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 Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2020

Certified 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider For Sale

Presented by Ferrari of Houston - When Ferrari decided to send the 488 to the track, it quickly gained the adoration of drivers the world over. Using lessons learned in making it to victory lane, the factory decided to adapt a few track-inspired upgrades to the convertible, and that is why we offer this certified 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider for sale. In order to offer more power, the Pista only shares a handful of parts with the normal 488 series. Starting with more power, engineers bestowed it with aggressive cams, more boost, titanium rods, and Inconel exhaust. At your command will be 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. The mirrors might be the same, but nearly every body part was sculpted to cut through the air. Even with the powered folding hardtop, this Spider is the first convertible in Ferrari's history to be lighter than its coupe counterpart. Even the wheels alone are 20% lighter, offering a smooth ride and incredible response in the corners. The icing on the cake is the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer. This new system allows side slip at incredible angles by careful brake modulation. Because allocations for the Pista Spider are difficult to obtain, the owner decided to go all-in. Utilizing every ability of their Ferrari Atelier, the team at Ferrari of Houston decided to make history. Starting with Grigio Ferro Metallic, this historic livery has a color change and it is extended to the interior. The special features on the window sticker continue with the Italian Flag, special threads, special leather, floor mats, seat belts, and other items you never knew could be customized. Needless to say, the time and money it took to build this car make it impossible to replicate. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing inventory from Ferrari of Houston and Ferrari of The Woodlands. View Listing

By Edward Jones – December 02, 2020

Replica Ferrari SF1000 Being Auctioned by RM Sotheby's

To celebrate Scuderia Ferrari's 1000th grand prix, Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel raced in special versions of the SF1000 that donned a burgundy red color. This color was the same used on the Ferrari 125 S, the first car ever built by the Prancing Horse. Now, Ferrari is auctioning off a replica of the SF1000 wearing this burgundy color at RM Sotheby's upcoming auction. This replica is signed by both Leclerc and Vettel. Ferrari is also offering 15 lots of memorabilia and experiences, including race suits and gloves signed by Scuderia Ferrari's drivers and two Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Experiences packages. This is an extremely rare opportunity to own a true piece of Formula 1 history. If you'd like to learn more about this auction, please visit RM Sotheby's website.

By Edward Jones – November 25, 2020

Ferrari 488 GT Modificata Revealed: As Extreme As It Gets

The new Ferrari 488 GT Modificata has been revealed as the most extreme 488 possible. Ferrari has created this new model as an unrestricted version of their 488 GT3 and 488 GTE. By that, I mean that the FIA regulations hold no power over this insane track car as it will only able to be driven during track days and at Ferrari Club Competizioni GT events. While the 488 GT3 and 488 GTE have incredible performance and power, the new 488 GT Modificata has even more. Thanks to a litany of engine modifications, the power output of the new Ferrari is around 690 horsepower. As for the aerodynamics of the 488 GT Modificata, Ferrari's engineers optimized the 488 GT Modificata's airflow after lengthy testing on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Their goal was to have downforce shifted towards the front without increasing drag. Ferrari notes that the 488 GT Modificata can generate 2,205 lbs at 143 mph. As with all Ferraris, this new model will also be able to have its interior and exterior customized. Ferrari does not that it will be produced in a very limited series. See All Ferrari 488 Pistas For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 20, 2020

Ferrari Roma Auctioned by RM Sotheby's Raises $750,000 Fo...

A recent auction of one of the first Ferrari Romas in the United States has ended and the results are fantastic in more ways than one. This specific Ferrari Roma was auctioned by RM Sotheby's with help from Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo with proceeds benefitting the Save the Children, a 501(c)(3) organization. Save the Children aims to provide children with the opportunity to learn, protection from harm, and for a healthy start in life and has changed the lives of over one billion children since its foundation 100 years ago. After the auction, $750,000 was donated to the charitable organization at a virtual gala. “This has been a time when supporting children, and looking to the future, have been focal points for many of us,” Matteo Torre, President, Ferrari North America, said during the virtual Gala. “Investing in that future through this contribution to Save the Children is timely and fitting, offering one of the first Ferrari Roma to arrive in the North American market.” Source: Magazine.Ferrari.com

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By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2020

2021 Ferrari SF90 Spider Is A Convertible Masterpiece

Before automakers had access to supercomputers it was difficult to build a decent drop-top. Those who swear by hardtop dominance might be a dying breed now that the 2021 Ferrari SF90 Spider is a convertible masterpiece. The new flagship to wear a Prancing Horse has been years in the making. 2021 Ferrari SF90Stradale Test Drive Starting with their newest retractable hardtop, incredible attention was paid to aerodynamics in order to offer incredible downforce and low drag. Behind the cockpit, the engine cover is tucked down very close to the intake manifold. This draws the slipstream into an elegant "Shut-Off Gurney". Inside, the controls are mostly capacitive touch panels and all instrumentation is through HD displays. Also borrowed from the coupe is the option for more performance. Those who choose the Assetto Fiorano specification will enjoy a lighter curb weight and Multimatic suspension The roof can be opened or closed in 14 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. Under the sleek body is the same 1,000 horsepower drivetrain that incorporates three electric motors and a battery pack. You will reach 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and 124 mph in only 7 ticks. The electric range is rated at 16 miles given a fully charged battery. With deliveries of the coupe starting soon, this Spider is ready to bite you. Click the button below for all the details from our dealers and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. Browse Ferrari For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2020

Fast Financials 2020 Q3: Ferrari Is As Strong As Ever

One of the smartest moves by our late friend was to insulate his top brand from internal strife. Sergio Marchionne led the renaissance of Fiat-Chrysler and allowed Ferrari to go public on the NYSE in 2015, and it has been lauded as the best offering in decades. Now with their latest press release, we see that Ferrari is as strong as ever. RACE Chart by TradingView Yesterday we saw the results of careful planning. Despite the lockdown, Ferrari was only down on deliveries by 161 cars versus last year. This allowed Net Revenue to top $1,053,361,584, Enzo would be proud! Core business was up by 2.6% driven by the Monza SP1 & SP2 demand. Cash Flow checked in at $91.38 Million. They even break it down by models, as the 812 GTS and F8 Spider are reaching full production. As they do, the Portofino and 488 families will be discontinued soon. The SF90 Stradale and Roma deliveries will begin any time now, as Q4 will see them shine on every shore. Click the button below to find your new Ferrari and stay with us for all your investment possibilities in the world of exotic cars for sale. Browse New Ferrari For Sale " width="680">

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

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