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 Andrew Nabors – July 01, 2020

Classiche Bianco Avus LaFerrari Aperta For Sale

Ferrari's hybrid hypercar was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in 2013, and limited to 499 examples. Because the LaFerrari coupe sold out before their big 70th Anniversary, the decision was made to remove the roof. The last time such a car was offered, the F50 required a storage case larger than a piano box to safely store the carbon fiber roof. A removable hardtop would change the car's weight distribution and handling, so Ferrari chose the most difficult solution. You can't simply reinforce a few parts of the chassis and expect a roadster to have the same torsional response and cornering abilities of a coupe. Therefore, the LaFerrari Aperta shares similar lines, but it is essentially a different car. The cloth roof required a new windshield structure, door sills, and suspension tuning. Creating a niche to store the roof required the radiator and fans to offer the same heat rejection while creating a slipstream that doesn't cause cockpit turbulence. After all this, production was limited to 210 cars. " width="680"> With such limited production, Ferrari didn't make a profit on the program. What they did was to allow their most valued customers to personalize their most powerful roadster. This is one such example that was delivered to a prominent Denver collector on October 7th of 2017. Instead of the regular-production Bianco Avus white, he opted for triple-layer "Extracampionario" Bianco Italia with Giallo (Yellow) accents throughout the black interior. From here, he proceeded to order everything under the sun. From the Personalization Pack, Track Inner Cams, all optional carbon fiber, yellow calipers, sport exhaust, stripes, paint protection film, suspension lift, telemetry, car cover, and the Classiche Program. With only 675 miles, it shows no signs of wear inside or out, and that is why chassis #225883 would look great in your collection. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing inventory at Ferrari of Denver. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2020

Classiche 2015 LaFerrari For Sale

To have any Ferrari Classiche Certified is no easy task. But receiving the coveted book is not only a life goal for many, it is an endorsement by the factory that the car and its provenance are an outstanding representation of the brand. Only 499 examples of the LaFerrari were offered, so it took a small miracle for them to consider the certification. Thankfully, the owner selected all the correct options when the order was placed. Every piece of exterior carbon fiber is on the list, as are the clear vinyl paint protectors. The blacked-out interior includes leather seats, Alcantara dash, and headliner, even the steering wheel. Matte carbon inside and out along with matte black wheels are a majority of the options. "Special Features" account for $8,865, for almost $63,400 in added content. By far, the most intriguing LaFerrari option is a 1:12 scale replica of the car. Built by the die-cast masters at Amalgam Models, it is exact-even down to the matte center caps. The model is mounted in a display case of acrylic and wood to remind you of what's in the garage. Given the prices of recent LaFerrari sales, this car is the best investment on the market. Because Marshall Goldman owns every car in his inventory, there is no consignment BS or title headaches. Click the link below for all the details and prepare to be amazed. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2020

Ferrari Maserati of Central Florida to Open Largest Ferra...

Ever since Mr. Disney announced the world's largest Theme Park, Orlando has been breaking records. It was there that I made my entry into exotic cars, working as a service concierge while earning my undergraduate. Central Florida has an automotive culture unlike anything you have seen before, and the owners are not afraid to show off their wealth in the latest Italian supercar. That's why our friends at Ferrari Maserati of Central Florida are about to open the largest Ferrari dealership in the U.S. Construction is underway at 4891 Vineland Road, placing it near the Mall of Millenia and close to Orlando's most exclusive real estate. Five acres of new & pre-owned Ferrari and Maserati will be more enjoyable than any amusement park, and their service center will have offer amenities you can't imagine. As soon as the grand opening is finalized, join us to celebrate the successes of our friends. Until then, click the link below to browse their inventory and plan your Orlando vacation. Browse Inventory " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 22, 2020

1961 Ferrari 250 GTE RHD Barn Find For Sale

Even though I quarantined my race car until our local track reopens, that doesn't mean I hide it away from the world. Life happens, and sometimes even the most coveted cars on Earth are forgotten. Ferrari's first family model was the 250 GTE. Pininfarina sculpted a gorgeous 2+2 without sacrificing the lines of the iconic GT. Once the body was complete, the suspension was re-tuned to preserve an ideal weight distribution. Offering more space and practicality, the GTE was assigned to the Track Mashall of LeMans in 1960. Only 55 examples were built in RHD, and this example was ordered by Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. in Surrey, England. Originally painted in Shell Gray & Orange, it was featured in Autosport magazine in October of '61. Recently discovered, it has not seen daylight since 1983. Aside from a later-model 275 steering wheel, all numbers are matching. The first series of 250 GTE production consisted of 299 cars, easily distinguished by grille-mounted driving lights. As only 55 were built for Right-Hand markets, this may be the last surviving example. Our friends at Gullwing Motor Cars have all the details, so click the button for an amazing deal on this unmolested classic. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – June 18, 2020

Pristine Bianco Italia 2015 LaFerrari For Sale

Last week we gave you an example of the best automotive investment. If you could have bought a Ferrari Enzo and stored it for two decades, the rate of return would make you wealthy. Such is the case with the F40 and the 288 GTO, along with their most recent supercar. Not only is the LaFerrari a timeless statement to the world, it offers performance, efficiency, and style that will be unsurpassed in our lifetimes. Special options set normal Ferrari models apart from regular production, and they are worth more than gold on the LaFerrari. Because only 499 cars were produced, options are the name of the game. This one was special ordered in Bianco Italia with "Blu" leather. It has all the exposed carbon fiber one could ask for along with audio by Harman/Kardon. Between the dash vents is an American flag, and the seats are 2-tone leather with embroidery and contrast stitching. With only 780 miles on the odometer, you have two choices: drive it knowing you have 664 lb-ft of torque and 949 horsepower. With a fully charged battery, you will also have Silent Start for electric cruising. Or...you could make it the centerpiece of your collection and resist the temptation to rack up the miles. You probably couldn't go wrong in either case, so click the link below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing inventory from iLusso. View Listing

By Edward Jones – June 15, 2020

Ferrari Releases 'Le Grand Rendez-Vous' Film With Charles...

Since Formula 1 has been canceled, Charles Leclerc has had his hands full with streaming his racing and even wearing a " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>-- it's been incredibly entertaining. Aside from his virtual racing, Leclerc also took part in the filming of the new 'Le Grand Rendez-Vous' short film directed by Claude Lelouch. In this film, Leclerc gets behind the wheel of the new Ferrari SF90 Stradale and rips it around Monaco where he should have been racing his Formula 1 race car. We've been waiting for the full film to be released and it's finally here. If you're unfamiliar with this short film, it actually references the classic “C’était un Rendez-Vous” short film that Lelouch filmed on the streets of Paris back in 1976. Click play below to see the Formula 1 star take to the empty streets of Monaco and race around like we all want to. Browse All Ferraris for Sale Source: Ferrari

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By Andrew Nabors – June 11, 2020

Ferrari Enzo Auctioned by RM Sothebys For Record-Breaking...

Despite the turmoil the world has endured so far this year, we have undeniable evidence that our industry is strong. That is because a recent transaction took place online to surpass anything we could have imagined. At their recent "Driving Into Summer" auction, RM Sotheby's top-seller was Lot 294, a 2003 Ferrari Enzo. A car that originally sold for just under $660,000 in 2003 hammered for a cool $2,640,000... Top 10 Cars Sold at RM Sotheby's: Driving Into Summer Adjusted for inflation you would have made $1,708,685, which could probably cover storage costs since new. This is the most expensive transaction of any online automotive auction, by a long shot. Like we mentioned earlier today, Ferrari has been turning aluminum and carbon fiber into gold. Any Enzo, LaFerrari, F40, F50 or 250 is a sure bet, and you know where to find them. Click the button below and stay with us for all your RM Sotheby's auction coverage. Browse Ferrari For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 09, 2020

New Ferrari F8 Tributo Enhancements by Novitec

Novitec has just revealed a few new enhancements for the Ferrari F8 Tributo that owners ought to check out. First is the ability to tune the engine up to 787 horsepower, an increase of 77 hp. This allows the F8 Tributo to hit a top speed of over 211 mph. On top of this, the new Ferrari can now provide an even greater sound when flying by thanks to the new Novitec exhaust systems. Through the new exhaust systems, Novitec not only allows owners to better their car's exhaust note but it also drops some weight as well. The last pieces that can be added are the 21-inch and 22-inch forged wheels that can be combined with the sport springs and front lift system. As for an aerodynamic kit, Novitec is still hard at work on that but we'll be back with the news as soon as they reveal it all. See All Ferraris for Sale

By Edward Jones – June 08, 2020

See Charles Leclerc Rip the Ferrari SF90 Stradale Behind-...

Charles Leclerc is the man behind the wheel in the new 'Le Grand Rende Vouz' short-film by Claude Lelouch. What he's behind the wheel of is none other than the Ferrari SF90 Stradale supercar. These two ingredients, a Formula 1 driver and a Ferrari supercar, are what's needed in the recipe of something incredible. While we wait to see the full short film, Ferrari has released a behind-the-scenes video to YouTube. In the video, down below, you can get a glimpse of the intense rigging they used to film it all and even some sights of Leclerc ripping the SF90 Stradale through the streets of Monaco. Be sure to check back with us on June 13, 2020 to see the short film when its released. Are you excited? You ought to be! See All Ferrris for Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 02, 2020

Ferrari Lake Forest Receives Their First Roma

Since parting ways with Pininfarina, Ferrari models of recent years have displayed bold and very polarizing lines. You can't please everyone all the time, but you can offer something new to appeal to a wider audience. Such is the case with the gorgeous Ferrari Roma. Starting by stiffening and modernizing the chassis of the Portofino, designers at Ferrari Centro Stille crafted a coupe that evokes the best features of past models while also blazing a trail that leaves the competition in the dust. That is why we're glad that our friends at Ferrari Lake Forest have received their first Ferrari Roma. Click the button below to browse their inventory and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. Learn More https://www.instagram.com/tv/CA5fgIoA7Nu/?igshid=im2bz6quvqbx

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