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 – December 31, 2024

This 1-of-1 2023 Ferrari 812 GTS Is Inspired By Stirling ...

An 812 GTS unlike any other. While many of its modern-day supercars and hypercars come configured with mid-engine powerplants, Ferrari is historically known for fitting massive V12s in the front end of its cars. Shadowing automotive icons like the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO, the Italian manufacturer continues to engineer modern marvels like the 812 GTS to pay homage to its age-old tradition. And to take things even a step further, its bespoke Atelier division tailors modern specs with inspiration from historic models and race liveries from its illustrious past. The Fort Lauderdale Collection South team is proud to showcase this one-off 2023 Ferrari 812 GTS as part of its extensive inventory of supercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View Listing Representing the end of an era, this 812 GTS holds significance as the 2023 model year stands out as the last year of production for the coveted open-top version of the 812 Superfast. This spec comes finished in an eye-catching Verde Pallido shade with a contrasting Bianco King racing strip courtesy of Ferrari Atelier. The jaw-dropping livery is inspired by a Ferrari 250 GTO owned by British racing legend Sir Stirling Moss. Other notable options on this build include hand-painted Ferrari shields on each fender, gloss Nero highlights, carbon aero upgrades, and Argento Nurburgring carbon ceramic brake calipers. Inside, the 812 GTS receives the same attention to detail as an Atelier spec, with a race-focused cabin that also provides unmatched comfort for casual spirited drives. Rich Cuoio leather layers Ferrari's carbon sports seats and even features Daytona-style inserts as yet another nod to the brand's history in motorsports. And while carbon fiber seems to cover every inch of the interior, small hidden touches like Verde Pallido painted gear selector buttons and Atelier plaque make this 812 GTS a true one-of-one. Under the hood of the Ferrari 812 GTS lies a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine that roars with an impressive 789 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a lightning-fast 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the convertible grand tourer delivers power and precision. It launches from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 211 mph, making it one of the fastest open-top Ferraris ever produced. This one-of-a-kind 2023 Ferrari GTS from Fort Lauderdale Collection South is now for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 25, 2024

Ferrari 812 Superfast vs. 812 GTS: Which Is Right For You?

Which version of the Ferrari 812 is perfect for you? There’s nothing in the automotive world as special as owning a Ferrari. With its incredible history in performance, innovation, and style, Ferrari is one of if not the greatest name to have in any collector’s garage. On top of that, The Ferrari 812 Superfast and its spider sibling, the Ferrari 812 GTS, are two of the greatest Ferraris ever made. What is the difference between the Ferrari 812 Superfast and Ferrari 812 GTS? The main difference between the two is quite obvious: one is a fixed-roof coupe, while the other is a convertible with a retractable hard top. However, the cars have other differences that set them apart as individual and incredible machines in their own right. While both cars feature the same incredible 6.5-liter V12 engine, producing 789 horsepower and 530 lb/ft of torque, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is slightly faster; such is the case for cars with fixed-roof variants and convertible variants with more optimal aerodynamics and lighter weight (approximately 165 pounds). The Superfast is able to sprint from 0-60 in less than 2.9 seconds, while the GTS takes a slightly longer 3.0. Much of the reason that the GTS is heavier is due to the fact that convertibles need added reinforcement for chassis stability and mechanical components to open and close the roof. This requirement also meant that Ferrari had to redesign much of the rear portion of the 812 GTS compared to the Superfast. The result was two buttresses behind each seat that evoke the look of many of the classic race cars that put Ferrari on the map. On the topic of Ferrari classics, another fact about the 812 GTS is that its introduction in 2019 marked the first introduction of a V12-powered, front-engined Ferrari to have the droptop “Spider” designation in an incredible 50 years, with the last Ferrari quite like it being the 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 “Daytona Spider.” Whether you prefer the high-performance grand touring 812 Superfast, or the glamorous and raucous wind-in-your-hair 812 GTS, you not only have an incredible car but one of the greatest Ferraris on your hands. Check out some examples of these incredible cars for sale below. What does "GTS" stand for in 812 GTS? For Ferrari, "GTS," which stands for "Gran Turismo Spider," is a common designation for the brand's Spider (convertible) models. Often times, but not in the case of the 812, the fixed-roof counterpart will be designated "GTB," or "Gran Turismo Berlinetta." These naming conventions go back decades through various generations of Ferrari models. Why is it called the Ferrari 812 Superfast? Many of Ferrari's models are more than qualified to be given the name "Superfast." However, Ferrari decided that, because of the 812 Superfast's character that echoes that of many classic performance cars, it would name the car after a series of previous Ferraris that it pays homage to. These Ferraris were a group of front-engined grand touring cars all named Superfast from the 1950s to 1960s. Why the number 812? The number 8 refers to 800, which is the metric horsepower figure of both the 812 Superfast and 812 GTS. 12, however, refers to the number of cylinders in its V12 engine, which makes this amazing car part of a dying breed. Ferrari 812 GTSs For Sale 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS View Price And Listing 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS View Price And Listing 2021 Ferrari 812 GTS View Price And Listing 2023 Ferrari 812 GTS View Price And Listing 2021 Ferrari 812 GTS View Price And Listing View All Ferrari 812 GTSs For Sale Ferrari 812 Superfasts For Sale 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast View Price And Listing 2019 Ferrari 812 Superfast View Price And Listing 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast View Price And Listing 2019 Ferrari 812 Superfast View Price And Listing 2019 Ferrari 812 Superfast View Price And Listing View All Ferrari 812 Superfasts For Sale

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By Tyler Rampersaud – May 24, 2024

Mansory Shows Off The New Ferrari 812 GTS-Based Stallone ...

Mansory takes Ferrari’s V12 excellence to the next level. The Ferrari 812 GTS is known for its powerful front-mid-mounted V12 engine, open-top, and excellent dynamics. However, Mansory is known for taking supercars to the next level with its customization ability, and with the new Stallone Tempesta Verde, that’s exactly what it did. Based on the Ferrari 812 GTS, the exclusive creation gives the iconic Prancing Horse a signature Mansory twist. Thanks to Mansory’s Atelier Personalization, a suite of exposed carbon fiber modifications can be seen everywhere, from the hood to a large fixed spoiler. In addition, Mansory also beautifully customized the interior, setting the Stallone Tempesta Verde entirely apart from the base Ferrari 812 GTS car. Upgrading the performance was part of the Stallone Tempesta Verde’s customization menu, as well, with the engine producing 830 horsepower and 545 lb/ft of torque, with a top speed of 214 mph and a 0-60 time under 2.8 seconds. Blisteringly quick, uniquely styled, and created with incredible craftsmanship, the Mansory Stallone Tempesta Verde, based on the Ferrari 812 GTS, is a unique and custom automotive creation. View All Ferrari 812 GTSs For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by MANSORY (@mansory) Image Source: Mansory via Instagram

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 28, 2023

Tailor Made Ferrari 812 GTS In Ultra-Rare Blu Carolina Fo...

This Tailor Made Ferrari sports a vibrant blue. Ferrari’s Tailor Made program has transformed how clients and enthusiasts alike see the Prancing Horse. While red remains dominant as the color one might think of when discussing Ferrari, the spectrum broadened exponentially once the Tailor Made program was introduced, allowing for the creation of unique Ferrari masterpieces of all kinds that are a treat to look at and even more incredible to commission or own. As Tailor Made Ferraris are some of the most unique supercars for sale, it’s hard to find one that is listed on the market, even more so than Ferraris for sale that are already exclusive and sought after as it is. However, duPont REGISTRY has been the source for supercars since 1985, and specializes in showcasing cars like this stunning Tailor Made 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS, which is available at Ferrari Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, California. In lieu of the usual Ferrari red, this 812 GTS features paintwork in Ferrari’s stunning Blu Carolina, an ultra-rare color that was in fact invented via the Tailor Made program, originating as a one-off color commissioned by a Ferrari Tailor Made client. Adding a motorsport inspiration is a Bianco Millemiglia stripe that stretches across the hood and onto the fenders. The treadplates indicate that the commission has been named “Ma Belle,” translating to “my beautiful,” and if the exterior doesn’t do enough to prove that this 812 GTS for sale is beautiful, the interior surely will. Inside, you are greeted with upholstery in Foglizzo Lux leather with Polare white leather piping, as well as carbon fiber accents throughout. The opportunity to own a stunningly unique Tailor Made masterpiece like this one doesn’t come often, and even among other Ferraris, this Ferrari 812 GTS for sale is sure to turn heads. If you’re interested in owning this supercar, view the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing Image Source: Ferrari Beverly Hills

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 06, 2023

Ferrari Shows Off A Tour de France-Inspired Tailor Made 8...

This Ferrari’s unique spec goes from Italy to France.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 22, 2023

Rare Verde Pino Over Iroko 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS For Sale

With a paint shade unlike any other Ferrari 812 GTS, this example is perfect for an avid Italian prancing horse collector.

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By Jordan Aquistapace – August 01, 2023

Viola Hong Kong 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS For Sale

Showcasing a non-traditional Ferrari paint shade, this 812 GTS is a true showstopper!

By duPont Registry – April 20, 2023

2022 Ferrari 812 GTS Listed For Sale

It has covered just 803 miles.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 29, 2023

Tailor Made Ferrari 812 GTS Shows Off Green Racing-Inspir...

Classic racing inspired this modern marvel.

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By Tyler Rampersaud – July 01, 2022

This Tailor Made Ferrari 812 GTS Features Loro Piana Fabr...

This Tailor Made Ferrari 812 GTS blends the best of Italian form, function, and fashion. The open-top elegance of the Ferrari 812 GTS is hard to beat, and when you add the tailor-made customization that Ferrari offers to create a uniquely-designed look for the car, you have a very beautiful machine on your hands, let alone one that’s fast and powerful. This 812 GTS pays homage to classic sports cars and Italian elegance, and its beautiful attention to detail makes it a complete drop-top dream. MUST READ: The Upcoming Air Jordan XIV ‘Ginger’ Release With Ferrari Inspiration The exterior is finished in Verde Scuro, a dark, metallic green color that evokes classic sports cars, and this homage is continued with a livery stripe across the front in metallic Marrone Scuro. However, it’s the interior where things really become special. Cioccolato brown leather upholstery continues to echo classic cars, along with Herringbone fabric from none other than Loro Piana, an Italian fashion house and textile manufacturer famous for its excellent wool and cashmere. Together, the leather and Herringbone fabric form a classic, timeless elegance that fits right into a modern classic like the Ferrari 812 GTS. View All Ferraris For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ferrari (@ferrari) Source: Instagram/Ferrari

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