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 Andrew Nabors – February 20, 2020

2014 Ferrari Pininfarina Sergio For Sale

Enzo Ferrari loved racing, and his view of building cars for the public was mainly just a way to pay for his team "Scuderia Ferrari". Battista Farina was the youngest of his siblings, so he was given the nickname "Pinin", which translates to small our young. The name stuck, and he opened "Carrozzeria Pininfarina" in 1930 to design and build his own cars. The two men became friends, and as Ferrari won more races, he cared less about production. After a meeting in 1952, Enzo basically handed production and styling over to Pininfarina. Battista was 60 years old, so he entrusted this momentous opportunity to his son Sergio. His company gave us almost every Ferrari from the 212 Inter in 1952 to the F12Berlinetta in 2012. Other hits include the almost all Lancia models, Alfa Romeo Giulia, and the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. When he passed away in 2012, Ferrari knew it owed him a lifetime of devotion. After choosing their top six customers, each one received a 2014 Ferrari Pininfarina Sergio. Based on the 458 Speciale, it has a targa roof and styling the would make Sergio proud. This car is most likely the only example in the U.S. and it can be yours. Click the button below for all the details on this piece of history. View Price & Details " width="680"> Sergio Pininfarina: 1926-2012

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2019

2017 LaFerrari Aperta & 2016 F60 America For Sale

Presented by Private Seller - If you are looking for a high-voltage convertible, nothing beats this 2017 LaFerrari Aperta. Driven only 46 miles, you will be shocked by 950 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. The V12 engine by itself makes 789 horsepower and 516 lb-ft, and the rest comes from two motor-generators and battery power. Only 200 examples were assembled, each with a removable carbon-fiber roof and a cloth soft top should the weather turn foul. The Aperta also benefits from faster computers and more potent programming than the LaFerrari coupe. It can reach 60 mph in under 3 seconds, and cruise at 220 mph. Silent mode is offered when the battery is above 80%, and it is a clandestine way to leave or sneak into the garage running on battery power alone. View Price & Listing Something special was needed to celebrate 6 decades of Ferrari North America. Their gift to the U.S. was the Ferrari F60. Only 10 examples were built and only offered to Ferrari's most-valued customers. With only 80 miles since new, it has no signs of wear inside or out. Based on the F12 Berlinetta, this 2016 Ferrari F60 America has distinctive looks thanks to a new nose, wings, doors, bespoke interior, and convertible top. Limited to ten cars in the world, this special edition vehicle was built to celebrate Ferrari’s 60th anniversary in America. Designed to combine the delights of a V-12 engine and open-top driving, which Ferrari says are its U.S. clientele’s “two great passions”. View Price & Listing The interior is handsomely done in an asymmetric coloring, the driver’s seat in red and the passenger’s seat contrasted in black. Power comes from the F12's mighty 6.3-liter V12, which confidently pumps out 730 horsepower to the rear wheels. The zero to 60 mph time is a blistering 3.1 seconds. If you purchase either car, you will receive a 1-year supply of Wolf Men's Products ( www.wolfgrooming.com) Both cars are located in Toronto, California, so click the buttons for all the info.

By Andrew Nabors – December 10, 2019

How Curated Imported the Last Ferrari Enzo

Our friends at VINwiki have a knack for finding stories that will keep you glued to the screen. As such, John Temerian sat down to tell about the trials and tribulations our Federal Government imposes on car culture. Because the EPA and DOT have nothing better to do, it took John and his investors over a year and $200,000 to federalize an Italian Ferrari for sale. So sit back and watch how Curated imported the last Ferrari Enzo. Browse Curated Inventory Here Related: VINwiki Confirms New Cannonball Record VINwiki: How To Import Your Dream Car

By Andrew Nabors – July 22, 2019

Super Bespoke Ferrari 812 Superfast For Sale at Ferrari o...

Just when we thought we'd seen it all, Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale finds a way to leave us speechless. They have a hotline to Maranello, and it allows them to fulfill even the wildest customer wishes. This stunning 812 Superfast for sale is just such a case. It was ordered and sold new by them, and apparently never driven. With only 209 miles on the odometer, there are no signs of wear inside or out. You will never see another 812 like this, and here's why: Bespoke Options: Special Matte Paint Carbon Fiber Driver's Zone w/ LED Steering Wheel Carbon Fiber Dash Inserts Carbon Fiber Central Bridge Carbon Fiber Door Sills Sirius XM Radio 20" Forged Painted Wheels Black Ceramic Exhaust Tips Parking Camera Scuderia Shields High Emotion Low Emission System Contrast Stitching in Rosso Prancing Horse Embroidered Headrests Rosso Colored Seatbelts Colored Inner Details in Rosso Colored Floor Mats With Logo High Power HiFi Surround Sound Yellow Tachometer This car has only been maintained by Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale, so it has automatically been enrolled in the Ferrari Approved Certified Pre-Owned Program. In addition, it is covered by at least 2 years of Ferrari Approved Warranty coverage. The Ferrari Approved Certified Pre-Owned Program encompasses an array of wide-ranging checks and factory-supported coverage for cars up to twelve years old from the date of first registration, to help ensure peace of mind to those who have the opportunity of experiencing the Ferrari legend. If you are in the market for a pristine Ferrari 812 Superfast, click the link below and stay with us for more amazing inventory from Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale. View Price & Listing

By Andrew Nabors – May 01, 2019

2008 Ferrari F430 Scuderia Six-Speed History by VinWiki

A few weeks ago we had a chance to drive the ONLY six-speed manual Scuderia. Because the F1 transmission is an automated manual, the team at European Auto Group decided to reverse engineer it. And this is the 2008 Ferrari F430 Scuderia Six Speed history by VinWiki. Using all Ferrari parts, they converted the car to a six-speed manual. It is a small world when it comes to special edition cars, and this one is the best stick shift you will ever drive. The clutch is easy and predictable, and the flywheel is perfectly matched to the engine's rotating assembly. If you think your collection needs something unique, it is also for sale. Click the link below and enjoy driving again. View Price & Listing Related: The ONLY Six-Speed Ferrari F430 Scuderia is For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 29, 2019

Jay Kay's Green LaFerrari Is up for Sale

Jay Kay, the singer of Jamiroquai, is a well-known car collector. One of his most vibrant and exciting purchases was his green Ferrari LaFerrari. For those who visited the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed, you would've seen the car race up the hill and put on a great show. Now, this very car is up for sale at Joe Macari - Performance Cars London. This specific car is finished in a beautiful Signal Green paint-to-sample color. The only other color you'll find on the car is the yellow covering the brake calipers. Other than that, it's green and black, even in the cabin. The dealership notes that this is a one-owner car, the owner being none other than Jay Kay. It's a U.K.-supplied hypercar that's also been Classiche certified. What's more, only 1,900 miles have been clocked on its odometer. As of writing this, this LaFerrari has a pending offer so it may be finding a new owner very soon. In the meantime, be sure to check out all of our LaFerraris for sale. view all ferraris for sale Source: Instagram Also Check Out: John Cena Is Joining the Fast & Furious 9 Cast Guy Berryman of Coldplay’s Amazing Car Collection What Will James Bond’s Next Car Be?

By Edward Jones – January 18, 2019

Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Now For Sale by Mecum

Right now car collector's around the world have the chance to buy one of the rarest and most extreme modern Ferraris: the LaFerrari Aperta. This is all possible thanks to Mecum Auctions, who is offering the car. This 2016 LaFerrari Aperta come with just 174 original miles clocked on its odometer, making it the best example on the market with the lowest mileage. Mecum notes that this car is available for purchase immediately. They'll take it at it's price, or best offer. They also say that trades of single cars or entire collection will be considered when it comes to acquiring this car. This is a rare opportunity to own the car Ferrari created to commemorate their 70th Anniversary. For more information on this car, be sure to click the button below! view price and more info

By Edward Jones – October 10, 2018

Matching Pair of Custom Rare Ferraris for Sale

On duPontREGISTRY.com there a plenty of Ferrari F12tdf and 458 Speciale Aperta cars for sale, but there's only one pair of matching cars. Up for sale at iLusso is an F12tdf and 458 Speciale Aperta pair that was ordered as a matching pair of cars. The owner commissioned Ferrari to have the cars configured with matching styling on the exterior and interior and from the looks of it, Ferrari nailed it.The cars come in a yellow finish with a racing stripe design running down the center of them both. Inside is a black interior, complete with yellow and what looks like orange/red trim. Each of the cars has the same colors both inside and out, and mirror each other as best as the car's designs allowed. Check each of them out down below. 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta View Listing and More 2017 Ferrari F12tdf View Listing and More

By Andrew Nabors – August 14, 2018

2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge for Sale at Ferrari of Fort La...

If you have ever wanted to be part of something extraordinary, a Ferrari Challenge Car is your ticket to the ride of a lifetime. It is a rare opportunity when one comes up for sale, so we jumped when Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale uploaded this one.The Ferrari Challenge is a series of races around the world. Privateer drivers battle with dealer-backed teams, leading to a final race in Italy, Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. Find a few sponsors and you could cover your cost for a full season...Or you could relax knowing you have a red stallion that is FIA approved. This car is eligible to race in many other series, and it deserves to be the centerpiece of your collection.In the past, Challenge cars were built at the dealer, after fitting a roll cage and safety systems. But the 430 Challenge and the 458 Challenge are factory-built race cars. The only parts shared between a 458 Italia and a 458 Challenge are the engine and the lights. To make for great competition, the 4.5-liter was tuned for more torque at low rpm. This was done by giving the intake more room to breathe and replacing the mufflers with straight-pipe exhaust. Finally, the gear ratios were shortened to allow more power to the ground. Horsepower remains at 570, with a screaming 9,000 rpm redline.To drop all unnecessary weight, the interior includes one seat. The body panels are thin layers of carbon fiber, and the brakes are steel instead of carbon ceramic. Lexan is lighter and stronger than glass, and the dealer has a 2nd set of wheels available if needed. This example has only seen 7,848 miles, and it is a steal at $179,900. That includes onboard air jacks, a fire suppression system, and more downforce than you have ever felt before. Dust off your helmet and see if your Nomex still fits, because your greatest race has yet to be run.Are You Worthy Of A Challenge?

By Brian Story – July 09, 2018

1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso for Sale

Caring for a true automotive icon is an opportunity that rarely arises, and when it does, it’s a privilege. LB Limited is exclusively offering a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso that stands as a prime example of automotive stewardship and a desired centerpiece of the next collection it joins.This Lusso, part of a long-term collection for the past 30 years, stands in immaculate numbers-matching and roadworthy condition. Purchased in 1985 with a meticulously-documented history of ownership, this chassis has traveled only 16,340 miles.As a vehicle, this 250 GT has been maintained in near original condition, both mechanically and aesthetically. The window glass, sheet metal, and ALTO-type light fixtures remain in original and immaculate condition as a result of dedicated efforts from the current owners.Looking inside, the Lusso’s interior is in remarkable original condition, with the leather luggage straps and upholstery supple and un-faded. The careful wear and patina that has developed over the past 52 years serves only to add value to this Ferrari, a detail that cannot authentically be reproduced in restoration. It exemplifies the definition of preservation and we love it.Mechanically, the Lusso’s 60 degree, 2.9-liter Colombo V12 remains in excellent original condition as a result of an aviation-grade, low-lead, gasoline diet. Having never been exposed to ethanol fuel mixes, the original Weber carburetors remain in-place and undamaged.(See Also: Nero Fiammato 2013 Ferrari 458 Spider at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale)Offered as a piece of automotive lore and a rare investment opportunity, this 1963 250 GT has won over our hearts as automotive enthusiasts, and it will do the same for its new owner. This exclusive offer will be a rewarding purchase on a number of levels as it will add prestige, variety, character, and value to any collection it enters.Explore this stellar example of automotive stewardship in the gallery below. For more detailed information and the full listing, click the button below.View Price and ListingGallery

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