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 Jordan Aquistapace – September 29, 2021

Ferrari Launches The LaFerrari Power Service Program For ...

For the first time, Maranello offers an extended factory warranty on a special limited-series model. It’s no surprise that owning a highly exclusive Ferrari LaFerrari will bring also an expensive service bill. The limited production hypercar stands tall as one of the three ionic hybrid-powered hypercars alongside the Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren P1. Ferrari is happy to announce to the owners of the LaFerrari and LaFerrari Aperta that an extended service warranty will be offered outside of the factory warranty. The new LaFerrari Power service is available for those looking to maintain the performance of the first-ever hybrid Ferrari at any Ferrari dealer throughout the world. MUST-READ: Top 25 Most Expensive Cars in the World LaFerrari Power also includes annual scheduled maintenance during which Maranello-trained technicians will perform a wide range of inspections to ensure that the car is maintained to optimum levels. The new service program is also being introduced on the 10th anniversary of Ferrari’s Genuine Maintenance, a program designed to care for every new Ferrari for up to seven years after its original purchase date. The LaFerrari Power program is available for purchase and set up at any official Ferrari Dealership. View all the current Ferrari LaFerrari listings on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari LaFerrari For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 24, 2020

Ferrari Announces Customer Race Days at Barcelona

For those of us privileged to own a Ferrari Formula 1 or XX car, Barcelona is the place to be. This weekend, factory drivers and F1 team members will invade the historic track along with the complete lineup of the XX series. For a quick refresher, the original FXX is a racing version of the 2004 Ferrari Enzo that offers 789 horsepower with a featherweight of only 2,546 lbs. It was surpassed by the FXX Evo, which reduced drag while offering 848 horsepower. 599XX Next was the 2010 Ferrari 599XX. Based on the 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO, it is the only XX series car to have a V12 up front, so many consider it the grand finale of Ferrari's traditional race cars. Two massive fans in the trunk kept the car glued to the track while it sent 720 horsepower to the ground. Downforce was measured at 1,389 lbs at 186 mph, and it reaches 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. Further development yielded the 599XX Evo, which offered 730 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque along with losing 77 lbs in weight. It was the first XX car to have active aerodynamics. FXX-K The latest XX cars are loosely based on the 2015 LaFerrari. Since the hypercar uses the KERS system to store energy, the FXX-K offers 1,036 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. It weighs 2,568 lbs and has 1,190 lbs of downforce. Like the others, improvements were made to add 23% more downforce and remove 198 lbs from the chassis. This became the FXX-K Evo, the meanest machine Maranello has ever built. Owners who participate in these events can opt to share telemetry with Ferrari, as the data is used to build their next generation of hypercars. FXX-K Evo How do you purchase an XX car? You must have an outstanding history of buying Ferrari's most expensive models along with an impressive collection. Only then, they might offer one to you. They are not street legal by any means, but we have plenty of Ferraris you can enjoy without needing a helmet and fire suit. Click the links above or the button below for great incentives from our dealers. Browse Ferrari For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 01, 2020

Classiche Bianco Avus LaFerrari Aperta For Sale

Ferrari's hybrid hypercar was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in 2013, and limited to 499 examples. Because the LaFerrari coupe sold out before their big 70th Anniversary, the decision was made to remove the roof. The last time such a car was offered, the F50 required a storage case larger than a piano box to safely store the carbon fiber roof. A removable hardtop would change the car's weight distribution and handling, so Ferrari chose the most difficult solution. You can't simply reinforce a few parts of the chassis and expect a roadster to have the same torsional response and cornering abilities of a coupe. Therefore, the LaFerrari Aperta shares similar lines, but it is essentially a different car. The cloth roof required a new windshield structure, door sills, and suspension tuning. Creating a niche to store the roof required the radiator and fans to offer the same heat rejection while creating a slipstream that doesn't cause cockpit turbulence. After all this, production was limited to 210 cars. " width="680"> With such limited production, Ferrari didn't make a profit on the program. What they did was to allow their most valued customers to personalize their most powerful roadster. This is one such example that was delivered to a prominent Denver collector on October 7th of 2017. Instead of the regular-production Bianco Avus white, he opted for triple-layer "Extracampionario" Bianco Italia with Giallo (Yellow) accents throughout the black interior. From here, he proceeded to order everything under the sun. From the Personalization Pack, Track Inner Cams, all optional carbon fiber, yellow calipers, sport exhaust, stripes, paint protection film, suspension lift, telemetry, car cover, and the Classiche Program. With only 675 miles, it shows no signs of wear inside or out, and that is why chassis #225883 would look great in your collection. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing inventory at Ferrari of Denver. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2020

Classiche 2015 LaFerrari For Sale

To have any Ferrari Classiche Certified is no easy task. But receiving the coveted book is not only a life goal for many, it is an endorsement by the factory that the car and its provenance are an outstanding representation of the brand. Only 499 examples of the LaFerrari were offered, so it took a small miracle for them to consider the certification. Thankfully, the owner selected all the correct options when the order was placed. Every piece of exterior carbon fiber is on the list, as are the clear vinyl paint protectors. The blacked-out interior includes leather seats, Alcantara dash, and headliner, even the steering wheel. Matte carbon inside and out along with matte black wheels are a majority of the options. "Special Features" account for $8,865, for almost $63,400 in added content. By far, the most intriguing LaFerrari option is a 1:12 scale replica of the car. Built by the die-cast masters at Amalgam Models, it is exact-even down to the matte center caps. The model is mounted in a display case of acrylic and wood to remind you of what's in the garage. Given the prices of recent LaFerrari sales, this car is the best investment on the market. Because Marshall Goldman owns every car in his inventory, there is no consignment BS or title headaches. Click the link below for all the details and prepare to be amazed. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – June 18, 2020

Pristine Bianco Italia 2015 LaFerrari For Sale

Last week we gave you an example of the best automotive investment. If you could have bought a Ferrari Enzo and stored it for two decades, the rate of return would make you wealthy. Such is the case with the F40 and the 288 GTO, along with their most recent supercar. Not only is the LaFerrari a timeless statement to the world, it offers performance, efficiency, and style that will be unsurpassed in our lifetimes. Special options set normal Ferrari models apart from regular production, and they are worth more than gold on the LaFerrari. Because only 499 cars were produced, options are the name of the game. This one was special ordered in Bianco Italia with "Blu" leather. It has all the exposed carbon fiber one could ask for along with audio by Harman/Kardon. Between the dash vents is an American flag, and the seats are 2-tone leather with embroidery and contrast stitching. With only 780 miles on the odometer, you have two choices: drive it knowing you have 664 lb-ft of torque and 949 horsepower. With a fully charged battery, you will also have Silent Start for electric cruising. Or...you could make it the centerpiece of your collection and resist the temptation to rack up the miles. You probably couldn't go wrong in either case, so click the link below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing inventory from iLusso. View Listing

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 – October 10, 2019

Shmee Shows us an Incredible Collection

Professional Golf offers the ability to make their top players incredibly wealthy. Ian Poulter is a great example of this, spending his earnings on the best exotic cars for sale. To give you an idea of what Golf can do for you, our friend Shmee shows us an incredible collection. A theme for his collection would be famous Ferraris, so we will start with them first A Few Fine Ferraris: 550 Barchetta Testarossa 458 Speciale Aperta F12tdf 288 GTO 275 GTB Enzo LaFerrari LaFerrari Aperta Non-Ferrari (But Still Exciting): Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Ford GT If any of the cars in the film below pique your interests, the links above represent the best inventory from our dealers. Thanks to Shmee and Ian Poulter for allowing this unprecedented access, so stay with us for all your celebrity collections. " width="680"> Related: Todd Werner's Colossal Car Collection: What's Next? Michael Fux' Car Collection is on Instagram and it's Amazing

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2019

This LaFerrari Isn't Afraid of Rain

What would you do if your Ferrari was caught in the rain? Life is too short to get upset of things outside your control, so embrace this opportunity. Not only does Ferrari build their cars for all climates, they even come with a windshield wiper. So we're glad to see that the LaFerrari isn't afraid of rain. To hear that big V12 at 9,000 rpm music to our ears, because it is rare to hear one stretch its legs. They crew at TheTFJJ were invited by the @HeveninghamConcours to film this beauty screaming along soaked roads before entering a sheep pasture. The animals were not spooked by the prancing horse, even if Ferrari fans think its a baaaad idea. It appears as if the owner only works 3 days a week, as his license plate (WTF-1) makes references to Wednesday-Thursday-Friday. If you would like to experience one for yourself, click the link below and don't let it collect dust. Drive it! Browse Ferrari LaFerrari For Sale Related: 2018 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Specs, Price, Photos, & Review Why You Should Buy A LaFerrari

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

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