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 – February 28, 2022

Watch Ferrari Debut Its Fall/Winter 2022/2023 Fashion Col...

Ferrari style for the race track and fashion runway. Alongside its fleet of track-inspired Italian supercars, the Ferrari brand also incorporates its design aspects into a dedicated collection of luxury apparel and accessories styled for the fashion runway. The creative stylists at Ferrari are proud to debut the new Fall/Winter 2022/2023 Collection at its fashion show during Milan Fashion Week. The new collection highlights modern clothing pieces created using the extensive material and color palette of the Italian supercar manufacturer. MUST-READ: Ferrari Unveils Its 5th And Final Cavalcade Configuration Series The line includes jackets, sweaters, suits, shirts, pants, sportswear, and accessories that pair perfectly with Ferrari models like the SF90 Stradale and 812 Superfast. The all-new Ferrari Fall/Winter 2022/2023 Fashion Collection is currently available through the Ferrari Store by clicking the link below. Click on the video link above to see the full Ferrari fashion show during Milan Fashion Week. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear releases and Ferrari news. Shop The Ferrari Store Source: The Ferrari Store

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2021

Discover The New Ferrari Eyewear Collection Available Now

Ferrari hops off the track and on the fashion runway. The Ferrari brand incorporates its Italian design and performance into its fleet of track-inspired supercars while taking those same qualities to the fashion runway as part of a luxury apparel and accessories collection. After a successful launch of its Fall/Winter ’21 Collection, Ferrari is proud to release its new line of luxury eyewear featuring one-of-a-kind styles inspired by legendary Ferrari vehicles. Each of the new sunglasses in the Ferrari Collection boasts a lightweight and ergonomic design for a comfortable experience, like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale tackling any circuit in its way. MUST-READ: Ferrari Adds New Styles To Its Fall/Winter ’21 Collection The sunglasses are available in a one-piece abstract or pillow shape with an array of lens colors and frame finishes to choose from. Incorporated into the designs are traditional Ferrari logos, which pay homage to the history of the Italian supercar manufacturer and its drive to push the boundaries of performance. The all-new Ferrari Eyewear Collection is available in limited quantities starting at $1,350. Shop the new styles of Ferrari sunglasses by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle news and releases. Shop Ferrari Eyewear Source: Ferrari Store

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 22, 2021

Shop The Ferrari Nitefox GT Sneaker by PUMA Available Now

Ferrari x Puma rule the fashion runway as well as the race car circuit. For Ferrari, the only thing that helps provide the traction needed to properly manage the 949-horsepower capability of the Ferrari LaFerrari is a set of Pirelli performance tires. While off the track, the Ferrari brand displays its design qualities on the runway with a dedicated collection of apparel, accessories, and footwear that incorporates inspiration from legendary Ferrari supercars. Ferrari fashion is proud to showcase its new addition to its line of premium footwear collection, the Ferrari Nitefox GT sneakers. In collaboration with the footwear professionals at PUMA Motorsport, Scuderia Ferrari sets out to offer a stylish and functional option for the automotive collectors and enthusiasts of the world. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers By Puma Motorsport Available Now The upper portion of the Nitefox GT is crafted from Puma White leather with small hints of Ferrari’s iconic Rosso Corsa Red found on the heel tab and insoles. As part of its design, the Nitefox GT features wind takes that pay homage to the classic Ferrari Testarossa’s aerodynamics. The outsole design mimics the pattern of a well-structured performance tire that focuses on adding grip to achieve the perfect lap time. With a complex tread pattern, the Ferrari Nitefox GT is set to take on any weather conditions thrown in its direction. Along with the sparkling white pair, Ferrari x Puma also released an all-black Nitefox GT with red and yellow accents. The Ferrari Nitefox GT sneaker by Puma is currently available for $450 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle gear news and releases. Shop The Ferrari Nitefox GT Sneakers Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 25, 2021

Ferrari Adds New Styles To Its Fall/Winter '21 Collection

The Ferrari apparel line grows with new additions that complement the prancing horse. Ferrari continues to lead the way in the automotive industry as one of the most iconic supercar manufacturers with models like the 812 Superfast and 488 Pista crushing lap times. While the cars with the prancing horse take on any track in its way, the brand also applies the same design and craftsmanship to the fashion runway. Ferrari is proud to announce the fourth release of its new Fall/Winter ’21 fashion collection. MUST-READ: Ferrari Releases Its New Fall/Winter ’21 Apparel And Footwear Collection As part of the new collection, Ferrari focuses on providing the same luxury feel to your closet with an array of new styles. Preparing for the colder months, the clothing line consists of coats, jackets, long sleeve tops, pants, belts, hats, bracelets, and scarves. Each piece in the collection is crafted from premium materials that are incorporated into the same supercars being rolled off the production line. The modest designs include small traces of Ferrari branding, letting the quality and originality speak for themselves. The new additions to the Ferrari Fall/Winter ’21 collection are now available through the Ferrari Store website starting at $105. Shop the new styles from Ferrari fashion by clicking the link below for more information. Shop The Ferrari Fall/Winter '21 Collection Media/Information Source: Ferrari Store

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 29, 2021

Amalgam Releases A $15,423 1958 Ferrari 250 TR Le Mans Wi...

The 250 Testa Rossa is one of the most successful Ferraris in history. When it comes to accurate and high-quality automotive scale models, Amalgam sits at the top as an industry leader. The brand offers an array of historic and modern examples for collectors and enthusiasts looking to display premium examples in the office or at home. Amalgam is proud to announce its newest addition to its collection, the 1:8 Scale 1958 Le Mans Winning Ferrari 250 TR. The 1958 Ferrari 250 TR is a three-time winner of the World Sportscar Championship, with #14 of 33 driven by Oliver Gendebien and Phil Hill during the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans. MUST-READ: Stunning Ferrari F8 Tributo Model Released by Amalgam Collection This extremely accurate representation is finished in Rosso Corsa Red with period-correct livery elements. The fully-functional 1:8 scale model features operating doors, trunk, hood, and cabin covers, exposing the inner details of the interior components. At the heart of the Ferrari 250 TR, the 3.0-liter V12 is almost unrecognizable at a smaller scale that also incorporates the details of wiring, hoses, and vehicle plaque. The interior layout mimics the original vehicle with a single brown leather sport seat, woodgrain steering wheel, and detailed garage cluster. From every angle, the 1958 Ferrari 250 TR from Amalgam is the best representation of the historic Italian supercar. The newest release to the Amalgam Ferrari Collection is now available for $15,423. Shop the Amalgam 1958 Ferrari 250 TR Le Mans Winner by clicking the link below. Shop The Amalgam 1958 Ferrari 250 TR 1:8 Scale Model Media/information Source: Amalgam

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 14, 2021

The All-New PUMA x Ferrari ION F Sneaker Is Available Now

It's like lacing up a pair of Ferrari SF90 Stradales to your feet. When it comes to fashion and footwear, Ferrari continues to use the same design process and resources as when creating the next supercar for the market. In partnership with PUMA Motorsports, the Italian manufacturer is proud to announce the release of the brand’s most technologically advanced sneaker. The all-new Ferrari x PUMA ION F pulls inspiration directly from the Ferrari SF90B Stradale. The shape of the reflective TPU panel in the rear of the shoe wrapped by a PU Foam gathered the inspiration from the dynamic front spoiler of the SF90. Clean and rich mesh materials on the upper with a knitted sock construction generate ajaw-dropping look without compromising comfort. The premium magnetic fit-lock buckles up your feet for the next G-force-driven serpentine road.The ION F is part of Ferrari's new fashion collection. Shop the new Ferrari ION F sneaker styles, as well as the rest of the Scuderia Ferrari Collection, by clicking the link below. Shop PUMA x Ferrari PUMA For more Ferrari news, Check out Watch The Ferrari Live Fashion Show Featuring Its Newest Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 11, 2021

How To Buy: The Official 2020 Ferrari Yearbook

Although most documented materials are made into digital text that is obtainable using any computer or mobile device, it is nice to possess something more permanent to enjoy for years to come. It's a trend we have covered in the past, described as luxury coffee table books, high-end publications using expertise from professionals, and high-resolution images from photographers. Ferrari continues this tradition with its 49th end-of-year volume, packed with special content showcasing how Ferrari has drawn on its deepest values in response to an unprecedented challenge. The 2020 yearbook is also released with two different covers. As part of Ferrari history, this collectible publication is perfect for any enthusiasts looking to stock up on Italian supercar memorabilia. When: Pre-Order Now (Ships 1/18/2021) Where: Ferrari Store Price: $120 For more Ferrari publication news, Check out Top 10 Coffee Table Books For Car Enthusiasts

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