Ferrari News

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

By Andrew Nabors – September 19, 2018

2017 Ferrari 70th Anniversary California T For Sale

Who says automakers don't listen to their fans? In the hit CBS series Magnum, PI, Tom Selleck drove a 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS around Oahu solving crimes. And it was this show that inspired Ferrari to build a 70th Anniversary California T in a matching motif. Just like Magnum's ride, this car wears Rosso Corsa Metallic over Camoscio Leather. It is one-of-one thanks to the Tailor Made program. This one-owner car was sold new by Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale, and it is Certified Pre-Owned. It was rarely driven and remains under warranty until 6/1/20. Complimentary maintenance through June of 2024. It is loaded with every carbon fiber option in a special order matte, and there's leather everywhere. A black roof and black leather headliner offer nice contrasts to the 2-tone seats and yellow tachometer. Each of the seats also features the same stitching pattern as the 308. The Speciale Handling Package includes stiffer springs and sway bars, along with aggressive shifting by the 7-speed dual-clutch. Anniversary Edition cars are already going up in value, so don't miss this opportunity. Ferrari Maserati of Fort Lauderdale has a complete history since new, so click the link below to learn more about this collectible California. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2018

2017 Ferrari California T Anniversary Heading to Mecum Mo...

To celebrate their 70th Anniversary, Ferrari built 70 special examples of the California T. Of those, only a handful were custom ordered through their Tailor Made program. What you see here is the ONLY Anniversary Edition to be finished in Blu NART. It was built as an homage to the launch edition of the legendary 365 GTB/4, complete with Rosso Ferrari Daytona seats. Contrasting red and black Connolly leather can be found on the headliner, upper and lower dash, and many other areas. This was not an easy task, as the headliner of the folding hardtop is made of many pieces. The California T has received praise around the world as having the best qualities of a coupe with the grace of a proper roadster. Even with the top down, there is room for groceries or clothes for a weekend getaway. Under the hood is a twin turbo 3.9-liter V8 that offers 560 horsepower and 557 lb-ft of torque. You will reach 60 mph in 3.6 seconds thanks to the 7-speed F1 transmission. As if all this wasn't enough, it was ordered with the Handling Speciale package and 20" wheels finished in Argento Nürburgring. Scuderia shields and embroidered Cavalino horses on the headrests will make a statement anywhere you go, so make sure you are registered to bid on this beauty before next Saturday. This 1 of 1 California T Anniversary is expected to bring upwards of $375,000, so be sure to tune into their YouTube stream. We will be there also, supporting the best auction house in the industry. Stay with us for all your Mecum coverage. View This Car's Listing Here

By Andrew Nabors – March 04, 2017

Ferrari California T: Torque in a Topless Twin Turbo

It is important to remind yourself that the Ferrari California T is a GT car. As in, it’s a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense. Driving around town is very easy, competent and efficient, which may sound a bit boring, but it’s not meant to be. Obviously the car looks fantastic and people will check it out, but when you are just heading to run an errand you want your vehicle to achieve that without heroics. I was personally happy that the California T was so functional for everyday use. But show the car enough room and it reminds you it was designed to eat up long fast roads with style and speed, not just perform at the max for short bursts.The best way to drive the California T is to let the car do all the work, as it certainly knows how. My favorite moments came when driving in third/fourth gear, sweeping corners that allowed the seemingly constant torque range to launch me from one to the other. The small twin-scroll turbos spool up quickly and deliver huge amounts of power almost immediately. With no lag above 2,500 rpm, you can smoothly, but energetically, roll back on the gas and balance the car mid corner for a fast exit. I like the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It makes the right noises on a downshift in sport mode, but perhaps what will impress you most is what you don’t feel: those irritating bumps and ripples from the road. This agile touring Ferrari absorbs them like a pro without giving up performance when pushed hard in corners.People often ask about ceramic brake discs on a road car and how they work at slower speeds. They come standard on the California T and with a bit of temperature in them, they are amazing. That heat will be easy to generate, as drivers tend to enjoy spirited bursts of acceleration. The best part? Doing all this with the top down. My advice for the complete California experience is to find any excuse for a drive out of town, head somewhere for a great lunch with a friend and roll into those sweeping turns. Or, skip lunch, and head into the sunset. If you are looking for a Ferrari for sale, consider the California T, as it packs a wallop of a punch in a classy convertible.$202,723 | 3.8L twin-turbo V-8 | 553 hp | 0–60: 3.6 seconds Top Speed: 196 mph | Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | Torque: 557 foot-pounds

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 16, 2016

How to Play Basketball While Going 136 mph in a Ferrari

What you'll need: A basketball A mobile basketball hoop An open track A Ferrari California T A driver How it works: Get in the passenger seat of your Ferrari and hold the basketball. Once driver hits 136 mph, throw the basketball straight into the air Watch as friends with mobile basketball hoop try to ensure basketball makes it into the hoop The guys of How Ridiculous wanted to have a little fun with a basketball, and judging by the video, it looks like they succeeded. Ever thought about racing down the speedway and trying to shoot a basketball? These guys did, too. In fact, they're known for the basketball antics. Check out the full video below to watch the action.Ferrari Californias for Sale

By Edward Jones – June 10, 2016

#TheDriver, Ferrari California T HS and Dream On!

This stylish video shows the latest and greatest convertible GT from Ferrari: the California T Handling Speciale, the dream car for your dream job, #TheDriver. Going along with the sounds of Enzo Ferrari’s inspirational interviews are scenes of what your day can be behind the wheel of a Ferrari California T:an exhilarating journey like the one of #The Driver. And, this makes perfect sense, considering Ferrari was born and bred behind one of the world’s most thrilling sports: motorsports. The HS stands for Handling Speciale, meaning it provides an even sportier and more involved driving experience. How is this done? Ferrari has given the California T HS a more “sportier” engine sound thanks to a new exhaust system, reduced its body roll, reduced steering wheel activity, improved steering responsiveness, stiffer springs (16 percent more up front and 19 percent in the rear). Never before has the Ferrari California been more agile around corners, nor has it sounded so beautiful. What’s more, none of these modifications impede on the car’s comfort. If #TheDriver needs an even sportier drive, the new California T HS offers the mannettino’s Sport mode. Through this bespoke solution, the damper settings and springs become stiffer, allowing for a more aggressive driving and more feedback to the road beneath. Making the whole experience of driving the Ferrari California T HS all the better is the ability to put down the top and enjoy the fresh air. Those who are looking to become a part of this journey or are already enjoying it ought to check out Mattioli Automotive Group’s exceptional dealers in California: Ferrari Beverly Hills, Ferrari Los Angeles, Ferrari South Bay and Ferrari Silicon Valley. Mattioli Automotive Group is proud to offer California’s largest community of Ferraristitheir exquisite boutiques. Their showrooms not only offer state-of-the-art new and pre-owned sales and Factory-Authorized Service Center, but also Classiche factory certification, collision repair and genuine parts. Do they stop there? Of course not. Knowing that Ferraris were built around racing, they have their very own Championship-winning racing team – Scuderia Corsa. If you’d like to learn more about everything that Mattioli Automotive Group has to offer or are interested in your very own California T HS, be sure to click the button below. Learn more

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 12, 2016

Ferrari 2015 Models- Ferrari Prices, Reviews, Specs and P...

Beloved Italian car maker. Risk taker. Boundary pusher. Ferrari has been gifting the auto world with one masterpiece after another. From the track to the streets, their models continuously push the limits and give brand enthusiasts reason enough to stay on their toes. Famed on the track and reveled on the street, Ferrari is a force of nature. Let's take a look at some of their most iconic models. 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia 562 hp 4.5-liter V8 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds MSRP: $239,340 Futuristic and dynamic, the 458 Italia is a picture of handling and driver-experience perfection. What driver's can't deny is the amazing sound that erupts from this powerful machine when started up thanks to a 4.5-liter V8 engine. 2015 Ferrari California T 553 hp 3.9 liter TT V8 0-60 seconds in 3.6 seconds Thanks to a hybrid engine, the California T picks up an extra 70 horsepower coupled with 49% more torque, and amazingly, fuel consumption actually drops by 15%, increasing the range by about 20%. 2015 Ferrari f12tdf 770 hp 6.3-liter V12 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds Superior aerodynamics, agility and power characterize this race worthy super car made for the streets. The f12tdf combines all of the elements of an esteemed track-ready car with ease of use for the most novel of drivers. Only 799 produced-- worldwide. 2015 Ferrari f12berlinetta 731 hp 6.3-liter V12 0-6 mph in 3.1 seconds MSRP: $319,999 Powerful. Aerodynamic. In fact, the F12Berlinetta is the most powerful and aerodynamic of all series-production Ferraris. The F12Berlinetta comes in at a mere 3,362 pounds and boasts a narrower, shorter body that's also lower to the ground than the 599 GTB Fiorano-- the model that inspired the F12Berlinetta. 2015 Ferrari FF 651 hp 6.3-liter V12 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds MSRP: $295,000 Aptly named, the FF is a four-wheel drive sports car fit for four passengers. Dubbed "the most powerful four-seater in the world" the FF performs no matter the terrain or conditions. Experience 20 percent more power while still saving 25 percent more fuel thanks to the seven-sped-dual-clutch F1 gearbox-- a first for a V12. 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari 949 hp 6.3 liter V12 + 2.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack 0-60 in 2.4 seconds MSRP: $1.4 million Trend setting. Boundary-pushing. Characterized as Ferrari's "most ambitious project yet", the LaFerrari boasts an unprecedented 949 horsepower. It's won Top Gear's Car of the Year award, and it's easy to see why. Not only is the model powerful, combining the best of the GT and Formula 1, but it's also a visual masterpiece. The LaFerrari is a timeless classic that will be a great addition to any collectors portfolio. 2015 Ferrari 458 Spider 570 hp 4.5-liter V8 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds MSRP: $263,553 The folding hardtop lets the sunshine come through in a mere 14 seconds. The 458 Spider features an aluminum hardtop and chassis combined with stability control and aerodynamics make for a brilliant driving experience for both the well-versed and less experienced driver.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 01, 2016

Ferrari's California T Showcased in "Deserto Rosso"

The Middle East has created much buzz for Ferrari as many of the Prancing Horse's cars have been selling in the area. Their latest video showcases the beautiful Liwa Oasis (and the Ferrari California T), an area amidst the vast deserts of the Middle East-- likely an intentional display of gratitude for the area's dedication to the brand. In the video called "Deserto Rosso", which is Italian for Red Desert, Ferrari's California T is depicted in the brand's signature red color, flanked by an additional California T in a more modest midnight blue finish. The two elegant vehicles glide through the Run' al Khali, also known as the "Empty Quarter" as the day fades into night. The California T shifted from a natural aspiration to turbocharging just a couple of years ago, and the newly released Handling Speciale Package is now available. We look forward to the official showcasing at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Check out "Deserto Rosso" by clicking play below. Ferrari California T For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 25, 2015

Novitec Rosso Ferrari California T N-Largo Unveiled

Aftermarket Ferrari tuner Novitec Rosso has unveiled the California T N-Largo. According to a June 23 article by World Car Fans, this kit for the turbocharged Ferrari features a carbon fiber widebody conversion kit that was developed in cooperation with German designer Vittorio Strosek. The front fenders add six centimeters to the front-axle's width, while the rear fenders add eleven centimeters to the back end. All of this added width makes room for the three-piece Novitec Rosso N-Largo NF5 NL alloy wheels. Matching side skirts are also included. (Related: Tailor Made Ferrari California T to be Showcased at Goodwood) Aside from aesthetic touches, the new N-Largo has added power underneath its hood. Through a retune of the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the car's power is increased by 108 hp and 71 lb-ft of torque to a total of 668 hp and 642 lb-ft. The added power gives the California T N-Largo the ability to sprint from 0-62 mph in just 3.2 seconds and hit a top speed of over 201 mph. To make all of this power sound even better than before, Novitec is also offering a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system that sounds brutal. Price points for the kit have not been issued yet, but stay with us for more information as it is released. Gallery (Source: WorldCarsFans.com) More Automotive Aftermarket News

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By Caitlin Duffy – June 24, 2015

Tailor Made Ferrari California T to be Showcased at Goodwood

Ferrari's Tailor Made program has unveiled some stunning creations in the past, each more stunning and visually arresting than the last, and their newest product from the program is no exception.As a press release release from the Italian luxury auto maker tells us, they're set to bring a Bianco Italia California T to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which runs from June 25-28. This stunning California T pays homage to the game of polo, most notably through the double-asymmetric Blu Hellen stripe on the left side of the car.Blu Hellen appears again on the 20" forged wheels, as do Argento Nürburgring accents. The interior is dominated by the warm color of Blu Sterling, with Bianco accents bringing the body color to the interior.Take a moment to check out this stunning example from Ferrari's program in the images below, then find yourself your perfect California T from our exclusive listings.Californias For Sale Gallery (Source: Ferrari) See More Ferrari News

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