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 – 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

By Andrew Nabors – September 18, 2020

Stunning Tailor Made 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider For Sale

Dihydrogen monoxide is nothing to be feared. The name might scare you, but humans are capable of drinking it without any side effects. Commonly known as water, it has inspired artists from cavemen to car builders. Such is the case with Ferrari's Tailor Made department with "Forces Of Nature". Designed to evoke the most powerful and enchanting aspects of the ocean, "Water Theme" is your escape voyage. That is why you should allow this stunning Tailor Made 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider for sale to be part of your collection. There will never be another 488 Spider like this. As 1 of 1, the discerning first owner only drove it 59 miles. Sold new and serviced by Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale, the factory warranty continues to 3/22/22 with included maintenance out to 3/22/26. While those are well and good, here is what makes it so enchanting. Blue Metallic, Peccary Beige and Blue Sterling combine to evoke the perfect day at the beach. The livery and dreamlines are in white, and all the carbon fiber accents (including the steering wheel) are Blue Lucido. The 4-layer paint is just the beginning of the unique options from Tailor Made, as they also crafted a dedication plate from silver. The gauges have machined aluminum faces and the headrests are embroidered in Blue Medio. Showing only delivery mileage, this certified pre-owned Spider deserves to be the centerpiece of your collection. The asking price is a fraction of what it cost to build, so this opportunity won't last long. This is just one example of what Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale is capable of, so click the button for all the details and stay with us for all of their impressive inventory. View Price and Listing

By Andrew Nabors – September 16, 2020

2021 Ferrari Portofino M Offers More Power, Style & Techn...

Looking back through Maranello's 2+2 convertibles, it seems that these Grand Touring machines were never given the latest upgrades. It was not until the California T that they began to focus on refining this segment. Now you have another supercar to choose from as the 2021 Ferrari Portofino M offers more power, style & technology. Starting under the hood, you will find their bulletproof 3.8-liter twin turbo. With new cams and computer-controlled turbos, it offers 620 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. Each turbo has an integrated tachometer so the computer can keep them at an optimal speed. This load map changes by gear and throttle position so yo will have 560 lb-ft of torque at an instant. Mounted at the rear is an all-new 8-speed automatic. Built to stay in-boost through each shift, their goal of "Zero Turbo Lag" has been achieved. This allowed them to spread out the gear ratios to allow 8th to deliver incredible fuel economy in normal driving. That's because this is their first GT convertible to have "Race" mode. The manetino dial now has five modes, something we have been waiting years to see. " width="680"> This allows the computer to share the same systems found on the 488 GTB, such as: Side Slip Control, Electronic Differential, F1-TCS, SCM-E, and the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer. The latter is activated in Race Mode to keep the brake pads closer to the calipers for quick reactions. Engineers also removed a pair of resonators from the exhaust, so you will really hear this Prancing Horse when spurred. Browse Ferrari Portofino For Sale From the nose to tail, every body panel has been optimized for more stability at higher speeds and the interior is much more intuitive. With all these attributes considered, the 2021 Ferrari Portofino M isn't an upgrade, it is a new car that will be arriving soon. Click the button above to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Ferrari news.

By Andrew Nabors – September 15, 2020

Adam Levine and RM Sotheby's to Auction New Ferrari Roma ...

Children are our most precious resource, and yet they many disenfranchised little ones often fall through the cracks. That's why the leader of Maroon 5 is making light of what the media won't. We're glad to report that Adam Levine and RM Sotheby's are auctioning a new Ferrari Roma to benefit Save The Children. Education is the mission of Save The Children, to give them a better chance at making something of themselves. Along with his wife Behati Prinsloo, one of the earliest-production examples will be the centerpiece of RM Sotheby's October Online Auction. Only open to North American bidders, the car will be live October 22nd. " width="680"> Learn More Built to U.S. specifications and finished in Bianco Italia over a Bordeaux leather interior, this Roma will be delivered to the winning bidder through the North American official Ferrari dealership of their choosing. Even if you don't need a 2021 Ferrari Roma for sale, please consider donating to Save The Children. Click the button above for all the information and stay with us for all your RM Sotheby's updates.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 09, 2020

PUMA Motorsports Announces Scuderia Ferrari Speedcat Pro ...

PUMA Motorsports and Scuderia Ferrari have a special announcement for motorsport enthusiasts with a drive to be like Formula One teammates Charles LeClerc and Sebastian Vettel. The first-ever release of the Ferrari Speedcat Pro racing shoe will be available for purchase, the same that are worn by both Ferrari drivers. Other models released by the two motorsport powerhouses have involved bridging a line between performance and comfort for day to day life. The Speedcat Pro is a track-focused design meant to do one job, and that is to provide support in a competitive racing environment. The idea behind the shoes is to eliminate weight while still offering support. The upper uses a lightweight fabric for comfort and protection from fire. The heel is the area where the structure is needed the most, which is why carbon fiber has been added as an element to strengthen the Ferrari Speedcat Pro. The most important part of the silhouette is the outsole, where grip can make or break the perfect lap time. PUMA has equipped the race shoe with a low-profile rubber and a comfort wedge to balance the structure. The PUMA Ferrari Speedcat Pro is available in two limited production pro models. Charles LeClerc will release 97 available examples to signify his birth year. Sebastian Vettel will release 53 to indicate the number of total F1 Grand Prix wins so far. The release date for the anticipated track shoe is set for September 10th at 6 pm EST on PUMA’s EU website, the Ferrari Store website, and Ferrari Stores. Shop Now

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