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 – November 22, 2021

Ferrari Finali Mondiali 2021: New and Classic Icons Gathe...

If you attended this event, you won't be forgetting it any time soon. Every year, Ferrari puts on the Finali Mondiali event to wrap up the 2021 racing season. For this year, Ferrari went all out to make the event a truly special one at the Mugello Circuit. The mixture of vehicles in attendance gave spectators the chance to see an almost dizzying amount of Ferraris. There were iconic models, race cars, modern hypercars, supercars, Formula 1 cars, and even a brand-new model, all of which were Ferraris. Source: Motor 1 Italia To start off the event, there were three Ferrari Formula 1 race cars that took to the track, driven by Giancarlo Fisichella, Olivier Beretta, and Andrea Bertolini. After their series of sprints, burnouts, and pit stops, the GT Competition cars came out in a parade of speed and overtaking. For the finale of the action at the Finali Mondiali, Ferrari brought out the new Daytona SP3 that was flanked by the 330 P3/4, the 330 P4, and 412P. Source: Motor 1 Italia Seeing these cars altogether in one place was quite the experience, but it was also very special for Luka Nurmi who became the youngest winner in Ferrari Challenge history and also became the youngest to ever win the world championship. As for the AM class world title, that went to Christian Brunsborg. “It’s so exciting to hold this trophy in my hands”, said Nurmi after the race has concluded. “I have no words to describe my mood. I’m simply thrilled!” To wrap the event up, awards were handed out during the evening to winners of the European and North American Ferrari Challenge series winners. This also gave everyone a chance to celebrate Ferrari's 2021 season in the world of motorsport, including the victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Spa. Speakers during the evening event included Chairman John Elkann, Chief Executive Officer Benedetto Vigna, Vice Chairman Piero Ferrari, and Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Enrico Galliera. While those who attended the Ferrari Finali Mondiali 2021 are still going through the pictures they took at the event and reminiscing, Ferrari has already announced that the next event will take place at The Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari in Imola. This event will run from October 26 to 31, 2022. All Ferraris For Sale Image Source: Motor 1 Italia

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 22, 2021

Shop The Ferrari Nitefox GT Sneaker by PUMA Available Now

Ferrari x Puma rule the fashion runway as well as the race car circuit. For Ferrari, the only thing that helps provide the traction needed to properly manage the 949-horsepower capability of the Ferrari LaFerrari is a set of Pirelli performance tires. While off the track, the Ferrari brand displays its design qualities on the runway with a dedicated collection of apparel, accessories, and footwear that incorporates inspiration from legendary Ferrari supercars. Ferrari fashion is proud to showcase its new addition to its line of premium footwear collection, the Ferrari Nitefox GT sneakers. In collaboration with the footwear professionals at PUMA Motorsport, Scuderia Ferrari sets out to offer a stylish and functional option for the automotive collectors and enthusiasts of the world. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers By Puma Motorsport Available Now The upper portion of the Nitefox GT is crafted from Puma White leather with small hints of Ferrari’s iconic Rosso Corsa Red found on the heel tab and insoles. As part of its design, the Nitefox GT features wind takes that pay homage to the classic Ferrari Testarossa’s aerodynamics. The outsole design mimics the pattern of a well-structured performance tire that focuses on adding grip to achieve the perfect lap time. With a complex tread pattern, the Ferrari Nitefox GT is set to take on any weather conditions thrown in its direction. Along with the sparkling white pair, Ferrari x Puma also released an all-black Nitefox GT with red and yellow accents. The Ferrari Nitefox GT sneaker by Puma is currently available for $450 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle gear news and releases. Shop The Ferrari Nitefox GT Sneakers Source: PUMA

By Edward Jones – November 22, 2021

Ferrari Daytona SP3 Revealed: Inspired by Legends

Ferrari's most aerodynamic car ever. The new Ferrari Daytona SP3 has been unveiled as the automaker's third entrant into their Icona line. Inspired by the 330 P3/4, the 312 P and the 350 Can-Am, the new Daytona SP3 has a wild design that is honestly unlike anything in Ferrari's lineup. But it's not just looks that make it so special, it also is packed with power. Powering the new Ferrari Daytona SP3 is the same 6.5-liter V12 from the 812 Competizione, but it's been tinkered with quite a bit. The result of Ferrari's enhancements to the engine comes out to 828 horsepower and 514 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine the automaker has ever built. Ferrari notes that it will be able to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 2.86 seconds and will sprint from 0 to 124 mph in 7.4 seconds. To allow the Ferrari Daytona SP3 to truly take advantage of its engine's power, the engineers have equipped the supercar with the company's most aerodynamically efficient body ever. What's more, Ferrari managed this feat without having to implement active aero. But the body is more than just an efficient creation, it's also downright gorgeous and unlike anything currently in Ferrari's lineup. The wheel arches in the front and rear and clearly inspired by the classic models and give the Daytona SP3 a very muscular appearance. But the most intriguing and exciting design aspect of the new Daytona is the rear where horizontal slats go from wheel to wheel, creating an amazing visual that's honestly not expected from modern Ferraris. Inside, the driver and passenger will peer onto the road through a wraparound windscreen and they'll be resting in seats that are integrated into the chassis. Because the seats are fixed, the driver will have to adjust the pedal box to find the right spot. Ferrari's main focus with this interior was to create a "snug" experience that's inspired by competition cars, and it's obvious to see from the pictures in the gallery down below. The new Daytona SP3 is a perfect car for someone wanting to experience Ferrari's racing competition heritage in a modern setting. In regards to the delivery dates, production numbers, or price of the Ferrari Daytona SP3, that's currently unknown. But, we will keep you up to date when more information is released. Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Edward Jones – November 19, 2021

New Ferrari Icona Model Spied On the Streets

Our best look yet at the new supercar. The Ferrari Icona Series was created by the Italian automaker to pay homage to their heritage through modern automobiles. Currently, the series includes the Monza SP1 and SP2 cars that were inspired by the 750 Monza, 250 Testarossa and 166 MM. Now, Ferrari is expected to reveal a new addition to the series this month and the world is excited to see what it will be. Thanks to YouTube Channel Varryx, we at least get a good glimpse as to what we can expect from the new Ferrari Icona. The video shows the supercar under soft camouflage, allowing us to get an idea of its silhouette and see a few features. According to Varryx, this new model will be based on the LaFerrari Aperta and will feature the same naturally-aspirated V12 engine as the 812 Competizione. If you click play on the video up above, you can see a few of the other features that Varryx noticed on the prototype. As for the official reveal, be sure to stay with us for all of the details when the car is eventually launched. All Ferraris For Sale Source: YouTube/Varryx

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 19, 2021

Check The Spec: Ferrari Monza SP1 Finished In A Motorspor...

The Ferrari Monza SP1 proves itself as a track star with this one-of-a-kind livery. As the Ferrari Monza SP1 continues its feature on Check The Spec, each example proves to be just as unique as the chassis before it. With the Italian supercar manufacturer’s close ties to racing, Ferrari Tailor Made worked with the lucky new owner to create a vision around the world of motorsports. This stunning Ferrari Monza SP1 features a classic Rosso Corsa exterior finish with a livery in Nero DS and a stripe in Bianco Bianco. Along with the racing-style livery, the exterior design is complemented with the number 27 on the hood and each door. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: Ferrari Monza SP2 The Monza SP1 exterior is complete with a set of silver race-style wheels and yellow brake calipers that help to manage the 810-horsepower made from its 6.5-Liter V12. Opening the driver door to the Ferrari Monza SP1 presents an interior layout that matches the exterior livery. The racing seats feature a Connolly Rossa structure with a white racing stripe hand-crafted from Vaumol Crushed 8300 Leather. The design qualities of this Ferrari Monza SP1 by Ferrari Tailor-Made embody the past, present, and future of the Ferrari brand. View all current Ferrari models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Edward Jones – November 15, 2021

Novitec Reveals New Packages for the Ferrari Roma

New enhancements for the beautiful Roma from Novitec are here. Novitec has just announced new upgrades for the Ferrari Roma that offers both added power and new exterior components. It all starts with their engine tune, which adds 84 horsepower and 90 lb-ft of torque for a total of 704 hp and 651 lb-ft. This tune changes the mapping for the injection and ignition and adjusts the boost control. For the exterior, Novitec has introduced new body components made of naked carbon fiber with a high-gloss coating. Within this suite of exterior components are a front spoiler, rocker panels, lip spoiler, diffuser insert, vertical carbon fin, carbon cover for the rear wing and carbon surrounds for the taillights. Novitec also showed off their new wheels from Vossen that are 9jx21 in the front and 12jx22 in the rear. One last introduction that Novitec announced was the new sport springs that drop the ride height by 1.37-inches. Ferrari For Sale Source: Novitec

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 11, 2021

Check The Spec: Ferrari Monza SP2

This one-of-a-kind Ferrari Monza SP2 is a product of the professionals at the Tailor-Made division. The Ferrari Monza SP2 presents itself as one of the most exclusive chassis in the fleet of performance-focused Italian supercars. With only 500 available configurations, lucky owners look for help from the Ferrari Tailor-Made division to create one-of-a-kind examples that best highlights the personality and vision behind the steering wheel. This stunning Ferrari Monza SP2 receives the full treatment from Ferrari Tailor-Made featuring an elegant Nero Stellato gloss exterior finish that modestly complements the body lines of the open cockpit supercar. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Finished In Verde British Racing Contrasting against the stealth-like paint scheme, Ferrari adds a set of matte bronze race wheels that provides traction for the 810-horsepower 6.5L V12. The interior layout of the Monza SP2 is layered in sophisticated Cannella leather with Peccary Beige inserts, giving the design a tuxedo-style look. This Ferrari Monza SP2 by Tailor Made best accentuates the blend between luxury design and Italian automotive performance. View all current Ferrari models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari For Sale Source: @Ferrari

By Edward Jones – November 11, 2021

Ferrari BR20 Revealed: A One-Off Two-Seater Based on the ...

And, yes, it's AWD. The new Ferrari BR20 has been unveiled as a one-off creation that's based on the 2+2 GTC4Lusso. Unlike its source platform, the new BR20 is a two-seater but it still retains the V12 engine and AWD layout. Ferrari says that this special project was created with touches that were inspired by their cars from the 1950s and 60s. One look of the BR20's exterior will show that the rear is much more low-slung than the GTC4Lusso and that's because the rear seats have been removed to allow for a more fastback line. In the rear, you'll also notice the arches that run from the A-pillow to the rear. These arches have been hollowed out, allowing for an air channel to be created that exits through the rear fascia under the spoiler. Other modifications to the rear include the new twin taillights, diffuser, and exhaust tips. In the front of the BR20 is a front grille complete with new horizontal slats and headlights that lower and slimmer when compared to the GTC4Lusso. Essentially, the BR20 is a bespoke masterpiece on the outside thanks to a long list of components that were made just for this special project, and that includes the 20-inch diamond-finish wheels. Inside, the bespoke touches continue and the entire cabin gives off a wonderfully classic vibe. Dark brown shades of leather fill up the interior, while carbon fiber contrasts against the lavish material, combining classic style with modern touches. The leather used for the seats, by the way, is Heritage di Moro-- even the name of this leather is perfect for a car inspired by classic Ferraris. Replacing the rear seats is a low rear bench that allows the luggage compartment to be visible, giving the entire cabin of the BR20 a more open and airy appearance. The cherry-on-top for this area is the Oak trim with carbon fiber inserts that are just perfect. The Ferrari BR20 was made for who the automaker says is a longstanding client. They were involved through every step of the BR20's creation and I'm absolutely positive they are more than pleased with the result. All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 03, 2021

Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale Debuts The First Ferrari 812 C...

After a long anticipated wait, the limited-edition 812 Competizione lands on U.S. soil. The Ferrari 812 chassis best highlights the true performance and craftsmanship behind the Italian supercar manufacturer’s front-engine V12 platform. With the 812 Superfast and 812 GTS making a huge impact on the automotive world, Ferrari announced its new limited-edition Competizione that features more power and aerodynamics. MUST-READ: Watch Ferrari Reveal The New 812 Competizione & Competizione A The supercar professionals at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale are proud to be the first dealership in the United States to debut the 819-horsepower Ferrari 812 Competizione Limited Edition. The car encapsulates and epitomizes the company’s 70-plus years of experience on the world’s circuits, drawing on its thoroughbred sports car DNA to deliver a perfect marriage of performance, form, and functionality. Check out the current Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale inventory available on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale Inventory Source: @ferrarioffortlauderdale IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 01, 2021

NOVITEC Debuts The All-New Ferrari F8 N-LARGO Spider

The Ferrari F8 Tributo Spider gets a makeover from the team at NOVITEC. The Ferrari F8 Tributo Spider continues to play a key role in the Italian supercar manufacturer’s fleet of performance-focused chassis. Created to crush lap times, the F8 Tributo incorporates state-of-the-art performance and aerodynamic technology from the factory using the brand’s rich heritage in motorsports. Although the supercar is perfect from the factory, the aftermarket specialists at NOVITEC found a few new additional modifications to take the F8 Tributo Spider to the next level. NOVITEC is proud to unveil the all-new Ferrari F8 N-LARGO Spider, one of the world’s most exclusive open-top sportscars on the market. The N-LARGO carbon bodywork with its width of 211 centimeters at the rear axle turns the Italian mid-engine sports car into an eye-catcher par excellence. NOVITEC developed particularly wide, tailor-made NOVITEC NF10 NL hi-tech forged rims in cooperation with Vossen specifically for this refit. The NOVITEC N-LARGO front fascia, which replaces the production bumper, perfectly hugs the contours of the widebody’s wider fenders and gives it an even more striking character. A lower center of gravity optimizes the handling and consequently, NOVITEC lowers the ride height of the open-top two-seater by about 35 millimeters with special sports springs. NOVITEC adapts two NOVITEC N-TRONIC modules to the electronic engine control unit that supply the V8 with performance-optimized mapping for injection and ignition while moderately increasing the boost pressure. The all-new NOVITEC Ferrari F8 N-LARGO Spider will be limited to only 15 examples, making it an anticipated release for collectors and enthusiasts. View all current Ferrari F8 Tributo Spider examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari F8 Tributo Spiders For Sale Source: NOVITEC

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