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 black leather Ferrari handbag with a curved design sits strikingly against a red background, reminiscent of the elegant curves of the Dino 246, with a dry branch positioned on the left side.

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 22, 2025

This New Ferrari Handbag Is Inspired By The Dino 246

Ferrari’s latest fashion statement echoes a classic masterpiece. Since 2021, Ferrari has showcased a fresh, new aspect of its legendary luxury brand, offering a luxury fashion line complete with seasonal runway shows, ready-to-wear, accessories, and jewelry, all crafted from luxury materials with fashion-forward designs led by creative director Rocco Iannone. While many of Ferrari’s high-fashion offerings are inspired by Ferrari’s rich automotive history and revered motorsport legacy, one of its latest accessories, a new handbag, is particularly inspired by a cherished Ferrari classic. In particular, that classic is the Dino 246, a car that, while made by Ferrari, was technically sold under the Dino sub-brand. Named after Enzo Ferrari’s late son, Alfredo ‘Dino’ Ferrari, who was instrumental in the creation of the V6 engine that was mounted amidships in the Dino 246. Today, the Dino has proved to be one of the most influential cars in Ferrari’s history, with the new hybrid 296 GTB being the first V6-powered supercar to wear a Ferrari Prancing Horse badge. With its impact and legacy, the Dino 246 served as the inspiration for Ferrari’s latest handbag style: the Dino bag. Crafted in calf leather, the structured handbag features a silhouette inspired by 1970s style and the timelessly beautiful silhouette of the Dino 246. The bag features a magnetic closure and a leather-lined interior, and is available in two sizes with a variety of colors and finishes. In the days leading up to this year’s Lunar New Year celebration, which rings in the Year of the Snake, Ferrari has shown off the new Dino bag in black leather as part of its accessories range. With a legendary Ferrari classic serving as its inspiration, it’s a stunning new addition to Ferrari’s lineup of luxurious accessories. View All Ferraris For Sale

24SS MS Ferrari Seasonal Concept Look 5 2893

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 11, 2024

PUMA & Ferrari Launch Its "New Era" Spring/Summer 2024 Ap...

Scuderia Ferrari and PUMA release a bold Spring/Summer 2024 line, fusing modern colors with classic design. Ferrari's approach to designing its supercars and hypercars mirrors the flair and artistry used in Italian high fashion. Just as Italy's renowned fashion designers set trends on the runway with their bold and breathtaking styles, Ferrari infuses its vehicles with a blend of cutting-edge innovation for the track. Bridging the gap between high-performance supercars and luxury streetwear, PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari mark a thrilling advancement in fashion with their Spring/Summer 2024 Collection. A vibrant blend of sporty contours and innovative design celebrates a new chapter for this collaboration, where the adrenaline of high-speed racing meets the cutting-edge style of PUMA, enriched with the iconic flair of Scuderia Ferrari. Dubbed "A New Era," this fuel-driven apparel and accessories collection features innovative body-mapped designs in each piece, emphasizing the body's natural movement and blending it with a functional aesthetic. The range pushes boundaries, introducing a fresh color palette that includes Ferrari's uncommon pink lilac and vine shades, alongside the classic speed yellow and rosso corsa. What sets "A New Era" apart is its premium approach is that it favors subtlety over extravagance, with muted logos that let the craftsmanship and design shine. This understated branding speaks volumes of the dedication to a refined and sophisticated style, ensuring each piece stands out just like any of Ferrari's creations. Available online at puma.com by clicking the link below, the all-new PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari Spring/Summer 2024 Collection is a bold statement for the fan looking to show their support for one of the most legendary supercar manufacturers. Shop PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari Source: PUMA

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 02, 2022

New Ferrari Boutique Opens In Miami's Aventura Mall

Miami’s Aventura Mall is a new place for Ferrari fashion. Ferrari has launched its second American boutique since the brand updated its store concept in 2021, and this new store is located in Miami’s Aventura Mall. The boutique has officially opened ahead of the first Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix. The new store joins Ferrari’s boutiques in Maranello, Milan, and Los Angeles, and stocks Ferrari’s fashion and lifestyle products designed by Creative Director Rocco Iannone. These Ferrari collections are shown on the runway, and most recently at this past February’s Milan Fashion Week, and the items available in the collections include womenswear, menswear, and children's clothing and accessories for various seasons and occasions. MUST READ: New Virgil Abloh X Mercedes-Maybach S 680 Is Available To Buy The storefront has been designed to seamlessly match the look and feel of the Italian and Los Angeles Ferrari locations, however, a few special Miami touches have been added because of Miami’s special place in the heart of the Ferrari brand. Just about everyone knows about the iconic image of the Miami Vice Ferrari Testarossa, and how Miami, Ferraris, and neon lights capture the essence of the 1980s for so many, and Ferrari pays homage to this with photography seen throughout the store. Ferrari’s incredible brand continues to take over the world, and Miami is its next stop along the way. View All Ferraris For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2021

Discover The New Ferrari Eyewear Collection Available Now

Ferrari hops off the track and on the fashion runway. The Ferrari brand incorporates its Italian design and performance into its fleet of track-inspired supercars while taking those same qualities to the fashion runway as part of a luxury apparel and accessories collection. After a successful launch of its Fall/Winter ’21 Collection, Ferrari is proud to release its new line of luxury eyewear featuring one-of-a-kind styles inspired by legendary Ferrari vehicles. Each of the new sunglasses in the Ferrari Collection boasts a lightweight and ergonomic design for a comfortable experience, like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale tackling any circuit in its way. MUST-READ: Ferrari Adds New Styles To Its Fall/Winter ’21 Collection The sunglasses are available in a one-piece abstract or pillow shape with an array of lens colors and frame finishes to choose from. Incorporated into the designs are traditional Ferrari logos, which pay homage to the history of the Italian supercar manufacturer and its drive to push the boundaries of performance. The all-new Ferrari Eyewear Collection is available in limited quantities starting at $1,350. Shop the new styles of Ferrari sunglasses by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle news and releases. Shop Ferrari Eyewear Source: Ferrari Store

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 22, 2021

Shop The Ferrari Nitefox GT Sneaker by PUMA Available Now

Ferrari x Puma rule the fashion runway as well as the race car circuit. For Ferrari, the only thing that helps provide the traction needed to properly manage the 949-horsepower capability of the Ferrari LaFerrari is a set of Pirelli performance tires. While off the track, the Ferrari brand displays its design qualities on the runway with a dedicated collection of apparel, accessories, and footwear that incorporates inspiration from legendary Ferrari supercars. Ferrari fashion is proud to showcase its new addition to its line of premium footwear collection, the Ferrari Nitefox GT sneakers. In collaboration with the footwear professionals at PUMA Motorsport, Scuderia Ferrari sets out to offer a stylish and functional option for the automotive collectors and enthusiasts of the world. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers By Puma Motorsport Available Now The upper portion of the Nitefox GT is crafted from Puma White leather with small hints of Ferrari’s iconic Rosso Corsa Red found on the heel tab and insoles. As part of its design, the Nitefox GT features wind takes that pay homage to the classic Ferrari Testarossa’s aerodynamics. The outsole design mimics the pattern of a well-structured performance tire that focuses on adding grip to achieve the perfect lap time. With a complex tread pattern, the Ferrari Nitefox GT is set to take on any weather conditions thrown in its direction. Along with the sparkling white pair, Ferrari x Puma also released an all-black Nitefox GT with red and yellow accents. The Ferrari Nitefox GT sneaker by Puma is currently available for $450 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle gear news and releases. Shop The Ferrari Nitefox GT Sneakers Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 27, 2020

Ferrari Fall/Winter 2020 Collection Offers Simplicity and...

Since the first 1947 125S to the 2020 488 Pista, Ferrari has always stuck to the mentality that performance, styling, and technology is an ongoing evolution. Well, the same exact thought goes into the Scuderia Ferrari clothing line. The most recent release of the fall/winter 2020 collection is sure to pair well for both the owner with an 812 Superfast in the garage, as well as any fan of Ferrari working towards the dream of owning one. The newest styles take on a “less is more” approach, being that quality, functionality, and simplicity are the drivers. As seasons change, the Italian car manufacturer delivers the outerwear and accessory must-have’s in samples using the finest materials. The fall/winter release includes hats, jackets, shirts, polos, jeans, sneakers, and other accessories. Whether it is on or off the track, Ferrari has you covered from head to toe during the cooler months. Shop The Collection Jackets When choosing a jacket from the new collection, it’s similar to the process of choosing the interior to your own personal Ferrari. The choice of materials includes fine Italian crafted leather, eco-friendly recycled softshell, or lush genuine down nylon. Ferrari provides an array of color options to the non-leather materials that match production paint codes such as Rosso Corsa, Blu Scozia, and Grigio Medio. A limited-edition jacket has been added to the collection that truly stands out: a waterproof full zip that features the Italian flag, crafted entirely from the country that produces the notorious supercars. This was produced to pay homage to creativity of Italian design and quality, which is the center of how Ferrari operates as a manufacturer. Shop Now Shirts The shirts featured in the fall/winter 2020 collection vary for multiple occasions just like the driving modes that can be found on a Ferrari steering wheel. They range from comfortable to sport driven, as well as a track ready option to really turn heads when it matters. The comfortable option includes a short-sleeved t-shirt with the option of a small Ferrari shield or a technical F1 vehicle print. The sport style includes both a short and long-sleeved polo style shirt with the added option of an Italian flag collar. Finally, the track ready limited-edition polo features Italian flag patterns on each of the shoulders. The color options for Ferrari’s new shirts are white, black, Rosso Corsa, and Blu Scozia. Shop Now Shoes Ferrari has bridged the gap between track-use footwear and streetwear sneakers once again with help from the team over at Puma Motorsport. The focus is on functionality to both keep your foot on the gas through the perfect apex, as well as enjoy casual activities throughout the day without needing change of shoes. The newest released pairs come in two low cut minimalistic silhouettes, as well as mid-rise for more ankle support. The uppers are constructed from soft breathable nylon and genuine soft leather, while the soles are crafted from rubber for the grip needed for any situation. Each pair showcases an aggressive black, red, and white colorway with added hints of Scuderia Ferrari logos. Shop Now Accessories As the temperatures begin to drop over the next few months, Ferrari has added some accessories to the lineup to help keep warm. Winter hats and scarfs are offered in a variety of classic Ferrari colors and styles, all sporting the prancing horse. Also included are some classic fitted caps, using lightweight materials like twill, eco-friendly recycled plastic, and premium suede. All of these products feature the Ferrari shield with various color options. Shop Now Source: Store.Ferrari.com

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