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 01, 2021

Hear the Ferrari FXX K Evo Tear Across Nürburgring

The rarely seen Ferrari FXX K Evo makes an appearance. The track-only Ferrari FXX K Evo doesn't make appearances often, but when it does, it makes a scene. Its 6.3-liter V12 engine and electric motor combine to create 1,036 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, all of which can be heard from very, very far away. Don't believe me? Then you have to check out the video that YouTube Channel Automotive Mike uploaded. In the video, we see and hear an example of the FXX K Evo screaming its way through Nürburgring. To say it's a loud vehicle would almost be an understatement. The cherry on top for the Ferrari FXX K Evo has to be its design, which is downright aggressive. Its aerodynamic suite allows it to not only look menacing but also creates 1,410 lbs of downforce at 124 mph. Check out the video up above for yourself to see just how insane the Ferrari FXX K Evo truly is. You'll see why this isn't like any other supercar or sports car for sale. LaFerraris For Sale Source: YouTube/Automotive Mike

By Edward Jones – March 22, 2018

POV Video of the Ferrari FXX K is Quite Impressive

Ferrari's extreme race car known as the FXX K is the brand's "uncompromised" version of their LaFerrari hypercar. The FXX K produces 1,035 horsepower and more than 664 pound-feet of torque, an 85 horsepower increase over the LaFerrari. But it's not just power, as its aerodynamics are downright incredible. Recently, YouTuber Speedracer38 attended the Ferrari Corse Clienti event at Road Atlanta where he was given the opportunity to drive the FXX K. This chance of his was definitely a rare one, so we all will more than likely not be given the same opportunity. So while we all wait for our chance behind the wheel of the Ferrari FXX K, we can just watch the POV video below of his laps around the track. Joining him at the event were seven Ferrari F1 cars, three FXX K EVOs, FXX Ks, 599XX EVOs and an FXX. What an incredible event!Ferrari 308s for Sale

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2017

The Most Extreme Ferrari is Now a Reality

If you thought you Ferrari FXX-K was a track-monster, wait until you see its EVO counterpart.After Ferrari introduced the FXX and 599 XX, an Evo version of each car was released. When the FXX-K was released, we knew it would only be a matter of time until the FXX-K Evo was unveiled. And now, it's finally here.LaFerrari Specs, Review and Photos Ferrari focused primarily on improving the FXX-K Evo's aerodynamics over its FXX-K brethren. To do this, Ferrari introduced a myriad of new aero component all across the race car's body. Most notably, the rear wing is now a twin-profile fixed wing that works in harmony with two side fins and a central fin. That central fin also includes three vortex generators that increase the efficiency of the rear systems by 10% on their own.Luxury Cars for SaleFerrari has also added to the FXX-K' Evos interior a new steering wheel, 6.5-inch display for the rearview camera, that can display telemetry data, and a lot more.Pricing and exact specs have not been released yet. Also, don't expect to see it on the road as it's not street legal and will only be used in the XX Programme in the 2018/2019 season.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 01, 2016

2016 Ferrari FXX K: Price, Specs, Review and Photos

2016 Ferrari FXX K Specs Price: $2.7 million (est) Engine: 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 Horsepower: 1035 hp 0–62: TBD Top Speed: TBD Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic Torque: 664 lb-ft ReviewFerrari closed out 2014 with a bang, introducing us to the successor to the Italian powerhouse’s famed FXX model: the Ferrari FXX K. Unveiled in December 2014, the FXX K is an “uncompromised” rendition of the hybrid LaFerrari, with the name’s ‘K’ derived from the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) the car employs.While the LaFerrari and the new FXX K utilize the same system, speed is the major factor separating the two. The FXX K produces 1,035 horsepower and more than 664 pound-feet of torque, an 85 horsepower increase over the LaFerrari. This is no doubt due to the new features, including updated camshafts, a modified valve train, redesigned intake mani-folds and a modified exhaust system sans silencers for an aggressive audible growl. ...the FXX K is an “uncompromised” rendition of the hybrid LaFerrari, with the name’s ‘K’ derived from the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) the car employs There are several other noticeable modifications to the FXX K, the most apparent being the twin-profile rear spoiler. Collectively with the mobile spoiler and new front splitter, these additions generate a 50 percent improvement in downforce in low drag configuration and an additional 30 percent increase in the more aggressive downforce configuration.Ferrari has also added four settings the driver can choose from to better control the car’s performance and KERS. Each setting creates a different result; the Qualify setting allows for maximum performance with limited driving time, the Long Run setting creates a more consistent performance output, the Manual Boost setting instantly boosts torque delivery and the Fast Charge setting recharges the car’s battery in a flash.Ferraris For Sale Buy Your Issue Now

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2015

High-Speed Onboard Ferrari FXX K Laps Around Imola Circuit

The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, also known as the Imola Circuit, is a 3.05 mile track that has been around for over half a century. Its layout throws 17 turns at drivers and has plenty of room for them to go flat-out in.With all of this room for tarmac activities, it makes sense that NM22555 Car HD Videos attached a camera to a Ferrari FXX K as it made its way around the track. This 1,035 hp Italian race car is a perfect car to show off just how fast trips around the Imola Circuit can be.(Also Read: Ride along in the McLaren P1 GTR’s Passenger Seat)To help the FXX K perform on a track, it has four settings that alter the car's performance and Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). These include: Qualify: Maximum performance with limited driving time. Long Run: Consistent performance. Manual Boost: Instant torque delivery. Fast Charge: Faster recharging for the car’s battery. If you've ever wanted to see what it's like to fly through the Imola Circuit in one of the world's finest race cars, check out the video below, uploaded to YouTube Oct. 28.Ferraris For Sale (via YouTube) More Ferrari News

By Caitlin Duffy – October 08, 2015

4 FXX Ks at New Orleans' Motorsport Park Ferrari Racing Days

The big band city of New Orleans saw an Italian takeover at the NOLA Motorsports park the weekend of Oct. 4, and it was a show of incredible power.Ferrari Racing Days saw the arrival of three Ferrari programs at once at the southern location, with the North American Ferrari Challenge, XX Program and F1 Clienti all converging for two days of horsepower and energy. An Oct. 4 press release from the marque and videos shared to YouTube Oct. 7 give us a look inside the event, including an in-cabin perspective for one lap around the track.The Ferrari FXX K debuted on American soil for the first time at this event, with not just one, but four examples of the LaFerrari's racing variant arriving for the trip. As the release reminds us, its engine creates 860 hp while the hybrid system creates an additional 190, leading to an insane 1,050 hp total from the FXX K.(See Also: Extreme Shooting and Donuts in a Ferrari 599 SA Aperta)"With nearly four hours of track time at NOLA," the release described, "the Tifosi were enthralled by the roar it made. In addition, the FXX Ks were joined by two 599XXs on the 2.74-mile circuit."Check out the videos above and below to get a better look at this event, and find your own Ferrari from our exclusive listings for the next Ferrari track day near you.Ferraris For Sale (Source: Ferrari, YouTube) See More Ferrari News

By Caitlin Duffy – August 27, 2015

Google Exec. Benjamin Sloss Gets Wife Ferrari FXX K for B...

It seems incredibly safe to say that the couple that races together, stays together.Case and point, Google executive Benjamin Sloss and his wife, Christine. A series of posts to Sloss' Instagram account, @yonly65, today and Aug. 26 show that the two recently took a trip to Ferrari in Maranello, Italy, where the final result of a December purchase was waiting as a birthday surprise for Christine.https://instagram.com/p/62OD67pwOd/?taken-by=yonly65"SURPRISE!! I told #Racewife that we were visiting Fiorano to do a track day in our XX. I may have neglected to mention a key detail," described the caption of an Aug. 26 post. The FXX K was waiting for her, wearing stunning yellow paint with black details.https://instagram.com/p/61qF_tJwJ1/?taken-by=yonly65It was first reported that Sloss had purchased an FXX K in December of 2014, when it was reported that he announced buying one of the 32 cars planned for production. Eight months later, it appears that FXX K is complete. Of course, that warranted an immediate trip to the track, where Christine tore through the Fiorano circuit, as you can see in the video below.https://instagram.com/p/64Yn5dpwI3/?taken-by=yonly65Be sure to stay with us for more updates from the world of celebrity cars, and find your own Ferrari from our exclusive listings at the button below.Ferraris For Sale Gallery (Source: Instagram, Ferrari) See More Celebrity Car News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 10, 2015

Ferrari FXX-K, 599XX & FXX Revving Battle

If you have headphones, check the volume levels before hitting play on this video - if they're too high, you might have some hearing damage.The Ferrari FXX, 599XX and FXX-K are arguably some of the most powerful and impressive vehicles to come from the Italian manufacturer, and that's not to mention how exclusive they are. As part of the marque's Corse Clienti program, you can "own" one of these vehicles, but they are kept at the Maranello headquarters and can only be driven during scheduled Corse Clienti days.And when those days happen, the noise of these engines draws quite the crowd.WorldSupercars was at one of the most recent events, camera in hand, and captured a few photos and minutes of footage, posted to Facebook July 5 and YouTube July 6, of the three XX monsters warming up their engines together.They're all impressive cars, but your eyes just linger on the FXX-K; it looks like its ready to rip your head off, and it sounds like it is, too. "Sadly I had no earplugs," describes the video's caption, "And so my ears were bleeding at the end."It's the stuff of both dreams and nightmares in one package.Hit the video above to see it for yourself, and find a slightly toned down but still immensely powerful Ferrari for yourself from our exclusive listings.Ferraris For Sale(Source: Facebook, YouTube via Carbuzz) See More Ferrari News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 01, 2015

High-Speed Ferrari FXX K Hillclimb at Goodwood

Ferrari was out in full force over the weekend of June 26 for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, bringing a total of 96 cylinders to the Supercar Paddock.Their full fleet of XX vehicles were in attendance, and as a June 28 press release from the marque tells us, all three, the FXX, 599XX and FXX K, completed the hill climb in their first appearance at the world-famous automotive festival.The FXX K was first introduced in December 2014, when it was announced as upgraded, track ready take on the already impressive LaFerrari. 1,035 hp and 663 lb-ft comes from the addition of new camshafts and modification of the LaFerrari's valve train, intake manifolds and exhaust system. It has only been seen on the track a few times since its $2.7 million price tag and 32 example production run were announced, but the Hill Climb provided a fantastic opportunity to see it in action.BalticMotorSport had a chance to share a YouTube video June 30 of the FXX K taking its turn around the track, which you can see above. As the Ferrari press release tells us, it was followed by the LaFerrari, F12berlinetta, 488 GTB and California T.(See Also: 15 LaFerraris Gathered for Ferrari Cavalcade Rome)Check out the video above to see the FXX K in action, and when you're finished, find your own perfect Ferrari from our exclusive listings at the button below.Ferraris For Sale(Source: YouTube, Ferrari) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – June 05, 2015

Four Ferrari FXX Ks Tear Up The Imola Circuit At Once

Putting one Ferrari FXX K on a track is a sight to be seen. Put four FXX Ks on a track, and you create one of the most epic track days ever. And this is precisely what Ferrari did.During a private Ferrari Corse Clienti event at the Imola Circuit, Ferrari put four FXX Ks on the track and put on one heck of a show. In the video below, uploaded to YouTube by Marchettino today, you get a chance to hear the F1-esque scream of the car as it goes flat out and tears through the corners.Additionally, Ferrari uploaded four pictures of the event to their Facebook page today, which can be viewed below. I would be lying if I said one of them isn't currently my wallpaper now.For those unfamiliar with just how insane the FXX K is, here is a quick recap from our December 3 article on the car's unveiling. "...the FXX-K is an 'uncompromised' take on the hybrid LaFerrari, and the 'K' in the name comes from the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) it utilizes.The power figures of the FXX K are rated at 1,035 hp and more than 663 lb-ft of torque, an increase over LaFerrari’s 950 hp. New features added to the internals of the FXX K include new camshafts, a modified valve train with mechanical tappets, redesigned intake manifolds and a modified exhaust system without silencers."Gallery (Source: Facebook, YouTube) Click Here For More Ferrari News

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