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 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

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 20, 2024

A 1-of-1 Tailor Made Ferrari 812 Superfast Joins The Ferr...

Another Italian prancing horse model joins Museo Ferrari! Ferrari isn't just about engineering mid-engine supercars with track inspiration; it also has a soft spot for classic front-engine GTs. The 812 series stands out as a prime example, showcasing Ferrari's approach to blending traditional design with the raw power of a V12 engine, all packed in a sleek, elongated body. As the Ferrari 812 lineup continues to take the automotive world by storm with variations like the Superfast, GTS, and Competizione, the brand is proud to welcome the 812 Superfast into Museo Ferrari for its success and impact since its debut in 2017. The specific configuration joining the museum comes courtesy of the specialists at the Tailor Made bespoke division, who created a 1-of-1 Ferrari 812 Superfast with a historic livery and custom interior. From the outside, the 812 Superfast pays homage to Ferrari's early years by showcasing a historic Rosso Corsa finish. The bright red base is accentuated by a red, white, and blue racing stripe as well as #19 racing decals. Additionally, other off-catalog exterior upgrades include gloss silver-painted side mirrors and a set of chrome multi-spoke sports wheels. Inside, the driver-centric cabin comes to life with a pair of blue carbon sports bucket seats and red safety harnesses. But the real beauty lies underneath its hood, where Ferrari's 6.5L naturally-aspirated V12 delivers over 789 horsepower to the 812 Superfast's rear wheels. Having a monumental impact within the supercar realm during a time when electrification was the driving force for the future, it's no surprise that Ferrari is forever encapsulating the 812 Superfast within the walls of its museum. View all Ferrari 812 Superfasts for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari 812 Superfasts For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Musei Ferrari (@museiferrari) Source: @ferrari IG

Ferrari 812 Competizione Art Car Visualisation of the 1.18 scale model (1)

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 14, 2024

Amalgam Unveils Its Limited-Edition 1:18 Scale $5.1M Ferr...

This is you're chance to own a piece of Ferrari history! First unveiled to the public at Casa Ferrari during Monterey Car Week 2023, Ferrari shocked the automotive world with the world debut of its Tailor Made 812 Competizione. The one-off supercar was commissioned by Ferrari North America and auctioned off for an astonishing $5.1 million at the Ferrari Gala in New York City. In addition to the sale of the actual vehicle, a 1-of-1 1:8 scale model of Ferrari was created by Amalgam and sold for $90,000. Honoring the record-breaking Ferrari sale, the team at Amalgam Collection is proud to launch an exclusive 1:18 scale model series of the $5.1 million Ferrari 812 Competizione Tailor Made. Crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail and using original CAD data from Ferrari, each model is a miniature masterpiece. The 812 Competizione Tailor Made comes to life in over 10 inches of finely painted and assembled craftsmanship, showcasing an accuracy approved by Ferrari’s own design chief, Flavio Manzoni. For those with a taste for the exceptional, this limited edition Ferrari 812 Competizione is about holding a piece of art that celebrates one of the most iconic names in automotive history. The all-new 1:18 scale $5.1 million Ferrari 812 Competizione Tailor Made is currently available for pre-order at Amalgam Collection with a price tag of $1,695. Pre-Order Amalagam's Ferrari 812 Competizione Tailor Made Source: Amalgam Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 08, 2024

Watch Ferrari's V12, V8, & V6 Engines Compete In The Ulti...

Let's see which one of Ferrari's engines comes out on top. Since its humble beginnings as a small-batch sports car workshop, Ferrari has always been known for fitting massive engines inside small, lightweight chassis. It began with the legendary 1947 Ferrari 125s with its 1.5L V12, and the tradition continues today with exclusive examples like the 812 Competizione. And while the V12 is unfortunately making its slow exit from regular production, Ferrari has found ways to create the visceral experience it's known for through turbocharged V8 and hybrid-assisted V6 engines. With such a diverse lineup of performance powertrains, Carwow decided to put them all in a head-to-head race to see which would remain victorious as Ferrari's fastest engine configuration. The weapons of choice pulled from Ferrari's stable for the epic drag race are the 812 Superfast, SF90 Stradale, and 296 GTB. Starting off in the hybrid supercar category, the 296 GTB features Ferrari's first 6-cylinder, which is accompanied by a set of turbochargers and a 123kW electric motor to make an impressive 819 horsepower. Its bigger sibling, the SF90 Stradale, uses the same complex configuration but uses a V8 to crank out 986 horsepower. The 812 Superfast is a whole other animal, showcasing a front-engine design that houses a naturally aspirated 6.5L V12 that makes 789 horsepower and instant torque. With weight, aero, and horsepower in mind, it's hard to put your bet on any of them because of the benefits that each has to offer. While the Ferrari 296 GTB boasts a lightweight V6 design and the Ferrari 812 Superfast off-the-line speed from its massive V12, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale proves to hold the perfect recipe with a sizable engine assisted with state-of-the-art hybrid performance. View all Ferrari 296 GTB, SF90 Stradale, and 812 Superfast examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari 296 GTB For Sale View All Ferrari SF90 Stradale For Sale View All Ferrari 812 Superfast For Sale Source: Carwow YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 06, 2024

Ferrari's LaFerrari And 812 Successor Prototypes Spotted ...

From regular production supercars to unseen hybrid hypercar prototypes, Ferrari isn't slowing down on production. Throughout its prestigious history as one of the most renowned supercar manufacturers in the world, Ferrari has graced the automotive world with some truly spectacular creations as part of its ultra-exclusive production series. At the hands of Enzo Ferrari himself, these now multi-million dollar, collector-grade Ferrari examples include icons like the 288 GTO and F40. And even after the passing of its founder, Ferrari continued its tradition by engineering the F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari. Since the release of the hybrid-powered LaFerrari in 2013, the team has been hard at work in Maranello, Italy to create the successor to Ferrari's most powerful and expensive hypercar. Automotive YouTuber Varryx took a trip to Italy, where he sat outside the walls of Ferrari's production facility in hopes of catching a glimpse at some prototype test mules covered in the manufacturer's infamous camouflage wraps. In addition to seeing some incredible Purosangue, Roma, F8 Spider, 812 GTS, and 296 GTS specs traveling throughout Ferrari grounds on test drives before customer deliveries, Varryx spotted the first prototype of the day as the F250 hypercar. Deemed the LaFerrari's successor, the F250 features an array of design characteristics inspired by past and present models. Its camo wrap cannot disguise the SF90-style taillights or bright yellow stickers indicating its role as Ferrari's next upcoming plug-in hybrid. The next prototype documented was the F167, otherwise known as the Ferrari 812's replacement. The star of the day happened to be a mysterious F250 prototype that even Varryx has yet to see on Ferrari's property, which is just another example of Ferrari's dedication to always evolving its lineup. As Varryx continues to put in the long hours behind the camera for all Ferrari fans, be sure to keep a look out for announcements on some of these upcoming supercars and hypercars. View all Ferrari models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferraris For Sale Source: Varryx YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 11, 2023

Ferrari Quebec Displays Three Exclusive 812 Competizione ...

With three head-turning examples on display, which Ferrari 812 Competizione spec would you choose? Every Ferrari is an example of Italian craftsmanship and excellence, embodying beauty and performance that makes them more than just supercars but works of art. However, within the brand's remarkable and historic lineup, there are a select few that rise even higher in exclusivity and allure. These limited-production models are crafted with the utmost attention to detail and innovation, designed specifically for Ferrari's most celebrated clientele. The Ferrari 812 Competizione makes its mark as the manufacturer's most recent limited-production release, with only 999 examples of the coupe and 599 of the Aperta version. The passionate team of professionals at Ferrari Quebec recently took to its Instagram page to showcase a lineup of three jaw-dropping Ferrari 812 Competizione specs. Shying away from Ferrari's traditional Rosso Corsa red finish, the colors chosen for each example include vibrant shades of yellow, blue, and dark green. Along with completely different paint schemes, each 812 Competizione offers an up-close look at the personalization capabilities of Ferrari. Loaded with tons of carbon options and accents, it's safe to say that each build checked off all areas of the configuration list. At the heart of Ferrari's front-engine masterpiece lies a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12, an evolution previously found in the 812 Superfast. This powerhouse delivers an incredible 830 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, enabling a blistering acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.85 seconds. Displaying three examples of one of Ferrari's most exclusive supercars, Ferrari Quebec is surely the place to go for highly desirable Italian supercars and hypercars. View all Ferrari Quebec inventory currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari Quebec Inventory Source: Ferrari Quebec Instagram (@ferrariquebec)

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By Tyler Rampersaud – November 10, 2023

Ferrari Shows Off A New Tailor Made 812 Competizione On I...

Ferrari turns its exclusive V12 model into a bespoke masterpiece. The Ferrari 812 Competizione adds an air of exclusivity and track-focused performance to the beloved 812 Superfast model, using the stunningly designed front-engined V12 grand tourer as a canvas, and adding futuristic, motorsport-inspired looks and other modifications throughout. The model is already one of the most exclusive of today’s Ferraris, and through Ferrari’s Tailor Made program, it goes even further in its exclusivity and personalized character. In a new post on Instagram, Ferrari shows off a new Tailor Made example of the Ferrari 812 Competizione, which is proudly finished in a Bianco Azzurrato paintwork, with racing stripes running down the middle, and a racing number 77 placed at the side of the body. For a racing-inspired edge, carbon fiber is featured in accents throughout, including even the wheels, which are crafted in the innovative, lightweight material. The interior boasts a configuration that also features plenty of carbon fiber, combining luxurious craftsmanship with track readiness. In addition to that, the seats are upholstered in a unique Silver shade of Alcantara, reflecting the light and airy color that adorns the exterior. With a unique configuration courtesy of Ferrari’s illustrious Tailor Made program, this new Ferrari 812 Competizione is a dream car whether you want to take on the circuit or turn heads at a show. View All Ferrari 812 Competiziones For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ferrari (@ferrari)

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 25, 2023

Ferrari 812 Competizione Owner Commissions A Matching Bes...

Accurate down to its paint shade, this Amalgam Ferrari 812 Competizione is a perfect reflection of the real thing. Responsible for engineering and handcrafting some of the world's most accurate automotive models, the professionals at Amalgam Collection are pleased to offer a bespoke configuration program that mirrors manufacturers like Ferrari. Today, Amalagam is proud to showcase a recent Ferrari 812 Competizione build from its bespoke model service. Specially commissioned for a client in China, Amalgam designed a 1:8 scale model of this Ferrari 812 Competizione to perfectly replicate the unique specifications of the owner's actual supercar. This mini marvel features Ferrari's stunning Blanco Italia exterior finish, coupled with gloss carbon fiber trim, an Italian tri-color stripe, and hand-painted Ferrari shields. Opening its doors reveals the model’s classic Black Alcantara interior and Sedili racing seats, featuring blue inner panels decorated with white piping. To round off this perfectly scaled-down vision, the car includes a white rev counter that harmonizes with its spirited exterior color. This made-to-order 1:8 scale model is a pure celebration of Ferrari's craftsmanship and attention to detail, making it a must-have for the 812 Competizione owner. Click the link below for more information on Amalgam Collection and its bespoke model service. Discover Amalgam Collection View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amalgam Collection (@amalgamcollectionmodels) Source: @amalgamcollectionmodels