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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 12, 2016

Ferrari 2015 Models- Ferrari Prices, Reviews, Specs and P...

Beloved Italian car maker. Risk taker. Boundary pusher. Ferrari has been gifting the auto world with one masterpiece after another. From the track to the streets, their models continuously push the limits and give brand enthusiasts reason enough to stay on their toes. Famed on the track and reveled on the street, Ferrari is a force of nature. Let's take a look at some of their most iconic models. 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia 562 hp 4.5-liter V8 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds MSRP: $239,340 Futuristic and dynamic, the 458 Italia is a picture of handling and driver-experience perfection. What driver's can't deny is the amazing sound that erupts from this powerful machine when started up thanks to a 4.5-liter V8 engine. 2015 Ferrari California T 553 hp 3.9 liter TT V8 0-60 seconds in 3.6 seconds Thanks to a hybrid engine, the California T picks up an extra 70 horsepower coupled with 49% more torque, and amazingly, fuel consumption actually drops by 15%, increasing the range by about 20%. 2015 Ferrari f12tdf 770 hp 6.3-liter V12 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds Superior aerodynamics, agility and power characterize this race worthy super car made for the streets. The f12tdf combines all of the elements of an esteemed track-ready car with ease of use for the most novel of drivers. Only 799 produced-- worldwide. 2015 Ferrari f12berlinetta 731 hp 6.3-liter V12 0-6 mph in 3.1 seconds MSRP: $319,999 Powerful. Aerodynamic. In fact, the F12Berlinetta is the most powerful and aerodynamic of all series-production Ferraris. The F12Berlinetta comes in at a mere 3,362 pounds and boasts a narrower, shorter body that's also lower to the ground than the 599 GTB Fiorano-- the model that inspired the F12Berlinetta. 2015 Ferrari FF 651 hp 6.3-liter V12 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds MSRP: $295,000 Aptly named, the FF is a four-wheel drive sports car fit for four passengers. Dubbed "the most powerful four-seater in the world" the FF performs no matter the terrain or conditions. Experience 20 percent more power while still saving 25 percent more fuel thanks to the seven-sped-dual-clutch F1 gearbox-- a first for a V12. 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari 949 hp 6.3 liter V12 + 2.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack 0-60 in 2.4 seconds MSRP: $1.4 million Trend setting. Boundary-pushing. Characterized as Ferrari's "most ambitious project yet", the LaFerrari boasts an unprecedented 949 horsepower. It's won Top Gear's Car of the Year award, and it's easy to see why. Not only is the model powerful, combining the best of the GT and Formula 1, but it's also a visual masterpiece. The LaFerrari is a timeless classic that will be a great addition to any collectors portfolio. 2015 Ferrari 458 Spider 570 hp 4.5-liter V8 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds MSRP: $263,553 The folding hardtop lets the sunshine come through in a mere 14 seconds. The 458 Spider features an aluminum hardtop and chassis combined with stability control and aerodynamics make for a brilliant driving experience for both the well-versed and less experienced driver.

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2015

Ferrari 288 GTO vs F40 vs F50 vs Enzo vs LaFerrari: Part 1

One of the perks of our job is to watch a ton of car videos in order to provide you with the best content on the internet. That being said, Alejandro Salomon has raised the bar for supercar footage, starting with his "Hyper 5" series and now with the "Ferrari's Big 5" series. In this series, he and his team pit the Italian company's big five cars against each other: the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari.After a thorough series of legal disclaimers, the evolution of the modern Ferrari is shown in exquisite detail, as this video was meant to serve as an introduction to what's to come. You see, this is only part one of a new three-part series, and we can barely wait for the next installment.We’re not sure how he was able to gather these cars together in one place because this is the automotive equivalent of dividing by zero. Either way, we should all be thankful that he created this series.Check out the first video below and stay with us for Part 2. And, if you want, pick your favorite and put it in the comments below.Ferrari For Sale (Source: Ferrari)

By Caitlin Duffy – October 29, 2015

Ferrari LaFerrari Delivery by Tomasz Majewski

Article and photos by Tomasz Majewski, Fotograf Tomasz MajewskiSince the day Ferrari introduced the LaFerrari to the public, I fell in love with the car, and it has been my biggest dream and goal as an automotive photographer to finally get one for a photoshoot. I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to ride in one.I live in Oslo, and although I have photographed lots of supercars, hypercars are almost impossible to find, as there are only a few of these in Norway.This year, I was slowly preparing for the Oslo Motor Show, as every year, when I suddenly saw the post on Facebook - a LaFerrari was coming to the Oslo Motor Show. It´s not difficult to guess my reaction. I was super excited, and I made a new goal for the OMS - to get at least five minutes with the car before they put it inside and block access.I started to contact some of my friends from the industry, and finally I got right one a week before the event, who told me the car would be delivered Thursday evening or Friday morning, but they will confirm it on Wednesday. On Wednesday, it was confirmed - Thursday, 12:00 pm. I was super excited, and prepared all my equipment. I decided to take my Canon 5d mk3 and 3 lenses - a Canon 16-35 f 2.8, Canon 70-200 f 2.8 and Sigma 50mm f 1.4.I arrived at the Oslo Motor Show an hour early just to make sure I didn't miss anything, and I was checking in with my contact constantly for updates on the status of the car. I was informed that it would arrive in a truck delivered by a professional transportation company, so it would be impossible to recognize. However, I was also told it had to go to the front of the building for registration, and then it would be delivered to the back through a security gate for unloading.I finally got a call; the car had just registered, it had already gone to the back of the building for unloading. I took my camera bag and ran like hell through front entrance, the only way to get to the back of building on foot. I had to show my press pass to security and… I couldn't find it! I had everything ready for so many days, and I lost the most important thing. Luckily, I had a computer with me, and they let me show my press pass at the accreditation office and printed me a new press card. I was safe, but I was really afraid I had missed the moment of unloading. Luckily, I didn't.(See Also: Trip to the Viper's Den: Carl Jones Photography)When I arrived at the back of the building, I saw it immediately. At the end of parking lot, there was the truck with one door opened, and though I only saw a little part, I recognized it at once. What a surprise when I saw the car plates - "La Fiat." When the car was finally out, it was put next to the trailer in the parking lot. There was a television crew who were given priority to conduct an interview with the owner and tape the car, so I had to adjust to the situation.Depending on where the TV crew was and what they were doing, I had to quickly change lenses to either document some details or the car/interior. I was really lucky that there were only a few people around the car, so I got the chance to get few clean pictures. Since I was not sure how the situation would evolve or how much time I would have, I decided to leave the tripod in my car before I came. The car was mostly in the shadows, so I had to raise the ISO up to 1600 sometimes to get sharp images. I also used a CPL filter to get rid of reflections, but only on one lens. I did not want to waste my time changing the filter to another lens, as the car could be gone at any time.Suddenly, one of the TV guys told me that he is going to have a short ride in the LaFerrari as a passenger, and film a story with the owner behind the wheel. He expected to have a short ride on the parking lot, but I suddenly noticed they went out on public road. I quickly packed my bag and ran as fast as I could to the public road, as I was sure they would just turn around at the nearest round about and come back. I really wanted to get at least one panning shot of the car.I quickly found the most reasonable spot to do it and waited.. waited.. for about 20 minutes. They lost their way and it took them a while to come back. I had only one shot to do it, and I can say I am quite satisfied with the result. The car was driving slowly, so I had to slow down the shutter speed to 1/60 to get a better sense of the motion, and finally, it turned quite nicely.After they brought the car to where it was supposed to stand for the Oslo Motor Show, I had the opportunity to talk for a while with the owner. He has an amazing collection of 40 unique cars, and Ferrari is on top of his favorite car brands. He decided to take the car out again to wash it after the ride with the TV crew, and I asked for a chance to join him for this really short ride. He was kind enough to say yes, making my other dream come true.It was an awesome Motor Show this year in general as we had some really unique cars, including the Ferrari LaFerrari, Ferrari F12, Lamborghini Huracan, Koeningsegg CCXR, Maserati MC-12 Corsa, Lexus LFA, Bugatti Veyron, Porsche 918, Porsche 991 GT3 RS, Lamborghini Diablo Jotta SE 30 and Porsche Dauer 962 Le Mans, but the LaFerrari took most of my attention. Can´t wait to see what the organizers surprise us with next year!Gallery More Photographer's Perspectives

By Edward Jones – October 20, 2015

LaFerrari Powerslides Out Of Roundabout

Is the LaFerrari a monster of a hypercar? You bet. That means it must take a bit of skill in order to perform a delicate powerslide that smoothly transitions into acceleration in one.Automotive Mike recently caught a LaFerrari driver doing just that on Vienna, Austria's Ring Boulevard as the road was closed for the arrival of the Rallye Germania. He uploaded a video of the Italian hypercar today, which can be seen below.(See Also: Gordon Ramsay Enjoys His LaFerrari in London)We want to advise all readers to not try something like this at home, whether in a LaFerrari or something more civilian. This appears to have happened on a closed road, leaving normal traffic out of the question.(Source: YouTube) More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – September 21, 2015

Purple and Black LaFerrari Spotted Testing

Recently, YouTuber Automotive Mike was in Maranello sightseeing around the "holy ground of Ferrari" as he put it in a new video uploaded on September 20. Luckily for him, he saw quite a sight: a purple and black LaFerrari.This unique car was featured in the previously mentioned video that he uploaded yesterday. Its body was finished in a stunning purple paint, while the wheels and roof were black, creating an amazing two-tone visual we have yet to see on Ferrari's hypercar. Mike seemed to have caught the car while the engineers at Ferrari were taking it out for test drives before its delivery. To see it in action for yourself, be sure to watch the video below.Below are some quick specs on the LaFerrari for those wanting to learn more about Ferrari most insane vehicle yet.LaFerrari Specs Engine: 6.3-liter V12 Horsepower: 949 Torque: 663+ lb-ft Transmission: 7-speed DCT Weight: 3,495 lbs 0-62 mph: <3 seconds Top Speed: 217+ mph LaFerraris For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More Ferrari Videos, Pics and News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 08, 2015

LaFerrari vs. 458 Speciale Drag Races

Tim Burton, better known as Shmee150 on YouTube, is known for managing to be at the right place at the right time with a video camera whenever something incredible involving supercars happens. On July 3, he added a video of another one of those moments, featuring two of Ferrari's most potent engines going up against each other.(Related: Insane Porsche 911 Turbo vs. Lamborghini Aventador Drag Race)At Vmax Hypermax, a recent Vmax 200 event, Burton managed to capture footage of a Ferrari 458 Speciale racing a LaFerrari down an airstrip. A regular gathering of supercar owners, Vmax 200 events allow drivers to test out their car's top limits in a safe and controlled environment, and the results are always a spectacular show.Check out the spec comparison between Ferrari's V8 and electric motor/V12 combo below, then watch the video and let us know if the results of this match up surprised you. When you're done, find your own 458 Speciale or LaFerrari to test out at an event like this.458 Speciale Engine: 4.5-liter V8 Horsepower: 597 Torque: 398 lb-ft Transmission: 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission Weight: 2,843 lbs 0-62 mph: 3.0 seconds Top Speed: 201+ mph View 458 Speciales For SaleLaFerrari Engine: 6.3-liter V12 Horsepower: 949 Torque: 663+ lb-ft Transmission: 7-speed DCT Weight: 3,495 lbs 0-62 mph: <3 seconds Top Speed: 217+ mphEditor's Note: It seems as though some of the specs for the LaFerrari and 458 Speciale were mixed up, but the necessary revisions were made to correct these mistakes.(Source: YouTube) See More Ferrari News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 30, 2015

15 LaFerraris Gathered for Ferrari Cavalcade Rome

The city of Rome was flooded with the world's finest Ferraris as the fourth annual Ferrari Cavalcade made its way through town.From June 25 to today, 200 guests gathered with their prancing horses to explore the streets inside and around Rome, representing 100 different Ferraris from 37 different nations gathered in one place. A series of press releases issued each day of the event from Ferrari shared images and updates from the road and city, where each participant enjoyed a version of "La Dolce Vita" that not even Fellini could have imagined.Included among those 100 Ferraris were 15 LaFerrari examples, making for what might be the largest single gathering of the model outside of the factory walls in Maranello. Of course, with such a large gathering of beautiful and rare cars, a large gathering of photographers and car spotters followed.Marchettino was there with a video camera in hand, capturing a video that he added to YouTube June 28. June 29 posts to effeNovanta's Facebook page showed their shutter was snapping away, catching the LaFerraris lined up and preparing for some time on the track.Check out the images from the 2015 Rome Cavalcade in the gallery below, shared by effeNovanta and Ferrari, and when you're finished, find your own Ferrari for the August 10-14 Cavalcade, which starts in San Francisco, California, and ends wtih a drive to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Learn more about the upcoming event at www.Cavalcade.it, and browse our exclusive listings for your own Prancing Horse.Ferraris For SaleGallery (Source: Ferrari, Facebook, YouTube via WorldCarFans) See More Ferrari News

By Edward Jones – June 10, 2015

Only LaFerrari For Sale in the U.S. at Naples Motorsports

At Naples Motorsports in Naples, Florida is the only LaFerrari for sale in the United States. This example comes finished in Nero with a tan leather interior and only 202 miles clocked on the odometer.It sits at the dealership with title in hand, loaded with options and ready to find its new owner. This is one of 499 and it's the only LaFerrari currently available in North America, making it a hot commodity.(Related: Sand White 2005 Porsche Carrera GT For Sale)Whoever jumps first at this rare Ferrari will own a piece of history. The LaFerrari "boasts the most extreme performance ever achieved by a Ferrari production car." It's powered by a V12 engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor connected to a HY-KERS system. Power output for the car is rated at 963 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. This is, indeed, Ferrari crowning achievement thus far in the new millennium.Be sure to click the button below to see the LaFerrari's listing and additional pictures.View Listing Gallery

By Caitlin Duffy – March 31, 2015

LaFerrari Burnout in Warehouse: $3,000 Donuts

There are few things more satisfying than watching a powerful car take its piece of machinery take its abilities and put them to the asphalt. And there are few people who capture this happening more often than Shmee150.A video added to YouTube March 29 shows a Ferrari LaFerrari leaving some significant tire marks on the floor of what appears to be a warehouse, with a small but excited crowd watching this sonorous show.The squeal of tires on the ground can be heard over the engine's consistent roar as this LaFerrari skids around, with smoke clearing behind it the whole way. But just how much will it cost to replace those tires for the next trip around the track? View All Ferrari Listings (Source: YouTube via Carbuzz, Motor Authority, Ferrari of Tampa Bay) See More Ferrari News

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