McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Ferrari News

Ferrari news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, auction results and current market prices. Our coverage runs across the whole line-up, from the 296 and 296 Speciale to the SF90 XX, the 12Cilindri and the F80. We also follow the earlier cars that built the reputation of the Prancing Horse over seven decades. Reporting comes from the Monterey and Pebble Beach auction floors, and from first drives of new models as they arrive. One thing separates this from other supercar news: many of the Ferraris covered here are listed for sale on the duPont REGISTRY marketplace. Read the story, then see what an example is genuinely worth. For Ferrari news today, and the exotic car news around it, start here.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 26, 2023

1 of 2 Raw Aluminum Tailor Made 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider F...

This exceptional Ferrari 488 Spider skipped the paint booth and went straight for clear coat! Although all Ferrari supercars look phenomenal in the brand's Rosso Corsa heritage color, the manufacturer prides itself on offering an infinite color palette through its bespoke Tailor Made division. Over the years, Ferrari has embarked on some truly special configurations at the wishes of passionate owners. The prancing horse professionals at Scottsdale Ferrari are proud to showcase this extremely rare 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider as part of its growing inventory of new and pre-owned supercars. This Ferrari 488 Spider comes commissioned from Ferrari Tailor Made and features a magnificent Raw Aluminum exterior that only includes a clear coat, hand-painted badges, and blue pin striping on the hood. The build also presents gloss carbon aero pieces that contrast against the bare metal. A set of black multi-spoke sport wheels cover the matching raw aluminum Ferrari carbon ceramic brakes. MUST-READ: The Best Ferraris You Can Buy Today At the push of a button, the Ferrari 488 quickly transforms into an open-top track monster by stowing its hard top in the rear body. Inside the driver-focused cockpit is a Blu Sterling interior with additional white leather piping and stitching. Tons of gloss blue carbon fiber trim pieces flow throughout the cabin, restyling the sports steering wheel, paddle shifters, vents, center console, and more. The 488 Spider launched Ferrari into its forced induction era, fitting its 3.9L V8 with a twin-turbocharged system that delivers 660 horsepower to its rear wheels. Separating itself from every other example out there, this is your chance to own one of the most creative Ferrari specs on the market. This 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider is currently available on duPont REGISTRY for $629,900 by clicking on the link below. View Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 17, 2023

Jay Leno Drives & Fixes A 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 "Daytona"

One of the world’s most famous car enthusiasts gets behind the wheel of an important classic Ferrari. Just about as well as he is known for his career in comedy and television, Jay Leno is known all over the automotive world for his passion for classic cars and automotive history, which is why his time with the 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 “Daytona” was quite special. The car, a classic itself, is created with a timeless formula for excellent sports cars: a powerful engine at the front that sends power to the back wheels, and a roof that can come down for the driver to feel the wind rushing past. What’s extra special about the Daytona is the fact that it is powered by the legendary Colombo V12 engine, which would make it the last front-engined Ferrari Spider to be powered by a V12 for an incredible 50 years until the reveal of the much-loved Ferrari 812 GTS of today. MUST READ: Ferrari Celebrates 30 Years In China With A New Tailor Made Roma The stunning yellow example of the Daytona that Jay Leno drives is from the collection of Ferrari collector David Lee, and it features the classic Ferrari gated shifter for its manual transmission. Touches like that make the Daytona a true classic, and a visceral car to drive that connects the driver and the machine in a way that many modern cars fail to, and to that point, during their drive together, Lee and Leno noticed a slight issue with the ignition, detected by a popping noise during acceleration, and after the drive, Jay Leno even fixed the issue by reconnecting and tightening a wire with needlenose pliers, something that’s just about unheard-of as it relates to the Ferraris of today. This video of the legendary Ferrari Daytona goes to show that some cars are just too good to fade from glory. View All Ferraris For Sale Source: YouTube/Jay Leno's Garage

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 17, 2023

Ferrari Celebrates 30 Years In China With A New Tailor Ma...

The 30th anniversary of Ferrari’s presence in China is celebrated with something timeless. There’s no debate as to whether or not Ferrari makes beautiful cars. Having spent decades making some of the most desirable cars ever made, Ferrari has earned a reputation as one of the most important names in the entire automotive industry. However, when it comes to beauty, style, and luxury, Ferrari’s Tailor Made program takes everything to the next level, and this new Ferrari Roma, designed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ferrari’s presence in China, does exactly that and more. MUST READ: Liberty Walk Debuts Its LB-WORKS Widebody Ferrari F40 At The Tokyo Auto Salon In the past, other stunning, rare, and bespoke Ferraris have been created to celebrate the presence of the Prancing Horse brand in the country, and this new Ferrari Roma is the latest in that series. For this car, Ferrari collaborated with Chinese artist Jiang Oiong’er to create a design inspired by Chinese art and culture. The result is the already-beautiful Ferrari Roma, finished in a custom matte silver color called “Sanusilver” with a stripe finished in “Rosso Magma Glossy,” a color scheme inspired by Ming Dynasty furniture. In addition, the gold dedication plate in the interior is decorated with jade, symbolic in Chinese culture. Accompanying the car is a lifestyle set, with aroma diffusers, a custom tea set, a cigar box, paper kites, cashmere blankets, and a Chinese checkers set in agate and leather. With stunning craftsmanship, and beautiful, meaningful design, this Tailor Made Ferrari Roma celebrates three decades of Ferrari’s automotive excellence in China, and rings in a long future of the same. View All Ferrari Romas For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 17, 2023

Liberty Walk Debuts Its LB-WORKS Widebody Ferrari F40 At ...

The aggressive styling of the widebody kit transforms the Italian icon into a modern work of art. Already proving its worth as one of the most influential supercars of all time, the Ferrari F40 continues to transform from an Italian icon into an appreciating asset for high-paying collectors. For most passionate automotive enthusiasts, the timeless styling of the F40 presents perfection without any aftermarket upgrades or modifications. Showcasing its talents of modifying supercars with one-of-a-kind body kits, the Japanese customization specialists at Liberty Walk add their modern touch to desirable examples. Liberty Walk is proud to debut its all-new LB-WORKS Ferrari F40 at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon. MUST-READ: Insane Ferrari F40 Drifts Around Dirt Course The exterior of the Ferrari F40 features an aggressive LB-WORKS carbon fiber widebody kit that accentuates its lowered ride height and sharp body lines. The kit fits over the factory body panels and completely changes the appearance of the front cowl, cowl duct, light cover, front diffuser, side diffusers, rear diffuser, rear wing, and wide fenders. The priceless build pays homage to Liberty Walk’s home country with a livery inspired by the Japanese flag. Although it may not be the perfect build for every collector, the Liberty Walk LB-WORKS Ferrari F40 is sure to turn heads on whatever roads it travels. View all current Ferrari F40 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Ferrari F40 For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 10, 2023

Amalgam Collection Unveils Its 1:4 Scale Ferrari 250 GTO ...

This 250 GTO body replica is the first in a series of bodies that Amalgam will produce. While there have been plenty of legendary supercars created throughout Ferrari’s history, none seem to make the same significant impact as the Ferrari 250 GTO. Viewed as one of the rarest examples in the automotive world, the Ferrari GTO now sells for staggering eight-figure prices among passionate collectors around the world. Celebrating a time when Ferrari began hand-hammering elongated aluminum bodies, Amalgam is proud to announce its new 1:4 scale Ferrari 250 GTO Hammered Aluminum Body Sculpture. MUST-READ: Amalgam’s New $15,200 1:8 Scale Ferrari Daytona SP3 Is A Work Of Automotive Art The body replica of the Ferrari 250 GTO is machined using extremely accurate factory data, gathered from digital scans of several significant 250 GTOs Amalgam has modeled over the years. Each piece is forged from an aluminum sheet using a traditional panel-beating method. The procedure mirrors the exact process of the original full-size bodies created by Carozzerie Scaglietti in the early 1960s. Showcasing Ferrari’s quintessential supercar in its most raw form, the 1:4 scale 250 GTO is proudly displayed on a walnut wood trestle. While the new Ferrari 250 GTO Shell is still in the developmental stage, shop all of Amalgam's current collectibles by clicking on the link below. Shop The Amalgam Collection Source: Amalgam

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 03, 2023

A V12 Ferrari Prototype Is Spied Being Tested At Fiorano

Ferrari’s future is nigh, and it seems like the V12 is still a part. With concerns about emissions and the innovations of hybrid and electric power, big engines like the V12 have a quickly dwindling presence in the automotive world, and while the innovation is impressive and more than welcome, the impending loss of one of the most exciting engines in the automotive industry is still sad and unfortunate. For many brands, the V12 engine is the hallmark of peak performance, and Ferrari is certainly one of those, and for that reason, it seems that for a little while longer, V12 engines will remain under the hoods of Prancing Horses. One of those is a new prototype, slated to be the replacement for the incredibly impressive 812, with a front-mounted V12 that will make it a classic sports car at its best. MUST READ: This 1982 Ferrari 400i For Sale Could Have Been Driven By Enzo Ferrari Himself On the Fiorano race track, we can see Ferrari testing out its anticipated V12 model as it goes into small powerslides in the corners. Even though the car isn’t going all-out on the track, we are still able to hear plenty of its beautiful throaty V12 exhaust note, which would certainly be music to any automotive enthusiast’s ears, especially in the midst of the V12 becoming a dying breed in the automotive industry. However, for Ferrari, it seems like the V12 still hasn’t run out of steam. View All Ferraris For Sale Source: YouTube/Varryx

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 03, 2023

This 1982 Ferrari 400i For Sale Could Have Been Driven By...

In many ways, this is certainly not your typical Ferrari. When you think about a Ferrari, the images that your mind probably conjures are those of mid-engined supercars painted in bright, bold red, with driver’s car sensibilities, curvacious design, and unforgettable performance. While the Ferrari 400i is certainly a true Ferrari, it’s quite a far cry from the Ferraris we know today, and even most of the classic Ferrari models that we as car enthusiasts celebrate. Take for example the fact that in true classic Ferrari nature, the 400i boasts a 4.8-liter V12 engine under the hood, but the power goes through a 3-speed automatic transmission. With its plush interior and grand touring character, this 80s Ferrari isn’t just a unique car in itself, but this specific 1982 Ferrari 400i for sale at Ferrari Westlake has quite a unique story of its own. MUST READ: Amalgam’s New $15,200 1:8 Scale Ferrari Daytona SP3 Is A Work Of Automotive Art The 400i was a Ferrari that was never made to be sold in the United States market, meaning that examples of the car that have arrived stateside were imported in order to arrive to our shores. What that means for this car was that its story starts unsurprisingly in Italy, where it was first registered owner was none other than Ferrari S.p.A. Modena itself. Being owned within the company, the car could have been driven by contemporary Ferrari F1 drivers or even Enzo Ferrari himself. However, early in its life, the car was brought to California, where it was eventually restored and remains today. In 2021, this Ferrari 400i won the Gold Award in its class at the San Marino Car Classic. Coming with a unique configuration featuring a burl-wood center console, separate air conditioning for front and rear passengers, and still with manuals, documents, and the original toolset, this Ferrari 400i for sale at Ferrari Westlake on duPont REGISTRY is a stunning example with an incredible story. View the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 27, 2022

Amalgam's New $15,200 1:8 Scale Ferrari Daytona SP3 Is A ...

Created in collaboration with Ferrari, this Daytona SP3 model is the closest you'll get to the real thing! Originally unveiled as the second car to join the limited edition Icona series, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 pays homage to the mid-rear-engined Ferrari V12 sports prototypes that earned unparalleled motorsport status. At the heart of the Daytona SP3 lies its F140HC, the most powerful internal combustion engine that Ferrari has ever built. This mid-rear-mounted naturally aspirated V12 is capable of delivering 829 horsepower to its rear wheels. The creative professionals at Amalgam are proud to encapsulate the Ferrari Daytona SP3 with a limited-edition 1:8 scale model release, built using original CAD designs, paint codes, and material specifications from Ferrari. MUST-READ: Amalgam Reveals Its All-New 1:8 Scale Ferrari 812 Competizione Aperta Model The prototype model has undergone detailed observation by Ferrari’s engineering and design teams to ensure complete accuracy of representation. While the launch example showcases a stunning Rosso Corsa and carbon fiber finish throughout its exterior, bespoke models can be built to the owner’s specifications. Each 1:8 scale model measures an impressive 23-inch length, assembled with thousands of precisely engineered parts: castings, photo-etchings, and CNC machined metal components. Limited to only 199 units, the all-new Amalgam 1:8 scale Ferrari Daytona SP3 is currently available starting at $15,200 by clicking on the link below. Shop Now Source: Amalgam

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 27, 2022

This Uniquely Personalized Ferrari 812 GTS Is Inspired By...

This Tailor Made Ferrari really is a gem. In her youth, Emma Hague had the formative experience of riding and driving her father’s friend’s Ferrari F40, and the magic of that experience drove her to one day desire a Prancing Horse of her own. In 2014, that dream was achieved in the form of a Ferrari 458 Italia, but after that, a new dream started, with Ferrari’s Tailor Made program as the focus. Emma decided that for her Tailor Made Ferrari, she would wait for a truly amazing car to personalize as her own, and with the introduction of the Ferrari 812 GTS, along that car came. MUST READ: The Best Ferraris You Can Buy Today When she arrived at Ferrari’s Tailor Made department in Maranello, she was greeted by an example of the 812 GTS for the first time, which at the time had not been launched in her home of the UK. Configuring the highly personalized car was an incredible experience, with the inspiration for the exterior color being the brilliant and deep blue of a sapphire, set in a ring Emma Hague owns from one of her favorite London jewelers. The uniquely-matched paint is now named after her, but the exterior is just the beginning of this stunning Tailor Made configuration. The interior features Poltrona Frau leather in a unique “Amarone red” shade, along with stripes of Loro Piana cashmere around the edge of each seat and through the center console which evoke a classic tuxedo stripe. Much of the usually chrome metalwork has been changed to matte for a more subdued look, from the Prancing Horse logos to the vents. For Emma Hague, just about the only thing better than owning a Ferrari was being able to have one that spoke to her exact tastes, and when her new 812 GTS was delivered to her at Ferrari’s Exeter dealership, she was literally moved to tears of joy. View All Ferrari 812 GTSs For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 23, 2022

Ferrari's New 2023 F1 Car Will Be Unveiled On Valentine's...

Ferrari unveils its new racing hero soon. When it comes to racing, most would agree that Formula 1 is one of if not the most important, respected, and intense racing series in the world, and with Ferrari’s roots firmly planted in racing, the Prancing Horse has a very long history with Formula 1. After a 2022 season in which Ferrari secured second place in both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ championships, This year, the storied and ubiquitous Italian manufacturer undoubtedly has its sights set on victory. In 2023, Formula 1 will be holding its 73rd Formula 1 World Championship, and Ferrari’s new Formula 1 car, which will take part, will be unveiled on February 14. MUST READ: The Best Ferraris Of All Time Currently codenamed Project 675, the car has taken the mantle of the Ferrari F1-75, a car that was named so because the brand was celebrating an important 75th anniversary since the construction of the Ferrari 125S in 1947. The new F1 car will be driven by the same drivers as Ferrari has had on its team for the past two seasons, Charles Leclerc, and Carlos Sainz. The official name of the new F1 car will be revealed soon, with the actual car being unveiled on February 14, but just the knowledge of Ferrari’s presence in F1 confirms that an exciting season is ahead. View All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

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