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 Edward Jones – June 05, 2015

Four Ferrari FXX Ks Tear Up The Imola Circuit At Once

Putting one Ferrari FXX K on a track is a sight to be seen. Put four FXX Ks on a track, and you create one of the most epic track days ever. And this is precisely what Ferrari did.During a private Ferrari Corse Clienti event at the Imola Circuit, Ferrari put four FXX Ks on the track and put on one heck of a show. In the video below, uploaded to YouTube by Marchettino today, you get a chance to hear the F1-esque scream of the car as it goes flat out and tears through the corners.Additionally, Ferrari uploaded four pictures of the event to their Facebook page today, which can be viewed below. I would be lying if I said one of them isn't currently my wallpaper now.For those unfamiliar with just how insane the FXX K is, here is a quick recap from our December 3 article on the car's unveiling. "...the FXX-K is an 'uncompromised' take on the hybrid LaFerrari, and the 'K' in the name comes from the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) it utilizes.The power figures of the FXX K are rated at 1,035 hp and more than 663 lb-ft of torque, an increase over LaFerrari’s 950 hp. New features added to the internals of the FXX K include new camshafts, a modified valve train with mechanical tappets, redesigned intake manifolds and a modified exhaust system without silencers."Gallery (Source: Facebook, YouTube) Click Here For More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – June 04, 2015

Ferrari Trio Worth $7+ Million at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale

Ferrari has a long history full of incredible cars, but there are certain iconic cars that stand out amongst the crowd. The F40, F50 and Enzo are three icons that are synonymous with the brand's penchant for speed and style.(Related: 5 Rare Exotics For Sale at Experience Auto Group)And, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you can purchase all three of these cars right now, if you should like to do so. Ferrari/Maserati of Fort Lauderdale currently has a 1991 F40, 1995 F50 and 2003 Enzo for sale, among the other incredible cars in their inventory.1991 Ferrari F40 Ferrari has been driven for only a few pampered miles by its previous owners. It has been expertly maintained by Authorized Ferrari Dealers and awarded Classiche Certification by Ferrari.View Price and Listing 1995 Ferrari F50 View Price and Listing 2003 Ferrari Enzo View Price and Listing Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale invites you to feel the experience of driving into the future as the owner of one of the world's most exotic automobiles, designed to bring you the many joys of a very special car: the Ferrari. These cars are built for speed. Experience how wonderfully it handles when it hits 150 mph on the racetrack or 70 mph on the highway. With more than 400 years of experience, we understand how to handle every detail of your special purchase.

By Edward Jones – June 03, 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB Debuted in North America at Private Event

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

By Caitlin Duffy – May 20, 2015

F12berlinetta: The Last Naturally Aspirated V12 from Ferr...

Evolution and growth are two necessary things for the continuation of any species, and the same can be said about any brand. It's especially true when it comes to a car, and it seems that an era of automotive history is preparing to end and allow for that to happen.The naturally aspirated engines of the past powered some of modern history's greatest cars through milestone after milestone, and the naturally aspirated V12 engines of Ferrari's 125 S established the marque as a force to be reckoned with. But as XCarFilms ponders in their May 18 review of the F12berlinetta, it could be time for them to move on to the next new thing.(See Also: Black and Pink Ferrari FXX K Headed to China)Though the V12 engine will not be leaving Ferrari's designs, Autocar reported March 27 that a source close to the company believes all future V12s will adopt the technology from the LaFerrari, adding a 48-volt system instead of a turbocharger to the engine's set up.Will the naturally aspirated V12 become a thing of the past? Or will Ferrari squeeze it in to a few more models before giving up this small piece of their heritage to the archives and Ferrari Classiche? Let us know what you think in the comments below, then find your own naturally-aspirated model from our Ferraris for sale.View Ferraris For Sale (Source: YouTube, Autocar) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – May 19, 2015

Black and Pink Ferrari FXX K Headed to China

If you thought the Ferrari FXX K was unique looking in a red livery, wait until you see this.As hinted at in an Instagram post by @mhjqm on May 17, China will soon be getting a black and pink FXX K. According to Auto Gespot Ferrari news.(Source: Instagram, AutoGespot.nl)

By Caitlin Duffy – May 05, 2015

Dario Benuzzi Tests F40, F50, Enzo & LaFerrari Back to Back

The name "Ferrari" in itself holds nearly unparalleled levels of history, but nothing can quite compare to that history materializing in the form of four monumental models and one legendary test driver.If you don't know his name, you undoubtedly have seen his work. Dario Benuzzi has been Ferrari's most important test driver, putting every production model created from the 246 Dino through today.TopGear called him the "Horse Whisperer" in their Aug. 23, 2011 interview, a title that is more than appropriate. His notes and feedback have determined the driving experience of more than 40 years worth of vehicles, meaning nobody knows just how these ponies prance quite like he does.(See Also: First Look at the New Ferrari 488 Spider)And in the video above, he shares a quick bit of insight into the driving experiences, and the emotions elicited, by four of Ferrari's technological milestones. Uploaded to YouTube May 3 by Ferrari.com, it shows Benuzzi in the driver's seat of an F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari, looking right at home flying around the Fiorano test circuit at speeds well over 125+ mph.Give the video a look above, and when you're done, find one of these momentous milestones for your own collection from our exclusive listings.View All Ferrari Listings(Source: YouTube, Top Gear) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – May 05, 2015

First Look at the New Ferrari 488 Spider

We've seen the new Ferrari 488 GTB and learned about what it's packing, but before it hits showroom floors we have a chance to hear its engine and see the 488 Spider variant.See More Ferrari NewsIn a video uploaded by Niki Motorsport to YouTube May 2, the world gets two special treats. Showing up first in the video is the 488 GTB and its lovely exhaust note. The turbochargers sound off when accelerating, but the engine is powerful enough to give off a deep growl, especially during shifts. (Related: Ferrari 488 GTB Configurator Launched)After the 488 GTB, we get our first glimpse at what looks like a 488 Spider variant. Even though it's under heavy camouflage, the rear windshield and roof of the car show signs of a convertible. What name will this new model carry? We are unsure, but be sure to check back for more information on this mysterious Ferrari as it is released. In the meantime, leave your thoughts as to what you think its name will be in the comments below.Ferraris For Sale(Source: YouTube)

By Caitlin Duffy – March 31, 2015

LaFerrari Burnout in Warehouse: $3,000 Donuts

There are few things more satisfying than watching a powerful car take its piece of machinery take its abilities and put them to the asphalt. And there are few people who capture this happening more often than Shmee150.A video added to YouTube March 29 shows a Ferrari LaFerrari leaving some significant tire marks on the floor of what appears to be a warehouse, with a small but excited crowd watching this sonorous show.The squeal of tires on the ground can be heard over the engine's consistent roar as this LaFerrari skids around, with smoke clearing behind it the whole way. But just how much will it cost to replace those tires for the next trip around the track? View All Ferrari Listings (Source: YouTube via Carbuzz, Motor Authority, Ferrari of Tampa Bay) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB vs. F12berlinetta (Spec Comparison)

Ferrari has added a new stallion to their stable in the form of the 488 GTB. This new model comes forty years after Ferrari unveiled their first ever mid-rear-engined V8 mode, the 308 GTB. However, while the 488 GTB has a V8 powerhouse, there is one difference between it and the 308 GTB: a turbocharger.Ferrari For SaleThanks to the addition of the turbocharger, this new model is absolutely quick.Before the 488 GTB, there was the F12berlinetta, which is the most powerful series-production Ferrari ever created. An award-winning V12 engine provides the F12berlinetta with raw power.(See Also: Yellow Ferrari Enzo Sold at Ferrari of New England)Between the 488 GTB and the F12berlinetta, their main difference is their engines. With that being said, how do these cars stack up against each other? Is the V12 more powerful than the turbocharged V8? Is acceleration in the 488 GTB faster or slower than in the F12berlinetta? All of these questions are answered below in our head-to-head spec comparison. Engine: 6.3-liter V12Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automaticHorsepower: 731Torque: 508 lb-ftDry Weight: 3,362 lbsLength: 181.8 inches0-62 mph: 3.1 secondsTop Speed: 211+ mphFiorano Lap Time: 1'23"Power-to-weight: 4.6 lbs/1 hp Ferrari 488 GTB For Sale Engine: Turbocharged 3.9-liter V8Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automaticHorsepower: 660Torque: 560 lb-ftDry Weight: 3,020 lbsLength: 179.8 inches0-62 mph: 3.0 secondsTop Speed: 205+ mphFiorano Lap Time: 1'23"Power-to-weight: 4.6 lbs/1 hpSurprising, no? As we can see, these two cars are very similar when it comes down to the brass tacks. While the F12berlinetta has a more powerful engine than the 488 GTB, their weight and size allow for an even power-to-weight ratio. The only real edge either has over the other are the 488 GTB's faster 0-62 mph time and the F12berlinetta's reported top speed, but a higher top speed for the 488 GTB will surely be posted when it is released to customers.But, while these numbers are nice to look at, you won't really know which one you prefer until you get out there and drive one for yourself. So, get out there and test drive one today (you may have to wait a bit on test driving the 488 GTB). (Spec. Source: Ferrari) See More Ferrari Articles

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2015

All Five Ferrari Supercars In One Place, Revving Included

Ferrari has created five generations of super cars in their time: the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari. Each is well respected in the automotive world for their distinct personalities and traditional Ferrari styling.To celebrate Ferrari's supercar legacy, Miller Motorcars Photos by: Chris Petruccio Source:

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