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 – November 03, 2020

Novitec Ferrari 812 Superfast N-Largo Exposed Carbon Is 1...

Engineers and stylists spent years crating the Ferrari 812 Superfast for sale. While many faithful will choose not to modify their masterpiece, Novitec has unveiled a compilation of every upgrade they offer. This is why the Novitec Ferrari 812 Superfast N-Lago Exposed Carbon is 1 of 1. In their latest YouTube upload, we see improvements to every aerodynamic aspect. 2021 Ferrari Monza SP1 By Novitec Doesn’t Disappoint Their carbon fiber body parts are found from the grille to the rear splitter and they amplify the active aero system in the right proportions. No detail was overlooked as we see accentuated heat extractors and intakes on the hood, rockers, and the quarter panels. In conjunction with the graceful rear spoiler, it sets this Superfast apart from all the others. They offer everything from new wheels to sport springs and even a full exhaust plated in .999 Gold. All you have to do is find a Ferrari 812 Superfast and allow them to expose its true potential. Click the button below to start the journey and stay with us for all your Novitec news. Browse Ferrari 812 Superfast For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2020

See the Ferrari Portofino M Race Through the Italian Riviera

The Ferrari Portofino M has retuned to where its predecessor, the Portofino, was revealed back in 2017: the Italian Riviera. Ferrari took the new open-top supercar out for a cruise around the beautiful scenery, creating a visual masterpiece. With its sleek lines and undeniable elegance, the Portofino M fits in perfectly at such a scenic location. In the video below, you can watch as the Portofino M stretches its legs on winding roads and pull up to some very notable locations. Check it out for yourself in the video below and click the button if you'd like to see all Ferrari Portofinos for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. See All Portofinos For Sale " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 29, 2020

The Ferrari Roma Test Drive Presented by Ferrari of Fort ...

Recently, Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale held a private test drive event for clientele and friends to experience the all-new Ferrari Roma. When the Roma first released, I was unsure about the new mid-front engine Ferrari but that quickly changed when we walked out the front door of the dealership, into the parking lot, and laid eyes on it. The car is absolutely stunning in person, and the pictures do not do it justice. It is an entirely new look that is unlike anything else on the road. At first glance, you’ll notice there are no Scuderia shields on the model we tested, and the completely redesigned front and rear lights. These features alone show that Ferrari may be headed in a new direction with their product line. The typical round rear lights are a thing of the past, but from a distance, you can still tell that it is a Ferrari. The Roma is so sleek and elegant from every single angle we spent 20 minutes examining the car before even driving it. The Roma is smaller than I had imagined, but once you use the leather key to unlock the door and step inside, you realize that does not matter at all. The interior is gorgeous and is a huge change from previous models. The Ferrari interior has always been quite analogous with knobs and buttons throughout but with the Roma, Ferrari took an entirely different approach. When you first glimpse at the steering wheel after opening the door, it looks similar to previous Ferrari models. It’s not until you take a seat and begin to start the Roma, that you notice there have been some serious changes. The Start / Stop button is integrated at the bottom of the steering wheel and is actually not a button at all, it is a touch screen panel that can be found throughout most of the steering wheel. After turning the car on you immediately notice the enormous digital dash that features everything from navigation to radio and car info. Using the touchpads on the steering wheel to navigate through screens you quickly find out that everything is super intuitive. As you go to put the Roma into gear, you’ll notice the gear levers resemble early Ferrari levers, which allow the car to maintain an analog feel with so many digital components surrounding you. As we pulled out onto North Federal Highway, I immediately noticed how comfortable and drivable the Roma was. With a 611-horsepower twin-turbo V8 in front of you, it is hard to believe how calm, quiet, and smooth the ride is. That is, however, until you step on the gas. It effortlessly climbs through the gears of the 8-speed DCT Transmission as you watch the speedometer rise. The Roma is no slouch, it goes from 0-62 in 3.4 seconds, but the most impressive part was how quick and agile it was. The turning and handling capabilities are phenomenal, and the steering feel is wonderful as you sit planted through turns. Ferrari Roma Horsepower, Price, 0-60: MUST READ As a passenger, the Ferrari Roma provides comfortable ride quality with plenty of legroom. I was able to use the secondary display integrated into the passenger dash, which controls audio/media functions throughout the vehicle. At slower cruising speeds, I could tell that this is a perfect daily drivable supercar. When Corsa mode is selected, the performance is very much present, but the sound controlled cabin allows for casual conversation. There are also available rear seats for two more individuals to experience the Ferrari Roma. Overall, the Ferrari Roma is a breath of fresh air. The all-new look, feel, and performance is unmatched by anything I’ve had the pleasure of driving. If I were you, I would order yours now. Ferrari Roma For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 19, 2020

80-Year-Old Legend Still Drives His Ferrari F40

It's time we all meet John, an 80-year-old who has a life that's involved quite a few automobiles. At a young age, he raced his mother's car in rallies and ended up getting into circuit racing. It seems as though he was born to drive. And now, decades later, John is still driving but he's doing it behind the wheel of one of the most legendary cars ever made: the Ferrari F40. In TheSUPERCARDRIVER's new video, John explains that he purchased his F40 as a car he could truly drive. He first saw the car at Silverstone when it was first debuted and he notes that he never would've imagined he would actually own it years later. Now, he's driving his F40 on the road as it should be. When it was created, Ferrari wanted to create the fastest road car and they succeeded when the F40 crossed the 200 mph mark-- emphasis on "road car." It's nice to see this F40 stretching its legs and being driven by a true driver. You can learn all about John and his cars in the video down below. See All Ferrari F40s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 13, 2020

2021 Ferrari Monza SP1 By Novitec Doesn't Disappoint

Although we get a brief afternoon shower in the Summer, Floridians could go without a roof and windshield on most days. That's why Ferrari's latest speedsters would look great in my garage. Loosely based on the 812 Superfast for sale, the Icona series is comprised of the Monza SP1 and Monza SP2. Offered to only their best customers, production is done by hand, as needed. Their name indicates the number of seats, so if you want a supercar all to yourself, the 2021 Ferrari Monza SP1 by Novitec doesn't disappoint. Ferrari Monza SP1 Ripped Around Maranello by Nico Rosberg Their gold-plated exhaust and engine tuning offers 844 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque. Of course, these upgrades will also fit the Monza SP2, allowing both cars to reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds with a top speed well over 186 mph. The car rides on their 21"/22" wheels and sport springs that lower the car by 1.3". Click the button to learn more, and stay with us for all your Novitec news. Learn More

By Edward Jones – October 05, 2020

Is This a Hybrid Ferrari V6 Spotted on the Streets?

So far, we've only seen two hybrids from Ferrari: the LaFerrari and SF90 Stradale. For the LaFerrari, it has a V12 engine as a base while the SF90 Stradale uses a V8. Now, it seems like we may be getting a hybrid V6 powertrain from Ferrari thanks to a video from YouTube Channel "Varryx." In the video, we see what looks like camouflaged 488s but there is one detail that will catch your eye. If you take a look at the video below, you'll notice the "high voltage" stickers placed around the car. This could easily point to a hybrid powertrain. What's more, the exhaust note is definitely not one of a V8 engine. This isn't definitive proof, so be sure to stick with us for more information as it's released. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 25, 2020

2021 Ferrari Omologata Celebrates Their GT Racing History

Somewhere in Europe is an amazing collection of Ferrari race cars. The owner has a passion for privateer teams and factory builds meant to battle in GT races around the world. As such, he has a hot line to Maranello when he is inspired to build something unique. Money is not an object for collectors of this caliber, so the 2021 Ferrari Omologata celebrates their GT racing history. Don't call it an 812 Superfast, because the only parts they share are the headlights and windshield. Designers were given a blank canvas to sculpt a new body with cues from the past. Doing this while maintaining the aerodynamic efficiency and downforce would be a challenge for lesser automakers, but this marks the 10th special edition based on their late-model V12 lineup. Over two years and many late nights were spent perfecting the body in the virtual realm before the first panel was struck. Prominent fender flares allow the tapered lines to culminate in a smaller grille. While the car looks lowered, your eyes are playing tricks on you. They have really outdone themselves, but we say that every time. Leave it to Ferrari to make their amazing cars even better, and fulfilling the dreams of their valued customers. As soon as this car is seen in action, you will see it here first. In the meantime find your 812 Superfast below and have a great weekend. Browse Ferrari 812 Superfast For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 24, 2020

Classiche Certified 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO For Sale

The most popular motorsport of the early 80's was Group B rally racing. Manufacturers were finally embracing turbos as the perfect way to develop incredible power. Enzo Ferrari was never happy to sit idle while his competitors were getting recognized around the world. That's why he pushed his engineers to cut apart the Group B rulebook and build a car to dominate everyone else. In order to be able to race, the sanctioning body required Ferrari to sell a few street-legal examples to the public, and this resulted in their first supercar. While many will tell you it is a 308 GTB with impressive power, the only part they shared was the Scuderia Shield. Only 272 examples were built, and only a handful remain. This one being in showroom condition is a Blue Chip investment. The featherweight body panels were designed to race, so the curb weight hovers around 2,550 lbs depending on driver and fuel. Don't be fooled by the 2.8-liter V8, as it uses water-cooled turbos to make 400 horsepower and 366 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers were advertised to keep competitors happy, the car delivers much more. If you have been looking for the first Ferrari Supercar, this Classiche Certified example has under 30,000 miles. It is located in Europe, where it has been shown at the factory for several events. Of course, it comes with the Classiche Certification Red Book, owners manual, and service history. Our friend Marcel Massini researched every event since new, and his report is included. Copely Motors specializes in Concours-Quality cars, and they will help you get it back to the U.S. This is a spot-on price for a significant part of automotive history. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for more amazing Ferraris for sale. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – September 21, 2020

Touring Superleggera Unveils Aero3 Based on Ferrari F12

Go to any significant Concours event and you will undoubtedly encounter a Touring. Bodies built by their master coachbuilders have graced the world's best automakers since 1926. "Body by Touring" is a hallmark of excellence, and that is why they have unveiled the Touring Aero3 based on the Ferrari F12berlinetta. Ferrari F12berlinetta Price, Specs, Photos & Review https://www.facebook.com/TouringSuperleggera/videos/2498228847141272 Based in Milan, they keep up with the latest trends in fashion and styling. The Aero3 was inspired by their famous Art Deco builds of the 30s and 40s. From the functional heat extractors to the rear spine, it is a perfect blend of old and new. The price? Well if you have to ask...But fear not, our dealers have great offers on pristine F12berlinettas for sale, so click the button below and stay with us for all your coachbuilt news. Browse Ferrari F12 Berlinetta For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 21, 2020

Ferrari F8 Tributo vs McLaren 720S Drag Race: Who Wins?

In DragTimes latest video, it's a battle between supercars from England and Italy. In one lane is the McLaren 720S, a rear-wheel drive powerhouse. Found in the rear of the 720S rests a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that puts out 710 horsepower. Its opponent in the race is the Ferrari F8 Tributo, another rear-wheel drive supercar. Powering this Ferrari is a twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8 that also produces 710 horsepower. As you can see, these supercars are very similar and that's what makes the drag races between them so intriguing. When it comes to a drag race, the launch is so critical. So seeing these cars next to each other, launching, gives us a good look at the quality of their launch control technology. See it for yourself in the vide below. See F8 Tributos For Sale See 720S for Sale

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