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.

A 94-year-old sits inside a red Ferrari 488 GTB on the racetrack, clutching a phone. An orange sports car looms in the background, capturing the essence of a lifelong racing dream coming to life.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 28, 2024

94-Year-Old Fulfills Her Racing Dream With 150MPH Laps In...

Donna is the best track passenger! Being passionate car enthusiasts, we can all remember that moment or specific car that fueled a lifelong love for all things automotive. It's the type of passion that motivates us all to work hard to one day own the cars that sparked it all. And while you may not be as close to buying that Ferrari you've always dreamed of, companies like Xtreme Xperience offer the chance to drive or ride in supercars in track settings with its impressive lineup of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and more. For 94-year-old Donna, it has always been a dream of her's to be a thrill-seeking test driver, and her senior living facility wanted to make that a reality. As part of Waltonwood Twelve Oaks' Life Enrichment Adventure Program, the staff worked with Xtreme Xperience to get Donna in the passenger seat of a Ferrari 488 GTB. Piloted by a professional driver, the Rosso Corsa Ferrari made a few blistering laps around Michigan International Speedway, reaching more than 150mph. Where most would be gripping the door handle in fear, Donna was all smiles as she rolled into the pit lanes after the ride of a lifetime. She even took home a matching 1:8 scale Ferrari 488 GTB model as a souvenir. Hats off to Waltonwood Twelve Oaks’ Adventure Program for showing Donna and the rest of its residents that it’s never too late to chase your passion. For those interested in Xtreme Xperience, book your own supercar track experience by clicking the link below. Book Your Own Xtreme Xperience View this post on Instagram A post shared by Waltonwood Senior Living (@waltonwoodseniorliving) Source: @pubity/@altonwoodseniorliving

By Andrew Nabors – April 29, 2019

Ferrari 488 GTB vs Audi R8 V10 Plus vs 715 hp Corvette Z06

Russia doesn't do anything small, probably because their nation is 1/5 of the Earth. While traditional 1/4 mile racing still reigns supreme, they don't stop at 1,320 feet. Unlim 500+ is Europe's most popular 1/2 racing series, with competitors traveling from Cheshire to the Caucasus. Their most recent event was organized and filmed by Dragtimesinfo, and the highlights focuses on 3 supercars. Here we see a Ferrari 488 GTB vs Audi R8 V10 Plus vs a 715 hp Corvette Z06. We know that the Audi R8 V10 Plus is AWD, just like its Huracan Cousin. This provides great launches but sending power to all corners is a hindrance at high speeds. The Ferrari 488 GTB has an impressive launch mode, but it only has 560 lb-ft of torque. This is 90 less than a stock Corvette Z06, and this Vette has serious mods. Because it easily has 100 lb-ft more than the Ferrari and 300 lb-ft over the Audi, the results are clear once it hits 4th gear. Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ford GT in 1/2 Mile Fourth gear in a manual transmission is 1:1. This means the engine's crankshaft is locked to the differential, allowing no loss in the driveline. It puts the most power to the ground, and it is something Dual-Clutch transmissions can't do. As speed increases, the DCT gearboxes eat more power because of having twice the amount of moving parts. Because the Corvette reaches 4th near the top-end, it would really benefit from shorter differential gears. Tell us your favorite car of the race and stay with us for all your Unlim500 action! Find Your Audi R8 Here Related: Hertz Will Rent You a Corvette Z06

By Andrew Nabors – May 23, 2018

Ferrari SP38 Unveiled at Fiorano

If your Ferrari was delivered at their historic test track, could you resist doing a few laps? That is exactly what happened when their latest Special Project was delivered. In a press release this morning, we've learned this gorgeous Italian Stallion is a one-off build for one of their best customers. Underneath is the chassis and drivetrain of a 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB. To give you an idea of their abilities here is SP12 EC. It is a 458 Italia commissioned by a guitarist named Eric Clapton. Eric Clapton's Ferrari SP12 ECThe new body was inspired by the legendary F40, which was also a twin turbo mid-mounted V8. It wears a unique shade of red, created by several layers of base & tinted clear coats. The headlights were made as small as possible, and the rising rear quarter panels are a nod to the F40. Instead of the gaping vents found on the 488 GTB, the intercoolers are fed by inlets at the base of the quarter glass.Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile TimesFerrari's Special Projects department has no limits to their abilities, we only wish they would build a few production examples for us! Many are kept in seclusion because the owners would not want to disclose they have more money than many small countries. Tell us what you think of SP38 in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. if you need something just as powerful, click the link to find your 488 GTB.Find Your Ferrari 488 GTB HereP.S. The car was delivered at the Fiorano race track, and the house behind the car is actually inside the track. Enzo's modest home allowed him to hear and see his creations in action.

By Edward Jones – September 06, 2017

Spider-Man Ferrari Spotted in Vietnam

It's a real Ferrari Spider. A true Peter PARKer, if you will.In Vietnam, XSX Automotive Photography spotted a Ferrari 488 GTB that was disguised to fight crime. Its web-slinging livery was designed after Spider-Man's own suit.Ferrari 328 For SaleNow that Spider-Man has joined the Avengers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will we be seeing more of these cars? An Iron Man Lamborghini Aventador ? Captain America McLaren? I surely hope so.

By Edward Jones – June 02, 2016

Ferrari 488 GTB Shocks Crowd With Massive Burnout

Ferrari broke away from their naturally-aspirated engine when they introduced the F40 years ago. Many enjoyed the idea of a turbocharged Ferrari, but it would take a couple decades after the F40's introduction for the Italian manufacturer to bring another turbocharged model into the world. This model was the 488 GTB, and its engine actually won this year's International Engine of the Year award.Ferrari For Sale DallasThe turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 engine can lay down serious power: 660 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque to be exact. When opened up, this engine has the ability to spin the wheels and shred tires, all in an award-winning manner. Don't believe me? Then you need to check out Gumbal's video, found below. In it is some footage from the SupercarSunday event, featuring cars like the Koenigsegg Agera R and Porsche 918 Spyder. But, at around 1:00 into the video, the owner of the Agera R takes a 488 GTB out and lays down some rubber for the crowd. Not only was this burnout massive, it was pretty stylish too. Click play and turn up the speakers.Ferrari 488 GTB For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2016

488 GT3 May Be The Best Ferrari Race Car

If you know Ferrari, you know that their history revolves around race cars. From the Le Mans series, to the extreme FXX K, each of Ferrari's track-ready cars are close to perfection. Their latest race model, the 488 GT3 is a perfect example of what the Italian automaker can accomplish on the track, and it may just be my favorite race car on the track.Powering the car is a powerful twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8 engine that is capable of around 550 hp. Now, if you're familiar with Ferrari's engines, you know that the fact that the 488 is turbocharged is a pretty big deal. Not only do the turbos break tradition (not including the F40), they add power and allow cars like the 488 GT3 to make some of the most lovely turbo noises.YouTuber 19Bozzy92 was recently at the Monza Circuit, filming two 488 GT3s as they quickly made their way through the corners. If the turbo flutter this race car makes doesn't give you even the slightest bit of chills, then you may need to turn your speakers up some more.Ferraris For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 16, 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB Debut at Ferrari of Tampa Bay

This past Friday, Sept. 11, Ferrari of Tampa Bay had the pleasure of debuting a fantastic new model to the Tampa Bay area: the Ferrari 488 GTB.Guests to the event were treated to fine food and drinks as they waited for the sheet to be pulled back off of the 488 GTB. Surrounding them was a selection of various Ferraris, ranging from the classic 512 to the new California T. It was most definitely a lavish event for a deserving car.Most of the guests on hand were Ferrari owners, with many having placed orders for the car whose unveiling they were about to witness. It was a chance for many of them to see what their new car would look like for the first time.When Marlow Miller, General Manager of Ferrari of Tampa Bay, asked for the sheet to be pulled back, the gorgeous Giallo Modena 488 GTB was revealed. While it's nice to see the car in pictures, it's another story to see it in person; from its sharp headlights, back to the rear diffuser, it's a stunning vehicle.Inside was yellow stitching contrasted against the ample amount of black leather found throughout the cabin. Exposed carbon fiber was found on different areas, such as the steering wheel, center tunnel and instrument cluster.Underneath the glass of the engine bay was the 3.9-liter V8 engine fixed with twin turbochargers. When put to the test, this 488 GTB's wheels can lay down 660 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, showroom floors don't provide enough space to show off the car's power.The 488 GTB is easily one of the finest cars Ferrari has created in recent years. What's more, this model has been complimented by the newly unveiled 488 Spider.Be sure to stay with us for more information on the latest Ferrari models.Dealer ListingsGallery See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – August 10, 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB Quick Acceleration and Flamethrower Exhaust

We saw the Ferrari 488 GTB fly down the Autobahn at speeds of over 210 mph, and now we get to see the flames it spits when accelerating in such a manner.In a video uploaded by The Drivers Club August 3, we get to see how quickly the 488 GTB accelerates up to 194 mph and its flamethrowing exhaust during the action. I won't give away just how extreme the flames are, but all I'm saying is Khaleesi and her dragons better watch out.These flames are sourced from the sports car's turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces 660 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Quickly putting the car through its gears is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.Check out the video below to see the car and its flames in action.Editor's Note: We're not sure where this drive was performed, but we have to remind everyone to not perform illegal high-speed activities. If you feel the need for speed, head out to your local track, drag strip or stretch of the Autobahn. Ferraris For Sale (Source: YouTube via Autoevolution.com) See More Ferrari 488 GTB Videos, Pics and News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 22, 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB Flies Down the Autobahn at 210+ MPH

There is nothing that we can condone about this video, except for the fact that it's a great example of the 488 GTB's power.The Ferrari 488 GTB is, in short, a beast. It was officially unveiled Feb. 3, and features a turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That set up creates 660 hp and 560 lb-ft, and Ferrari lists its top speed as sitting around 205+ mph.Well, it seems that Youtube user rmitchell248 and a friend in the driver's seat have challenged that top speed. A video posted July 11 shows a claimed top speed of 341 km/h, or approximately 211 mph, reached in a Ferrari 488 GTB while cruising down the Autobahn, Germany's road famous for its lack of speed restrictions in certain locations.Though what they're doing isn't technically illegal, and only because it's on the Autobahn, we cannot recommend anyone attempt recreating this. Traffic can clearly be seen in the video, with cars flying past the window as if they were at a dead stop. It's possible that the footage was doctored, but there's no denying they hit some intense speeds.(See Also: A Race for the Ages: LaFerrari vs. McLaren P1)Watch the video above, and when you're ready for a track day with your own Ferrari, under professional supervision, of course, find a model from our exclusive listings at the button below.Ferraris For Sale(Source: YouTube) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – June 03, 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB Debuted in North America at Private Event

In New York City, more than 500 guests were on hand to witness the private North American debut of the new Ferrari 488 GTB.The event, according to an undated post by Ferrari.com, was held at Spring Studios in TriBeCa, in the heart of the city. A few other 8-cylinder Italian stallions showed up for the debut, including the 308 GTB, 348, 356 GTB, F355 Berlinetta, 360, F430 and 458 Italia.Directly below is a video uploaded May 28 to YouTube by dencoop1. This video was filmed at the debut in NYC and gives you a look into what it's like to be at one of these exclusive events.As a reminder of what makes the 488 GTB, here is a quick breakdown. The car was unveiled Feb. 3 and introduced itself as a 3.8-liter V8-powered sports car that also utilizes two turbochargers. With this setup, the 488 GTB packs 660 hp and can lap the Fiorano test track in 1:23, which is just as fast as the F12berlinetta.What's next for Ferrari? We couldn't tell you, but we expect a Spider version of the 488 GTB. Be sure to check back with us for the latest Ferrari news.Ferraris For SaleGallery (Source: Ferrari.com)

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