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 Tyler Rampersaud – July 25, 2024

Ferrari of San Antonio Shows Off A New Green Over Tan Pur...

The new Ferrari Purosangue looks great in green. Ferrari did something unprecedented for its brand when it unveiled the Purosangue, with the silhouette of an SUV, added practicality compared to any other Ferrari before it, and the status of being Ferrari’s very first “four-door four-seater.” Its fully-adjustable rear seats, power-operating coach-style rear doors, and of course its V12 engine distinguish it from other Ferraris and luxury performance SUVs as something unique, exclusive, and powerful. Showcased at Ferrari of San Antonio, a stunning Ferrari Purosangue is finished in Verde Zeltweg, a rich, dark green shade with a tan interior. The configuration is a modern and timelessly elegant interpretation of the classic British green-over-tan color scheme, and the look fits perfectly with the Purosangue’s elegant sports car-like proportions. Despite having four doors and luxurious seating for four, Ferrari created the Purosangue with the driving character and thrill of Ferrari’s other supercars in mind. With its long hood concealing a brawny V12 engine, and wide stance, it’s a Ferrari supercar like any other, but with added practicality and luxury for four, which looks especially elegant in a green-over-tan configuration. View All Vehicles For Sale From Ferrari of San Antonio View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ferrari of San Antonio (@ferrariofsa)

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By Tyler Rampersaud – July 24, 2024

Ferrari Expands Cryptocurrency Payment To Europe After US...

European customers can now buy a Ferrari with crypto. Less than a year ago, Ferrari launched the ability for its United States customers to pay for their cars with cryptocurrency. Since then, adopting the new and rather futuristic payment form has proven successful for Ferrari and its US-based customers, as the Prancing Horse has announced today that because of said success, the same service has now expanded, launching in Europe, as well. Ferrari will extend its cryptocurrency payment system to European dealers from the end of July. However, the historic supercar manufacturer won’t stop there. By the end of 2024, other countries in Ferrari’s international dealer network, where cryptocurrencies are legally accepted, will adopt cryptocurrency payment. To address security concerns, Ferrari is leaning on the expertise of various companies in the crypto field. In addition, dealers can accept payments without needing to manage cryptocurrency directly, converting it immediately into traditional currency. Ferrari’s partners will be able to verify the sources of crypto transactions and prevent them from being affected by price fluctuations from exchange rates. By now accepting crypto payment in Europe and soon worldwide, Ferrari is leaning into futuristic technology throughout the scope of its brand. View All Ferraris For Sale

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By Jordan Aquistapace – July 23, 2024

PUMA Motorsport x Scuderia Ferrari HP Announce Its Upcomi...

PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari HP are prepping for the cold by introducing their latest collaboration, the PUMA for Scuderia Ferrari Winter Collection. The new automotive-inspired apparel and accessories line brings the high-speed thrill of motorsport to winter sportswear, featuring trendy designs that focus on cushioned comfort and superior warmth. Engineered for those who love both motorsport and winter sports, the collection guarantees you stay warm and fast, no matter how cold it gets. This season, PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari HP have combined the excitement of motorsport with the practicality of winter gear. The collection showcases heat map-inspired graphics, adding a dynamic, sporty touch that reflects racing energy. Each piece is designed to protect against the elements while maintaining a sleek, aerodynamic look, making sure you look stylish on the slopes and during après-ski activities. These innovative designs ensure Ferrari fans can enjoy the winter season without sacrificing speed or style. The upcoming PUMA for Scuderia Ferrari collection will be available at select PUMA stores and online at puma.com and ferrari.com. Embrace the winter with gear that keeps you warm and fast, making a statement both on and off the slopes. Shop all current PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP collections by clicking the link below. Shop All PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP Source: PUMA

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By Tyler Rampersaud – July 19, 2024

Ferrari Of Central New Jersey Shows Off A Bespoke 812 Com...

This is a bespoke example of an exclusive V12 masterpiece. Ferrari has been known for over 75 years for making some of the world’s most desirable, beautiful, powerful, and luxurious cars. Today, the Ferrari 812 Competizione stands as one of the greatest culminations of Ferrari’s racing heritage and legacy of automotive excellence. With a front-mounted V12 engine under the hood, it’s a Ferrari grand tourer in its purest form, and as an evolution of the Ferrari 812 Superfast, it’s a highly exclusive, beautiful performance-focused supercar. With a limited production run of just 999 examples, the 812 Competizione is a rare Ferrari masterpiece, and elevating it even further are bespoke configurations like the one that this example, created with the help of the Ferrari Atelier, features. Shown off by Ferrari of Central New Jersey, this Ferrari 812 Competizione features a stunning bespoke configuration, which modernizes a classic color combination: green and tan. With a dark green exterior, this 812 Competizione also boasts white accents and silver wheels, which are paired with exposed carbon fiber accents to imbue the supercar with a look and aerodynamic qualities that are fitting for its hardcore performance focus. Inside, the interior is featured in tan Alcantara with a unique square quilting pattern. White leather accents add visual interest and show off Ferrari’s painstaking level of luxury craftsmanship. With its incredible performance, beautiful bespoke configuration, and exclusivity, the Ferrari 812 Competizione is a true masterpiece, and this example shown off by Ferrari of Central New Jersey is particularly stunning. View All Vehicles For Sale From Ferrari of Central New Jersey View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ferrari of Central New Jersey (@ferraricentralnewjersey)

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 08, 2024

1997 Ferrari F355 Listed For Sale

Throughout much of its over 75 years of history, Ferrari has boasted a repertoire of quintessential supercars, aspirational benchmarks of automotive excellence. In the late 1990s, one of those was the Ferrari F355, a mid-engined, V8-powered machine that stands out today as a modern classic with lasting beauty. If you’re looking for an excellent example of the Ferrari F355 for sale, this 1997 Ferrari F355 for sale on duPont REGISTRY is a wonderful potential addition to any Ferrari collection or any garage of luxury and exotic cars. View Price And Listing Finished in classic Ferrari red paintwork with a tan leather interior, this Ferrari F355 is a beautiful example of Ferrari’s late ‘90s design. In addition, its V8 power, like many of the celebrated Ferrari icons of the past, is handled via a gated manual transmission. Silver wheels imbue the retro supercar with a timelessly handsome look, and its extensive service record is that of a well-kept Prancing Horse. If you’re looking for a modern classic from one of the greatest names in the automotive world to add to your luxury or exotic car collection, this 1997 Ferrari F355 for sale is a perfect option for any Ferrari enthusiast. Click the button to view the price and listing, including more images of this modern classic supercar for sale.

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By Jordan Aquistapace – July 01, 2024

Ferrari Extends Its Hybrid Warranty With Unmatched Batter...

Ferrari now offers new extended warranties for their PHEV models, including high-voltage battery replacements at 8 and 16 years. Owning a supercar is not just about the thrill of speed and luxury; it also comes with the expectation of higher maintenance and repair costs. From premium parts to advanced hybrid powertrains, services for these high-performance machines often come with a significantly higher price tag compared to everyday vehicles. Ferrari has just announced two new extended warranty services specifically designed for their plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. If you own a SF90 Stradale, SF90 Spider, SF90 XX Stradale, SF90 XX Spider, 296 GTB, or 296 GTS, you're in luck. These new programs, Warranty Extension Hybrid and Power Hybrid, are a game-changer that ensures your Ferrari's performance remains top-notch for years to come. What makes these services stand out? For starters, they offer scheduled high-voltage battery (HVB) replacements at the 8th and 16th years of your car's life. Yes, you read that right. Ferrari is the first to provide such an innovative solution. Whether your Ferrari is brand new or out of its initial three-year factory warranty, you can still activate these programs through any official Ferrari dealer after a quick tech inspection. It's a fantastic way to maintain your Ferrari's hybrid components with peace of mind, knowing that even the high-voltage battery pack is covered. But that's not all. The new Power Hybrid service extends the factory warranty on all major powertrain components, including those related to the hybrid system, up to the 16th year. This guarantees that your Ferrari remains a powerhouse on the road. Plus, both warranty programs are transferable to new owners, adding extra value to your Prancing Horse. Ferrari's dedication to after-sales excellence shines through with these new offerings, reinforcing its leadership in the automotive market. With Warranty Extension Hybrid and Power Hybrid, Ferrari owners can drive with confidence, knowing their vehicles are backed by factory warranty services. View all Ferraris for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 01, 2024

Iconic 1994 Ferrari 512 TR Listed For Sale

With over 75 years of history at the forefront of automotive excellence, Ferrari has a lineage of some of the greatest supercars in the world, including the legendary Testarossa and its successors, icons of the 80s and 90s, which boasted the iconic flat-12 engine. One of these is the Ferrari 512 TR, which boasted over 400 horsepower and reached a top speed above 190 mph, setting it apart as a high-performance creation that was ahead of its time in performance with iconic style. View Price And Listing Being one of Ferrari’s most distinguished modern classics, it isn’t easy to find a Ferrari 512 TR for sale, but this 1994 Ferrari 512 TR is an excellent example and is available for sale. Finished in classic Ferrari red, it’s been fully restored. Since its restoration, it’s a revived time capsule of Ferrari’s peak early 90s excellence. As a stunning evolution of the Ferrari Testarossa, this 1994 Ferrari 512 TR is an excellent modern classic and a beautifully restored example of one of Ferrari’s most iconic supercars. If you’re looking for a nostalgic piece of automotive excellence to add to your garage, this 1994 Ferrari 512 TR for sale is a perfect addition to any luxury or exotic car collection. View the price and listing of this masterpiece by clicking the button.

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By Jordan Aquistapace – June 24, 2024

How To Buy: PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP's New 2024 Austria...

PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari HP have joined forces once again to bring a stylish new crossover to sports fans everywhere: the Scuderia Ferrari 2024 Soccer Jersey. Just in time for the Austrian Grand Prix, the motorsport-inspired soccer jersey lets fans express their love and loyalty for the iconic Scuderia Ferrari Red in a fresh, dynamic way. Imagine your favorite motorsport team as a soccer club, combining the high-speed thrill of racing with the spirited energy of soccer, making it a must-have for fans of both sports. The Scuderia Ferrari 2024 Soccer Jersey features the unmistakable red shade of Scuderia Ferrari HP, highlighted by striking yellow pinstripes, perfectly capturing the spirit of speed and the excitement of competition. Official team and sponsor logos add an authentic touch, ensuring fans can proudly display their loyalty whether cheering from the stands or playing on the pitch. This release marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari HP, highlighting their shared commitment to innovation and style with the Scuderia Ferrari 2024 Soccer Jersey. Whether you're a die-hard Ferrari fan or a soccer fanatic, this jersey represents the perfect blend of sport and style, making it a standout addition to any fan's collection. Shop the all-new PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP 2024 Soccer Jersey by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: PUMA

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By Tyler Rampersaud – June 21, 2024

Ferrari Inaugurates The New e-Building Where Its First EV...

Ferrari opens the building where its first EV will be made. Ferrari continues to stay at the forefront of automotive luxury, design, performance, technology, and exclusivity, with a lineup that includes some of the world’s most desirable vehicles: the SF90 XX, the Purosangue, the Roma and Roma Spider, most recently the 12Cilindri and 12Cilindri Spider, and more. However, the inauguration of its newest plant building in its headquarters, the e-building, previews a new chapter in Ferrari’s long history. The e-building will be a factory responsible for building internal combustion engine-powered cars, Ferrari’s hybrids, and even the first all-electric Ferrari model, which is coming soon. Inaugurated today with the president of Italy present, the e-building boasts incredible production flexibility that will support efficiency and adaptability as Ferrari and the automotive industry change over time. Its design and construction focus on environmental sustainability, mindfulness regarding the Ferrari workforce, and using automation to collaborate with human work. Designed by MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects, an architectural firm specializing in sustainable and futuristic designs, the rectangular and beautiful factory intends to blend seamlessly with the surrounding buildings and landscape. Its glass facade will let natural light in during the daytime and emit a beautiful glow from inside at night. With the capacity for 300 workers, the new Ferrari e-building is the new home of Ferrari’s exciting future. View All Ferraris For Sale Image Source: Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 17, 2024

Ferrari Wins 24 Hours Of Le Mans For The Second Year In A...

Ferrari’s triumphant return has become Le Mans domination. Last year, Ferrari made unforgettable history when it entered the 499P Le Mans Hypercar into the 100th 24 Hours of Le Mans race, not only marking its glorious return to the top class of the historic endurance challenge after an incredibly long 50 years away but also clinching victory. The winning return run on the 100th anniversary 24 Hours of Le Mans alone is enough to go down in history as one of the greatest motorsport stories in recent memory. However, at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ferrari did it again, securing the overall victory for a second time in a row, eclipsing Toyota for the win. With the number 50 Ferrari 499P hypercar winning the race, the number 51 car finished 36 seconds behind in third place. The historic win gave Ferrari two of the hallowed “Triple Crown” titles of motorsport, having also won this year’s Monaco Grand Prix in Formula 1. Ferrari credits the victory in the challenging race to impeccable teamwork and strategy, especially regarding tire choices during the rainy overnight period in which almost seven hours of safety car periods were needed. The victory is Ferrari’s 11th overall 24 Hours of Le Mans win. Including the manufacturer’s 29 class wins at the event, Ferrari now boasts 40 24 Hours of Le Mans wins. With the 24 Hours of Le Mans being a part of the FIA World Endurance Championship, specifically the championship’s fourth round, Ferrari is now in second place in the Manufacturers’ standings, nine points behind Porsche. The winning drivers are also second in the Drivers’ standings, nine points behind the current leaders. Another historic victory in the books secures Ferrari’s status as a force of nature in top-class endurance racing yet again. View All Ferraris For Sale Image Source: Ferrari

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