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 Andrew Nabors – September 18, 2020

Stunning Tailor Made 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider For Sale

Dihydrogen monoxide is nothing to be feared. The name might scare you, but humans are capable of drinking it without any side effects. Commonly known as water, it has inspired artists from cavemen to car builders. Such is the case with Ferrari's Tailor Made department with "Forces Of Nature". Designed to evoke the most powerful and enchanting aspects of the ocean, "Water Theme" is your escape voyage. That is why you should allow this stunning Tailor Made 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider for sale to be part of your collection. There will never be another 488 Spider like this. As 1 of 1, the discerning first owner only drove it 59 miles. Sold new and serviced by Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale, the factory warranty continues to 3/22/22 with included maintenance out to 3/22/26. While those are well and good, here is what makes it so enchanting. Blue Metallic, Peccary Beige and Blue Sterling combine to evoke the perfect day at the beach. The livery and dreamlines are in white, and all the carbon fiber accents (including the steering wheel) are Blue Lucido. The 4-layer paint is just the beginning of the unique options from Tailor Made, as they also crafted a dedication plate from silver. The gauges have machined aluminum faces and the headrests are embroidered in Blue Medio. Showing only delivery mileage, this certified pre-owned Spider deserves to be the centerpiece of your collection. The asking price is a fraction of what it cost to build, so this opportunity won't last long. This is just one example of what Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale is capable of, so click the button for all the details and stay with us for all of their impressive inventory. View Price and Listing

By Andrew Nabors – September 16, 2020

2021 Ferrari Portofino M Offers More Power, Style & Techn...

Looking back through Maranello's 2+2 convertibles, it seems that these Grand Touring machines were never given the latest upgrades. It was not until the California T that they began to focus on refining this segment. Now you have another supercar to choose from as the 2021 Ferrari Portofino M offers more power, style & technology. Starting under the hood, you will find their bulletproof 3.8-liter twin turbo. With new cams and computer-controlled turbos, it offers 620 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. Each turbo has an integrated tachometer so the computer can keep them at an optimal speed. This load map changes by gear and throttle position so yo will have 560 lb-ft of torque at an instant. Mounted at the rear is an all-new 8-speed automatic. Built to stay in-boost through each shift, their goal of "Zero Turbo Lag" has been achieved. This allowed them to spread out the gear ratios to allow 8th to deliver incredible fuel economy in normal driving. That's because this is their first GT convertible to have "Race" mode. The manetino dial now has five modes, something we have been waiting years to see. " width="680"> This allows the computer to share the same systems found on the 488 GTB, such as: Side Slip Control, Electronic Differential, F1-TCS, SCM-E, and the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer. The latter is activated in Race Mode to keep the brake pads closer to the calipers for quick reactions. Engineers also removed a pair of resonators from the exhaust, so you will really hear this Prancing Horse when spurred. Browse Ferrari Portofino For Sale From the nose to tail, every body panel has been optimized for more stability at higher speeds and the interior is much more intuitive. With all these attributes considered, the 2021 Ferrari Portofino M isn't an upgrade, it is a new car that will be arriving soon. Click the button above to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Ferrari news.

By Andrew Nabors – September 15, 2020

Adam Levine and RM Sotheby's to Auction New Ferrari Roma ...

Children are our most precious resource, and yet they many disenfranchised little ones often fall through the cracks. That's why the leader of Maroon 5 is making light of what the media won't. We're glad to report that Adam Levine and RM Sotheby's are auctioning a new Ferrari Roma to benefit Save The Children. Education is the mission of Save The Children, to give them a better chance at making something of themselves. Along with his wife Behati Prinsloo, one of the earliest-production examples will be the centerpiece of RM Sotheby's October Online Auction. Only open to North American bidders, the car will be live October 22nd. " width="680"> Learn More Built to U.S. specifications and finished in Bianco Italia over a Bordeaux leather interior, this Roma will be delivered to the winning bidder through the North American official Ferrari dealership of their choosing. Even if you don't need a 2021 Ferrari Roma for sale, please consider donating to Save The Children. Click the button above for all the information and stay with us for all your RM Sotheby's updates.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 09, 2020

PUMA Motorsports Announces Scuderia Ferrari Speedcat Pro ...

PUMA Motorsports and Scuderia Ferrari have a special announcement for motorsport enthusiasts with a drive to be like Formula One teammates Charles LeClerc and Sebastian Vettel. The first-ever release of the Ferrari Speedcat Pro racing shoe will be available for purchase, the same that are worn by both Ferrari drivers. Other models released by the two motorsport powerhouses have involved bridging a line between performance and comfort for day to day life. The Speedcat Pro is a track-focused design meant to do one job, and that is to provide support in a competitive racing environment. The idea behind the shoes is to eliminate weight while still offering support. The upper uses a lightweight fabric for comfort and protection from fire. The heel is the area where the structure is needed the most, which is why carbon fiber has been added as an element to strengthen the Ferrari Speedcat Pro. The most important part of the silhouette is the outsole, where grip can make or break the perfect lap time. PUMA has equipped the race shoe with a low-profile rubber and a comfort wedge to balance the structure. The PUMA Ferrari Speedcat Pro is available in two limited production pro models. Charles LeClerc will release 97 available examples to signify his birth year. Sebastian Vettel will release 53 to indicate the number of total F1 Grand Prix wins so far. The release date for the anticipated track shoe is set for September 10th at 6 pm EST on PUMA’s EU website, the Ferrari Store website, and Ferrari Stores. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 27, 2020

Ferrari Fall/Winter 2020 Collection Offers Simplicity and...

Since the first 1947 125S to the 2020 488 Pista, Ferrari has always stuck to the mentality that performance, styling, and technology is an ongoing evolution. Well, the same exact thought goes into the Scuderia Ferrari clothing line. The most recent release of the fall/winter 2020 collection is sure to pair well for both the owner with an 812 Superfast in the garage, as well as any fan of Ferrari working towards the dream of owning one. The newest styles take on a “less is more” approach, being that quality, functionality, and simplicity are the drivers. As seasons change, the Italian car manufacturer delivers the outerwear and accessory must-have’s in samples using the finest materials. The fall/winter release includes hats, jackets, shirts, polos, jeans, sneakers, and other accessories. Whether it is on or off the track, Ferrari has you covered from head to toe during the cooler months. Shop The Collection Jackets When choosing a jacket from the new collection, it’s similar to the process of choosing the interior to your own personal Ferrari. The choice of materials includes fine Italian crafted leather, eco-friendly recycled softshell, or lush genuine down nylon. Ferrari provides an array of color options to the non-leather materials that match production paint codes such as Rosso Corsa, Blu Scozia, and Grigio Medio. A limited-edition jacket has been added to the collection that truly stands out: a waterproof full zip that features the Italian flag, crafted entirely from the country that produces the notorious supercars. This was produced to pay homage to creativity of Italian design and quality, which is the center of how Ferrari operates as a manufacturer. Shop Now Shirts The shirts featured in the fall/winter 2020 collection vary for multiple occasions just like the driving modes that can be found on a Ferrari steering wheel. They range from comfortable to sport driven, as well as a track ready option to really turn heads when it matters. The comfortable option includes a short-sleeved t-shirt with the option of a small Ferrari shield or a technical F1 vehicle print. The sport style includes both a short and long-sleeved polo style shirt with the added option of an Italian flag collar. Finally, the track ready limited-edition polo features Italian flag patterns on each of the shoulders. The color options for Ferrari’s new shirts are white, black, Rosso Corsa, and Blu Scozia. Shop Now Shoes Ferrari has bridged the gap between track-use footwear and streetwear sneakers once again with help from the team over at Puma Motorsport. The focus is on functionality to both keep your foot on the gas through the perfect apex, as well as enjoy casual activities throughout the day without needing change of shoes. The newest released pairs come in two low cut minimalistic silhouettes, as well as mid-rise for more ankle support. The uppers are constructed from soft breathable nylon and genuine soft leather, while the soles are crafted from rubber for the grip needed for any situation. Each pair showcases an aggressive black, red, and white colorway with added hints of Scuderia Ferrari logos. Shop Now Accessories As the temperatures begin to drop over the next few months, Ferrari has added some accessories to the lineup to help keep warm. Winter hats and scarfs are offered in a variety of classic Ferrari colors and styles, all sporting the prancing horse. Also included are some classic fitted caps, using lightweight materials like twill, eco-friendly recycled plastic, and premium suede. All of these products feature the Ferrari shield with various color options. Shop Now Source: Store.Ferrari.com

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2020

Ferrari and Hublot Launch Virtual Racing Series to Find N...

The new Ferrari Hublot Esports Series has been announced as a new way for Ferrari to find new talent. The series will start in September and will feature two categories: Am Series and PRO Series. Entries opened up on August 7, but only European citizens over the age of 18 will be able to take part in the series. The first round will have participants qualifying for the AM series. Winners of this round will then move up to the PRO Series. The 12 fastest drivers of these two categories will then take part in the finals in November where the winner will be decided. As for what the winner gets, that's an opportunity to join the FDA Hublot Esports team for he next season. If you happen to meet the qualifications, click here to register for free. Source: Hublot

By Andrew Nabors – August 05, 2020

One of Four 1979 Ferrari 512BB KOENIG Boxers Heading to A...

A 1979 Ferrari 512BB Boxer at auction is a rare find. Even rarer is finding one that was imported LEGALLY and has the Federal paperwork to show it is street legal. This Ferrari supercar was enhanced by Koenig Specials, the German tuning house renowned for modifications to luxury and exotic cars, especially for performance enhancement for Ferraris. The mods were made at the factory and this vehicle is believed to be one of only 4 Koenig Boxers produced. Koenig started tuning operations on Ferrari’s in 1974 with the Ferrari 365 BB. Using the finest materials and tested on test stands and in wind tunnels, these vehicles were stringently observed under both extreme road and racing conditions. Further testing and approval were given by the German Technical Supervisory Authority (TÜV). The Koenig upgrades would typically add 50% or more value to the vehicle over the standard retail price. " width="680"> The Ferrari 512 Boxer at auction has been maintained and owned by one owner since 1998 and has been serviced only at Ferrari dealerships by this owner.The Ferrari at auction is in phenomenal condition with 20,219 Km (12,563 miles) on the odometer. The current clutch and belts have less than 2500 miles on them.This is a gorgeous black on black Ferrari and is one of only 929 Ferrari 512 Boxer’s produced with a carburetor. And, of those, only a handful were legally imported to the United States and have the necessary DOT paperwork making them street legal. Compass is offering this Ferrari 512 BB Boxer at public auction on 8/15/20 with final bids starting at 12pm ET. View Listing This Car Is Being Auctioned As Lot # 100 by Compass Auctions Starting August 15th at Noon (Eastern Time) Compass provides auction and real estate sales and services for the modern era. Blending virtual online bidding platforms and technology with the live auction method of marketing and sales. Compass specializes in Luxury Goods, Firearms, Real Estate, Heavy Equipment, and Vehicles. Continually striving to provide the best in service and experience for our buyers and sellers in the industry.

By Andrew Nabors – August 04, 2020

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Reopens With Comprehensive Safety...

Visiting the UAE can be fun for all ages, especially if you love exotic cars. Ferrari World is one of Abu Dhabi's major attractions, but it has been shuttered since Covid went wild. Now that we've learned how to deal with the virus, the park has reopened with a new set of rules. You have to reserve tickets ahead of time, as the park is running at 30% capacity. This November will be the 10th anniversary of the park, so a new Family Zone features four miniature versions of the theme park’s most iconic rides: the Formula Rossa Junior, Speedway Race, Flying Wings and the Turbo Tower. If you are planning a trip, make sure its on your list and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 27, 2020

2021 Ferrari SF90Stradale Test Drive

Hybrids are nothing new to Ferrari. The LaFerrari will still reign supreme as their high voltage hypercar, but now they are about to unleash something for the rest of us. You won't need to be on their VIP list for their first Series-Production hybrid. That is why over 30 journalists were invited to Italy in June. Pushing the cars to their limits, we get to watch the ultimate Ferrari SF90Stradale test drive. Until it arrives, we have several 2015 LaFerrari for sale. Click the button below and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. Browse 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">

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