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 Edward Jones – September 06, 2017

Spider-Man Ferrari Spotted in Vietnam

It's a real Ferrari Spider. A true Peter PARKer, if you will.In Vietnam, XSX Automotive Photography spotted a Ferrari 488 GTB that was disguised to fight crime. Its web-slinging livery was designed after Spider-Man's own suit.Ferrari 328 For SaleNow that Spider-Man has joined the Avengers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will we be seeing more of these cars? An Iron Man Lamborghini Aventador ? Captain America McLaren? I surely hope so.

By Edward Jones – September 05, 2017

Final LaFerrari Aperta Revealed, Being Auctioned for Charity

The last LaFerrari Aperta that Ferrari willl ever create will be one of the most special ones yet. The car is being created to mark the 70th anniversary of Ferrari and it will be auctioned to benefit Save the Children for international education.Duaiv Ferrari FF at Ferrari of Fort LauderdaleThe auction is being organized in cooperation with RM Sotheby's and will take place on September 9. The event, called "Leggenda e Passione," will be held on the Fiorano track and Ferrari is regarding it as "the most important single marque collector's car auction in history."For the final LaFerrari Aperta, Ferrari has given it a special one-of-a-kind livery. The exterior has a metallic Rosso Fuoco paint with a double racing stripe running down the center in metallic Bianco Italia. Inside is black Alcantara, carbon fiber, red leather inserts, and red stitching.LaFerrari Aperta SpecsInterested in putting in a bid? Visit RMSothebys.com for more info.

By Edward Jones – August 25, 2017

Ferrari Building One More LaFerrari Aperta For Charity

Those dismayed at the fact that they couldn't get a LaFerrari Aperta due to the fact that only 209 examples were created are in luck. RM Sotheby's has announced that they will be auctioning off the 210th LaFerrari Aperta at their "Ferrari - Leggenda e Passione" auction on September 9, 2017. This auction also coincides with Ferrari 70th Anniversary at Maranello.The car that will be auctioned off will have what RM Sotheby's is calling a "new and unique livery," making it unlike any other we've seen thus far. What's more, all proceeds for the hypercar will benefit charity.If you're looking to have a true one-off LaFerrari and help those in need at the same time, be sure to be at RM Sotheby's event and place your bid down on this historic car.LaFerrari Aperta Specs & Price

By Andrew Nabors – August 23, 2017

Say Hello to the Ferrari Portofino, Goodbye California T

Maranello has built something new, and it's heading for the Frankfurt Auto Show. The new Ferrari Portofino was released, and it looks spectacular. It seems like only yesterday that the California was unveiled, but it was a decade ago. Named for a fishing village on the Italian Riviera, it as far from California as you would imagine. That is because everything is new from the ground up. Chassis design and high strength composites have come a long way in the past years, so it has allowed the Portofino to be lighter and stronger than its predecessor. Building a convertible that doesn't get floppy when cornering also helps to provide grip for impressive launches. Ferrari says the new car can leap to 62 mph (100kph) in only 3.5 seconds. It might be the world's fastest 4 seat hardtop convertible thanks to 600 cv, or metric horsepower. Italians seem to love this standard for some reason, but the difference is minuscule. The 3.8 liter V8 delivers 591 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. As with most flat-plane V8 engines, max horsepower is at a screaming 7,500 rpm, while torque is a broad plateau from 3,000 to 5,250 rpm. Taking a page from the 488 series, boost from the turbos is computer controlled. It allows for instant throttle response along with better fuel mileage, which is music to our ears. Attention to detail is also evident in the interior. A new 10.2" touchscreen is competitive with other luxury models, and new 18-way seats offer more comfort up front along with more leg room for back seaters. The A/C and climate control is more powerful, to provide cooling with the top down. Attention to detail is also evident in the interior. A new 10.2" touchscreen is competitive with other luxury models, and new 18-way seats offer more comfort up front along with more leg room for back seaters. The A/C and climate control is more powerful, to provide cooling with the top down. The body has influences from the F12 series, and new LED headlights are combined with air vents that feed into the front wheel wells. This takes high-pressure air off of the nose and uses it to clean up turbulence under the body. The days of Pininfarina styling are over, and the Portofino is a modern look from their own internal designers. If you have been dreaming of a fastback hardtop convertible, your wait is over. The Portofino has erupted with the ferocity of Mount Vesuvius, with an impact that will be felt for years to come. Our dealers will need to clear out the Californias to make room, so check out the great deals in the link below and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. Ferrari California T For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 11, 2017

15-Year-Old Wraps Ferrari in Supreme and Louis Vuitton

When Louis Vuitton and Supreme teamed up, the fashion world took notice of the collaboration. But it doesn't seem like anyone took notice like a 15-year-old on Dubai, who has his own YouTube channel called 'Money Kicks'.John Cena Shows Off One of Ferrari's Last Manual CarsAfter getting a new Ferrari F12berlinetta, he had a company wrap it in a special Louis Vuitton x Supreme design. Of course, he has the matching bags to go along with his newly wrapped to finish the automotive outfit.The F12berlinetta, when released, was the most powerful and aerodynamic Ferrari that the automaker had ever created. It has since been succeeded by the new 812 Superfast, another intense V12 supercar that has exceeded all of our expectations.Ferrari F12berlinetta Engine: 6.3-liter V12 Horsepower: 730 hp Torque: 509 lb-ft Transmission: 7-speed automated manual Top Speed: 227 mph 0-62 mph: 3.1 seconds

By Edward Jones – August 10, 2017

Ferrari F40 LM's Brutal Launches Are Pure Joy

For some reason, most likely due to my love for the car, I had a dream about owning a Ferrari F40 last night (I'm not bamboozling you all). In the dream, the F40 I owned wasn't the greatest looking one, in fact it was pretty torn up. But it didn't matter, because I owned what I think is the coolest Ferrari ever made.Ferrari F40 GT Drifting Around FarmLo-and-behold, I wake up this morning to drive what isn't my Ferrari F40, but at least NM2255 posted a video to help me cope. The star of the video is an extreme F40 LM letting loose at Goodwood. In the video's description, it notes that the "sound it makes is music to the ears!" I couldn't agree more.Now, if only I had the money, I'd pick up one of the many Ferrari F40s we have for sale.

By Edward Jones – July 21, 2017

Ferrari F40 Celebrates 30th Birthday

On July 21, 1987 at the Civic Centre in Maranello, Ferrari unveiled what would become one of their most iconic cars: the F40. Today, we celebrate the car's 30th birthday and recognize it as an automotive masterpiece.Ferrari first created the supercar to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary and it was the final car to carry Enzo Ferrari's true "signature." The F40 was truly an instant icon. Sylvester Stallone and a Ferrari F40 (1990)Powering the car is a larger version of the 288 GTO's twin-turbo 2855 cc V8 engine, which had a displacement of 2936 cc. The amount of force this engine could lay down through the five-speed manual transmission was rated 471 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. Compare this to the 1988 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary's 455 hp and 369 lb-ft, and you'll see that Ferrari's F40 definitely had an edge. Also, the Porsche 959 started production in 1986, and it was capable 444 hp and 369 lb-ft. Ultimately, the F40 was the king of the late 1980's. Ferrari Club Germany (1992)If you're interested in adding an F40 to your collection for the sake of celebration, be sure to click the button below to see our inventory of Ferrari F40s for sale.View All Ferrari F40s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 15, 2017

1999 Ferrari F355 For Sale

Doing your research should be a critical part of any purchase, especially when it involves a pre-owned car. We've seen the best and worst scenarios involving oversights or undisclosed information by a previous owner. Failure to adhere to the manufacturer's service schedule can transform your car into a time bomb, which is why all service information needs to be evaluated before the money changes hands. In the case of used exotics, some services are more expensive than a nice daily driver. Such is the case with Italians from the 90's. We're most certainly not singling them out because most 90's cars were designed without regard to maintenance.For cars like the Ferrari F355 and its contemporaries, the costs for seemingly routine repairs have led to a negative perception by those who aren't worthy of such a masterpiece. The team at JR Garage bought an abused example to shed light on the costs of neglect.Here is what happens when you don't research the car's history. After the purchase they found a few items that needed to be addressed:Oil Change $275 Engine out service-alternator replacement $11,755 Engine out service -valve guide leak $10,337 Flywheel resurfaced, gaskets and F1 sensors $6747 Clutch inspection, adjustment, change the fluid $1543 Replace sticky interior buttons $2500 4 new style OEM Style Replacement tires -Pirelli $1,600 Complete brake job $3,000 So after owning the car for 1,000 miles, the cost of keeping it roadworthy was: $37,735. That is $735 more than I paid for a new 2002 Camaro SS...If you wonder how this nightmare could have been avoided, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It comes in the form of Ferrari's service department. JR's F355 with the Formula1 transmission is worth more in parts, but for every poorly maintained car there are a few with unblemished records. Located in Torrance, Ferrari of South Bay has been a mainstay in the duPont REGISTRY for years. That is because they are the premier sales and service center in southern California. Their pre-owned inventory is worthy of your consideration; because if you don't want to make the mistake seen in the video above make sure your F355 is like this one.A silver F355 GTS with the F1 transmission is a great way to become a Ferrari owner. The GTS was based on the coupe, but it was reinforced to in order to accommodate a Targa top. The roof can be stowed behind the seats, combining the best features of the coupe and convertible. The single-clutch automatic F1 transmission was only offered on 529 examples of the GTS, making it somewhat rare. Horror stories about the early F1 gearboxes have been squelched by modern improvements to the clutch and software. The major service item on them are the timing belts. It is a time-consuming procedure that requires the engine to be dropped. But this car had it performed n late 2015 at 18,800 miles. The clutch is the other expense, but it shows 89% left as of 19,890 miles.Stored inside since new, the black leather interior is not cracked or faded. With only 19,928 miles, this car is a time capsule back to MP3s and Y2K.1999 Ferrari F355 F1 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 17, 2017

Miami Vice 1986 Ferrari Testarossa For Sale

If you can feel it coming in the air tonight, dust off your Phil Collins cassette tapes because your favorite Ferrari is up for sale. Adams Classic & Collector Cars is offering the 1986 Ferrari Testarossa driven by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas. For the first two seasons, Crocket and Tubbs' primary ride was a black Daytona Spyder. The Spyder bodies were as close to real Ferraris as Universal could afford, but in reality, they were heavily modified C3 Corvettes. When Enzo Ferrari heard of the forgery, he threatened the producers with a lawsuit. To settle the dispute, two black Testarossas were provided at the beginning of the third season. Since the show was mostly filmed at night, the cars were painted white to offer more contrast on 1980s televisions. Miami Vice changed the way cars were filmed. Mounting huge cameras in unlikely places to get the perfect shot raised the bar for every action series to date.The identical cars led different lives. For all the high-speed action and iconic chase scenes, the first car was driven hard. But this one (Chassis 63631) was the star of the show. Used in close-up shots and less demanding roles, it was preserved in near-perfect condition from 1990 to when it was discovered in 2015. Ferrari Classiche and Ferrari North America authenticated it, and those documents are included with the car. Because it was used for many still scenes, only 16,174 miles are on the odometer. Also included are the original tools, receipts, and service records. All mechanicals were inspected in a recent engine-out, so it's ready for a cruise of South Beach. The original title showing Universal Studios is included, along with 2 keys and books. Please take care of this classic, if not Edward James Olmos might pay you a visit. All offers will be kept confidential, so contact Adams Classic & Collectible Cars in the link below.View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – May 09, 2017

Top 10 Options for the New Ferrari GTC4Lusso

In the old days, you went to the dealer and gave them a deposit. You then had an opportunity to order a car exactly as you want it. Somewhere along the way, the major automakers conspired to eliminate almost all customizations in order to cut manufacturing costs. But Ferrari rejects the building of boring identical boxes. If you can stand to wait in line, your Ferrari will arrive with every conceivable item tailor-made for you. Not only does it allow the car to be an expression of your personal tastes, it also shows what the artisans are capable of when not rushed down an assembly line. Maranello has teased us with the new GTC4Lusso for almost a year, and now it has arrived. Since its predecessor, the FF, had an almost unlimited array of options, we decided to use the new configurator to see how wild it will be. Here are our top 10 options to consider.10. Full-Size Spare TireIf you happen to be the only Ferrari on the block with All Wheel Drive, you might be tempted to take a road trip or hit the dusty trails. If you venture away from civilization, a can of tire sealant isn't reassuring. And since a full-size spare is so uncommon these days, the rarity alone is worth the price. 9. Yellow TachometerBy contrasting the bright yellow against a Bordeaux leather interior, it will be easier to keep an eye on RPM during spirited driving. The passenger tach display is also mandatory for proper drifting. Nothing is better than looking out of the windows in a four wheel drift! 8. InfotainmentIf the sound of V12 power through the sports exhaust isn't enough, you need world-class audio. The details of the "HiFi" system are undisclosed so far, but the optional iPad connector and 128GB storage are necessities these days. 7. Daytona SeatsThe base model buckets are ventilated, but they are severely lacking in the style department. As a native Floridian, nothing can be wrong with a Daytona option. Several choices exist for contrast leather and stitching so the possibilities are bewildering. 6. Door PanelsIn an area that can be easily abused, leather takes more abuse and is easier to clean than metal or wood. The carbon fiber sill plate are also less prone to scratches from heels or loafers 5. Center ConsoleBourdeaux Alcantara and leather to match the seats and dash. 4. Interior LeatherThe interior is comprised of hand-sewn hides in almost any color imaginable. We could have gone with a two-tone motif, but Bourdeaux upper and lower with silver stitching won the majority vote. Three type of stitching range from standard, colored and special, but we chose a basic silver to give more definition to the leather's curves and match the brushed aluminum of the dash & shift plate. 3. Body ComponentsThe exterior options have several mutually exclusive options in that black exhaust tips are not available with sports exhaust, and the grille can have bright edges or dark. If the mufflers are any different we would choose more performance, and the black grille is more sinister. It's hard to believe a panoramic roof is an option, but it seems like a no-brainer to us. Scuderia shields and the Italian flag should also be standard equipment for the true Ferrari Fan. 2. WheelsThe base model cast wheels are nice to look at, but the 20" forged examples are lighter and stronger. Instead of being poured into a mold, forged wheels are cut from a block of alloy in a giant machine tool. Less weight makes for a comfortable ride and nimble handling. 1. ColorNo other feature on any car is as prominent as the body color. We know that Ferrari will color match to your heart's content, but nothing spurs the senses better than a dark red. They offer paint in 4 palettes. Ranging from Solid, Metallic, Historical and Special, you won't find orange peel or fish eyes on these works of art. In summary, our perfect GTC4Lusso would be as follows:Obviously, the prices of each option are not listed. This is because a majority of the number crunching is done by the salesperson and the dealer. So if you feel inspired to price one for yourself, our dealers stand ready to help you.

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