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 – March 10, 2023

670-Mile Azzurro Dino 2017 Ferrari F12tdf For Sale

Strictly limited to only 799 examples, this is your opportunity to acquire one of Ferrari's most exclusive front-engine V12 models.

By Andrew Nabors – June 06, 2019

Three Matching Masterpieces from Ferrari of Long Island

Aside from the Holy Trinity, there are several examples of three being a perfect number. Today, we're bringing to you what we think is a perfect trio of supercars from Ferrari that's up for sale at Ferrari of Long Island. A majority of our readers have more than one car, and many of our subscribers have a triple threat in their garages. Such is the case of a gentleman in New York. He managed to snag not one rare Ferrari, but three of them. Each of the cars in the trio carries its own prestige and heritage. They're all up for sale right now at Ferrari of Long Island. Sure, you could buy just one of them. But wouldn't life be better knowing you had the whole set? Check them all out down below and click their corresponding buttons to view more info on each car. 2009 Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M Back in 2009 he purchased a Ferrari F430 from Ferrari of Long Island. But this example was not like the others. As one of the final examples of the F430, the factory decided to pull out all the stops. You might consider the Scuderia Spider 16M to be simply a convertible version of the Scuderia, but it is so much more. Scuderia Ferrari celebrated its 16th Formula 1 Constructor's World Championship in 2008. This record achievement was a major cause for celebration. The party was probably impressive, and the fun continued on to the assembly line. They decided to name the car 16M (Mondial means world), and build 499 examples for their best customers. This meant removing all upholstery and insulation, crafting an interior of carbon fiber, and more power. It arrived with a dry weight of only 2,954 lbs, 503 horsepower, and a chassis reinforced for racing. It was ordered with every special option available. Carbon fiber seats, contrast stitching, 3D fabric, white tachometer, and the Italian flag livery. Those stripes are a defining part of the 16M's design, so he chose to replicate it on the next limited edition model. View price and Listing 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta His 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta is also 1 of 499. It also serves as the end of the 458 series. Powered by the last naturally aspirated V8, it offers 597 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque without using turbos. It was and is the most powerful street-legal non-turbo Ferrari convertible. VIEW PRICE AND LISTING 2017 Ferrari F12tdf Another limited edition car was needed to finish the collection. Long Before Lance Armstrong, the Tour de France was a car race. One car dominated the event between 1956-'64, the iconic Ferrari 250. To celebrate the car's success, they chose to build 799 examples of the F12tdf. Under the hood is essentially a race motor. The 6.3L V12 was blessed with solid tappets and a variable geometry intake. It revs to 8,900 RPM at an instant, making 769 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque. This allowed it to lap the Fiorano test track 2 seconds faster than a normal F12, and only 1.3 seconds slower than the LaFerrari! VIEW PRICE AND LISTING An opportunity like this won't happen again. Each example will only become more valuable, so it makes sense to purchase all three. If not, please allow them to be reunited on a regular basis. Tell us your favorite in the comments below, and stay with us for more amazing offers from Ferrari of Long Island. Images by Michael Neamonitakis

By Edward Jones – October 10, 2018

Matching Pair of Custom Rare Ferraris for Sale

On duPontREGISTRY.com there a plenty of Ferrari F12tdf and 458 Speciale Aperta cars for sale, but there's only one pair of matching cars. Up for sale at iLusso is an F12tdf and 458 Speciale Aperta pair that was ordered as a matching pair of cars. The owner commissioned Ferrari to have the cars configured with matching styling on the exterior and interior and from the looks of it, Ferrari nailed it.The cars come in a yellow finish with a racing stripe design running down the center of them both. Inside is a black interior, complete with yellow and what looks like orange/red trim. Each of the cars has the same colors both inside and out, and mirror each other as best as the car's designs allowed. Check each of them out down below. 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta View Listing and More 2017 Ferrari F12tdf View Listing and More

By Andrew Nabors – June 17, 2016

2016 Ferrari F12tdf For Sale: 1 of 799

Most people associate the Tour de France with human powered transportation, but the original race was done with automobiles. Ferrari's F12tdf is named for the race because like the early racers, this modern supercar pushes the limits of traction and horsepower. Only 799 cars will be produced, and only a fraction will make their way to the US.Ferrari F12tdf For Sale Our friends a Fusion Luxury somehow acquired this one with only 101 miles on the odometer. By utilizing some of the high revving features of their F1 program, it uses solid lifters and high compression to make 769 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed F1 transmission has unique gearing to keep the engine in its powerband along with a top speed north of 211. Compared to an F12berlinetta, the body is more aggressive to handle the increased speeds. Ferrari says the aero efficiency of the F12tdf is almost twice that of the base model.Ferrari F12 For Sale (Related: 2012 RUF CTR3 Clubsport For Sale)As you can see in the window sticker, this car was ordered with every option. The interior is awash in red leather and carbon fiber, with a linear tachometer for the enjoyment of your passenger. If you think you can handle the rarity and the power, Fusion Motors has your next ride.View Listing

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 05, 2016

Trunk Space: Ferrari LaFerrari vs F12tdf

Generally speaking, those that own a LaFerrari or an F12tdf have another, more practical, "everyday" car to run errands and go grocery shopping. But let's pretend for a second that one of these supercars is the only option for running daily errands. Which one would make the cut when it comes to compartment space? After all, weekly grocery shopping means multiple bags and storage is necessary to get those bags home.Ferrari - Average Cargo Capacity vs. Peer Groups | AxleGeeks In the video below, YouTuber, alexsmolik, compares the available trunk space of the LaFerrari and the F12tdf and determines which one would suffice for the mundane, yet unavoidable, errand running. Which car do you think will offer more trunk space? LaFerrari's For Sale | F12berlinetta's For Sale

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 Caitlin Duffy – November 09, 2015

Ferrari F12tdf Fully Introduced at Finali Mondiali

Ferrari has introduced a new beast to its stable in the form of the F12tdf, a limited edition variant of the F12berlinetta, and it was unveiled to the world this past weekend in a most fitting fashion.The Ferrari Finali Mondiali took place this past weekend, from Nov. 6-8, with the marque pulling out the best of the best for a three day show in Mugello, Italy. An average of 4 press releases and videos a day were issued by the marque during this event, and among all the photos and footage of the 50,000 person crowd were shots of the F12tdf in action.The V12-powered F12berlinetta variant is capable of creating an impressive 780 hp, and as one Nov. 8 release describes, it pays tribute to the Tour de France Automobile. A limited run of 799 examples will be created, three of which were present in Mugello that day. Two in classic Ferrari red and one in a bright yellow tore around the track and showed off their engine notes, with one stopping for a few donuts before continuing on its way.Not surprisingly, all of the performance numbers for the F12berlinetta are improved upon with this new model. A run from 0 to 62 mph takes just 2.9 seconds now, while 0-124 mph is down to 7.9 seconds. A full lap around the Fiorano track is 1 minute 21 seconds, a 2 second cut from the F12berlinetta's time.On Nov. 9, Ferrari shared a video of the three F12tdfs at the Finali Mondiali event, while Marchettino shared his capture of the day on Nov. 8. Check out these two videos above and below to see and hear this beast. If the redesigned exterior isn't quite your style, find one of the original F12berlinettas for your collection from our exclusive listings.F12berlinettas For Sale Gallery (via Ferrari, YouTube) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – October 26, 2015

Ferrari F12tdf: Which Color Is Best?

Ferrari only just released the F12tdf Oct. 13 and we are already starting to see some amazing renderings of the car, including these renderings by Gonz Photography.These show the F12tdf in four different colors, which include red, blue, black and white. These colors offer a very different view of the car, as opposed to the yellow shade it was unveiled in.Which of these four colors is your favorite? Be sure to vote in the poll below.In case you have yet to hear of the F12tdf, this car is a variant of the 6.3-liter-powered F12berlinetta. Numerous engine modifications by Ferrari’s engineers boost power from the V12 from 730 hp to 769 hp, and 508 lb-ft of torque up to 519 lb-ft. It comes with a newly designed body, better performance and a limited run of only 799 examples. (Source: Gonz Photography) More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – October 15, 2015

How Ferrari Modified the F12tdf's Engine For Maximum Power

Ferrari's new F12tdf not only sports a new design for the F12berlinetta, it also has a more powerful engine. For comparison's sake, the original F12berlinetta makes 730 hp and 508 lb-ft of torque. The new F12tdf has its V12's power increased to 769 hp and 519 lb-ft. But where is this added power coming from?Cue Ferrari's media team.Yesterday, Oct. 14, Ferrari put together a great video that displays just how they ramped up the V12's power for the new F12tdf. What's included in the upgrades? It ranges from "wider, but lighter airbox capacity," to the mechanical tappets. Check the video out for yourself by clicking the play button below.(Source: YouTube) Ferrari Videos, News and Picshttps://instagram.com/p/8y6Y9Ry3od/

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2015

Official: Limited Edition Ferrari F12tdf

A brand-new and extreme variant of the Ferrari F12berlinetta has just been unveiled to the world: the Ferrari F12tdf. Unlike the past F12 special editions, this one will have a higher production number that makes it much more attainable.Why "tdf?" This car is meant to pay homage to the Tour de France Automobile, a historic race that ran between 1899 and 1986. It was a race that Ferrari dominated back in the 1950s and '60s.Do all of these modifications to the powertrain and overall build of the car result in faster performance? You bet.• 0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds (.2 secs quicker)• 0-124 mph: 7.9 seconds (.6 secs quicker)• Fiorano Lap Time: 1'21" (2 secs quicker)Inside, Ferrari breathed more sportiness into the cockpit through a wrap-around effect and the extensive use of carbon fiber. They also used Alcantara instead of traditional leather, and technical fabric for the seats.Ferrari is only planning on making 799 examples of the car. So, if you're interested, you better act quickly.F12s For Sale (Source: Ferrari) Ferrari News, Pics and Videos

Ferrari News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe