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 – August 08, 2023

Ferrari Shows Off This Tailor Made 812 Competizione In Ma...

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Tailor Made Ferrari 812 Competizione In Ardila Amarillo O...

At the hands of Ferrari's customization division, this 812 Competizione evokes the vibrant personality of its lucky new owner.

By Andrew Nabors – October 04, 2021

Ferrari 812 Superfast Price, Specs, Photos, & Review

Ferrari 812 Superfast Review The release of this car fits perfectly in Ferrari’s timeline because 70 years ago to the year that the 812 Superfast was released, the iconic automaker released the 125 S. This iconic automobile was a V12 automobile that would start the Prancing Horse’s history. Ferrari has once again created another beautiful V12-powered vehicle that takes our breath away in more ways than one. With beauty, grace, and an enormous amount of power, the 812 Superfast delivers on so many fronts. This rear-wheeled drive, front-engine grand tourer is a successor to the F12berlinetta and succeeds in taking the formula to the next level. If the name “Superfast” sounds familiar to you, that’s probably because of the 500 Superfast, which was produced from 1964-66. These models were supposed to don the name “Superamerica,” a name we’re quite familiar with but was changed to Superfast before all was said and done. Ferrari has once again brought the Superfast name back to life with the 812 Superfast and it's most definitely worthy of the historic name. Let's take a look at how 70 years changed the 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast specs. This review will cover the technical highlights and the design of Ferrari's Flagship. Ferrari Portofino: Lighter & Stronger Ferrari 812 Superfast Engine Underneath the hood is where the Ferrari 812 Superfast specs come to life with a massive 6.5-liter V12 engine that’s capable of 789 hp and 529 lb-ft of torque. With these specs, this new Italian becomes the most powerful car featuring a V12 that Ferrari has ever created. Ferrari notes that this was made possible in part “by adopting a 350-bar (5,000 psi) direct injection system for the very first time on a high-performance engine, and pairing it with variable geometry intake tracts conceptually derived from those of naturally-aspirated F1 engines.” Mated to this engine is a dual-clutch transmission. With 80 percent of its power available at just 3.500 rpm, you don't need to wind it up to have fun. The Ferrari 812 Superfast engine can rocket you from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. Italians use metric standards for testing their engines, so the 812 Superfast has 819 horsepower. What’s more, the Ferrari 812 superfast top speed is 211 mph. This is “the most powerful and fastest Ferrari in the marque’s history.” Of course, this notion does not include the LaFerrari. For handling, the Ferrari 812 Superfast specs include 4-wheel Electronic Power Steering (EPS) for the first time. With the addition of EPS, the 812 Superfast can use its V12 to its fullest potential when being pushed hard around a track. Also aiding in the car’s handling is the latest version of the automaker’s Side Slip Control and, for the first time, the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system to control rear steering. As a true successor to the F12berlinetta, the Ferrari 812 Superfast specs exceed expectations in just about every department. 2018 FERRARI 812 SUPERFAST SPECS Price: $335,275 Engine: 6.5-liter V12 Horsepower: 789 Torque: 529 lb-ft 0-60: 2.8 seconds Top Speed: 211+ mph Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Ferrari 812 Superfast MSRP The Ferrari 812 Superfast price is set at $315,000. This is assuming you want cloth seats and no options whatsoever. So far, the most popular upgrades we've seen are the optional seats from the LaFerrari, Ferrari's Telemetry Package, and of course, leather. All these upgrades and options may increase the Ferrari 812 price, but they are absolutely worth every bit. Carbon fiber exterior accents and custom colors from the Tailor Made department. The 812 Superfast cost is more attractive than many other flagships from the competition. Ferrari 812 Superfast Interior Everything inside the 812 Superfast specs far exceeds those of its predecessors. One of the best aspects of the interior is the controls for the handling and stability systems are easier to manipulate. Beyond race is a notch that turns off every system. Controls for the climate and audio are much cleaner, and the optional passenger display showcases data from multiple sensors. The center console remains tall to allow the torque tube to send power to the rear-mounted transmission. Heat and sound insulation are much improved because the new engine generates much more flow than its predecessors. Voice control has been upgraded to distinguish your commands over the screaming V12, we wish more cars were this easy to use. Ferrari 812 Superfast Design Critics were quick to call the 812 a fancy refresh of its predecessor, but this is not the case. They both share the same general shape because Ferrari says this is the most efficient way to offer a front-mounted V12 with 2 seats and rear-wheel drive. Drag was reduced by adding vents next to the headlights. These work to force air under the body and also along the rocker panels to keep you glued to the ground. Active aerodynamics in the rear diffuser is controlled by the stability system. You won't find a Pininfarina badge anywhere because the Ferrari 812 Superfast specs came from Centro Stile, Ferrari's corporate headquarters. The taillights are a modern interpretation of the 365 GTB/4, a design that is timeless for Ferrari's faithful. Having so much downforce, the suspension is under immense pressure to lower down and camber in. But each shock has twin magnetic coils to make allow it to keep proper geometry under pressure. Ferrari 812 Superfast Standout Features One of the best Ferrari 812 Superfast specs is the ample cargo room. Even if you don't opt for the matched luggage, you have more than enough space for a weekend or food run. Another great feature is careful attention to weight distribution. The big V12 is mounted behind the front wheels to push 53% of the weight to the rear wheels. The Pirelli tires are 275mm wide up front and 315 on the rear. This allows for perfect rotation through the corners. It is also Ferrari's 2nd car to have standard rear-wheel steering. It is known as Virtual Wheelbase 2.0, and it operates with or against the front wheels depending on speed and driving mode. View Ferrari 812 Superfast for Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 21, 2021

2022 Ferrari 812 Superfast Special Edition Official Teaser

Maranello has done it again Covid gave engineers ample time to find more power. In the case of the Ferrari 812 Superfast, the team dug into their V12 to find a few more horses. Because the Ferrari V12 engine represents the state of the art in naturally aspirated power, they devised a few old-school hot-rodder parts to unlock 830 horsepower whilst screaming to nearly 10,000 rpm. It will be an impressive competitor to the Pagani Huayra R while remaining street legal, and all the details will be formally released on Cinco de Mayo. What they did is start over with an all-new exhaust. Tuning each primary of the header pipes to scavenge into the cats creates a vortex of screaming fire that the mufflers will struggle with. On the top end, the cams have faster actuators to advance the intake at low speeds for more torque, so your right foot will be happy. Other automakers are introducing silly twin-turbo six cylinders with 90's power, but Ferrari keeps doing what they always have done. A dozen cylinders of domination. Ferrari 812 Superfast 0-60, Specs & Prices This is the highest RPM of any Ferrari, so the transmission, stability controls, and each setting on the Manettino have been enhanced to keep the car on the road. We can only hope this car spawns a drop-top, as an 812 GTS at 9,500 rpm would be fun for a weekend cruise. As you can see, the aerodynamics incorporate more carbon fiber for added downforce, and the vortex generators would look great on my F12tdf. Click the button to browse a healthy selection of V12 Ferraris for sale and stay with us for all your Scuderia news. Browse Ferrari 812 For Sale Images (C) Ferrari

By Andrew Nabors – January 06, 2021

2021 Ferrari 812 Superfast By Tailor Made Showcases Unpre...

You deserve the best that Maranello has to offer. If you are unaware of what their artisans have to offer, this new 2021 Ferrari 812 Superfast by Tailor Made showcases unprecedented abilities. Classically trained coachbuilders stand at the ready if you want a Ferrari all your own. 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast Specs, Price, Photos, & Review By ordering a Tailor Made model, the car will retain a healthy value when it comes time to part ways. The other benefits come from exclusive events for their valued customers. As such, this commission combines old-world influences with the ecstasy of gold. "Pinot Verde" is a perfect shade to express 788 horsepower and 529 lb-ft of torque. You too can experience the poise and composure only offered by Ferrari's flagship by clicking the button below. Browse Ferrari 812 Superfast For Sale Images (C) Ferrari S.p.A.

By Andrew Nabors – November 03, 2020

Novitec Ferrari 812 Superfast N-Largo Exposed Carbon Is 1...

Engineers and stylists spent years crating the Ferrari 812 Superfast for sale. While many faithful will choose not to modify their masterpiece, Novitec has unveiled a compilation of every upgrade they offer. This is why the Novitec Ferrari 812 Superfast N-Lago Exposed Carbon is 1 of 1. In their latest YouTube upload, we see improvements to every aerodynamic aspect. 2021 Ferrari Monza SP1 By Novitec Doesn’t Disappoint Their carbon fiber body parts are found from the grille to the rear splitter and they amplify the active aero system in the right proportions. No detail was overlooked as we see accentuated heat extractors and intakes on the hood, rockers, and the quarter panels. In conjunction with the graceful rear spoiler, it sets this Superfast apart from all the others. They offer everything from new wheels to sport springs and even a full exhaust plated in .999 Gold. All you have to do is find a Ferrari 812 Superfast and allow them to expose its true potential. Click the button below to start the journey and stay with us for all your Novitec news. Browse Ferrari 812 Superfast For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 13, 2020

2021 Ferrari Monza SP1 By Novitec Doesn't Disappoint

Although we get a brief afternoon shower in the Summer, Floridians could go without a roof and windshield on most days. That's why Ferrari's latest speedsters would look great in my garage. Loosely based on the 812 Superfast for sale, the Icona series is comprised of the Monza SP1 and Monza SP2. Offered to only their best customers, production is done by hand, as needed. Their name indicates the number of seats, so if you want a supercar all to yourself, the 2021 Ferrari Monza SP1 by Novitec doesn't disappoint. Ferrari Monza SP1 Ripped Around Maranello by Nico Rosberg Their gold-plated exhaust and engine tuning offers 844 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque. Of course, these upgrades will also fit the Monza SP2, allowing both cars to reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds with a top speed well over 186 mph. The car rides on their 21"/22" wheels and sport springs that lower the car by 1.3". Click the button to learn more, and stay with us for all your Novitec news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – September 25, 2020

2021 Ferrari Omologata Celebrates Their GT Racing History

Somewhere in Europe is an amazing collection of Ferrari race cars. The owner has a passion for privateer teams and factory builds meant to battle in GT races around the world. As such, he has a hot line to Maranello when he is inspired to build something unique. Money is not an object for collectors of this caliber, so the 2021 Ferrari Omologata celebrates their GT racing history. Don't call it an 812 Superfast, because the only parts they share are the headlights and windshield. Designers were given a blank canvas to sculpt a new body with cues from the past. Doing this while maintaining the aerodynamic efficiency and downforce would be a challenge for lesser automakers, but this marks the 10th special edition based on their late-model V12 lineup. Over two years and many late nights were spent perfecting the body in the virtual realm before the first panel was struck. Prominent fender flares allow the tapered lines to culminate in a smaller grille. While the car looks lowered, your eyes are playing tricks on you. They have really outdone themselves, but we say that every time. Leave it to Ferrari to make their amazing cars even better, and fulfilling the dreams of their valued customers. As soon as this car is seen in action, you will see it here first. In the meantime find your 812 Superfast below and have a great weekend. Browse Ferrari 812 Superfast For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2020

Highly Optioned 2018 Ferrari Atelier 812 Superfast For Sale

When it comes to ordering Ferrari's flagship, options are everything. While many will choose a showroom model, checking off every box puts you on the factory's radar. It opens doors to exclusive events and allows you the opportunity to purchase low-production exclusive models not offered to the public. If you are a regular customer, and on the factory's good graces, another door will open. A Ferrari Atelier is the ultimate way to personalize your car. It takes their Tailor Made program to the next level by offering a hotline to the factory. Only a handful of dealers around the world have an Atelier showroom. This is because of strict attention to detail mandated by the factory, and a significant amount of time and training involved. That is why any Atelier-built Ferrari stands apart from all lesser models. Our friends at Ferrari of Long Island specialize in this process, and we're glad to offer their highly optioned 2018 Ferrari Atelier 812 Superfast for sale. It was ordered and sold by them to s discerning owner. It has less than 1,000 miles and the remainder of the factory warranty. Matte Gray over Red Leather is not offered to just anyone, that is why it belongs in your collection. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing Atelier builds from Ferrari of Long Island. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – July 22, 2019

Super Bespoke Ferrari 812 Superfast For Sale at Ferrari o...

Just when we thought we'd seen it all, Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale finds a way to leave us speechless. They have a hotline to Maranello, and it allows them to fulfill even the wildest customer wishes. This stunning 812 Superfast for sale is just such a case. It was ordered and sold new by them, and apparently never driven. With only 209 miles on the odometer, there are no signs of wear inside or out. You will never see another 812 like this, and here's why: Bespoke Options: Special Matte Paint Carbon Fiber Driver's Zone w/ LED Steering Wheel Carbon Fiber Dash Inserts Carbon Fiber Central Bridge Carbon Fiber Door Sills Sirius XM Radio 20" Forged Painted Wheels Black Ceramic Exhaust Tips Parking Camera Scuderia Shields High Emotion Low Emission System Contrast Stitching in Rosso Prancing Horse Embroidered Headrests Rosso Colored Seatbelts Colored Inner Details in Rosso Colored Floor Mats With Logo High Power HiFi Surround Sound Yellow Tachometer This car has only been maintained by Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale, so it has automatically been enrolled in the Ferrari Approved Certified Pre-Owned Program. In addition, it is covered by at least 2 years of Ferrari Approved Warranty coverage. The Ferrari Approved Certified Pre-Owned Program encompasses an array of wide-ranging checks and factory-supported coverage for cars up to twelve years old from the date of first registration, to help ensure peace of mind to those who have the opportunity of experiencing the Ferrari legend. If you are in the market for a pristine Ferrari 812 Superfast, click the link below and stay with us for more amazing inventory from Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale. View Price & Listing

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