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 Charles Bradley – January 29, 2025

Why Shortsighted Criticism of the Ferrari F80 Will Fade O...

Opinion: The Prancing Horse’s new halo car has stirred up the haters, but why when it’s the most powerful, technology-packed supercar it’s ever produced? When Ferrari’s flagship F80 first broke cover, the car’s mind-blowing stats and the hype surrounding its launch were off the charts. This was undoubtedly going to be the best Ferrari – EVER! But then, especially after the car was seen and heard on track at the Finali Mondial event at Imola, the narrative flipped. Social media and the automotive press got their claws out in equal measure, and started ripping into Maranello’s latest anniversary special, for the way it sounded (too quiet), the way it looked (boxy styling, a moustache on its nose) and whether its $4 million price tag lived up to those heady earlier expectations. Let’s address the three main criticisms of the F80, and take a wider view… 1: The engine sound isn’t loud enough The fact that Ferrari used a V6 engine for the extension of its ‘Big Five’ – the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari – was always going to attract criticism, because we’ve been spoiled by the sonorous V12s of the three most recent models. That said, the 288 GTO and F40 both feature V8 turbos, which reflected the Formula 1 racing engine architecture of the time, producing altogether different harmonics. But isn’t this simply a case of Ferrari moving with the times? Its Formula 1 cars – the pinnacle of all motorsports – have been powered by V6 hybrid turbos since 2014. The F80 also uses the same three-liter F163CF, twin-turbo, 120-degree V6 power unit from the two-time Le Mans 24 Hours-winning 499P racing hypercar. Ferrari was very keen to celebrate this epic success, as prior to 2023 it hadn’t won outright at Le Mans, the twice-around-the-clock French sportscar classic, since 1965! It’s a dream for a manufacturer to win such a prestigious trial of speed and endurance, which dates back to 1923, beating the likes of Cadillac, Lamborghini, and Porsche at the 100th-anniversary race before going back-to-back in 2024. That race-proven V6 hybrid powerplant, boasting 1200 horsepower thanks to three additional electric motors, is harnessed by 1050kg of downforce (at 250km/h) from its advanced aerodynamics, making it the most powerful road-going Ferrari ever created. It boasts some very smart fuel injection technology too, which means it can deliver huge performance numbers while complying with increasingly tighter emission controls. Like the 499P Le Mans winner, the F80 packs all-wheel drive and takes onboard many of the weight-saving lessons learned from the racing car, while the shape of both cars comes from the Ferrari Styling Center. That delivers on its stated aim of ‘extreme design language that accentuates a race-bred soul’. And this road-modified internal combustion engine – which actually produces north of 200bhp more than the racer – revs to just over 9,000rpm, which isn’t bad for a turbo-assisted engine, coupled with a sound-absorbing MGU-H and those quiet electric motors. Exhausts can certainly be tweaked to make them louder, but this is a sound of the high-tech times if you like. It’s also worth noting that Ferrari has filed a patent for an amplification system that would magnify the sound of an electric motor and reroute it through the back of the car. F1 fans have a long since stopped bleating about engine notes – even if they’d prefer V8s, V10s or V12s, there’s no going back now. Compare it to the Mercedes-AMG Project One, which has a V6 hybrid turbo engine derived from its F1 program, which shows how keen manufacturers are to transfer racing technology into their road cars. 2: It has a black moustache across its nose They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder: Across the road car market right now is a number of ‘statement’ front-end designs. And the F80 certainly stands out in this regard. I don’t know about you, but the carbon fiber black ‘moustache’ between the headlights certainly gives it some front-facing attitude! The nose contains a front wing and a splitter, just like the Le Mans racer, plus an F1-style S-duct, and a hidden triplane of aerodynamic devices. This is very much a product of function as well as form – and the styling does look like the wild-looking racing hypercars you’ll see in the World Endurance Championship. You can argue this has a more racecar-influenced design than any of the ‘Big Five’ that went before. If the F80 has a styling issue, it can be blamed on the direction of travel for modern racing car design, with its boxy looks. As mentioned earlier, both the F80 and 499P are the products of the Ferrari Styling Centre, headed by Flavio Manzoni, and this look reflects the aim that Ferrari’s supercars should ‘represent the pinnacle of cutting-edge technology and innovation of its era’ allowing them to become ‘enshrined in popular culture’. And those stark, somewhat brutalist lines that have resulted in a quest for radical design cues are quite the contrast to the post-millennium beauty of the Enzo, LaFerrari, F8, and the Daytona SP3. The outcry reminds me of how the F50 was received 30 years ago. It too was criticised for its aggressive styling – especially with that large rear wing. But, let’s face it, perhaps the F50’s main problem was it came so soon after the production run of the beautifully proportioned F40 ended. Talk about a tough act to follow! Yet the F50’s rarity has proved to make it an even smarter investment, which we’ll come to next… 3: It’s way too expensive Tell that to the 799 customers who’ve each already reserved this car for $3.9 million. You can argue that Lamborghini reset the bar here with its $4 million 50th anniversary Veneno – and that was launched over ten years ago! Bugatti and Pagani have both launched some insane hypercars well beyond that figure. Ferrari’s price point is, of course, well in excess of its previous halo car, the LaFerrari, which retailed around the $1.4 million mark – although the Aperta that followed cost $2 million. Sure, the F80 is effectively double that figure, but LaFerraris are reselling at $3-5 million on the market right now – with an example of the even rarer Aperta currently listed at $5.8m. And that’s the big financial point: the depreciation fear for Ferrari’s flagships have been eradicated over time. According to duPont REGISTRY’s data, Enzos now cost between $3-$4.5 million (not bad considering its $650,000 launch price). On average, F50s cost around $5 million (one topped out at $5.5m at Sotheby’s Monterey this year) which effectively adds a zero to the retail price in 1995. F40s (launched at $400k) have risen to around $2-4m – although, amazingly, one was listed in duPont REGISTRY magazine for $250k in 1992, surely one of the biggest bargains ever given what’s happened since? Meantime, the 288 GTO – the classic model which started it all – has provided a massive return on its 1984 launch RRP of $85k to price ranges of up to $4.5m. Below is a snapshot of the latest market, including the highest transactions for each model recorded this year… Model Date Launched Initial Price Current Price (2024) CAGR S&P CAGR Same Period 288 GTO 1984 $85,000 $3,882,500 10.03% 9.15% F40 1987 $400,000 $2,551,465 5.14% 8.22% F50 1995 $500,000 $5,505,000 8.62% 8.20% Enzo 2002 $650,000 $4,510,000 9.20% 7.93% LaFerrari 2013 $1,400,000 $4,675,000 11.58% 11.29% Back to the F80: Remember, an awful lot of cutting-edge technology has gone into this car. It also boasts an active suspension system that is way more advanced than those of its previous supercars, operated by four motors at each corner. Those give it exceptional ride stability to go with all that downforce, which includes the huge moveable rear wing, and the Le Mans racer power unit. So, was Ferrari trying to second guess the resale market, to ensure it didn’t starve itself of potential revenue by undervaluing this car? According to duPont REGISTRY’s figures, a projected resale price point for an F80 will be between $6-8 million, depending on market forces, so this high retail number should certainly be justified in the future. Also, over time, once that tiresome pearl-clutching on social media has subsided, the outcry over its sound and nose design will likely vanish too, as the F80 makes it Ferrari’s ‘Big Six’. Image Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 28, 2025

Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc Unveil 2025 Scuderia Fer...

A whole new look for Lewis. Gearing up for what looks to be one of the most exciting seasons in Formula 1 history, the upcoming 2025 season promises to be action-packed and competitive with some huge team driver changes. Of all the contract changes that took place, Lewis Hamilton's departure from Mercedes-AMG Petronas to Scuderia Ferrari HP has to be the most dramatic. And after a warm welcome to Maranelo and some track time behind the wheel of his new race car, Lewis Hamilton is getting right back into his routine for the start of the season. With the first Grand Prix right around the corner, PUMA is proud to unveil the new 2025 Scuderia Ferrari HP race suits. Embodying the timeless look of Ferrari's iconic shade of red, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are styled in race suits that combine tradition with innovation. Sleek accenting white lines and team sponsor branding stick out while the duo set blistering lap times throughout the 2025 season. As we prep for the start of a new season with some major changes, make sure to shop all the best PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP fan gear by clicking the link below. Shop All PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 27, 2025

Hot Wheels And Ferrari Reunite For Exciting New Collection

Hot Wheels partners with Ferrari after a decade, offering die-cast models, RC cars, and collector-worthy pieces for fans worldwide. Hot Wheels is bringing back its fuel-driven collaboration with Ferrari after more than a decade, and fans of both brands have plenty to look forward to soon. Announced at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, the partnership will feature a range of Ferrari models, from classic favorites to the latest and greatest supercars. The collection kicks off this summer, with new drops planned through 2025 and beyond. Expect everything from RC cars to 1:64 scale die-casts, plus limited-edition releases available through Mattel Creations UK, which offers quick delivery and easy returns for collectors. This partnership builds on a rich history, as Hot Wheels has previously released 26 Ferrari models, many of which have become must-haves for collectors. With Ferrari’s legendary reputation in motorsport and Hot Wheels’ talent for capturing automotive details, this collaboration is set to offer something special for car lovers of all kinds. Keep an eye out this summer when the first pieces of this exciting collection hit shelves. Shop all current Hot Wheels collections by clicking the link below. Shop All Hot Wheels Source: Hot Wheels

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 23, 2025

First Laps In A Ferrari F1 Car For Lewis Hamilton

Lewis put down some blistering laps during his first track session. Excitement is building for what promises to be one of the most anticipated Formula 1 seasons ever as massive driver changes flip the script. Marking a special moment in Formula 1 history, Lewis Hamilton's first days at Ferrari have finally allowed him to get some time behind the wheel at the famous Fiorano track with Scuderia Ferrari HP. Despite a rainy and foggy start that most likely reminded him of home in the U.K., Hamilton's debut in the SF-23 drew a huge crowd of passionate fans who braved the weather to witness this milestone. With Team Principal Fred Vasseur and Ferrari VP Piero Ferrari watching closely, Hamilton completed 30 laps in total, focusing on quick laps and system checks. His excitement was noticeable as he described the experience as one of the best feelings of his life, comparing it to his first F1 test nearly two decades ago. After the session, Hamilton greeted fans at the trackside, thanking them for their support. Later in the day, Charles Leclerc took the wheel. Completing 14 laps, Leclerc even treated the fans to celebratory doughnuts on the track. Both drivers voiced their excitement for the 2025 season, with Leclerc noting the atmosphere of seeing Hamilton in a Ferrari for the first time. With this memorable day in the books, the 2025 Formula 1 season is officially underway, and Ferrari fans have plenty to look forward to as the team gears up for its start in March. Shop all Scuderia Ferrari HP fan gear by clicking the link below. Shop All Scuderia Ferrari HP Fan Gear View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scuderia Ferrari HP (@scuderiaferrari) Source: Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 22, 2025

This New Ferrari Handbag Is Inspired By The Dino 246

Ferrari’s latest fashion statement echoes a classic masterpiece. Since 2021, Ferrari has showcased a fresh, new aspect of its legendary luxury brand, offering a luxury fashion line complete with seasonal runway shows, ready-to-wear, accessories, and jewelry, all crafted from luxury materials with fashion-forward designs led by creative director Rocco Iannone. While many of Ferrari’s high-fashion offerings are inspired by Ferrari’s rich automotive history and revered motorsport legacy, one of its latest accessories, a new handbag, is particularly inspired by a cherished Ferrari classic. In particular, that classic is the Dino 246, a car that, while made by Ferrari, was technically sold under the Dino sub-brand. Named after Enzo Ferrari’s late son, Alfredo ‘Dino’ Ferrari, who was instrumental in the creation of the V6 engine that was mounted amidships in the Dino 246. Today, the Dino has proved to be one of the most influential cars in Ferrari’s history, with the new hybrid 296 GTB being the first V6-powered supercar to wear a Ferrari Prancing Horse badge. With its impact and legacy, the Dino 246 served as the inspiration for Ferrari’s latest handbag style: the Dino bag. Crafted in calf leather, the structured handbag features a silhouette inspired by 1970s style and the timelessly beautiful silhouette of the Dino 246. The bag features a magnetic closure and a leather-lined interior, and is available in two sizes with a variety of colors and finishes. In the days leading up to this year’s Lunar New Year celebration, which rings in the Year of the Snake, Ferrari has shown off the new Dino bag in black leather as part of its accessories range. With a legendary Ferrari classic serving as its inspiration, it’s a stunning new addition to Ferrari’s lineup of luxurious accessories. View All Ferraris For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 21, 2025

Watch Lewis Hamilton's First Day At Ferrari

After 12 seasons, six Drivers' Championships, 84 race wins, and 153 podium finishes, Lewis Hamilton is finally making his monumental transition from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 to Scuderia Ferrari HP F1. Yesterday morning, the Formula 1 World Champion arrived at the team's headquarters in Maranello, Italy, at Enzo Ferrari's historic residence. The warm welcome came from Team Principal Fred Vasseur, CEO Benedetto Vigna, and even a pristine Ferrari F40, which happens to be Lewis' all-time favorite supercar. A quick visit to the Fiorano track set the stage for an unforgettable day, with Hamilton touring Enzo Ferrari's famous office and soaking in the history surrounding him. The overcast skies and light drizzle might've felt like home, but this moment was all about realizing a dream of wearing Ferrari red. "Today we start a new chapter in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together." - Lewis Hamilton Reflecting on the milestone, Hamilton shared how special the day was for him, calling it one he'll never forget. Meeting the team, exploring Ferrari's iconic spaces, and diving into preparations for the season ahead marked the beginning of what's sure to be an exciting chapter. For Hamilton, it's less about driving for Ferrari and more about becoming part of a legacy. Fans can't wait to see how this new chapter unfolds as one of F1's greatest drivers teams up with one of the sport's most legendary names. Shop all Scuderia Ferrari HP F1 fan gear by clicking the link below. Shop All Scuderia Ferrari HP F1 Fan Gear " width="680"> Source: Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 15, 2025

Piero Ferrari's Daytona SP3 Features A Historic Livery

For the Ferraris, automotive excellence runs in the family. Almost 80 years ago in 1947, Ferrari began its incredibly revered legacy of creating Italian sports car masterpieces. Founded by Enzo Ferrari, his legacy lives on through Ferrari’s constant pursuit of luxury, stunning design, and performance perfection, as well as through his family. Piero Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari’s son, is one of the most important people when it comes to preserving Enzo Ferrari’s incredible legacy as the vice chairman and part owner of Ferrari’s business. Piero Ferrari’s newest car is an example of one of Ferrari’s most exclusive, rare, and coveted models: the Daytona SP3. Part of Ferrari’s Icona Series of ultra-exclusive models, the Daytona SP3 is the first V12 mid-engined non-hybrid Ferrari since the Enzo, and its purist design is both futuristic and inspired by the ‘60s Ferrari racers that dominated the Daytona endurance race. The example that Piero Ferrari has commissioned goes further in being inspired by the past, with a livery inspired by a specific example of a classic Ferrari racing hero: the 250 LM. Matching the livery of the Ferrari F1 car that won the 1964 World Championship the year before Piero began working for Ferrari, the 250 LM had a white livery with blue stripes and a red interior. When translated to the new Daytona SP3, the special livery shows timeless beauty, and even matches a painting Piero Ferrari commissioned of the original car which hangs in his office today. Test driving the car for the first time after its delivery on Ferrari’s home track of Fiorano, Piero Ferrari’s new Daytona SP3 with its historic livery is a celebration of Ferrari’s rich, storied heritage. View All Ferraris For Sale " width="680"> Image Source: Ferrari Magazine

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 14, 2025

Ferrari F80 vs. McLaren W1: Which Is The Best New Hybrid ...

A new league of game-changing hybrid hypercars emerges. Thinking back to recent memory in automotive history, a group of hypercars called the “Holy Trinity,” emerged: the McLaren P1, the Ferrari LaFerrari, and the Porsche 918 Spyder, all of which featured hybrid powertrains that revolutionized performance oriented engineering by using electrification to dial up the power delivery and track capabilities of the hypercars. Ahead of their time, the “Holy Trinity”’s influence is heavily present in today’s automotive industry, with manufacturers across the landscape using electrification to unlock unprecedented levels of performance. A decade later, a new era of hybrid hypercars has now emerged, thus far consisting of two members: the new McLaren W1, and the new Ferrari F80. Both have stood on the shoulders of their predecessors, the P1 and the LaFerrari respectively, and built on their engineering excellence even further with greater engineering, immense power, and cutting-edge technology throughout. While the McLaren W1 and the Ferrari F80 are similar in their hybrid hypercar ethos, they take different approaches to achieving ultimate performance. Which one is better? View All McLarens For Sale View All Ferraris For Sale McLaren W1 Specs Despite featuring an incredibly powerful twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain, the McLaren W1 weighs in at under 3,100 pounds, giving it virtually limitless potential for on-track performance. Thanks to its rear-wheel drive, the McLaren W1 retains a purist driving feel while remaining a formidably futuristic machine. Ferrari F80 Specs With solutions derived from the 499P, Ferrari’s two-time Le Mans-winning endurance racing hypercar, the Ferrari F80 goes to painstaking lengths to achieve race-ready excellence, like setting its passenger seat slightly rearward from the driver seat, so as to comfortably seat two in its “+1” configuration without making the passenger compartment too wide. The McLaren comes out on top on the specs front. For an enthusiast-focused machine, rear-wheel drive and a V8 engine is a surefire formula for success. Specs Winner: McLaren W1 McLaren W1 Engine The McLaren W1 makes use of a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which revs to a soaring 9,000 rpm. The engine alone is responsible for producing an incredible 915 horsepower, and its 230 horsepower per liter makes it McLaren’s most powerful engine yet. With 342 horsepower coming from the hybrid electric half of the equation, the McLaren W1’s total power is 1,258 horsepower. Ferrari F80 Engine Similarly to the 499P endurance racing hypercar, the new Ferrari F80 combines a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, producing 900 horsepower for 300 horsepower per liter, with 300 more horsepower from a hybrid electric system. Totaling at 1,200 horsepower, it’s the most powerful roadgoing model Ferrari has brought forth yet. Despite enthusiasts’ love for bigger engines, and the fact that the McLaren W1 has more power, the fact that Ferrari squeezed 900 horsepower from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is too impressive to ignore, not to mention the 300 electric horsepower on top of it. Ferrari wins the engine round. Engine Winner: Ferrari F80 McLaren W1 Interior The McLaren W1 is purpose-built for racing excellence, with an interior that integrates the seats into the monocoque, uses gullwing doors for visual drama, and offers a wide range of customization through MSO. To accommodate the driver, the steering wheel, pedals, and controls can move. Ferrari F80 Interior The passenger seat of the Ferrari F80 is shown in black, while the driver’s seat is shown in red. This is done to make the passenger seat practically invisible when it’s not occupied, emphasizing the racing and driver focus that the Ferrari F80 was designed with. The driver seat is also set further forward than the passenger seat, allowing both passengers to sit in comfort while optimizing the width of the cabin. For further racing readiness, the bespoke steering wheel swaps haptic controls for physical buttons, ensuring precision in control. Thanks to its level of customization via MSO, and impossible-to-ignore gullwing doors, McLaren wins this round. Interior Winner: McLaren W1 McLaren W1 Performance The McLaren W1 will reach a top speed of 217 mph, sending its 1,258 horsepower to the rear wheels. However, before you reach that, you’ll get from 0-60 in just 2.7 seconds. Highly advanced aerodynamics ensure that the car performs formidably in more situations than straight-line speed runs. Ferrari F80 Performance Thanks to all-wheel drive, the Ferrari F80 rockets from 0-60 in just 2.15 seconds, reaching a top speed of 217 mph. Its advanced aero features a rear wing that can dramatically change shape and height, visually indicating the vehicle’s performance capability as well as it serves its actual aerodynamic function. Rear-wheel drive may bring more fun, thrill, and purist passion to a car, but when the question is of pure performance, the Ferrari’s all-wheel drive gives it quicker acceleration. Performance Winner: Ferrari F80 McLaren W1 Investment Value The McLaren W1 is sure to go down as a historically significant, coveted, desirable, and collector-grade hypercar as the years go by. Only 399 examples will be made, all of which are sold out. Historically, the McLaren W1’s predecessor, the P1, has carried high resale value for its historical significance and its automotive excellence in general, not to mention the F1, one of the most expensive collector cars in modern automotive history. Ferrari F80 Investment Value As the latest member of Ferrari’s coveted corral of halo hypercars, the Ferrari F80 is bound to be quite the collector’s piece. Models that came before it, like the LaFerrari, Enzo, F50, F40, and 288 GTO have proven to be significantly valuable, and in much higher numbers than they retailed for. With 799 examples being made, each carrying a price tag of $4 million, it’s anticipated for the F80 to attain similar levels of panache. Especially when comparing resale prices for each car’s predecessor, the P1 and LaFerrari, it’s clear that Ferrari’s halo cars carry greater investment value than their McLaren counterparts, giving Ferrari the win here. Investment Value Winner: Ferrari F80 Image Source: McLaren & Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 14, 2025

Ferrari Testarossa Spider For Sale Once Driven By Michael...

The Ferrari Testarossa is one of the most cherished modern classics from the Prancing Horse, with its appearance in Miami Vice and its iconic wedge-shaped silhouette cementing it in automotive history as one of the most iconic supercars of its time. However, despite many enthusiasts wanting an open-top Spider version of the Testarossa, a production version of the Testarossa Spider was never made. View Listing Ferrari made one official Testarossa Spider, which was finished in Argento Nürburgring. However, various coachbuilders offered customers open-top Ferrari Testarossa Spider builds, including Straman Coachworks, who created this 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Spider finished in Nero. The car is one of only 12 examples of Testarossa Spiders by Straman Coachworks believed to be made and one of only two believed to be finished in black. In 1986, the build, featuring a retractable soft top, cost $40,000 on top of Testarossa’s price of nearly $100,000, eye-watering numbers for their time. The car’s owner was a famed director, Joe Pytka, who purchased the vehicle to feature it in a four-part series of Pepsi commercials to be used in “The Chase” segment. Driving it was none other than the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, who used the Testarossa Spider to escape the paparazzi in style in the smash hit commercial. The car was kept by Pytka until 2013, confirming that it was the car used in the commercial when it was acquired by a collector. Now, the stunning, unique masterpiece with its Hollywood story is listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, available at Canepa in Scotts Valley, California with 17,729 original miles on its odometer. One of just 12 Testarossa Spider builds by Straman Coachworks, and one of just two examples finished in black, the car not only has high-profile fame but also ultimate exclusivity as a Ferrari modern classic. If you’re interested in owning this ultra-rare collector-grade 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Spider for sale, view the listing by clicking the button. " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 14, 2025

Merit Partners Shows Off Its Newly Acquired Giallo Modena...

One of Ferrari's rarest supercars joins Merit Partners already-impressive fleet. In the collector car world, classic Ferraris may take the cake as some of the most expensive and desirable examples on the market. While coveted models like the 288 GTO and Enzo have showcased record-breaking sales figures at auction, they've had to age like fine wine for collectors and enthusiasts to realize the full potential and significance that these cars hold today. It's a similar story for the Ferrari F50, which has since evolved from just another member of 'The Big Five' into a seven-figure wonder surpassing both its predecessors and successors. Showcasing one of its biggest acquisitions to date, the supercar specialists at Merit Partners are proud to present this 1997 Ferrari F50 as the newest member of its fleet. This Ferrari F50 stands out as chassis #107030 and was delivered new to Italy in 1997. Only 349 chassis were produced in Maranello, and only 31 Ferrari F50s were finished in the manufacturer's eye-catching Giallo Modena paint shade. This car saw some action early on, making its one and only public appearance at the Tutte le Ferrari a Imola event back in 1998. After that, it practically vanished, with just one photo from the event floating around online for years. It's had only two owners since it was new and still wears its original paint. The Ferrari F50 packs a screaming 4.7L naturally aspirated V12 engine derived from Formula 1, delivering an impressive 513 horsepower at 8,500 RPM. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, the F50 offers a pure, unfiltered driving experience. It rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 202 mph, making it a true performance icon of the '90s. As Merit Partners continues its deep dive into the history of its new 1997 Ferrari F50, check out its inventory of supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Merit Partners Inventory Source: Merit Partners

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