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 Tyler Rampersaud – March 14, 2022

New "Ferrari Forever" Exhibition At Enzo Ferrari Museum O...

“Ferrari Forever” is a rallying cry certainly worth echoing. It has been 75 years since Enzo Ferrari started the engine of the 125 S, the first car to wear the Ferrari badge, and the beginning of the legacy of one of the automotive world’s most important names. To celebrate the anniversary, the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena is giving the public the rare opportunity to have a look inside Ferrari Classiche. Since 2006, Ferrari Classiche has been helping classic Ferrari owners maintain, preserve, and protect the heritage of their cars by offering a wide range of services. MUST READ: Check The Spec: 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale in Giallo Modena Over Beige Tradizione At Ferrari Classiche, Ferraris over 20 years old are authenticated, restored, and maintained with OEM parts, all thanks to access to the machines that made those original parts, as well as a Historical Archive, containing the assembly sheets of every Ferrari since the 125 S in 1947. The Ferrari Forever exhibition features a display of over a dozen officially certified classic Ferraris, some of which have been restored by Ferrari Classiche itself. Some of the cars featured include early Ferrari coachbuilding work by Sergio Scaglietti and Pinin Farina, as well as other classic Ferraris that tell the story of the brand’s commitment to beauty, glamor and driving excellence. Ferrari Forever shows that the beauty and excellence of a Ferrari will never fade with time and that any Ferrari can become a future classic. The exhibition remains open at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena until February 17, 2023. All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 08, 2022

Check The Spec: 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale in Giallo Mode...

The chance to own an Italian hybrid supercar with a bright yellow design. The heritage of Ferrari is built off the Italian prancing horse and its iconic Rosso Corsa color scheme. Although the color red defines the brand, Ferrari holds a diverse color palette at its disposal to create one-of-a-kind configurations that represent the craftsmanship of the Italian supercar manufacturer. The professionals at Ferrari of Houston are proud to showcase those creative abilities with this stunning 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale. The exterior of the SF90 Stradale features a vibrant Giallo Modena finish with a silver race livery strip that signifies the Asseto Fiorano upgrade. The curvature of the body lines is accentuated with black and carbon fiber components that add to the aerodynamics of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale. A set of paint-matched performance brakes sit pretty behind the lightweight factory five-spoke sport wheels. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 In PTS Carbon Steel Grey The interior layout presents a modern luxurious feel that beautifully blends the use of carbon fiber and Beige Tradizione genuine leather. While the Ferrari SF90 Stradale is track-ready with a pair of carbon-fiber bucket seats and advanced driving dynamic modes, it presents itself as the perfect everyday supercar with hybrid technology. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is driven by a 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 that works in unison with three electric motors. The hybrid powertrain delivers over 769-horsepower to the rear wheels with the Assetto Fiorano package, launching the supercar from 0-60mph in only 2.1-seconds. This 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale from Ferrari od Houston is currently available through duPont REGISTRY with only 119-miles. Click the button below to view the vehicle listing on duPont REGISTRY and to inquire about pricing. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming Check The Spec specials. View Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 07, 2022

Jay Leno Takes Ultra-Rare Yellow Ferrari F50 For A Spin

Any true car enthusiast knows that a color can mean everything. The Ferrari F50 is a legendary car that served as the flagship Cavallino Rampante-wearing supercar for years during the golden age of supercars. It’s rare, coveted, beautiful, and blindingly quick, even by today’s standards. However, in its Giallo Modena color, only 31 were made, making it all the more rare and legendary. Jay Leno had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a yellow Ferrari F50, and like a Guards Red Porsche Carrera GT, or a Sunbeam Yellow (ironically) AMG GT, the color made all the difference. MUST READ: Ferrari 296 GTB First Drive Review: The Return Of The V6 The owner of the yellow F50, and also a red F50, Ferrari collector David Lee, talked about the fact that the yellow is an incredibly coveted color of the F50, estimating that his own would sell for a whopping $5 million, as compared to a $4 million value for his red car. Being a convertible, the F50 comes with either a soft-top or a hardtop, both of which are actually difficult to install and remove. For this reason, his yellow F50 features a hardtop in the video, while the red counterpart features a soft top. One of the first cars to use carbon fiber in the chassis and body, the F50 pushed innovation and engineering forward almost as quickly as the car itself drove. Thanks to collectors like David Lee, these incredible cars get to live out their full legacy and stay on the road, impressing us just as much today as they did over 27 years ago. All Ferrari F50s For Sale Source: YouTube/Jay Leno's Garage

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 04, 2022

This Silver 1977 Ferrari 308 GTB For Sale Is the Gold Sta...

Presented by Private Seller. Even after almost 50 years, the Ferrari 308 remains a timelessly beautiful car, with its dramatic side vents, its sleek proportions, and its clean, elegant, and unmistakably Ferrari styling. And on top of that, with a 5-speed gated manual transmission and a 2.9-liter V8 engine sitting just behind the driver, the car provides a spirited driving experience that only a Ferrari can deliver. The exterior of this 308 GTB is finished in the incredibly handsome Argento Metallizzato, by way of a high-quality respray, while the black interior is original from 1977, with the iconic Momo steering wheel with the yellow Cavallino Rampante in the middle. The engine is fully serviced and running in beautiful condition, showcasing the everlasting glory of this classic Ferrari, and along with it, the transmission, the one-of-a-kind gated five-speed dogleg, has been rebuilt and is ready to enjoy. Even with a beautiful restoration, the car is highly original, with the panels and the interior being the same as they have been since 1977, with plenty of documentation to prove it. This stunning silver 308 GTB is available for sale now, and it’s a beautiful way to start or continue your classic Ferrari collection. View Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 04, 2022

The New Ferrari Daytona SP3 Shows Face In Maranello In Th...

The Ferrari Daytona SP3 made a decidedly quick appearance in Maranello. Ferrari’s upcoming Daytona SP3, part of the Icona series alongside the Monza SP1 and SP2, is an incredible limited-edition supercar that pays homage to Ferrari’s racing history and its eponymous racing circuit. The design of the car, from its looks to its powertrain, is a beautiful homage to the 60s Ferrari race cars that together completely shut out the podium at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. MUST READ: Gucci Mane Takes Delivery Of His New Ferrari LaFerrari In The ‘Publicity Stunt’ Music Video The car, scantily camouflaged, was spotted in Maranello in all of its rear-mid engined, V12 glory. However, using its 829 horsepower, which makes it the most powerful non-electrified Ferrari, it quickly evaded the view of the cameras. With such a small glimpse of what the Daytona SP3 will be like, this clip is barely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the car being able to get to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds, and having a top speed of 211 mph, which makes it Ferrari’s fastest road-going model yet. With gorgeous looks that combine vintage heritage with cutting-edge futurism, and performance like we've never seen from Ferrari before, we can't wait for deliveries to start later this year. Source: Youtube/Varryx

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 02, 2022

Ferrari Reminisces On Its Special 10th Anniversary Cavalc...

The designs that represent Ferrari's Cavalcade event series. After releasing its final special configuration series, Ferrari celebrates the 10th Anniversary of its Cavalcade event by reminiscing on the one-of-a-kind designs that derive inspiration from the iconic destinations visited by the prancing horse. The exclusive packages are available exclusively for the clients who participate in at least one of the Cavalcade rally, with donor models that include the 812 Competizione, 812 Competizione A, SF90 Stradale, SF90 Spider and the 296 GTB. The special project lays at the hands of the highly-skilled designers at Ferrari Tailor Made, where carefully chosen material mixes and color combinations best showcase the milestone achieved by the Ferrari brand. MUST-READ: 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island Inspired by the beautiful cities and regions of Italy, Ferrari Tailor Made offers special clients color palettes that include Argento Siracusa, Blu Capri, Verde Volterra, Bianco Courmayeur and Rosso Taormina. Along with a one-of-a-kind color configuration, clients can also choose a preferred racing number and flags to apply to their car doors. Each Ferrari Cavalcade model that leaves the production floor includes a an extra-large carbon-fibre dedication plate and a chromed/brushed gallettone that features an anniversary engraving. As a special ‘thank you’ to those Ferrari clients who have made Cavalcades such exceptional experiences, this Tailor Made Collection will ensure that the spirit of the Cavalcade continues, and that the bonds of the ‘Ferrari family’ become ever stronger. View all current Ferrari examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle releases and supercar news. View All Ferrari For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 28, 2022

Watch Ferrari Debut Its Fall/Winter 2022/2023 Fashion Col...

Ferrari style for the race track and fashion runway. Alongside its fleet of track-inspired Italian supercars, the Ferrari brand also incorporates its design aspects into a dedicated collection of luxury apparel and accessories styled for the fashion runway. The creative stylists at Ferrari are proud to debut the new Fall/Winter 2022/2023 Collection at its fashion show during Milan Fashion Week. The new collection highlights modern clothing pieces created using the extensive material and color palette of the Italian supercar manufacturer. MUST-READ: Ferrari Unveils Its 5th And Final Cavalcade Configuration Series The line includes jackets, sweaters, suits, shirts, pants, sportswear, and accessories that pair perfectly with Ferrari models like the SF90 Stradale and 812 Superfast. The all-new Ferrari Fall/Winter 2022/2023 Fashion Collection is currently available through the Ferrari Store by clicking the link below. Click on the video link above to see the full Ferrari fashion show during Milan Fashion Week. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear releases and Ferrari news. Shop The Ferrari Store Source: The Ferrari Store

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 25, 2022

Ferrari Unveils Its 5th And Final Cavalcade Configuration...

Ferrari celebrates historic rally events with a custom design. As part of the Ferrari brand, the Italian supercar lifestyle highlights its perks well after the initial sale. The Ferrari Cavalcade is just one of the exclusive events open to its community of owners, consisting of an annual rally that takes all kinds of Ferrari models on a trip of a lifetime. The monumental event is continuing its celebration with an exclusive vehicle series that features unique factory configurations that derive inspiration from the destinations visited on each journey. Ferrari is proud to unveil its fifth and last spec that commemorates the 10-year anniversary of Ferrari Cavalcade. MUST-READ: Ferrari Unveils 3rd Cavalcade Special Edition Configuration The new Ferrari 296 GTB presents itself as the launch model of the final series, with the 2014 Sicilian destination of Argento Siracusa being the vision behind its design. The exterior styling of the silver and gold finish represents the way the sunlight falls on the marble architecture of the artistic Italian cities. The Argento Siracusa configuration is available on five Ferrari models that receive their custom treatment through the specialists at Ferrari Tailor Made. Click the link below to view all the current Ferrari models for sale on duPont REGISTRY. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more Ferrari news and releases. View All Ferrari For Sale Source: @ferrari IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 25, 2022

Check The Spec: 1996 Ferrari F50 Finished in Rosso Corsa

A chance to own a piece of Ferrari history. Throughout its time as a leading Italian supercar manufacturer, Ferrari has produced some of the most iconic performance cars on the planet. As part of Ferrari’s ‘Big 5’, the F50 model stands as the middle child between famous chassis like the 288 GTO, F40, Enzo, and LaFerrari. The dedicated automotive specialists at Miller Motorcars of Greenwich, CT are proud to showcase this magnificent 1996 Ferrari F50 as part of its growing inventory of exclusive exotic cars. This Ferrari F50 example features a classic Rosso Corsa exterior finish that beautifully highlights the body lines of the 90s supercar. With a paint-matched removable Targa roof, the F50 quickly transforms into the ultimate open-cockpit driving experience for any collector or enthusiast. The factory twin 5-spoke magnesium alloy wheels add a classic Ferrari look while also incorporating weight-saving technology for better track performance. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: LOKI Basecamp Falcon 8 x RAM 3500 Cummins Inside the Ferrari F50, the interior provides a driver-focused layout that boasts simplicity overall. The race-inspired Italian supercar includes a short options list that includes a set of Rosso Corsa/Black leather sport seats and climate controls. The legendary Ferrari F50 is powered by a 4.7-Liter V12 engine that produces 512-horsepower and 347ft-lb of torque. Managed by a traditional six-speed manual transmission, the F50 launches from 0-60 in just 3.7-seconds. As part of this specific example, the vehicle also includes the factory genuine Italian leather luggage set that came with the vehicle upon delivery. This exquisite 1996 Ferrari F50 is currently available through Miller Motorcars with only 12,427 miles. Click the link below to view the duPont REGISTRY vehicle listing and to inquire about pricing. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury supercar news. View Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 24, 2022

New Ferrari 296 GTB Is Seen But Not Heard In Electric Mode

This Ferrari doesn’t need to make a lot of noise to have recognition. As the Ferrari 296 GTB draws ever nearer to being in production and driven by customers, the car has been spotted more and more often. The new Ferrari sports a 3.0-liter turbo V6, with an electric motor, which together is good for an incredible 819 horsepower. Better yet, its hybrid system is a plug-in system, with the ability to be operated in a fully electric mode. MUST READ: The Best Ferraris You Can Buy Today When it was spotted in Maranello by YouTube channel Varryx, it was seen, but not heard. That’s because the 296 was running fully on electric power, and silently cruising the streets. Only for a few seconds are you able to hear the V6 engine come alive, but otherwise, the only sound that the Ferrari produces is that of the tires on the road, and the gentle hum of the electric motor. While this is a radical change for Ferrari, it’s undoubtedly an interesting and fascinating step into the future for the brand, and only letting it be seen in electric mode is a wonderful way of concealing what the 296 GTB is truly capable of. It seems like we will have to keep waiting to find out. See All Ferraris For Sale

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