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.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 19, 2026

8k-Mile 1990 Ferrari F40 For Sale

For the world of Ferrari, and its ever-growing community of owners and enthusiasts, there’s always been the peaceful argument of which model stands out as the Maranello marque’s best supercar. Lucky for us, the brand already has an established list of its most iconic examples, including the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari. And while you’ll hear worthy opinions as to why each of them deserves the number one spot at the top, the most consistent answer remains the Ferrari F40. Showcasing an incredible example with only 8,649 miles on the odometer and a well-documented history, the professionals at Ferrari Silicon Valley, are pleased to present this 1990 Ferrari F40 as part of its extensive inventory of exotics for sale on duPont REGISTRY. Referred to as the last truly analog Ferrari, and also noted as Enzo’s final masterpiece, the F40 celebrates the 40th anniversary of the company, featuring a raw, bare bones version of a road-legal race car. This example is a highly desirable U.S.-specification, of which only 213 of the 1,315 were produced and destined for North America. Finished in Rosso Corsa, the F40 features a composite body to solely focus on weight savings, shedding unwanted pounds with lightweight designs like Lexan windows, a stripped-out interior, and the absence of driver aids. Inside, the best way to describe the interior of a Ferrari F40 in one word is “functional”, equipped with seats, a steering wheel, gauges, and a manual gated gearbox, and that’s all you really need. Comfort and convenience weren’t a thought when engineering the F40. Ferrari even opted for cable-operated door pulls and exposed floor boards to maintain its racing-inspired DNA, just like its LM endurance counterpart. At the heart of this beast is the legendary twin-turbocharged 2.9L V8, delivering 478 horsepower and 426 lb-ft of torque through a five-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. The result is a time capsule of acceleration, feedback, and raw character, which has been and continues to be backed by a number of historic sales. Setting new benchmarks at the time of its release, and permanently cementing its status among the greatest supercars ever built ,even decades later, the F40’s visceral driving experience is something that modern cars can’t replicate. View Listing

A red Ferrari F40 LM is parked on a cobblestone driveway in front of an ornate building with columns and arches, reminiscent of the elegance seen at RM Sotheby's Monterey Auction.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 21, 2025

RARE 1993 Ferrari F40 LM GTC Set to Headline at RM Sotheb...

The Ferrari F40 needs no introduction, but the F40 LM by Michelotto takes this iconic supercar to an entirely different level. Born from a racing vision in the late '80s, the LM was developed after Daniel Marin of Ferrari importer Charles Pozzi SA pushed for a competition-spec version. With Ferrari's blessing, Michelotto transformed 19 F40s into LMs, purpose-built for track domination. Among them, a few were further upgraded to GTC specifications, delivering the most potent evolution of the breed. Chassis 95448, the 14th LM built, is one of those rare few, showcasing a documented legacy that spans European circuits and concours lawns alike. RM Sotheby's is set to feature this F40 LM as one of its headline lots during the upcoming Monterey Car Week auction, which is sure to draw attention from serious collectors and vintage motorsport worldwide. This particular F40 LM wears its racing DNA proudly. Finished in classic Rosso Corsa with plexiglass sliding windows and aerodynamic tweaks like a revised front end and large rear wing, it looks every bit the track weapon. Every detail is functional, from the lightweight body to the OZ magnesium wheels. While originally completed in 1992, this example has undergone multiple refreshes, most notably a factory repaint and tuning at Michelotto in 2014, preserving its authenticity while guaranteeing it remains in top-tier condition. Whether seen at Mugello in the '90s or on display at ModaMiami in 2025, it still turns heads wherever it goes. Inside, the car sticks to a no-nonsense race-ready vibe. Cloth-trimmed seats, harnesses, and a pared-back competition-style dash define its cockpit. There's no fluff; just what you need to focus on speed and precision. The current interior stays true to the original factory spec, as verified by Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming the numbers-matching engine, transaxle, and coachwork. While the physical "Red Book" is missing, digital documentation confirms full transparency for serious collectors. This F40 LM was always meant to be driven hard, and its careful maintenance history and detailed service records, including a recent $67K overhaul, show it's been treated accordingly. Of course, the heart of this F40 is its monster GTC-spec engine. Producing an incredible 760 horsepower, nearly 300 more than a standard F40, this twin-turbo V8 is paired with upgraded cooling, suspension, and braking systems. The performance specs are also impressive: 0–120mph in under 10 seconds, sounding like a turbocharged symphony. It's the kind of analog power delivery that's increasingly rare, making this LM a thrilling drive and a legitimate piece of motorsport history. With its clean documentation, original components, and unmistakable presence, this 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto represents the top of the food chain for Ferrari collectors and historic racers alike. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory Source: RM Sotheby's

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 13, 2025

Exclusive 1991 Ferrari F40 Listed For Sale

The recent introduction of the Ferrari F80 added a new halo hypercar to Ferrari’s legendary “Big Five.” With over 1,000 horsepower and an innovative V6 hybrid powertrain derived from Ferrari’s winning endurance racing hypercar, the new Ferrari F80 stands on the shoulders of all its predecessors as a racing-derived, ultra-exclusive masterpiece that uses cutting-edge engineering to deliver truly thrilling, one-of-a-kind performance. View Listing And Financing One of those predecessors is the Ferrari F40, which was introduced in the late 1980s in celebration of Ferrari’s 40th anniversary. Heavily derived from Ferrari’s F1 cars of the time, the F40 uses a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 to develop 471 horsepower, a powertrain that was far ahead of its time among performance cars. With under 1,500 examples in existence, it’s one of the most coveted and exclusive collector-grade classic Ferraris, and while finding an example for sale is no easy task, one is available at Vegas Auto Gallery in Las Vegas, Nevada. Finished in classic Rosso Corsa, this 1991 Ferrari F40 for sale has 10,157 miles on the odometer. Its interior is finished with red upholstery, as well. As a highly coveted classic Ferrari, this 1991 Ferrari F40 for sale is a collector-grade masterpiece with incredible investment value. If you’re interested in owning it, view the price and listing by clicking the button, including flexible financing options from dR Finance, powered by Westlake Financial.

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 02, 2024

Legendary "Big Five" 1992 Ferrari F40 Listed For Sale

There’s no doubt that Ferrari is responsible for creating some of the world’s greatest supercars. Still, many Prancing Horse enthusiasts know that an elite group of Ferraris boasts an extra level of panache, being incredibly coveted by collectors as some of the most prized Ferraris in the history of the Prancing Horse. These cars are called the “Big Five,” and they chronicle much of Ferrari’s history as a supercar manufacturer. They are the 288 GTO, the F40, the F50, the Enzo, and the LaFerrari. View Price And Listing Available for sale now at Ferrari Lake Forest in Lake Bluff, Illinois, this 1992 Ferrari F40 for sale is one of the most exclusive Ferrari supercars on the market. It’s one of just 213 US-spec Ferrari F40 examples, and it’s one of just 60 in the 1992 specification. Finished with a Rosso Corsa exterior and a Stoffa Vigogno cloth interior, this 1992 Ferrari F40 for sale is the quintessential Ferrari and the perfect collector-grade addition to any luxury or exotic car garage. However, why is the Ferrari F40 so desirable? Its twin-turbocharged V8 engine was far ahead of its time, and the carbon fiber and lightweight construction that surrounded it made it, in its time, what was essentially an F1 race car built for the road. Its incredible performance is still incredibly impressive among supercars and high-performance cars today. Its powertrain would return in the form of cars like the Ferrari 488, Portofino, SF90 Stradale, Roma, and F8 in the modern age, and the F40 was famously also the last Ferrari that was ever personally approved by the legendary Enzo Ferrari before his death. The car received a Classiche certification in 2020 and recently underwent a thorough inspection and service by a Ferrari Lake Forest Master Technician. With under 10,000 miles on the odometer, it’s a beautifully preserved example of a milestone moment in Ferrari’s rich and respected history. If you want to get your hands on one of the most prized pieces of Ferrari pedigree in the manufacturer’s entire lineage of supercars, this 1992 Ferrari F40 for sale from Ferrari Lake Forest is a perfect and rare opportunity. Click the button to view the price and listing of this supercar masterpiece.

Snapinsta.app 435465368 985968446383502 4231585428462682072 n 1080

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 08, 2024

The Iconic Nardo Grey Ferrari F40 "Competizione" Will Go ...

An iconic example of a Ferrari legend is due for a refresh. The Ferrari F40, one of the legendary “Big Five” Ferraris that are some of the most incredible cars to ever wear the Prancing Horse, is truly one of the greatest Ferraris. However, one example has its own degree of notoriety, the famously modified Ferrari F40 “Competizione.” A 1989 model year, the car was delivered new in Giallo Modena, and then modified to have 1,000 horsepower. Throughout the 90s, it earned icon status with its incredible performance and legacy. It was in 2019 when Carrozzeria Zanasi opened a new chapter in the F40 “Competizione” story, by restoring it and changing its color to the now-iconic Nardo Grey. The livery gave the supercar a new notoriety, with media coverage and even a 1/18 scale model of the F40 in Nardo Grey commemorating it. However, after it was sold last month by CURATED, a new era is dawning for the iconic Ferrari F40 “Competizione,” which is set to undergo a new restoration to its original livery in Giallo Modena. Both a new look and a historical homage that revives the original Ferrari color, the new Giallo Modena livery is going to be bold, beautiful, and timeless, a perfect new livery for the historic, iconic, and truly legendary supercar. As the new restoration takes place, anticipation builds for the entire automotive world to see the result. View All Vehicles For Sale From CURATED View this post on Instagram A post shared by CURATED (@wearecurated)

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 05, 2023

Amalgam Collection x Schaltkulisse Unveil The 'Minty Fort...

Amalgam Collection partners with Schaltkulisse to create a detailed replica of the unique 'Minty Forty' Ferrari F40 in 1:8 and 1:18 scales. Amalgam Collection has joined forces with the exclusive automobile dealer Schaltkulisse to bring to life a miniature masterpiece: the 'Minty Forty' Ferrari F40. This unique model, chassis #88538, stands out with its Verde Pallido paintwork, a striking departure from the traditional Rosso Corsa of Ferrari F40s. The British artisans at Amalgam have meticulously replicated this distinctive Italian supercar at 1:8 scale through their Tailor-Made service. Schaltkulisse, known for their restoration and customization expertise, commissioned Amalgam to craft an exclusive edition of the 'Minty Forty' at a 1:18 scale, limited to just 300 models worldwide. This partnership offers enthusiasts and collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive artistry, celebrating a car that has become an internet sensation and an iconic symbol in the automotive world. The 'Minty Forty', which underwent a significant transformation during its restoration, is renowned for its unique color - a nod to Sir Stirling Moss’ famous 250 GTO. This model embodies the spirit of driving and the joy of sharing automotive passion. Each model, from the 1:8 single build to the 300-piece 1:18 scale edition, is a result of over 400 hours of meticulous work, capturing every detail from the Verde Pallido exterior to the blue Sabelt racing harness and the vehicle's intricate mechanics. Kevin Braun, Founder and CEO of Schaltkulisse, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Amalgam, emphasizing their shared commitment to perfection and attention to detail. This partnership highlights the synergy between two companies devoted to celebrating automotive heritage and design. Available for purchase directly from Amalgam Collection or via Schaltkulisse, these limited-edition models are a testament to the enduring legacy of the Ferrari F40 and the creative vision of both companies in bringing automotive legends to life in exquisite detail. Shop Amalgam Collection's 'Minty Forty' Source: Amalgam Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 27, 2023

European-Spec Rosso Corsa 1989 Ferrari F40 For Sale

Graham Rahal Performance presents the opportunity to own a true Ferrari icon.

350118152 928529988405389 4746910899397291534 n.jpg

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 30, 2023

How This Ferrari F40 Ended Up On A Superyacht At The Mona...

Seen from all angles aboard this giant vessel, the famous Ferrari F40 made its appearance in an unusual spot.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 17, 2023

Liberty Walk Debuts Its LB-WORKS Widebody Ferrari F40 At ...

The aggressive styling of the widebody kit transforms the Italian icon into a modern work of art. Already proving its worth as one of the most influential supercars of all time, the Ferrari F40 continues to transform from an Italian icon into an appreciating asset for high-paying collectors. For most passionate automotive enthusiasts, the timeless styling of the F40 presents perfection without any aftermarket upgrades or modifications. Showcasing its talents of modifying supercars with one-of-a-kind body kits, the Japanese customization specialists at Liberty Walk add their modern touch to desirable examples. Liberty Walk is proud to debut its all-new LB-WORKS Ferrari F40 at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon. MUST-READ: Insane Ferrari F40 Drifts Around Dirt Course The exterior of the Ferrari F40 features an aggressive LB-WORKS carbon fiber widebody kit that accentuates its lowered ride height and sharp body lines. The kit fits over the factory body panels and completely changes the appearance of the front cowl, cowl duct, light cover, front diffuser, side diffusers, rear diffuser, rear wing, and wide fenders. The priceless build pays homage to Liberty Walk’s home country with a livery inspired by the Japanese flag. Although it may not be the perfect build for every collector, the Liberty Walk LB-WORKS Ferrari F40 is sure to turn heads on whatever roads it travels. View all current Ferrari F40 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Ferrari F40 For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2021

Insane Ferrari F40 Drifts Around Dirt Course

This is not how your normally see a Ferrari F40 driving, that's for sure. The Ferrari F40 is a true icon in the automotive world. It doesn't matter if you're a collector or just a fan of automobiles, you will drool over the F40 when you see one. And now, if you're a collector, your going to have to spend a pretty penny if you'd like to add one to your collection as their prices just keep going up. That's why it's so crazy to watch the latest video from TheTFJJ. In the video, we see an F40 drift around a dirt course, something we haven't seen since TaxTheRich100 uploaded their Farmkhana video. If you click play up above, you'll see the F40 going wild for yourself. And no, this is not a replica and is a true-to-life Ferrari F40. Now, if you had the chance, would you take an F40 out for a drift on a dirt course? See All Ferraris For Sale Source: YouTube/TheTFJJ

Ferrari News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe