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 Tyler Rampersaud – January 29, 2024

Ferrari's New 2024 F1 Car Will Be Called The SF-24

Ferrari gives a name to its fighter for Formula 1’s winning title this season. Ferrari is one of the most important names in Formula 1 history, and in racing history as a whole. As one of the most established teams in the incredibly prestigious and exclusive racing series, Scuderia Ferrari is revered for its incredible racing legacy. Each year, the new F1 car and livery from Ferrari are some of the most anticipated announcements of the upcoming Formula 1 season, and for 2024, Ferrari has finally shed light on the name of its new F1 car. It’s the SF-24, and while it’s a new official announcement, it isn’t very surprising to most fans of Scuderia Ferrari. That’s because the pattern of naming Ferrari’s F1 car “SF,” which stands for “Scuderia Ferrari,” followed by the number of the current year is one that Ferrari has held for a number of years, dating back nearly a decade to 2015, with the SF15-T. However, there has been an exception, and that was in 2022, when Ferrari celebrated its 75th anniversary as a manufacturer. That year, the F1 car was named the F1-75. With the name of the new SF-24 officially announced, Ferrari has set the date for its full reveal as the 13th of February, and fans of the Prancing Horse’s most ambitious racing effort are sure to be counting down the days until that reveal happens and the SF-24 is shown to the world in its full glory. Shop Scuderia Ferrari F1 Merch How to sell your Ferrari through duPont REGISTRY.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 24, 2024

Ferrari Plans To Set Sail With Its New Marine Team Princi...

Ferrari, widely recognized for its historic success on both the street and track, has an interesting side chapter in marine performance. Known primarily for its supercar lineup and racing heritage, Ferrari's exploration into the world of high-performance boats is a lesser-known aspect of its brand story. The 1952 Arno X1 Racing Boat was Ferrari's last attempt at taking its renowned speed and agility to the open waters, until now. Guided by the expertise of Team Principal and renowned navigator, Giovanni Soldini, Ferrari is expanding its frontiers to the high seas. This new venture is about pushing the envelope of what's possible, blending the thrill of competition with a continuous drive for progress. From the drawing board to the open water, every aspect of this venture is infused with cutting-edge technologies. The focus? Achieving peak performance while navigating the waves. But there's more to it than just speed and agility. Ferrari is also channeling its efforts into sustainable solutions, ensuring that this exciting new chapter aligns with its long-standing practice of environmental responsibility. John Elkann, Ferrari's Chairman, expresses his enthusiasm by saying, “We're not just racing against competitors; we're racing towards a sustainable future, breaking barriers along the way.” As Ferrari sets its sails for this thrilling new journey, it promises to bring together the best of different worlds - the adrenaline of racing, the precision of engineering, and the commitment to a greener future. For fans of Ferrari and marine sports, this marks an exciting new chapter, full of potential and innovation. View all Ferrari supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferraris For Sale Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 23, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo Takes Delivery Of His New Blue Ferrari ...

Adding Ferrari's first SUV to his garage fleet, Cristiano's collection is growing at a rapid pace! Alongside being recognized as one of the greatest soccer stars and the most followed celebrity on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo also prides himself on being a passionate car collector and enthusiast. Having exclusive automotive icons like the Bugatti Centodeici, McLaren Senna, and Ferrari 599 GTO already in his possession, we imagine it's hard to impress CR7 and his nine-figure car collection. That's where Ferrari enters with its first-ever SUV, the all-new Purosangue. Deemed the hottest super SUV release of the year, all allocations for the Ferrari Purosangue have been sold to lucky owners across the globe. Cristiano Ronaldo took to his Instagram page to post a shot of his newest Ferrari along with a photo of him and his youngest son. Matching his full Gucci tracksuit, the four-door Pursangue sports Ferrari's historical Blu Swaters metallic finish with standard satin-finished, five-spoke sport wheels. The interior showcases a light Crema leather interior that welcomes the driver and three passengers into its track-inspired cabin. Absolutely, the Ferrari Purosangue is a remarkable fusion of elegance and sheer power, a true testament to Ferrari's engineering prowess. Nestled under the Purosangue's sleek hood lies a massive 6.5-liter V12 engine, a nod to Ferrari’s exhilarating performance. Unleashing a staggering 715 horsepower and 528 lb-ft of torque, the Purosangue sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. With a top speed of 193 mph, it effortlessly blends the thrill of a supercar with the practicality of an SUV, redefining what it means to drive a luxury performance vehicle. Now that Cristiano Ronaldo holds the keys to his new Ferrari Purosangue, we can't wait to see what Italian prancing horse he adds to his stable next. View all Ferrari supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferraris For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) Source: @cristiano Instagram

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By Tyler Rampersaud – January 23, 2024

Ferrari Reveals A New 250 LM-Inspired Tailor Made 296 GTB

This Tailor Made spec pays homage to the 296 GTB’s historical inspiration. The Ferrari 296 GTB is definitely futuristic. Being the first V6-powered supercar to wear Ferrari’s Prancing Horse badge, and boasting a hybrid system that comes together to make the car incredibly powerful, it sits at the cutting edge of performance-oriented innovation and engineering, and while its design aligns with that sense of futurism, Ferrari’s 75-year history, long-standing pedigree, and archive of legendary classics served as inspiration for the design of the supercar, as well. Namely, the Ferrari 250 LM played a major part in informing the silhouette and many of the design motifs of the new Ferrari 296 GTB, and this new Tailor Made example of the 296 GTB highlights that quality, with an ultra-exclusive configuration that pays homage to the very car that inspired it. The historic racing 250 LM was the inspiration for this new car, and as such, it features an exterior in red with a large racing stripe in Blu Flugplatz. Inside, both broad strokes and subtle details help bring the history of the 250 LM to life in the new supercar, from the red stitching seen on the steering wheel, to the bright swathes of Red Jeans Aunde fabric that upholster the seats. With a historic configuration, and the same historic inspiration for its design, this exclusive Tailor Made Ferrari 296 GTB is the culmination of Ferrari’s long and proud history brought to life. View All Ferrari 296 GTBs For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ferrari (@ferrari)

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 23, 2024

Ferrari's New Teaser Shows What Might Be A Racing Boat

Ferrari teases a possible journey from land to sea. Ferrari has been known for over 75 years as a manufacturer that is full of passion for racing, and while its legacy has been forged by dominating race tracks all over the world, a new teaser has announced that Ferrari is ready to embark on an entirely new endeavor. With images of the ocean taking up a large portion of Ferrari’s current Instagram grid, speculation suggests that Ferrari may be diving headfirst into the waters of marine racing. Promising in the description of its teaser video to “take the race where we never have before,” Ferrari may possibly be bringing its racing efforts to the ocean, and the teaser video also quickly shows a clip of what might be a hydrofoil boat quickly passing by. With an incredible lineup of some of the most beautiful, powerful, innovative and desirable cars ever made, as well as a pedigree and legacy of amazing racing efforts and victories, especially the victory at the 100th 24 Hours of Le Mans race with the 499P, Ferrari’s first top-class endurance racing car in 50 years, this new foray into what may be racing boats is incredibly exciting, and would be sure to make waves (of many kinds) as it materializes. View All Ferraris For Sale

24SS MS Ferrari Seasonal Concept Look 5 2893

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 11, 2024

PUMA & Ferrari Launch Its "New Era" Spring/Summer 2024 Ap...

Scuderia Ferrari and PUMA release a bold Spring/Summer 2024 line, fusing modern colors with classic design. Ferrari's approach to designing its supercars and hypercars mirrors the flair and artistry used in Italian high fashion. Just as Italy's renowned fashion designers set trends on the runway with their bold and breathtaking styles, Ferrari infuses its vehicles with a blend of cutting-edge innovation for the track. Bridging the gap between high-performance supercars and luxury streetwear, PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari mark a thrilling advancement in fashion with their Spring/Summer 2024 Collection. A vibrant blend of sporty contours and innovative design celebrates a new chapter for this collaboration, where the adrenaline of high-speed racing meets the cutting-edge style of PUMA, enriched with the iconic flair of Scuderia Ferrari. Dubbed "A New Era," this fuel-driven apparel and accessories collection features innovative body-mapped designs in each piece, emphasizing the body's natural movement and blending it with a functional aesthetic. The range pushes boundaries, introducing a fresh color palette that includes Ferrari's uncommon pink lilac and vine shades, alongside the classic speed yellow and rosso corsa. What sets "A New Era" apart is its premium approach is that it favors subtlety over extravagance, with muted logos that let the craftsmanship and design shine. This understated branding speaks volumes of the dedication to a refined and sophisticated style, ensuring each piece stands out just like any of Ferrari's creations. Available online at puma.com by clicking the link below, the all-new PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari Spring/Summer 2024 Collection is a bold statement for the fan looking to show their support for one of the most legendary supercar manufacturers. Shop PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari Source: PUMA

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 10, 2024

This 1-of-1 Tailor Made 2022 Ferrari SF90 Stradale Echoes...

70s racing history meets 2020s supercar innovation. Ferrari has over 7 decades of history, and every single year of it is steeped in a passion and a dedication to racing. There’s countless stories of Ferrari’s racing pedigree, with triumphs and iconic moments throughout, and more often than not, those colorful moments are painted in red. However, in 1971, Sunoco added a splash of blue to that history, with the Roger Penske team’s blue Ferrari 512M that competed in various endurance racing challenges.] Over 50 years later, that very 70s Ferrari racer would go on to serve as the inspiration for a new 2022 Ferrari SF90 Stradale, and personalized by Ferrari’s Tailor Made program as a one-of-one, the configuration features various unique touches making the futuristic hybrid supercar pay a beautiful homage to the original racer. It’s available for sale at Ferrari of Ontario in Vaughan, Canada, and it only has 252 miles on its odometer, and also features the Assetto Fiorano package that is very desirable for the SF90 Stradale model. The historic configuration starts with an exterior in Blu Montecarlo, with the original race car’s number of 6, as well as detailing in Sanusilver and Giallo Modena. The interior is finished in black leather along with gray ultrasuede. Throughout, carbon fiber details are tinted in blue, with other accents in yellow, echoing the unique, race-inspired exterior. With a beautiful, unique, ultra-exclusive one-of-one Tailor Made configuration, and an even more beautiful story that dates back more than 50 years, this stunning example of the 2022 Ferrari SF90 Stradale could be yours. View the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing Image Source: Ferrari of Ontario

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 09, 2024

Ferrari's Incredible Garages Series Visits Barry Skolnick...

Sat among fine art, these Ferraris are pieces of art themselves. Barry Skolnick is known for his incredible car and art collection, and as an entrepreneur and founder of Ikonick Motors, his incredible Ferrari collection is one of the greatest highlights of his presence. As part of its Incredible Garages series, which previously highlighted Swizz Beats’ expansive collection of Prancing Horses, Ferrari Magazine discovers Barry Skolnick’s library of Ferrari masterpieces. Growing up a native New Yorker, Skolnick always admired Ferraris, and thought of Ferrari as a dream manufacturer to own cars from. Today, having been based in Miami for over 20 years, his collection of Ferraris includes models like the 599 GTO, 458 Speciale, Monza, SF90 Stradale, and even the ultra-exclusive flagship models like the LaFerrari hypercar, the F50, and the Enzo. One of his favorites, because of its driving feel and character, is the F12tdf. Skolnick says that the exclusive front-engined V12 performance machine is the Ferrari that he’s likely put the most miles on out of his Ferrari collection. However, the Monza is another one of his favorites, as he says visitors to Ikonick Motors are usually the most wowed by it with its avant-garde yet classic-inspired roofless barchetta design. With a unique, high-end facility that’s full of fine art and a collection of some of the greatest moments and proudest creations in Ferrari’s long history, Barry Skolnick’s garage is one of the greatest in the world, especially when it comes to Ferrari collections. Click below to watch the video and discover Skolnick’s expansive Ferrari garage. Watch The Episode

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 04, 2024

Ferrari Supercar Prototypes Spotted Outside Its Factory I...

Ferrari has something up its sleeves for 2024. Always striving to lead the pack in performance while honoring its heritage as an early supercar manufacturer and motorsports icon, Ferrari continues to evolve its lineup with modern models that feature state-of-the-art design, technology, and power. And while some of those futuristic creations stay hidden until their official debuts, the passionate car community has automotive YouTubers like Varryx here to help get the first glimpse at mystery models and prototypes. On his most recent visit to Maranello, Italy, Varryx was able to spot some Ferraris that are sure to make their mark on roads and tracks very soon. How To Sell Your Ferrari Online Along with multiple Pursosangue SUVs, SF90 XXs, and Daytona SP3s making their short trip between Ferrari production facilities, a prototype 2nd gen SF90 and a mysterious front-engine V12 made their appearance in camouflage wraps. The elongated front-engine Ferrari disguised in an all-black covering is the F167 prototype, which stands out as the work-in-progress replacement for the 812 Superfast coming in 2024. With tons of production traffic happening there in Maranello, it is clear that Ferrari is operating at 100% and ready to deliver an array of its supercars, super-SUVS, and hypercars in 2024. View all Ferrari examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari For Sale Source: Varryx YouTube

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 02, 2024

Ultra-Rare Historic 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari Prototype For ...

Own the next chapter of one of the greatest stories a Ferrari can have. Ferrari ownership is the dream of many a car enthusiast, as it should be. The legendary Italian manufacturer forged its roots in racing over 75 years ago, and in that time it’s become one of the most respected names in the world, let alone just the automotive world. Its beautiful, luxurious, powerful, and of course fast cars have been the gold standard for automotive excellence for decades, and the addition of a Ferrari elevates any exotic car collection. However, even among the Ferrari pantheon, the LaFerrari hypercar stands on an even higher level. Its hybrid performance put it in a special league of historic, world-changing hypercars that made up the early-2010s “Holy Trinity.” Any LaFerrari for sale is an incredibly coveted piece of automotive history, but there’s a level of prestige and rarity that goes beyond even that: a prototype version of the legendary hypercar. This 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari for sale appears to be the final-stage development prototype of the LaFerrari, which showed off the bodywork that would eventually make it to the production version of the car, as well as many of its most important and revered features, like its hybrid powertrain, interior design, active aero, and carbon fiber chassis. Unlike other LaFerraris for sale, the unique story behind this example is what makes it one of the most special Ferraris you can get your hands on. It’s available for sale at OpenRoad Northwest in Bellevue, Washington, and if you’re interested, you can write the next chapter in the incredible story of this Ferrari relic. View the listing by clicking below. View Listing Image Source: OpenRoad Northwest

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