Ferrari News

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

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 23, 2024

Ferrari's New Teaser Shows What Might Be A Racing Boat

Ferrari teases a possible journey from land to sea. Ferrari has been known for over 75 years as a manufacturer that is full of passion for racing, and while its legacy has been forged by dominating race tracks all over the world, a new teaser has announced that Ferrari is ready to embark on an entirely new endeavor. With images of the ocean taking up a large portion of Ferrari’s current Instagram grid, speculation suggests that Ferrari may be diving headfirst into the waters of marine racing. Promising in the description of its teaser video to “take the race where we never have before,” Ferrari may possibly be bringing its racing efforts to the ocean, and the teaser video also quickly shows a clip of what might be a hydrofoil boat quickly passing by. With an incredible lineup of some of the most beautiful, powerful, innovative and desirable cars ever made, as well as a pedigree and legacy of amazing racing efforts and victories, especially the victory at the 100th 24 Hours of Le Mans race with the 499P, Ferrari’s first top-class endurance racing car in 50 years, this new foray into what may be racing boats is incredibly exciting, and would be sure to make waves (of many kinds) as it materializes. View All Ferraris For Sale

24SS MS Ferrari Seasonal Concept Look 5 2893

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 11, 2024

PUMA & Ferrari Launch Its "New Era" Spring/Summer 2024 Ap...

Scuderia Ferrari and PUMA release a bold Spring/Summer 2024 line, fusing modern colors with classic design. Ferrari's approach to designing its supercars and hypercars mirrors the flair and artistry used in Italian high fashion. Just as Italy's renowned fashion designers set trends on the runway with their bold and breathtaking styles, Ferrari infuses its vehicles with a blend of cutting-edge innovation for the track. Bridging the gap between high-performance supercars and luxury streetwear, PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari mark a thrilling advancement in fashion with their Spring/Summer 2024 Collection. A vibrant blend of sporty contours and innovative design celebrates a new chapter for this collaboration, where the adrenaline of high-speed racing meets the cutting-edge style of PUMA, enriched with the iconic flair of Scuderia Ferrari. Dubbed "A New Era," this fuel-driven apparel and accessories collection features innovative body-mapped designs in each piece, emphasizing the body's natural movement and blending it with a functional aesthetic. The range pushes boundaries, introducing a fresh color palette that includes Ferrari's uncommon pink lilac and vine shades, alongside the classic speed yellow and rosso corsa. What sets "A New Era" apart is its premium approach is that it favors subtlety over extravagance, with muted logos that let the craftsmanship and design shine. This understated branding speaks volumes of the dedication to a refined and sophisticated style, ensuring each piece stands out just like any of Ferrari's creations. Available online at puma.com by clicking the link below, the all-new PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari Spring/Summer 2024 Collection is a bold statement for the fan looking to show their support for one of the most legendary supercar manufacturers. Shop PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari Source: PUMA

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 10, 2024

This 1-of-1 Tailor Made 2022 Ferrari SF90 Stradale Echoes...

70s racing history meets 2020s supercar innovation. Ferrari has over 7 decades of history, and every single year of it is steeped in a passion and a dedication to racing. There’s countless stories of Ferrari’s racing pedigree, with triumphs and iconic moments throughout, and more often than not, those colorful moments are painted in red. However, in 1971, Sunoco added a splash of blue to that history, with the Roger Penske team’s blue Ferrari 512M that competed in various endurance racing challenges.] Over 50 years later, that very 70s Ferrari racer would go on to serve as the inspiration for a new 2022 Ferrari SF90 Stradale, and personalized by Ferrari’s Tailor Made program as a one-of-one, the configuration features various unique touches making the futuristic hybrid supercar pay a beautiful homage to the original racer. It’s available for sale at Ferrari of Ontario in Vaughan, Canada, and it only has 252 miles on its odometer, and also features the Assetto Fiorano package that is very desirable for the SF90 Stradale model. The historic configuration starts with an exterior in Blu Montecarlo, with the original race car’s number of 6, as well as detailing in Sanusilver and Giallo Modena. The interior is finished in black leather along with gray ultrasuede. Throughout, carbon fiber details are tinted in blue, with other accents in yellow, echoing the unique, race-inspired exterior. With a beautiful, unique, ultra-exclusive one-of-one Tailor Made configuration, and an even more beautiful story that dates back more than 50 years, this stunning example of the 2022 Ferrari SF90 Stradale could be yours. View the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing Image Source: Ferrari of Ontario

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 09, 2024

Ferrari's Incredible Garages Series Visits Barry Skolnick...

Sat among fine art, these Ferraris are pieces of art themselves. Barry Skolnick is known for his incredible car and art collection, and as an entrepreneur and founder of Ikonick Motors, his incredible Ferrari collection is one of the greatest highlights of his presence. As part of its Incredible Garages series, which previously highlighted Swizz Beats’ expansive collection of Prancing Horses, Ferrari Magazine discovers Barry Skolnick’s library of Ferrari masterpieces. Growing up a native New Yorker, Skolnick always admired Ferraris, and thought of Ferrari as a dream manufacturer to own cars from. Today, having been based in Miami for over 20 years, his collection of Ferraris includes models like the 599 GTO, 458 Speciale, Monza, SF90 Stradale, and even the ultra-exclusive flagship models like the LaFerrari hypercar, the F50, and the Enzo. One of his favorites, because of its driving feel and character, is the F12tdf. Skolnick says that the exclusive front-engined V12 performance machine is the Ferrari that he’s likely put the most miles on out of his Ferrari collection. However, the Monza is another one of his favorites, as he says visitors to Ikonick Motors are usually the most wowed by it with its avant-garde yet classic-inspired roofless barchetta design. With a unique, high-end facility that’s full of fine art and a collection of some of the greatest moments and proudest creations in Ferrari’s long history, Barry Skolnick’s garage is one of the greatest in the world, especially when it comes to Ferrari collections. Click below to watch the video and discover Skolnick’s expansive Ferrari garage. Watch The Episode

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 04, 2024

Ferrari Supercar Prototypes Spotted Outside Its Factory I...

Ferrari has something up its sleeves for 2024. Always striving to lead the pack in performance while honoring its heritage as an early supercar manufacturer and motorsports icon, Ferrari continues to evolve its lineup with modern models that feature state-of-the-art design, technology, and power. And while some of those futuristic creations stay hidden until their official debuts, the passionate car community has automotive YouTubers like Varryx here to help get the first glimpse at mystery models and prototypes. On his most recent visit to Maranello, Italy, Varryx was able to spot some Ferraris that are sure to make their mark on roads and tracks very soon. How To Sell Your Ferrari Online Along with multiple Pursosangue SUVs, SF90 XXs, and Daytona SP3s making their short trip between Ferrari production facilities, a prototype 2nd gen SF90 and a mysterious front-engine V12 made their appearance in camouflage wraps. The elongated front-engine Ferrari disguised in an all-black covering is the F167 prototype, which stands out as the work-in-progress replacement for the 812 Superfast coming in 2024. With tons of production traffic happening there in Maranello, it is clear that Ferrari is operating at 100% and ready to deliver an array of its supercars, super-SUVS, and hypercars in 2024. View all Ferrari examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari For Sale Source: Varryx YouTube

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 02, 2024

Ultra-Rare Historic 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari Prototype For ...

Own the next chapter of one of the greatest stories a Ferrari can have. Ferrari ownership is the dream of many a car enthusiast, as it should be. The legendary Italian manufacturer forged its roots in racing over 75 years ago, and in that time it’s become one of the most respected names in the world, let alone just the automotive world. Its beautiful, luxurious, powerful, and of course fast cars have been the gold standard for automotive excellence for decades, and the addition of a Ferrari elevates any exotic car collection. However, even among the Ferrari pantheon, the LaFerrari hypercar stands on an even higher level. Its hybrid performance put it in a special league of historic, world-changing hypercars that made up the early-2010s “Holy Trinity.” Any LaFerrari for sale is an incredibly coveted piece of automotive history, but there’s a level of prestige and rarity that goes beyond even that: a prototype version of the legendary hypercar. This 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari for sale appears to be the final-stage development prototype of the LaFerrari, which showed off the bodywork that would eventually make it to the production version of the car, as well as many of its most important and revered features, like its hybrid powertrain, interior design, active aero, and carbon fiber chassis. Unlike other LaFerraris for sale, the unique story behind this example is what makes it one of the most special Ferraris you can get your hands on. It’s available for sale at OpenRoad Northwest in Bellevue, Washington, and if you’re interested, you can write the next chapter in the incredible story of this Ferrari relic. View the listing by clicking below. View Listing Image Source: OpenRoad Northwest

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 28, 2023

1988 Ferrari 328 GTS Listed For Auction

This classic Cavallino is a car to covet. It’s hard to think of a Ferrari that exists in the manufacturer’s entire history that isn’t a desirable car to have in a collection, and the Prancing Horse’s stable of classic sports cars from decades past has plenty to offer to just about any automotive enthusiast. The 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS is no exception, and this specific example, which is up for auction on Sotheby's Motorsport, of the beautiful 80s Ferrari is a remarkable one. With just 9,760 miles on the odometer, the car is a beautifully-preserved time capsule of the best that motoring had to offer in the 1980s, and holds up today as an excellent car to drive, own, and even just to look at. Finished in Ferrari’s ever-classic Rosso Corsa, this Ferrari 328 GTS is just about as Ferrari as it gets. However, that just scratches the surface of what makes this car special. It also features a 5-speed manual transmission, which was a Ferrari staple at the time and still to this day for many fans of Ferrari’s classics. The interior is upholstered in elegant black leather, and the wheels feature a convex design, a sign of the update the car recieved for the 1988 model year, which also included ABS, making this specific 328 GTS a beautiful combination of classic, visceral driving joy and modern convenience and safety. Even among Ferrari’s portfolio of amazing cars, this one stands out as one of the most beautiful and classic to add to a collection. If you’re interested in owning this artful piece of automotive history, view the auction listing on SothebysMotorsport.com by clicking below. View Price And Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 27, 2023

Ferrari's New 296 GTB Honors Michael Schumacher With A Ma...

Celebrating the 2004 Hungarian GP, this Ferrari 296 GTB will go down as a piece of automotive history. For decades, Ferrari has always had a steady pulse on both its involvement as a leader in motorsports and manufacturing, securing F1 wins all around the world while continuing to engineer some of the most powerful supercars on the planet. While every Formula 1 race proved to be successful for the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team, the 2004 Hungarian Grand Prix represents a true milestone, forever celebrated by the brand and its passionate fans. Michael Schumacher simultaneously secured the team's sixth consecutive constructor world championship and took the fastest lap of the race. In honor of one of its most decisive victories and the racecar that crossed the finish line, the bespoke specialists at Ferrari are proud to showcase a stunning 296 GTB in a custom livery matching Schumacher's Ferrari F2004. Blending the past with the present of Ferrari, the 296 GTB was the perfect pick to represent a push towards the future of supercars. The Atelier-produced road car features the highly desirable Asseto Fiorano package for additional power, while its exterior presents a head-turning Rosso Corsa base finish with bright white contrasting highlights. The interior showcases a sleek and subtle configuration, surrounding the driver-centric cabin in black leather and Alcantara. A set of carbon fiber bucket seats includes factory race harnesses and headrests embroidered with the Hungarian GP track and Italian flag. The Ferrari 296 GTB generates more than 819 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque from its hybrid-assisted twin-turbocharged V6 engine platform. Utilizing the same designs, technology, and performance from its F1 team, Ferrari evolves the Italian supercar and gifts owners a driving experience unlike any other. View all Ferrari 296 GTB examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari 296 GTB For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 22, 2023

1-of-100 1993 Ferrari 348 TS Serie Speciale For Sale

This 90s Ferrari is a rare supercar gem. The Ferrari 348 is one of the coolest retro supercars from the manufacturer. It features a nostalgia-inducing 90s design with true Ferrari character, as well as a mid-mounted V8 engine and sporty performance that remains impressive even 30 years later. However, one of the most special versions of the car was the rare 348 TS Serie Speciale, which was a revised version of the retro supercar with increased performance and incredible exclusivity. Limited to just 100 units, the 3.4-liter V8 engine had its power output increased from 296 horsepower to 312 horsepower, and the chance to own an example of this beautiful machine has come around in the form of this 1993 Ferrari 348 TS Serie Speciale for sale at Boardwalk Ferrari in Plano, Texas. In iconic Ferrari fashion, the car is finished in the unmistakable Rosso Corsa, with a black leather interior complementing it beautifully. On top of that, the driving experience is enhanced by a removable targa top, which provides the driver with the open-top driving experience of dreams. However, one of the best aspects of any retro supercar is its irreplaceable approach to traditional driving simplicity and joy, and that comes in the form of a gated manual transmission that is featured in this Ferrari for sale. If you’re interested in owning this rare, iconic, classic, and beautiful Ferrari masterpiece, view the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing Image Source: Boardwalk Ferrari

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By Jordan Aquistapace – December 21, 2023

Amalgam Unveils Its $18K Limited Edition Ferrari 296 GT3 ...

Amalgam Collection reveals a meticulously crafted 1:8 scale Ferrari 296 GT3 model, limited to 199 pieces worldwide. Representing the future of Ferrari, the 296 GTB/GTS showcasing six-cylinder technology that stands against any supercar in its path. With success on public roads, Ferrari introduced the track-focused 296 GT3 race car to its competitive motorsports division. The expert craftsmen at Amalgam Collection are proud to add the all-new 1:8 scale Ferrari 296 GT3 to its ever-growing lineup of collecor models. This release is a tribute to engineering and design, limited to only 199 pieces worlwide, each involving over 3000 hours of skilled design and development. Derived from the original CAD data for the Ferrari 296 GT3, shared by Ferrari with Amalgam, the sample underwent extensive design reworking to achieve the pefect model. The result is a stunning 22 inch long replica that complements an car lover's home or office, showcasing the beauty and detail of the Ferrari 296 GT3. Every visible detail has been meticulously replicated, from the iconic Rosso Imola paint to the minute stitches in the racing harness. The 1:8 scale model features openable doors, revealing a detailed interior including the Bosch monitor and control console, capturing the essence of the real car. Amalgam's Bespoke Team Livery service offers an exclusive opportunity for drivers, teams, and sponsors of Ferrari GT3 cars to commission a deeply detailed model, replicating every aspect of their car’s specification. The limited-edition Ferrari 296 GT3 model by Amalgam Collection is currently available for purchase or custom configuration by clicking the link below. Shop Amalgam's Ferrari 296 GT3 Source: Amalgam Collection

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