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.

A red Ferrari F50 convertible speeds along the racetrack, blurred background elements capturing the thrill of its 30th Anniversary Legacy Tour.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 05, 2025

Ferrari Honors The 30th Anniversary Of The F50 With A Leg...

Celebrating 30 years of the F50 Almost 30 years ago, at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled the F50 as the newest addition to its supercar stable, marking itself as the successor to icons like the 288 GTO and F40. And while it continued to age like a fine wine among the highest caliber of car collectors, the F50 was once lost in the commotion of Ferrari's 'Big Five' before gaining traction as a $3 million+ rarity. Following in the footsteps of the previous legends that came before it, Ferrari is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the F50 by organizing the exclusive 'F50 Legacy Tour 2025' for owners of the Italian marque's coveted V12 supercar. 955310.jpg The celebration stands out as the third edition of the Ferrari Legacy Tour, which kicked off in 2023 with the F40 and followed up in 2024 with the GTO. The event welcomes owners and their examples back to the homeland of Ferrari for a once-in-a-lifetime driving tour. The Legacy Tour 2025 departs tomorrow from Saturnia in Tuscany, winding through the scenic Maremma region, the hills near Siena, and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The tour wraps up in Maranello, where the F50s will be showcased at the Ferrari factory and take a final lap around the Fiorano circuit. 955480.jpg This year's event also marks the debut of the new Pirelli P Zero Corsa System Collezione tires, made just for the F50 in sizes 245/35 R18 (front) and 335/30 R18 (rear). Custom-marked with "Ferrari F50 Legacy Tour 2025," the tires were fine-tuned at Fiorano to keep the car's original feel and now join Pirelli's lineup for classic Prancing Horse supercars. 955350.jpg The Ferrari F50 was built to capture the raw Ferrari spirit of the '90s, and it definitely delivered. The F50 was the first Ferrari supercar to run a naturally aspirated V12 pulled straight from Formula 1, mounted in a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis with a mid-rear layout. It had no ABS or power steering, just pure, unfiltered driving. Another highlight is the removable Targa roof, which lets drivers enjoy open-air motoring while still feeling connected to the car's race-inspired DNA. Ferrari built only 349 examples of the F50, purposely stopping one short of the estimated market demand, which is the reason for its recent uprise in the collector car market. View All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 14, 2025

Merit Partners Shows Off Its Newly Acquired Giallo Modena...

One of Ferrari's rarest supercars joins Merit Partners already-impressive fleet. In the collector car world, classic Ferraris may take the cake as some of the most expensive and desirable examples on the market. While coveted models like the 288 GTO and Enzo have showcased record-breaking sales figures at auction, they've had to age like fine wine for collectors and enthusiasts to realize the full potential and significance that these cars hold today. It's a similar story for the Ferrari F50, which has since evolved from just another member of 'The Big Five' into a seven-figure wonder surpassing both its predecessors and successors. Showcasing one of its biggest acquisitions to date, the supercar specialists at Merit Partners are proud to present this 1997 Ferrari F50 as the newest member of its fleet. This Ferrari F50 stands out as chassis #107030 and was delivered new to Italy in 1997. Only 349 chassis were produced in Maranello, and only 31 Ferrari F50s were finished in the manufacturer's eye-catching Giallo Modena paint shade. This car saw some action early on, making its one and only public appearance at the Tutte le Ferrari a Imola event back in 1998. After that, it practically vanished, with just one photo from the event floating around online for years. It's had only two owners since it was new and still wears its original paint. The Ferrari F50 packs a screaming 4.7L naturally aspirated V12 engine derived from Formula 1, delivering an impressive 513 horsepower at 8,500 RPM. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, the F50 offers a pure, unfiltered driving experience. It rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 202 mph, making it a true performance icon of the '90s. As Merit Partners continues its deep dive into the history of its new 1997 Ferrari F50, check out its inventory of supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Merit Partners Inventory Source: Merit Partners

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 11, 2023

Collector-Grade Rosso Corsa 1995 Ferrari F50 For Sale

Taking shape as one of Ferrari's rarest and most exclusive models, this F50 is ready to find a happy new home. As the third Ferrari halo supercar following the legendary 288 GTO and the F40, the F50 was released under Enzo Ferrari's reign to mark the 50th anniversary of the Italian supercar manufacturer. The F50 marked a huge shift from its predecessor, the F40. Where the F40 featured a twin-turbocharged V8 in a coupe configuration, the F50 featured a naturally aspirated V12 convertible. The automotive professionals at Merit Partners of Atlanta, Georgia are proud to present this historic 1995 Ferrari F50 (#002/349) as part of its jaw-dropping inventory of rare and collectible supercars. This Rosso Corsa Ferrari F50 example, chassis #103114, was the very car displayed at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1995, solidifying its place as one of the most significant F50s. Following its showing at the Frankfurt Auto Show, this F50 was sold new to a prominent German collector. After changing hands in Germany, the F50 was sold into one of the most significant Ferrari collections in the US in 2017. During importation to the US, the car was federalized at JK Technologies in Maryland. Due to federalization, the car received the US substitute VIN plaque on the dashboard that is shown in the pictures. In the US, the car remained in single ownership until 2020 when we sold the car to a friend and one of our best clients. The Ferrari F50 remained subsequently serviced to perfection. At Ferrari New England in late 2020, the car received a full major service totaling over $30K. The interior dashboard was reupholstered at Ferrari Atlanta by one of the world's top leading F50 mechanics. In addition to its small cosmetic restoration, the F50 also received a Tubi manifold, muffler delete, and cat bypass high-flow pipes to increase both power and sound. The car is classiche certified and comes with the following parts: F50 hard box, hard top, soft top, factory exhaust, car cover, briefcase, a photo album of build/testing Classiche, Ferrari Classiche Red Book, and much more. Additionally, the car received full car PPF in 2021 by renowned installer Albert Borboa with Filmwerks. The car has no paintwork and the carbon weave can be seen through the paint as normal for original F50s. Currently showing only 3,850 miles on the odometer, this F50 comes ready to unleash over 512 horsepower from its 4.7L naturally-aspirated V12 engine. This Ferrari represents the special opportunity to buy a historically significant F50 in Concours level condition, as the market for 90's supercars continues to rise. This 1995 Ferrari F50 from Merit Partner is currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Price And Listing

By Sponsored Article – February 22, 2023

RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island: 1995 Ferrari F50

This F50 claims reported single ownership for 27 years prior to a freshening by one of the world’s foremost Ferrari specialists.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 07, 2022

Jay Leno Takes Ultra-Rare Yellow Ferrari F50 For A Spin

Any true car enthusiast knows that a color can mean everything. The Ferrari F50 is a legendary car that served as the flagship Cavallino Rampante-wearing supercar for years during the golden age of supercars. It’s rare, coveted, beautiful, and blindingly quick, even by today’s standards. However, in its Giallo Modena color, only 31 were made, making it all the more rare and legendary. Jay Leno had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a yellow Ferrari F50, and like a Guards Red Porsche Carrera GT, or a Sunbeam Yellow (ironically) AMG GT, the color made all the difference. MUST READ: Ferrari 296 GTB First Drive Review: The Return Of The V6 The owner of the yellow F50, and also a red F50, Ferrari collector David Lee, talked about the fact that the yellow is an incredibly coveted color of the F50, estimating that his own would sell for a whopping $5 million, as compared to a $4 million value for his red car. Being a convertible, the F50 comes with either a soft-top or a hardtop, both of which are actually difficult to install and remove. For this reason, his yellow F50 features a hardtop in the video, while the red counterpart features a soft top. One of the first cars to use carbon fiber in the chassis and body, the F50 pushed innovation and engineering forward almost as quickly as the car itself drove. Thanks to collectors like David Lee, these incredible cars get to live out their full legacy and stay on the road, impressing us just as much today as they did over 27 years ago. All Ferrari F50s For Sale Source: YouTube/Jay Leno's Garage

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 25, 2022

Check The Spec: 1996 Ferrari F50 Finished in Rosso Corsa

A chance to own a piece of Ferrari history. Throughout its time as a leading Italian supercar manufacturer, Ferrari has produced some of the most iconic performance cars on the planet. As part of Ferrari’s ‘Big 5’, the F50 model stands as the middle child between famous chassis like the 288 GTO, F40, Enzo, and LaFerrari. The dedicated automotive specialists at Miller Motorcars of Greenwich, CT are proud to showcase this magnificent 1996 Ferrari F50 as part of its growing inventory of exclusive exotic cars. This Ferrari F50 example features a classic Rosso Corsa exterior finish that beautifully highlights the body lines of the 90s supercar. With a paint-matched removable Targa roof, the F50 quickly transforms into the ultimate open-cockpit driving experience for any collector or enthusiast. The factory twin 5-spoke magnesium alloy wheels add a classic Ferrari look while also incorporating weight-saving technology for better track performance. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: LOKI Basecamp Falcon 8 x RAM 3500 Cummins Inside the Ferrari F50, the interior provides a driver-focused layout that boasts simplicity overall. The race-inspired Italian supercar includes a short options list that includes a set of Rosso Corsa/Black leather sport seats and climate controls. The legendary Ferrari F50 is powered by a 4.7-Liter V12 engine that produces 512-horsepower and 347ft-lb of torque. Managed by a traditional six-speed manual transmission, the F50 launches from 0-60 in just 3.7-seconds. As part of this specific example, the vehicle also includes the factory genuine Italian leather luggage set that came with the vehicle upon delivery. This exquisite 1996 Ferrari F50 is currently available through Miller Motorcars with only 12,427 miles. Click the link below to view the duPont REGISTRY vehicle listing and to inquire about pricing. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury supercar news. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – August 16, 2018

1995 Ferrari F50 #2 en route to Mecum Monterey

Automotive technology was advancing at a fever pace in the mid-90s. Being at the forefront of racing, Ferrari could see big changes coming to the world of supercars. That is why they decided to build the F50. As the successor to the F40, it uses a naturally aspirated V12 rated at 520 horsepower. It is one of the first Ferraris to have a carbon fiber chassis and electronic shock absorbers.Inboard suspension and a removable hardtop are a recipe for fun, and this is one of the best examples on the market. The 2nd production F50 has Serial No. 103114, Assembly No. 19963, and only 3,363 miles since new. It was ordered and delivered to Michael Gabel in Berlin, and the car remained in pristine condition until it came to the US last year. It has been federalized if you need a daily driver, but it is also Classiche. This means Ferrari inspected every inch of the car and attested to its originality.A full service included new fuel bladders and all fluids. It will be a primetime lot at Mecum's Monterey Auction on Saturday the 25th. The winner will also receive the car's soft top, owners manuals, build book, Classiche book, and the giant red suitcase to store the hardtop. This is Ferrari's last Supercar to offer a manual transmission and it was also their star at the '95 Frankfurt Auto Show. It can be a star in your collection if you are registered to bid, so click the link below and stay with us for all your Mecum coverage.View This Car's Listing Here

By Andrew Nabors – September 27, 2016

1995 Ferrari F50 at Velocity Motorcars

To celebrate a half-century of building the world's fastest cars, Ferrari built one for the ages. The F50 reigned supreme from 1995 to 1997 as the successor to the legendary F40. It's powered by a 4.7-liter version of their 3.5-liter V12 engine from the early 90's Formula 1 team. Transforming a race engine to behave well on the street is no easy task, but it allowed the driver to have 514 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque on tap. It was to be the last Ferrari supercar to have three pedals, and the close ratio six-speed manual was the only gearbox offered. It may look like a hard top coupe, but a large storage box for the removable roof is included.The mid 90's saw a host of advances in engine technology along with ever-tightening safety standards. Sixty mph arrives in 3.8 seconds on your way to 194 mph. Ferrari knew this would be their last street legal race car, so production was limited to only 349 examples. It has all the conveniences of a street car with a dry weight of 2,700 lbs. Sadly, we will never see another car with such a brutal power-to-weight ratio, or another race engine disguised for the street. As part of the Halo Collection, it has only amassed 1,598 miles since new. Considering the recent sales records of its stablemates, this Classiche Certified Ferrari F50 is a solid investment.View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2015

Ferrari 288 GTO vs F40 vs F50 vs Enzo vs LaFerrari: Part 1

One of the perks of our job is to watch a ton of car videos in order to provide you with the best content on the internet. That being said, Alejandro Salomon has raised the bar for supercar footage, starting with his "Hyper 5" series and now with the "Ferrari's Big 5" series. In this series, he and his team pit the Italian company's big five cars against each other: the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari.After a thorough series of legal disclaimers, the evolution of the modern Ferrari is shown in exquisite detail, as this video was meant to serve as an introduction to what's to come. You see, this is only part one of a new three-part series, and we can barely wait for the next installment.We’re not sure how he was able to gather these cars together in one place because this is the automotive equivalent of dividing by zero. Either way, we should all be thankful that he created this series.Check out the first video below and stay with us for Part 2. And, if you want, pick your favorite and put it in the comments below.Ferrari For Sale (Source: Ferrari)

By Caitlin Duffy – May 05, 2015

Dario Benuzzi Tests F40, F50, Enzo & LaFerrari Back to Back

The name "Ferrari" in itself holds nearly unparalleled levels of history, but nothing can quite compare to that history materializing in the form of four monumental models and one legendary test driver.If you don't know his name, you undoubtedly have seen his work. Dario Benuzzi has been Ferrari's most important test driver, putting every production model created from the 246 Dino through today.TopGear called him the "Horse Whisperer" in their Aug. 23, 2011 interview, a title that is more than appropriate. His notes and feedback have determined the driving experience of more than 40 years worth of vehicles, meaning nobody knows just how these ponies prance quite like he does.(See Also: First Look at the New Ferrari 488 Spider)And in the video above, he shares a quick bit of insight into the driving experiences, and the emotions elicited, by four of Ferrari's technological milestones. Uploaded to YouTube May 3 by Ferrari.com, it shows Benuzzi in the driver's seat of an F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari, looking right at home flying around the Fiorano test circuit at speeds well over 125+ mph.Give the video a look above, and when you're done, find one of these momentous milestones for your own collection from our exclusive listings.View All Ferrari Listings(Source: YouTube, Top Gear) See More Ferrari News

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