McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Ferrari News

Ferrari news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, auction results and current market prices. Our coverage runs across the whole line-up, from the 296 and 296 Speciale to the SF90 XX, the 12Cilindri and the F80. We also follow the earlier cars that built the reputation of the Prancing Horse over seven decades. Reporting comes from the Monterey and Pebble Beach auction floors, and from first drives of new models as they arrive. One thing separates this from other supercar news: many of the Ferraris covered here are listed for sale on the duPont REGISTRY marketplace. Read the story, then see what an example is genuinely worth. For Ferrari news today, and the exotic car news around it, start here.

Cavallino Classic Modena 2026 Brings Together 40 Classic Ferraris

By Canossa Events – May 26, 2026

The Highlights Of Cavallino Classic Modena 2026

Held in the heart of Italy’s hallowed Motor Valley, a region full of automotive heritage and excellence, Cavallino Classic Modena celebrates Ferrari, its rich heritage, and its passionate, dedicated community of collectors and enthusiasts. Part of duPont REGISTRY Group’s expansive portfolio of luxury automotive lifestyle events and services, Cavallino Classic has been dedicated to celebrating Ferrari’s legacy for over 35 years. This year’s Cavallino Classic Modena was yet another spectacular Cavallino Classic event, with 40 Ferraris gathering in the beautiful Italian city, where Enzo Ferrari was born and founded the Scuderia, over three days. The event was held at Casa Maria Luigia, where guests were immersed in a decidedly Italian “dolce vita” style of luxury hospitality, thanks largely to the duo behind Osteria Francescana, Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore. Fine wine, curated cuisine, art, culture, and the beauty of Modena surrounded the 40 stunning cars, 11 of which received Cavallino Classic’s coveted Platinum Award. Other award-winning vehicles included the 1967 330 P4 #0856, winning Best of Show Finest Competition Ferrari, the 1954 375 MM Coupè Ghia #0476 AM, winning Best of Show Finest GT Ferrari, the 1997 F50 #106610, winning Best of Show Finest Ferrari Classiche Certified, and the 2007 F2007 #259, winning The Chairman's Award. <- Gallery -> Seven Best In Class Awards were also given, to a 2000 456M GT in The Modern V12s, a 1958 250 GT Berlinetta in The Early Racers, a 1954 250 Europa in The Early V12s, a 1965 275 GTB in The V12s of the Dolce Vita, a 1985 308 GTS QV in The V8s, a 1990 F40 in Supercars, and a 1973 Dino 246 GTS in The Dino Family. The People’s Choice Award went to a 1958 250 GT Berlinetta “Tour de France” #0899 GT, Best Ferrari Sound was won by 1995 412 T2 #161, the Preservation Award went to a 1972 365 GTB4 “Daytona” #16047, the Restoration Award was given to a 1985 “288” GTO #57477, the Cavallino Magazine Award was won by a 2006 599 GTB Fiorano #146882, and The Spirit of Sally Award was won by a 1994 F355 Berlinetta #100748. Alongside the luxurious Concours event, the Cavallino Classic Modena also included a parade on Saturday afternoon through the historic city center of Modena from Casa Maria Luigia to the Enzo Ferrari Museum. On Sunday, the homage included a drive through the Maranello roads that Ferraris have driven since the manufacturer’s foundation in 1947, arriving at Casa Canossa, the headquarters of Canossa Events, for a lunch signed by Chef Andrea Incerti Vezzani. Along with its partners, including Presenting Sponsor RM Sotheby’s, Main Sponsors Riva, Bang & Olufsen, Azimut – Automobile Heritage Enhancement, and Richard Mille, and Official Champagne Partner Moët & Chandon, Cavallino celebrated Ferrari’s rich heritage with another spectacular event in Modena. For enthusiasts, the anticipation is already building for the next Cavallino Classic Modena, which is set to take place in 2027. Learn More Image Source: Cavallino

Cavallino Classic Monaco Debuts With Record-Breaking Success

By Canossa Events – April 29, 2026

Cavallino Classic Monaco Enjoys Record-Breaking Debut

Cavallino Classic, an iconic series of Ferrari-exclusive events held by Canossa, part of duPont REGISTRY Group, has become a global icon, highlighting some of the most important moments of Ferrari excellence throughout the manufacturer’s rich history. This past weekend, Cavallino Classic debuted its Monaco event, which, being set in one of the most hallowed capitals of motorsport history, focused on Ferrari’s racing legacy. The Cavallino Classic Monaco debut was organized in collaboration with the Automobile Club de Monaco, the Yacht Club de Monaco, and Ferrari Corse Clienti, and coinciding with the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, several historic Ferrari racers took on the legendary Formula 1 track during the racing weekend. Part of duPont REGISTRY Group's extensive portfolio of curated luxury automotive experiences, the debut Cavallino Classic Monaco combined a Ferrari-focused Cavallino weekend with a healthy dose of intense racing action. Creating an unprecedented Concours d’Elegance, the event saw 22 historic single-seat race cars from Scuderia Ferrari, turning the marina of the Yacht Club de Monaco into a bastion of historic Ferrari racing excellence. Twelve of those cars competed on the legendary track, as well. With support from Ferrari Corse Clienti, the Cavallino Classic Monaco Ferrari Parade took place on both the Saturday and Sunday of the weekend, earning a Guinness World Record for bringing together more Ferrari F1 cars together on-track than had ever been seen before, also coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Ferrari’s first Formula 1 victory. <- Gallery -> Before that, the iconic weekend began with a dinner at the Yacht Club on Thursday, surrounded by luxurious boats and historic Ferrari F1 cars, along with a charity auction organized by the Cavallino Foundation in collaboration with RM Sotheby’s, supporting Save The Children. The Yacht Club’s ballroom held the awards ceremony of the Concours d’Elegance, with Piero Ferrari presenting the prestigious Best of Show award. That went to the F2004 #234 car, owned by Luis Perez Companc, and previously raced to victory by the legendary Michael Schumacher. Meanwhile, the Chairman’s Award went to the 2002 Ferrari F2002 #222, the People’s Choice Award went to the 1998 Ferrari F300 #189, the Ferrari Best Sound Award went to the 1969 Ferrari 312 F1-69 #0007, the Best In Class III award for Wings, Power, and Passion went to the 1980 Ferrari 126C #047, the Best In Class V award for The Age of Electronics and Schumacher went to the 2000 Ferrari F1 2000 #198, and the Best In Class VI award for From the V8 Era went to the 2018 SF71H #327. The winner of the Chairman’s Award was also presented with the steering wheel of the Aquarama by Riva Yachts. A Ferrari 1512 from 1964, owned by Joe Colasacco, also won the B Category of the Grand Prix Historique, completing a weekend full of victory. As Cavallino Classic celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, the iconic event not only celebrates a legacy lasting three and a half decades, but also continues its global expansion as a part of duPont REGISTRY Group's luxury automotive ecosystem with its highly successful, record-breaking debut Monaco event. Coming from May 22 to May 24, the anniversary celebrations will continue with the Cavallino Classic Monaco event. About the Monaco event, Luigi Orlandini, Chairman and CEO of Cavallino Classic said, “It still feels like a dream to have brought this idea to life. Together with Cavallino President Enzo Mattioli Ferrari, I have worked on this project over the past two years. It seemed almost impossible, yet here we are celebrating its success, highlighted by the record of 12 Ferrari Formula 1 cars on track at the same time: something never seen before. We are already working on new ideas for the next edition of the Historique in 2028. I would like to thank all our extraordinary guests, whose magnificent single-seaters made this possible, delivering unforgettable moments and an event of global resonance.” As it looks back on a highly successful Monaco debut, Cavallino Classic thanks partners RM Sotheby’s, Riva, Richard Mille, Moët & Chandon, and Ferrari Style for their support. Learn More About Cavallino Classic Image Source: Cavallino Classic

Celebrate Ferrari’s F1 Legacy in Unprecedented Style at Cavallino Classic Monaco 2026

By Charles Bradley – April 02, 2026

Celebrate Ferrari’s F1 Legacy in Style at Cavallino Classic Monaco 2026

Cavallino Classic Monaco 2026 is set to redefine the concours landscape with a singular focus: Ferrari’s Formula 1 legacy. Taking place from April 23-26, the event marks the first Concours d’Elegance dedicated exclusively to Ferrari Formula 1 single-seaters, offering a rare and highly curated celebration of the marque’s racing DNA. The setting is as significant as the cars themselves. Hosted at the Yacht Club de Monaco, the event unfolds along the Marina, where the concours field will remain on display throughout the weekend. The result is an experience that blends automotive heritage with Monaco’s unmistakable sense of place – intimate, immersive, and distinctly elevated. At the heart of the event is a carefully assembled lineup of Ferrari Formula 1 machinery spanning multiple eras. From the winged V12 icons of the late 1960s, including Jacky Ickx’s 1968 312 F1-68 and Chris Amon’s 1969 312 F1-69, to the high-revving V10 era represented by Michael Schumacher’s F2004, the display traces the evolution of Formula 1 through some of its most defining machines. Later generations are equally represented, including the 2006 Ferrari 248 F1 – forever associated with Michael Schumacher’s Rascasse qualifying moment – and Fernando Alonso’s 2010 F10, extending the narrative into the modern era. Together, these cars form a cohesive story of performance, engineering, and competition at the highest level. Cavallino Classic Monaco also aligns itself with the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, creating a unique convergence of concours tradition and live racing spectacle. By joining forces, the two events offer a broader perspective on Ferrari’s competition history – pairing the precision of concours judging with the dynamic presence of historic racing on Monaco’s streets. Beyond the concours field, the event emphasizes a luxury lifestyle experience tailored to collectors and enthusiasts. VIP Weekend packages provide access to exclusive hospitality at the Yacht Club de Monaco, along with accommodations at the Hotel Hermitage. Guests will also enjoy transfers via Riva tender to the Grand Prix paddock, reinforcing the seamless integration of automotive culture and Riviera elegance. Signature moments are designed to elevate the weekend further. Among them is the “Party Under the Stars,” set between cars and yachts along the Marina, as well as the Awards Ceremony, which recognizes the most significant entries in this highly specialized field. The result is an event that extends beyond a traditional concours format. Cavallino Classic Monaco positions itself at the intersection of design, history, and lifestyle – where Ferrari’s most important Formula 1 cars are not only displayed, but contextualized within one of the world’s most iconic motorsport destinations. As demand builds, final VIP packages remain available, offering access to what promises to be one of the most exclusive automotive gatherings of 2026. In Monaco, where racing and luxury have long existed side by side, Cavallino Classic introduces a new chapter – one defined entirely by Ferrari at its most competitive.

By Charles Bradley – January 15, 2026

Ferrari’s 849 Testarossa, One-Off Supercar To Star At Palm Beach Cavallino Classic 2026

At the height of the global concours calendar, the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic has always been where Ferrari’s past, present, and future converge in the most glamorous way possible. In 2026, that convergence becomes even more powerful: The world’s premier event dedicated to Ferrari cars returns February 13-15 for its 35th anniversary, delivering not only the most important gathering of Maranello machinery anywhere in America, but also two of the most anticipated unveilings of the year: the exclusive North American premiere of the 849 Testarossa and the debut of a brand-new Ferrari One-Off. Set against the refined coastal elegance of South Florida, the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic 2026 represents a major evolution for the event. For the first time in its history, the celebration will be hosted at The Boca Raton, one of America’s most iconic luxury resorts and private clubs, creating a new stage worthy of Ferrari’s modern masterpieces and its legendary heritage alike. Celebrating 35 Years of Cavallino Classic Excellence Founded as a tribute to the artistry, performance, and legacy of Ferrari, the Cavallino Classic has grown into the most prestigious Ferrari concours in the world. For its 35th anniversary, the 2026 edition introduces several major new elements designed to elevate the experience for collectors, enthusiasts, and VIP guests alike. The event retains its proven format, beginning with Friday’s Tour d’Elegance and Party Under the Stars, followed by Saturday’s Concorso d’Eleganza, the emotional and visual centerpiece of the weekend. The celebration continues with Cavallino Night, before concluding with Classic & Sports Sunday, traditionally held at the Mar-a-Lago Club. Another significant addition is the Cavallino Auction by RM Sotheby’s, marking the first time the world-renowned auction house will conduct an official sale as part of the Cavallino Classic. RM Sotheby’s will present “an exceptional selection of Ferrari models,” underscoring the caliber of collections that define this elite gathering. A North American Premiere: The 849 Testarossa The most anticipated moment of the 2026 Palm Beach Cavallino Classic will take place on Friday evening during the Party Under the Stars at The Boca Raton, when Ferrari unveils the 849 Testarossa in its exclusive North American premiere. The latest Ferrari, the 849 Testarossa represents a new chapter for the marque, and its introduction at Cavallino Classic reinforces the event’s standing as Ferrari’s most important stage in North America. Surrounded by collectors, VIPs, and the brand’s most dedicated patrons, the unveiling is designed to be as dramatic and glamorous as the car itself. Alongside the Testarossa, Ferrari’s full contemporary lineup will be on display. The showcase will include the Ferrari Amalfi, and the Ferrari Purosangue, the first ever four-door, four-seater that encapsulates the pure spirit of the brand. A Ferrari One-Off Takes the Spotlight Adding to the exclusivity of the weekend, a brand-new Ferrari one-off will make its public debut at Casa Ferrari during the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic. One-off Ferraris are among the rarest automobiles in existence, commissioned by elite clients and tailored through Ferrari’s bespoke personalization programs. Their appearance is exceptionally rare, making this unveiling one of the most closely-watched moments of the 2026 event. The one-off will further anchor Casa Ferrari as the epicenter of modern Maranello design during the Cavallino Classic weekend, turning The Boca Raton into a temporary home for Ferrari’s most exclusive creations. Honoring Ferrari’s Heritage and Craftsmanship In addition to the modern supercars, a dedicated area will be devoted to Ferrari Classiche and The Ferrari Foundation, highlighting the craftsmanship, preservation, and educational initiatives that support the brand’s legacy. Among the featured cars will be the Tailor Made 812 Competizione and the SP3 ‘599+1’, which was “previously auctioned to benefit the brand’s educational initiatives.” These displays reinforce the Cavallino Classic’s unique ability to unite Ferrari’s past and future in one refined, collector-focused environment. America’s Premier Ferrari Gathering For three and a half decades, the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic has stood apart from every other North American automotive event. It is not simply a concours, but a luxury experience that blends rare Ferraris, world-class hospitality, and an international community of collectors. With the U.S. premiere of the 849 Testarossa and the unveiling of a brand-new Ferrari one-off, the 35th anniversary edition promises to be one of the most significant and luxurious moments in the event’s storied history – a fitting tribute to Ferrari’s enduring power to captivate the world. View All Ferraris For Sale

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