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 – June 17, 2016

2016 Ferrari F12tdf For Sale: 1 of 799

Most people associate the Tour de France with human powered transportation, but the original race was done with automobiles. Ferrari's F12tdf is named for the race because like the early racers, this modern supercar pushes the limits of traction and horsepower. Only 799 cars will be produced, and only a fraction will make their way to the US.Ferrari F12tdf For Sale Our friends a Fusion Luxury somehow acquired this one with only 101 miles on the odometer. By utilizing some of the high revving features of their F1 program, it uses solid lifters and high compression to make 769 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed F1 transmission has unique gearing to keep the engine in its powerband along with a top speed north of 211. Compared to an F12berlinetta, the body is more aggressive to handle the increased speeds. Ferrari says the aero efficiency of the F12tdf is almost twice that of the base model.Ferrari F12 For Sale (Related: 2012 RUF CTR3 Clubsport For Sale)As you can see in the window sticker, this car was ordered with every option. The interior is awash in red leather and carbon fiber, with a linear tachometer for the enjoyment of your passenger. If you think you can handle the rarity and the power, Fusion Motors has your next ride.View Listing

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 16, 2016

How to Play Basketball While Going 136 mph in a Ferrari

What you'll need: A basketball A mobile basketball hoop An open track A Ferrari California T A driver How it works: Get in the passenger seat of your Ferrari and hold the basketball. Once driver hits 136 mph, throw the basketball straight into the air Watch as friends with mobile basketball hoop try to ensure basketball makes it into the hoop The guys of How Ridiculous wanted to have a little fun with a basketball, and judging by the video, it looks like they succeeded. Ever thought about racing down the speedway and trying to shoot a basketball? These guys did, too. In fact, they're known for the basketball antics. Check out the full video below to watch the action.Ferrari Californias for Sale

By Edward Jones – June 10, 2016

#TheDriver, Ferrari California T HS and Dream On!

This stylish video shows the latest and greatest convertible GT from Ferrari: the California T Handling Speciale, the dream car for your dream job, #TheDriver. Going along with the sounds of Enzo Ferrari’s inspirational interviews are scenes of what your day can be behind the wheel of a Ferrari California T:an exhilarating journey like the one of #The Driver. And, this makes perfect sense, considering Ferrari was born and bred behind one of the world’s most thrilling sports: motorsports. The HS stands for Handling Speciale, meaning it provides an even sportier and more involved driving experience. How is this done? Ferrari has given the California T HS a more “sportier” engine sound thanks to a new exhaust system, reduced its body roll, reduced steering wheel activity, improved steering responsiveness, stiffer springs (16 percent more up front and 19 percent in the rear). Never before has the Ferrari California been more agile around corners, nor has it sounded so beautiful. What’s more, none of these modifications impede on the car’s comfort. If #TheDriver needs an even sportier drive, the new California T HS offers the mannettino’s Sport mode. Through this bespoke solution, the damper settings and springs become stiffer, allowing for a more aggressive driving and more feedback to the road beneath. Making the whole experience of driving the Ferrari California T HS all the better is the ability to put down the top and enjoy the fresh air. Those who are looking to become a part of this journey or are already enjoying it ought to check out Mattioli Automotive Group’s exceptional dealers in California: Ferrari Beverly Hills, Ferrari Los Angeles, Ferrari South Bay and Ferrari Silicon Valley. Mattioli Automotive Group is proud to offer California’s largest community of Ferraristitheir exquisite boutiques. Their showrooms not only offer state-of-the-art new and pre-owned sales and Factory-Authorized Service Center, but also Classiche factory certification, collision repair and genuine parts. Do they stop there? Of course not. Knowing that Ferraris were built around racing, they have their very own Championship-winning racing team – Scuderia Corsa. If you’d like to learn more about everything that Mattioli Automotive Group has to offer or are interested in your very own California T HS, be sure to click the button below. Learn more

By Edward Jones – June 02, 2016

Ferrari 488 GTB Shocks Crowd With Massive Burnout

Ferrari broke away from their naturally-aspirated engine when they introduced the F40 years ago. Many enjoyed the idea of a turbocharged Ferrari, but it would take a couple decades after the F40's introduction for the Italian manufacturer to bring another turbocharged model into the world. This model was the 488 GTB, and its engine actually won this year's International Engine of the Year award.Ferrari For Sale DallasThe turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 engine can lay down serious power: 660 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque to be exact. When opened up, this engine has the ability to spin the wheels and shred tires, all in an award-winning manner. Don't believe me? Then you need to check out Gumbal's video, found below. In it is some footage from the SupercarSunday event, featuring cars like the Koenigsegg Agera R and Porsche 918 Spyder. But, at around 1:00 into the video, the owner of the Agera R takes a 488 GTB out and lays down some rubber for the crowd. Not only was this burnout massive, it was pretty stylish too. Click play and turn up the speakers.Ferrari 488 GTB For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 12, 2016

Road-Legal Ferrari FXX Hits Over 200 MPH

Update 4/12/16 1:03 PM: The awesome guys at TheSupercarDriver have just sent us a POV video one of these FXX runs and with it we find out that it was none other than Oliver Webb behind the wheel. Check out the video below to see him hitting over 200 mph in the legendary car. What's even better is this video recorded amazing audio of the FXX's exhaust. Based on the historic Enzo, the Ferrari FXX was and is one of the brand's most extreme automobiles ever produced. The FXX's attitude is a race-oriented one, just like its sibling, the Maserati MC12 Corsa. In fact, customers can only drive their FXX on special track days that Ferrari approves. For one owner of the FXX, binding their driving time in their car to specific days wasn't enough. So, they made it street legal.To give you an idea of just how powerful this road-ready FXX is, SupercarChannel92 uploaded a video of this very car (covered in tape) taking some high-speed runs at Vmax200. In the video's description, he notes that the car hits speeds of over 200 mph. See it in action by click play below.Ferrari For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 05, 2016

Trunk Space: Ferrari LaFerrari vs F12tdf

Generally speaking, those that own a LaFerrari or an F12tdf have another, more practical, "everyday" car to run errands and go grocery shopping. But let's pretend for a second that one of these supercars is the only option for running daily errands. Which one would make the cut when it comes to compartment space? After all, weekly grocery shopping means multiple bags and storage is necessary to get those bags home.Ferrari - Average Cargo Capacity vs. Peer Groups | AxleGeeks In the video below, YouTuber, alexsmolik, compares the available trunk space of the LaFerrari and the F12tdf and determines which one would suffice for the mundane, yet unavoidable, errand running. Which car do you think will offer more trunk space? LaFerrari's For Sale | F12berlinetta's For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2016

488 GT3 May Be The Best Ferrari Race Car

If you know Ferrari, you know that their history revolves around race cars. From the Le Mans series, to the extreme FXX K, each of Ferrari's track-ready cars are close to perfection. Their latest race model, the 488 GT3 is a perfect example of what the Italian automaker can accomplish on the track, and it may just be my favorite race car on the track.Powering the car is a powerful twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8 engine that is capable of around 550 hp. Now, if you're familiar with Ferrari's engines, you know that the fact that the 488 is turbocharged is a pretty big deal. Not only do the turbos break tradition (not including the F40), they add power and allow cars like the 488 GT3 to make some of the most lovely turbo noises.YouTuber 19Bozzy92 was recently at the Monza Circuit, filming two 488 GT3s as they quickly made their way through the corners. If the turbo flutter this race car makes doesn't give you even the slightest bit of chills, then you may need to turn your speakers up some more.Ferraris For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 18, 2016

Today We Celebrate Enzo Ferrari's Birthday

Back on February 18 1898, a man was born on the outskirts of Modena in Italy. Little did his parents know that he would go on to change automotive history forever.Enzo Anselmo Ferrari was his name.When he was ten-years-old, Enzo and his brother Alfredo took his father to watch a motor race at the circuit on Via Emilia in Bologna, according to Ferrari's website on their founder. This event would spark his passion for cars.Unfortunately for Enzo, 1916 came along. This is the year when both his father and brother passed away. He then had to give up his studies and work for a living. Then, even worse news came along when World War I commenced. Enzo would go on to serve in the military until he was honorably discharged due to an illness that required he undergo surgery.However, things began to look up after that point. Sure, getting turned down by Fiat was a setback, but he eventually started his career as a test-driver and transitioned to a competitive racer. He would then go on to compete in numerous races, winning along the way.In 1929, magic happened when he founded Scuderia Ferrari. His idea behind the company was to "allow owner-drivers to race," says Ferrari's website. Scuderia would soon take over Alfa Romeo's racing department in 1933.Because of his prior agreements, he was not allowed to use the Ferrari name when he left Alfa Romeo. This sparked his passion to beat Alfa Romeo in one of his very own cars.Maranello became the home of Ferrari in 1943. Although it was out of his hands, the factory was bombed twice but was quickly built up again in 1945. This is also the year when he began designing the very first Ferrari. The Ferrari 125 S was then debuted on March 12, 1947 and it would become the very first vehicle Ferrari would ever make.Enzo Ferrari would go on to run the Italian automaker-- giving only 50% of his stake in the company to Fiat Group in 1969-- until his death in on August 14, 1988. He was 90-years-old.While the F40 was the last car created under his management, Enzo's passion is etched in every Ferrari built today. Whether it be the new LaFerrari or the Enzo, each Ferrari speaks to the love he had for the auto that all began when he saw that motor race at such a young age.Without Enzo Ferrari, the automotive industry would not be what it is now, and we would like to take this time to celebrate his life.Ferraris For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 12, 2016

Ferrari 2015 Models- Ferrari Prices, Reviews, Specs and P...

Beloved Italian car maker. Risk taker. Boundary pusher. Ferrari has been gifting the auto world with one masterpiece after another. From the track to the streets, their models continuously push the limits and give brand enthusiasts reason enough to stay on their toes. Famed on the track and reveled on the street, Ferrari is a force of nature. Let's take a look at some of their most iconic models. 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia 562 hp 4.5-liter V8 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds MSRP: $239,340 Futuristic and dynamic, the 458 Italia is a picture of handling and driver-experience perfection. What driver's can't deny is the amazing sound that erupts from this powerful machine when started up thanks to a 4.5-liter V8 engine. 2015 Ferrari California T 553 hp 3.9 liter TT V8 0-60 seconds in 3.6 seconds Thanks to a hybrid engine, the California T picks up an extra 70 horsepower coupled with 49% more torque, and amazingly, fuel consumption actually drops by 15%, increasing the range by about 20%. 2015 Ferrari f12tdf 770 hp 6.3-liter V12 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds Superior aerodynamics, agility and power characterize this race worthy super car made for the streets. The f12tdf combines all of the elements of an esteemed track-ready car with ease of use for the most novel of drivers. Only 799 produced-- worldwide. 2015 Ferrari f12berlinetta 731 hp 6.3-liter V12 0-6 mph in 3.1 seconds MSRP: $319,999 Powerful. Aerodynamic. In fact, the F12Berlinetta is the most powerful and aerodynamic of all series-production Ferraris. The F12Berlinetta comes in at a mere 3,362 pounds and boasts a narrower, shorter body that's also lower to the ground than the 599 GTB Fiorano-- the model that inspired the F12Berlinetta. 2015 Ferrari FF 651 hp 6.3-liter V12 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds MSRP: $295,000 Aptly named, the FF is a four-wheel drive sports car fit for four passengers. Dubbed "the most powerful four-seater in the world" the FF performs no matter the terrain or conditions. Experience 20 percent more power while still saving 25 percent more fuel thanks to the seven-sped-dual-clutch F1 gearbox-- a first for a V12. 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari 949 hp 6.3 liter V12 + 2.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack 0-60 in 2.4 seconds MSRP: $1.4 million Trend setting. Boundary-pushing. Characterized as Ferrari's "most ambitious project yet", the LaFerrari boasts an unprecedented 949 horsepower. It's won Top Gear's Car of the Year award, and it's easy to see why. Not only is the model powerful, combining the best of the GT and Formula 1, but it's also a visual masterpiece. The LaFerrari is a timeless classic that will be a great addition to any collectors portfolio. 2015 Ferrari 458 Spider 570 hp 4.5-liter V8 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds MSRP: $263,553 The folding hardtop lets the sunshine come through in a mere 14 seconds. The 458 Spider features an aluminum hardtop and chassis combined with stability control and aerodynamics make for a brilliant driving experience for both the well-versed and less experienced driver.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 11, 2016

Ferrari of Newport Beach Celebrates Clients with Supercar...

Ferrari of Newport Beach is pleased to announce the annual Client Appreciation Dinner was a huge success with our loyal and new clients joining together for an unforgettable night. The Ferrari of Newport Beach Client Appreciation Dinner took place on the night of February 2, 2016 at Mastro’s Ocean Club located off Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach CA where customers were treated to a five-star dinner with wine pairing from Hundred Acre winery. With 220 guests in attendance and over 100 Ferraris accounted for, the most prestigious restaurant in Orange County was entirely reserved for Ferrari of Newport Beach clients who purchased their Ferrari in 2015. This cordial, annual gathering is a fantastic opportunity for Ferrari enthusiasts to enjoy themselves with like-minded owners.Prancing horses of all types and colors were corralled into the restaurant parking lot. Vehicle models present included: three LaFerrari, a 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC, several 458 Speciale and 458 Aperta, California, California T, F12, 599, 458 Coupe and Spider, FF, F430 Spider, and a 360 Spider. In total, over 100 Ferraris were on display as guests were treated to an unforgettable night under the gorgeous Orange County night sky.This annual Client Appreciation Dinner is a special night for Tim Rogers, General Manager of Ferrari of Newport Beach: "This is a true celebration of those who purchased a Ferrari in 2015 and their passion for the brand".With this night etched in the history books, Ferrari of Newport Beach is already looking forward to the 2017 event with clients who purchase a Ferrari during the 2016 calendar year.View Ferrari of Newport Beach's Inventory

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