can see above. As the Ferrari press release tells us, it was followed by the LaFerrari, F12berlinetta, 488 GTB and California T.(See Also: 15 LaFerraris Gathered for Ferrari Cavalcade Rome)Check out the video above to see the FXX K in action, and when you're finished, find your own perfect Ferrari from our exclusive listings at the button below.Ferraris For Sale(Source: YouTube, Ferrari) See More Ferrari News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 30, 2015

15 LaFerraris Gathered for Ferrari Cavalcade Rome

The city of Rome was flooded with the world's finest Ferraris as the fourth annual Ferrari Cavalcade made its way through town.From June 25 to today, 200 guests gathered with their prancing horses to explore the streets inside and around Rome, representing 100 different Ferraris from 37 different nations gathered in one place. A series of press releases issued each day of the event from Ferrari shared images and updates from the road and city, where each participant enjoyed a version of "La Dolce Vita" that not even Fellini could have imagined.Included among those 100 Ferraris were 15 LaFerrari examples, making for what might be the largest single gathering of the model outside of the factory walls in Maranello. Of course, with such a large gathering of beautiful and rare cars, a large gathering of photographers and car spotters followed.Marchettino was there with a video camera in hand, capturing a video that he added to YouTube June 28. June 29 posts to effeNovanta's Facebook page showed their shutter was snapping away, catching the LaFerraris lined up and preparing for some time on the track.Check out the images from the 2015 Rome Cavalcade in the gallery below, shared by effeNovanta and Ferrari, and when you're finished, find your own Ferrari for the August 10-14 Cavalcade, which starts in San Francisco, California, and ends wtih a drive to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Learn more about the upcoming event at www.Cavalcade.it, and browse our exclusive listings for your own Prancing Horse.Ferraris For SaleGallery (Source: Ferrari, Facebook, YouTube via WorldCarFans) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2015

Rare Ferrari F12 TRS Spotted in Rome

For the Ferrari Cavalcade 2015, a group of 100 of the automaker's finest automobiles journeyed through the Italian countryside, stopping at racetracks and historic buildings.(Related:Aston Martin Vulcan’s Lap Around Goodwood and Burnouts)One of the 100 cars that stood out was a new Ferrari F12 TRS, a model that was meant to be a one-off, but now has three examples.These images come to us from TheSupercarKids.com and V12SupercarsFotography. The example of the F12 TRS captured in the provided images is the only one finished in a grey paint and has redesigned headlights. Additionally, the bonnet of the car has an empty space above the V12 engine, exposing the monstrous engine.Also, there is word around the internet that a new Ferrari F12 GTO is headed to Frankfurt. Stay with us for more information on the matter.Gallery TheSupercarKids.com, V12SupercarsFotography)More Ferrari News

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

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

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