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 Tyler Rampersaud – December 28, 2023

1988 Ferrari 328 GTS Listed For Auction

This classic Cavallino is a car to covet. It’s hard to think of a Ferrari that exists in the manufacturer’s entire history that isn’t a desirable car to have in a collection, and the Prancing Horse’s stable of classic sports cars from decades past has plenty to offer to just about any automotive enthusiast. The 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS is no exception, and this specific example, which is up for auction on Sotheby's Motorsport, of the beautiful 80s Ferrari is a remarkable one. With just 9,760 miles on the odometer, the car is a beautifully-preserved time capsule of the best that motoring had to offer in the 1980s, and holds up today as an excellent car to drive, own, and even just to look at. Finished in Ferrari’s ever-classic Rosso Corsa, this Ferrari 328 GTS is just about as Ferrari as it gets. However, that just scratches the surface of what makes this car special. It also features a 5-speed manual transmission, which was a Ferrari staple at the time and still to this day for many fans of Ferrari’s classics. The interior is upholstered in elegant black leather, and the wheels feature a convex design, a sign of the update the car recieved for the 1988 model year, which also included ABS, making this specific 328 GTS a beautiful combination of classic, visceral driving joy and modern convenience and safety. Even among Ferrari’s portfolio of amazing cars, this one stands out as one of the most beautiful and classic to add to a collection. If you’re interested in owning this artful piece of automotive history, view the auction listing on SothebysMotorsport.com by clicking below. View Price And Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 22, 2023

1-of-100 1993 Ferrari 348 TS Serie Speciale For Sale

This 90s Ferrari is a rare supercar gem. The Ferrari 348 is one of the coolest retro supercars from the manufacturer. It features a nostalgia-inducing 90s design with true Ferrari character, as well as a mid-mounted V8 engine and sporty performance that remains impressive even 30 years later. However, one of the most special versions of the car was the rare 348 TS Serie Speciale, which was a revised version of the retro supercar with increased performance and incredible exclusivity. Limited to just 100 units, the 3.4-liter V8 engine had its power output increased from 296 horsepower to 312 horsepower, and the chance to own an example of this beautiful machine has come around in the form of this 1993 Ferrari 348 TS Serie Speciale for sale at Boardwalk Ferrari in Plano, Texas. In iconic Ferrari fashion, the car is finished in the unmistakable Rosso Corsa, with a black leather interior complementing it beautifully. On top of that, the driving experience is enhanced by a removable targa top, which provides the driver with the open-top driving experience of dreams. However, one of the best aspects of any retro supercar is its irreplaceable approach to traditional driving simplicity and joy, and that comes in the form of a gated manual transmission that is featured in this Ferrari for sale. If you’re interested in owning this rare, iconic, classic, and beautiful Ferrari masterpiece, view the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing Image Source: Boardwalk Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 12, 2023

Super Rare Ferrari 296 GTB Cavalcade Edition For Sale

A new era of Ferrari exclusivity has arrived. The Ferrari 296 GTB is one of Ferrari’s latest masterpieces, with over 800 horsepower coming from its V6 hybrid powertrain, and it is the first V6 powered production car to wear Ferrari’s Prancing Horse badge. The engine is dubbed the "Piccolo V12" for its high performance and power despite its small size. However, despite its smaller engine and use of futuristic technology, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a true Ferrari: powerful, beautiful, and exclusive. However, it reaches a new place in the Ferrari pantheon with a new addition to its list of Prancing Horse trappings with a new Tailor Made Cavalcade Edition. With Ferrari’s Tailor Made program already offering a highly elevated layer of exclusivity, allure, and uniqueness, Cavalcade Editions are one of the most exclusive ways to have a Ferrari. They commemorate Ferrari’s Cavalcade rallies, events in which legions of Ferraris embark on incredible adventures in a shared road trip, and this specific Ferrari 296 GTB for sale, available at Ferrari Quebec in Montreal, Canada, celebrates the 10th anniversary of the modern Ferrari Cavalcade. Its Tailor Made specification features special graphic details and the racing number 35, as well as the Canadian flag. But it doesn’t stop there, as the car is also finished in a rare Rosso Taormina paint color, and also comes with plenty of options and extras, making it all around an excellent example of the cutting-edge Ferrari 296 GTB. If you want one of the most exclusive, desirable, and current Ferrari examples in your garage, click below to view the price and listing. View Listing Image Source: Ferrari Quebec

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 12, 2023

1-of-499 Ferrari F430 Scuderia 16M Spider Listed For Sale

This stunning, rare Ferrari is a piece of racing history that can be yours. In 2008, Ferrari won the Formula 1 Constructor’s World Championship Title, and it was the 16th jewel in Ferrari’s F1 crown, which was quite the cause for celebration. In order to commemorate the occasion, Ferrari revealed a new version of the track-honed Scuderia version of the F430 supercar: the F430 Scuderia 16M Spider. The car combined the racing-readiness of the F430 Scuderia with the pure joy of an open-top supercar. The result is an incredible car that not only provides a unique driving experience, but is also in itself a rare creation. Only 499 of the convertible supercars were made, making them one of the most sought-after collector-grade masterpieces from the Prancing Horse. The rarity and desirability of the Ferrari F430 Scuderia 16M Spider makes it a difficult car to buy, but as duPont REGISTRY has been the source for supercars since 1985, showcasing cars like these for sale is duPont REGISTRY’s specialty. This 2009 Ferrari F430 Scuderia 16M Spider for sale is available at Scottsdale Ferrari in Phoenix, Arizona. Its configuration is all black, with an elegant black exterior paired with an interior inspired by motorsport, with carbon fiber and black upholstery throughout. The sleek and timeless look means that this rare Ferrari is ready to fit into just about any collection of Prancing Horses or other exotic cars. If you’re interested in owning one of Ferrari’s rarest and most historic creations, click below to view the price and listing. View Price And Listing Image Source: Scottsdale Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 12, 2023

Dealer Spotlight: 10 Must See Supercars For Sale At Ferra...

With everything from modern-day Ferraris to ultra-luxury Rolls-Royces and Bentleys, Ferrari Denver showcases an extensive inventory of exotics. Ferrari remains a towering figure in the realm of high-performance supercars and hypercars, skillfully incorporating its historical legacy with groundbreaking innovation. Modern models showcase aggressive, eye-catching designs and incredible track-oriented performance to ensure Ferrari stands at the forefront of the automotive world. The Italian prancing horse professionals at Ferrari Denver pride themselves on delivering a truly luxurious customer experience when acquiring a new or certified pre-owned Ferrari. Alongside presenting the newest and most desirable models from the Ferrari brand, Ferrari Denver also features a fleet of pre-owned vehicles from manufacturers like McLaren, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, and many more. From the moment you walk through the dealership doors, a knowledgeable staff of professionals stands ready to help guide clients through a luxurious and effortless car-buying experience. And long after taking delivery of your new supercar, the expert service center at Ferrari Denver is there to take care of regularly scheduled maintenance and all other repairs to keep your new ride on the road. So if you're in the market for a new Ferrari F8 Trubuto or a top-tier pre-owned exotic, make sure to check out Ferrari Denver and its ever-changing inventory of rare and collectible supercars. Discover Ferrari Denver and the incredible lineup of vehicles for sale in this special feature by clicking the links below. View All Ferrari Denver Inventory 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider View Price And Listing 2022 Ferrari Portofino M View Price And Listing 2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante View Price And Listing 2023 McLaren GT View Price And Listing 2021 Ferrari F8 Tributo View Price And Listing 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT View Price And Listing 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista View Price And Listing 2017 Acura NSX View Price And Listing 2014 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta View Price And Listing 2023 Porsche 911 Targa GTS View Price And Listing

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 Tyler Rampersaud – September 28, 2023

Tailor Made Ferrari 812 GTS In Ultra-Rare Blu Carolina Fo...

This Tailor Made Ferrari sports a vibrant blue. Ferrari’s Tailor Made program has transformed how clients and enthusiasts alike see the Prancing Horse. While red remains dominant as the color one might think of when discussing Ferrari, the spectrum broadened exponentially once the Tailor Made program was introduced, allowing for the creation of unique Ferrari masterpieces of all kinds that are a treat to look at and even more incredible to commission or own. As Tailor Made Ferraris are some of the most unique supercars for sale, it’s hard to find one that is listed on the market, even more so than Ferraris for sale that are already exclusive and sought after as it is. However, duPont REGISTRY has been the source for supercars since 1985, and specializes in showcasing cars like this stunning Tailor Made 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS, which is available at Ferrari Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, California. In lieu of the usual Ferrari red, this 812 GTS features paintwork in Ferrari’s stunning Blu Carolina, an ultra-rare color that was in fact invented via the Tailor Made program, originating as a one-off color commissioned by a Ferrari Tailor Made client. Adding a motorsport inspiration is a Bianco Millemiglia stripe that stretches across the hood and onto the fenders. The treadplates indicate that the commission has been named “Ma Belle,” translating to “my beautiful,” and if the exterior doesn’t do enough to prove that this 812 GTS for sale is beautiful, the interior surely will. Inside, you are greeted with upholstery in Foglizzo Lux leather with Polare white leather piping, as well as carbon fiber accents throughout. The opportunity to own a stunningly unique Tailor Made masterpiece like this one doesn’t come often, and even among other Ferraris, this Ferrari 812 GTS for sale is sure to turn heads. If you’re interested in owning this supercar, view the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing Image Source: Ferrari Beverly Hills