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.

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By Tyler Rampersaud – July 24, 2024

Ferrari Expands Cryptocurrency Payment To Europe After US...

European customers can now buy a Ferrari with crypto. Less than a year ago, Ferrari launched the ability for its United States customers to pay for their cars with cryptocurrency. Since then, adopting the new and rather futuristic payment form has proven successful for Ferrari and its US-based customers, as the Prancing Horse has announced today that because of said success, the same service has now expanded, launching in Europe, as well. Ferrari will extend its cryptocurrency payment system to European dealers from the end of July. However, the historic supercar manufacturer won’t stop there. By the end of 2024, other countries in Ferrari’s international dealer network, where cryptocurrencies are legally accepted, will adopt cryptocurrency payment. To address security concerns, Ferrari is leaning on the expertise of various companies in the crypto field. In addition, dealers can accept payments without needing to manage cryptocurrency directly, converting it immediately into traditional currency. Ferrari’s partners will be able to verify the sources of crypto transactions and prevent them from being affected by price fluctuations from exchange rates. By now accepting crypto payment in Europe and soon worldwide, Ferrari is leaning into futuristic technology throughout the scope of its brand. View All Ferraris For Sale

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By Tyler Rampersaud – May 07, 2024

Ferrari Boasts Increased Revenues In Q1 2024

With a strong start, Ferrari looks forward to the rest of 2024. An immense presence in Miami for this past weekend’s Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, and plenty of other exciting happenings in the beginning of the year, Ferrari has gotten off to a great start for 2024, and the announcement of its financial results for the first quarter of the year prove the same. With an enhanced product line as well, Ferrari has lots to look forward to as the year continues to go by. With over roughly $1.7 billion in revenue earned in the quarter, Ferrari increased that result by over 10% compared to the same period last year, with 3,560 shipments. In turn, EBIT increased by 14.8% over last year’s Q1 number, with EBITDA increasing by 12.7%. Predominantly, the deliveries during the quarter consisted of the 296, Purosangue, and Roma Spider, all of which saw deliveries ramp up significantly after being introduced to Ferrari’s model lineup. During the quarter, the 812 GTS and SF90 approached the end of their production runs, while the Portofino M was phased out, and allocations for the exclusive, V12-powered and historically inspired Daytona SP3 were increased. Internal combustion engine-powered models represented 54% of shipments, and hybrid models accounted for the other 46%, interestingly highlighting their increased popularity among Ferrari clientele. As the year continues, Ferrari anticipates the impact of the recently introduced and exciting 12Cilindri and 12Cilindri Spider models, as well as the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Ferrari and SK On to continue their close collaboration for battery technology. In addition, recent highlights for Ferrari include the announcement that Lewis Hamilton will be joining the Scuderia Ferrari F1 racing team in 2025, and a new F1 partnership with HP. With the rest of the year ahead, the Prancing Horse hopes to race towards new heights as a manufacturer. View All Ferraris For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 27, 2024

Ferrari & SK On Renew Technological Collaboration Agreement

Ferrari reaffirms its commitment to electrification. Ferrari is one of the most celebrated and historic manufacturers in the automotive world, and one of the most lauded aspects of Ferrari and its lineup of cars is its preservation of a dying breed: the V12 engine. The Ferrari 812 Superfast and 812 GTS, as well as the new Purosangue, are three of the few remaining performance vehicles still powered by a V12 engine, but Ferrari has also showcased an embrace of new innovation, namely electrification, showing off cars powered by V8 and even V6 engines with incredible performance thanks to the help of hybrid system. The Ferrari 296 GTB and GTS, as well as Ferrari’s SF90 Stradale and Spider, are some of the most impressive and innovative cars that Ferrari has made, with hair-raising performance and the combination of gasoline-powered engines and electric assistance for track domination. However, a new announcement from Ferrari reaffirms its commitment towards electrification. That announcement is of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ferrari and SK On, a Korean EV manufacturer and a pioneer in battery technology for the automotive industry. SK On provides the batteries for the SF90 and 296 models, and with the newly-introduced SF90 XX Stradale and SF90 XX Spider, which are roadgoing models that are focused on delivering ultimate racing performance, SK On’s battery technology contributes crucially to that exact performance ability. WIth a new Memorandum of Understanding signed, the two forces will continue to innovate and impress, pushing the automotive industry as a whole forward. View All Ferraris For Sale

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By Tyler Rampersaud – February 01, 2024

Ferrari Achieves Record-Breaking 2023 Financial Results

Ferrari crosses 2023’s finish line to a major victory. For the first time, Ferrari’s net profit exceeded 1 billion Euros in 2023, representing a 34 percent increase over last year. This means that 2023 was one of Ferrari’s most successful years ever as a manufacturer, and the recent success has the brand looking very optimistically at the future as it begins to execute its 2024 plans. Vehicle shipments, totaling 13,663 throughout the year, increased by 3.3 percent compared to last year, and that increase is credited to deliveries increasing for the Purosangue, 296, and SF90, and deliveries of the Roma Spider commencing in the fourth quarter of the year. With 11 total combustion engine-powered models, and four hybrid powered models, the distribution of deliveries between the two was 56 to 44 percent respectively, which points to an increasing popularity of Ferrari’s powerful, innovative hybrid offerings. The engines branch of Ferrari’s business, however, took a downturn due to the expiration of its contract with Maserati at the end of last year. Meanwhile, as a manufacturer with a heritage in and dedication to racing, Formula 1 represented one of the most successful aspects of the Ferrari business, with Formula 1 among a group of Ferrari’s efforts that contributed to 81 million Euros of revenues. With plenty of wind in its sails due to its successful 2023 results, the Prancing Horse is looking forward to even more success in the future. View All Ferraris For Sale

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By Tyler Rampersaud – November 02, 2023

Ferrari's Phenomenal Q3 2023 Surge: Record Profits & Growth

Ferrari continues to anticipate a strong finish to 2023. Ferrari is revving up the luxury automotive industry with another record-breaking quarter. The storied car manufacturer announced eye-popping numbers that have industry watchers and investors equally thrilled. With a net revenue increase of 23.5% to a staggering $1.6 million and an 8.5% rise in total shipments, the Prancing Horse is galloping into an optimistic year-end finish line. This performance isn't just about selling more cars; it’s about selling the right cars. The iconic brand's success is driven by a richer mix of products and an unceasing demand for personalization—proving that when it comes to luxury vehicles, buyers are looking for an experience tailored to their unique tastes. Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari’s CEO, attributes this record quarter to the brand's unparalleled appeal and distinctive experiences offered to their clientele, including exclusive events like the Ferrari Gala in New York and the Finali Mondiali at the Mugello circuit. The third-quarter shipments totaled 3,459 units, a notable increase from the previous year. This includes the robust order book that covers all of 2025. The EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) saw an 8.3% increase, while the Americas surged by 21.1%, offsetting a slight dip in the Asia Pacific region. Notably, Ferrari's product portfolio has been a significant contributor to these figures. With nine internal combustion engine (ICE) models and four hybrid models, the hybrid deliveries accounted for a lion’s share of 51.0% of total shipments in Q3. This shift towards hybrid technology underscores Ferrari’s commitment to innovation and sustainability—factors that are becoming increasingly important to consumers. The quarter also saw the company focusing on models that drive higher margins. The ramp-up of the 812 Competizione A and the Purosangue, as well as the planned allocations of the Daytona SP3, played crucial roles in this financial period's success. Meanwhile, the F8 Spider is making its final laps before the end of its lifecycle. Financials are just as robust as the car performances, with an adjusted EBITDA of $633 million, a 37.0% increase from the previous year. This has been significantly buoyed by a mix/price variance, showcasing the effectiveness of Ferrari's strategic planning and the continued allure of its high-value models. Yet, not all cylinders are firing equally. The Engines segment witnessed a downturn due to lower shipments to Maserati as the contract nears expiration this year. Nevertheless, the negatives are just a speck in the rearview mirror as the overall financial impact remains negligible. Ferrari's financial income net contributed positively to the tune of roughly $3.2 million, thanks to savvy liquidity management and favorable foreign exchange impacts. Meanwhile, the tax rate remained at a conservative 22%, reflecting the calculated benefits of various tax incentives. As a testament to its financial health, Ferrari's industrial free cash flow stood strong at $320 million, fueled by heightened EBITDA. Even with a disciplined approach to capital expenditure and a challenging working capital environment, the automotive giant managed to sustain a powerful financial position. Looking ahead, Ferrari is revising its year-end forecast upward. This optimistic outlook is underpinned by expectations of a stronger product mix, higher personalization revenues, and continued profitability—despite the headwinds of cost inflation and increased depreciation from the launch of new models. The third quarter of 2023 has not only been about the balance sheets but also about brand partnerships and community engagement. Ferrari's renewal of its multi-year partnership with PUMA, an expanded role as a licensing partner, and successful charity initiatives exemplify the brand's commitment to excellence, community, and innovation. Ferrari’s Q3 results are a reflection of the brand's adeptness at navigating the luxury car market's ebb and flow while maintaining a focus on exclusivity and client-centric experiences. This financial and brand power combination ensures that Ferrari remains not just a car manufacturer but a luxury icon steering towards a bright and prosperous future. View All Ferraris For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 02, 2023

Ferrari Upgrades 2023 Guidance In Light Of Successful Q2 ...

Hybrid models continue to account for a larger portion of the Prancing Horse's shipments.

By duPont Registry – June 21, 2023

The Most Expensive Ferraris Sold At Auctions In 2023 So Far

The year 2023 has proven to be an extraordinary one for collectors, particularly those with a penchant for Ferraris.

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 09, 2023

Ferrari Posts Great Q1 2023 Results And Reopens Purosangu...

With the radically new Purosangue in its lineup, the Prancing Horse is an entirely different animal.

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 03, 2023

Ferrari Celebrates 2022 Success With $15K Employee Bonuses

Ferrari’s 2022 was great, and celebration is in order. Ferrari is in a transformational period as a brand, and it has proven a successful time for the Prancing Horse. In the brand’s 2022 results report, it saw 13,221 cars be delivered in the year, representing an increase over 2021’s number by 18.5%. On the bottom line, Ferrari’s profit for 2022 eclipsed $1 billion, and net revenues for the year were at $5.5 billion. Better yet: Ferrari says that its order books for the coming year show strong demand, and given the reveals of new Ferrari models throughout last year, that is for good reason. MUST READ: Rosso Corsa: A Look At Ferrari’s Historic Paint The new 296 GTB and GTS, as well as the Purosangue show that Ferrari has big things in store for this year, and in order to kick off a year of further success and celebrate a highly successful 2022, Ferrari, according to a report by Bloomberg, will be awarding 5,000 employees with bonuses of up to roughly $15,000. The numbers prove that Ferrari deserves its place at the top of the automotive totem pole, and as 2023 starts, Ferrari hopes to keep it that way. View All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari, Bloomberg

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 02, 2022

Ferrari Enjoys A Strong Q2 2022 And Looks Forward To An E...

Ferrari is strong in every aspect, but especially business. It’s one of the most powerful and recognizable brands in the world, and Ferrari’s success in the first half of this year proves that. Deliveries, revenues, and income are all improved in this period as compared to the same period last year, and with the production of new models coming soon, the future is bright for the rest of the year. MUST READ: The All-New Exclusive NOVITEC Range For The Ferrari Portifino M Deliveries increased by nearly 29 percent compared to the same quarter last year at 3,455 units. Revenues reached nearly 1.3 billion euros, eclipsing last year’s number by nearly 25 percent, and EBITDA followed suit with a 15.5 percent increase compared to last year, with a margin of 34.6 percent that is in line for the target for the year. Despite the discontinuation of the Monza models, Ferrari’s rich product mix offset its loss with increased deliveries and income. The Portofino M and F8 were credited with increasing shipments during the quarter, while the first deliveries of the 296 GTB and an increase in shipments of the 812 Competizione. During the quarter, Ferrari introduced the 296 GTS, giving its new V6-powered supercar a thrilling new top-down experience, the SP48 Unica one-off, the first Cavalcade Icona event, and more recently, Ferrari introduced the 296 GT3 race car, which is slated to take on the GT3 category and succeed the 488 GT3. For the rest of the year, Ferrari continues to have big plans for success as the Daytona SP3 and Ferrari’s first SUV, the Purosangue, are slated to begin production by the end of this year, with deliveries set to commence in 2023. View All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

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