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.

2022 ferrari sf90 stradale 995000 1481802411

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 23, 2022

This Tailor Made 2022 Ferrari SF90 Stradale For Sale Is A...

Fast, luxurious, and bespoke, this Ferrari SF90 is the full package. The Ferrari SF90 is Ferrari’s new flagship supercar that uses hybrid power to achieve incredible performance, even outrunning the legendary LaFerrari around the Fiorano circuit. With incredible performance innovation, beautiful Ferrari design, and bespoke luxury, there isn’t any characteristic of this 2022 Ferrari SF90 Stradale for sale that doesn’t speak to everything an excellent supercar should be. Owning this car not only means you’ll have one of the fastest cars around but also the most stunningly unique, as this specific example is a Tailor Made Ferrari, with bespoke details that make it one-of-a-kind. MUST READ: Ferrari SF90 Asseto Fiorano in Rosso TRS with Kuroki Superstone Bleach Denim The special livery on the car is predominantly in a Bianco King white color, with a Rosso Corsa set of stripes running down the middle and details in Blue Swaters, and it’s inspired by the Ferrari 360 Challenge race car that was a part of the Ferrari Challenge championship in the 2000s. With carbon fiber rims, the exterior shows off even more style, innovation, and dedication to ultimate performance. The interior is finished in red leather with white sprinkled throughout, and serves as a perfect complement to a Tailor Made Ispirazioni Ferrari SF90 Stradale that goes beyond the glory of being the flagship supercar from the brand, and makes for a car that simply can’t be duplicated. Better yet, it’s for sale at Ferrari Beverly Hills through duPont REGISTRY, and you can see more details by clicking below. View Price And Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 14, 2022

Ferrari Launches A New Online Configurator For The Purosa...

As Ferrari travels in a new direction, freedom of expression comes with it. The new Ferrari Purosangue is a vehicle that marks many firsts for the Ferrari brand, as its first SUV, first four-door, and first vehicle with four individually adjustable seats. However, quite a few aspects of the Purosangue are business as usual for the Ferrari brand, like the V12 engine, even weight distribution, racing-ready innovation, and technology throughout. Most visibly is the level of customization that few brands are able to match, and to show off just how unique each Purosangue owner can make their Ferrari SUV, the brand has revealed an online configurator where visitors to the website can customize their very own virtual Ferrari Purosangue. MUST READ: Ferrari Purosangue, Price, Specs, Photos & Review Besides the fact that car configurators can be quite the fun way to pass the time for any car enthusiast, the new Ferrari Purosangue configurator is a great demonstration of the details that can be specified, from the roof to the carpets to the exhaust pipes. With the attention to detail that only an exquisite brand like Ferrari can offer, the new Purosangue configurator continues to show off the fact that when Ferrari does a luxury performance SUV, or anything for the first time, it’s done in a way that way no other brand can do it. Visit the configurator here, and build your dream Ferrari Purosangue SUV. View All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 12, 2022

Ferrari Releases A New Teaser For The Purosangue SUV

Ferrari takes the name “Purosangue” very seriously. With only a day remaining until the unveiling of the new Ferrari Purosangue, the brand’s first SUV, Ferrari has released another teaser to continue building the anticipation for the launch. While the SUV is a significant departure for the brand, known for decades for its race cars, stunning Italian sports cars, and supercars, the Purosangue is very much a Ferrari at heart, with its name literally translating to “pure blood” in Italian. With this teaser, Ferrari has confirmed an important aspect of the new Purosangue that proves just how pure-blooded it is as a Ferrari, and it’s an aspect that few new cars in the entire automotive world share: a V12 engine. MUST READ: The Best Ferraris You Can Buy Today While there has been little doubt that the Ferrari Purosangue would come with a V12 engine, especially with Ferrari revealing the engine note of the new SUV recently, Ferrari has said itself that the Ferrari Purosangue will enter the world as part of a dying breed of V12-powered cars. On top of that, even in the luxury performance SUV world, the V12 engine sets the Ferrari Purosangue apart from its peers and makes it as unique and special as a Ferrari should be. With one day remaining until the reveal of the new Ferrari Purosangue, we know it will be a new chapter in Ferrari’s history, but a Ferrari just as much as all the others. View All Ferraris For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ferrari (@ferrari) Source: Instagram/Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 06, 2022

PUMA Celebrates Ferrari's 75th Anniversary With The New G...

The first portion of the release features a motorsport-inspired race t-shirt in Ferrari's famous Giallo Modena colorway. Ferrari operates under its historic lineage in the world of motorsports, building its brand on the foundation of its success both on and off the racetrack. Although one of its most memorable marketing slogans states “you can have this car in any color you like under the condition that you like the color red”, Ferrari also commemorates yellow as another significant finish in its extensive color palette. Ferrari is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary by highlighting the legendary Giallo Modena Special Edition with the performance specialists at PUMA Motorsport. With red taking the back seat for this release, PUMA presents the exclusive Replica Ferrari Motorsport T-shirt in an eye-catching yellow colorway that embraces the sense of racing passion, pride, and emotion. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers By Puma Motorsport Available Now As part of the Giallo Modena Special Edition Collection, the motorsport-inspired t-shirt showcases the same design worn by Scuderia Ferrari F1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. The shirt includes period-correct sponsors as well as the Ferrari 75th anniversary logo, making it instantly recognizable throughout the paddock of any Formula 1 race event. Made from premium materials that uphold Ferrari’s high expectations, the Giallo Modena Special Edition t-shirt releases just in time for the upcoming 2022 Italian Grand Prix. Along with the motorsport t-shirt, the Giallo Modena Special Edition Collection will also feature other head-to-toe styles that recognize the success of the iconic Italian supercar manufacturer. Shop all of the Ferrari x PUMA Motorsport clothing, accessories, and footwear by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury gear releases and Ferrari news. SHOP PUMA X FERRARI PUMA Source: PUMA

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 06, 2022

Ferrari Reveals The Engine Note Of The New Purosangue SUV

The reveal of the Ferrari Purosangue is so close, that we can hear it coming. Like many brands of a similar caliber, Ferrari is cautious with what it does and prefers to stick to tradition and the tried and true way of doing things rather than immediately hopping on trends. However, it seems that the Italian luxury automaker has finally decided to participate in one of the most captivating automotive trends of the moment that is currently taking the entire automotive industry by storm with a combination of world-class luxury, performance, and practicality. With its first SUV, Ferrari is finally entering the highly competitive ring of luxury performance SUVs, and it’s going to be great as any new addition to Ferrari’s portfolio is. MUST READ: Ferrari’s F1 Clienti and XX Racing Program Come To Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Now, Ferrari has announced that more regarding the new Purosangue will be revealed on September 13. With a week remaining until the unveiling of the new car, Ferrari has let us listen to the engine note of the new SUV. With the engine being the subject of much speculation, especially as the V12 falls out of favor for many brands in light of growing environmental concerns, it has been hotly debated in the months leading up to the Purosangue’s reveal as to whether or not a V12 engine will be under the hood. This new engine note certainly adds another piece to the puzzle, but where there’s no doubt or question is in the fact that the Purosangue will be an iconic entry into Ferrari’s portfolio. For many brands, and especially those focused on performance cars, SUVs have been the highest-selling models, but Ferrari will differ from its peers by making the Purosangue exclusive, similar to its performance cars and supercars. View All Ferraris For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ferrari (@ferrari) Source: Instagram/Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 31, 2022

Ferrari's F1 Clienti and XX Racing Program Come To Circui...

A stampede of the Prancing Horse’s greatest racing machines comes to Spain. Some of Ferrari’s greatest creations are its track-only cars. Without having to consider street use, the engineers are able to go all-out when it comes to performance and create cars that can only be described as formidable when it comes to power, speed, and ability to dominate corners and straights alike. Whether it's any of the numerous customer racing models that Ferrari has released over the years, or the retired cars from Ferrari’s world-famous Formula 1 team that are sold to clients who can then race them with the brand, Ferrari’s F1 Clienti and XX Program make for the most incredible of track days, and this season comes to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for its 7th round, from August 31 to September 1. MUST READ: Why You Should Buy A Ferrari Roma As part of the events, the F2008 F1 car driven by Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa is making a special return to the track, wherein the 2008 F1 season the car achieved a one-two finish on the track, with Raikkonen setting pole and the Grand Prix’s fastest lap. Also at the event will be Fernando Alonso’s 2011 Ferrari F150. Nearly 30 Ferrari race cars will be participating in the XX Program activities, with the FXX-K Evo being the most popular of the bunch. 12 of the 1,050-horsepower, V12-powered machines will be there, along with 7 FXX Evos, 6 599X Evos, 2 FXX-Ks, as well as 2 599XX cars on the track. Track days are always an amazing time, whether to watch or participate in, and an all-Ferrari track day is even better. View All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 29, 2022

Watch The Ferrari F12berlinetta Reach 209 MPH On The Auto...

This video shows that Ferrari performance is ahead of its time. The Ferrari F12berlinetta has been out of Ferrari’s portfolio for some time, but as with any Ferrari, not only is it in recent memory, but it also boasts Ferrari power, speed, and beauty that impresses for generations. The front-mounted V12 engine delivers 730 horsepower, which remains a number that puts it in an incredibly high class of performance even despite the fact that the car has since been replaced in Ferrari’s lineup by the 812 Superfast. That power translates to speed, and YouTube channel AutoTopNL put that speed to the test with absolutely amazing results. MUST READ: Why You Should Buy A Ferrari Roma The car was able to climb to an incredible speed on the German Autobahn of 209 mph, which is incredible for any car, but especially for a front-engined grand tourer that was first introduced over a decade ago. As a bonus, you’ll also get to hear the beautiful engine note coming from the V12 when the car reaches that speed, and it proves the timelessness of Ferrari cars when it comes to luxury, beauty, style, passion, and most of all, performance. View All Ferrari F12berlinettas For Sale Source: YouTube/AutoTopNL

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 19, 2022

Ferrari Releases Two New Sunglasses To Its Luxury Lifesty...

The latest limited edition collection of Ferrari sunglasses has arrived. The vision portrayed through Ferrari supercars is a perfect blend of luxury and performance, offering a truly unique driving experience whether it's on track or around town. It's a recipe that the Italian automotive manufacturer has perfected to the point of implementing it into a collection of lifestyle apparel and accessories. Ferrari Style embodies the artistic inspiration behind twin-turbocharged V8 engines and loud sports exhaust systems, transitioning from the garage to the closet. As part of its premium eyewear line, Ferrari is proud to debut two all-new sunglass styles that feature contoured lines, sleek frames, and mirrored lenses. MUST-READ: Shop The All-New Ferrari Fall/Winter ’22-’23 Fashion Collection, Available Now The new additions to the collection incorporate a perfect touch of sporty luxury, showcasing both a large one-piece frame and a more traditionally sleek square lens variation. The Ferrari Mask sunglasses integrate a single lens flanked by sections featuring different shades of color. The premium Italian crafted metal frame includes waved temples, joining rivets and nose pads in titanium, along with the brand's iconic Italian prancing horse. The second release takes shape as Ferrari’s new sunglasses inspired by speed and Speedform lines. Its frame boasts a fluid and wraparound construction embodying a futuristic design. The two new Ferrari sunglass models come in a variation of colors and are currently available via preorder for $1,700 on the Ferrari Store website. View all of the current Ferrari examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury gear releases and automotive news. VIEW ALL FERRARI FOR SALE Source: Ferrari Store

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 12, 2022

The Ferrari 250 GTO Announced As The 2022 Pebble Beach To...

The poster art by artist Tim Layzell showcases the very best when it comes to vintage automotive excellence. As the 2022 Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex quickly approaches, world-renowned manufacturers and passionate car enthusiasts prep for one of the most exclusive automotive events of the year. Taking place on the magnificent landscape of Pebble Beach, the breathtaking California coast poses the perfect location to showcase the very best examples that the world has to offer. As part of a longstanding tradition that commemorates the monumental occasion, a series of posters are unveiled as collectible art pieces for those in attendance. The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance is proud to showcase the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO as its 2022 poster car. MUST-READ: Sotheby’s Sealed: One-Off Nardo F40 “Competizione” The Ferrari 250 GTO shapes itself as the benchmark sports car for early 60s GT racing, with an elongated front end and memorizing body curvature that defines premium Italian design. The Ferrari 250 GTO (4153GT) featured as the lead car on the amazingly animated poster is legendary in its own right, having competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1963 for 4th overall and 2nd in class. Its resume continues with a first-place checkered flag finish at the 1964 Tour de France car race. Along with the Ferrari 250 GTO, the 2022 poster art also includes the owner’s Ferrari 250 Tour de France and Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato. The iconic poster will be available for participants and attendees of the 2022 Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, which takes place on Thursday, August 18th during Monterey Car Week. View all current Ferrari 250 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle and automotive event news. VIEW ALL FERRARI 250 FOR SALE Tim Layzell Source: Pebble Beach Concours

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 08, 2022

The Owner Of A Stock Ferrari SF90 Stradale Brought Its 0-...

Where the rubber meets the road, sometimes it’s the rubber that makes the difference. It’s no secret that the Ferrari SF90 is quite the fast car, and as a matter of fact, it’s even quicker than the legendary LaFerrari around the Fiorano Circuit. It’s one of the fastest cars to ever wear the Prancing Horse badge, and that’s reflected in the car’s ability to hit 60 mph in as little as 2.5 seconds. YouTube channel DragTimes has had a Ferrari SF90 for long enough that it has come time to change the tires, and with the Ferrari having difficulty besting the Tesla Model S Plaid on the drag strip, this was an opportunity to give the SF90 a new advantage. MUST READ: Ferrari Announces A New Red Called Rosso Giudecca For Its Interiors DragTimes put a new set of Toyo Proxes R888R tires on the SF90, which are grippier, albeit heavier than the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that the car comes with from the factory. Along with that, the Toyo tires have other disadvantages compared to the Michelin set, as they are noisier than the Pilot Sport Cup 2 set, which has foam insulation to reduce road noise. However, the Toyo set was able to significantly improve the 0-60 times of the SF90, which was able to get to 60 mph in an even quicker 2.3 seconds, or 2.1 with a rollout, rather than the factory car’s 2.5-second capability. With a new set of tires, DragTimes found out that the Ferrari SF90 has an even higher performance potential than we once thought. View All Ferrari SF90s For Sale Source: YouTube/DragTimes

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