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 – June 21, 2019

Ferrari SF90 Stradale Powertrain in Detail

Many people don't realize the LaFerrari can operate as a purely electric vehicle. Although it doesn't have the cruising range of a Tesla, you can choose "silent start" if the battery is over 90%. To build a worthy successor, here is the Ferrari SF90 Stradale Powertrain in Detail. In their latest YouTube upload, we see the best interior they have ever offered. Touchpads on the steering wheel allow you to choose from four driving modes. Electric driving offers a range of 15.5 miles. Hybrid offers the best fuel mileage by only using the V8 when needed. Performance mode is focused on keeping the battery at 100% by keeping the engine on full time and using re-gen braking. Finally, Qualifying mode offers full power from the battery and the engine to send 986 horsepower to the ground. Not only is it nice to drive cleaner, but it also shows that Ferrari has more than just performance in mind. Tell us what mode you would use the most, and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. Browse LaFerrari For Sale Related: Ferrari SF90 Stradale: The Most Powerful Ferrari Ever

By Andrew Nabors – June 03, 2019

Ferrari 458 Italia Six-Speed Manual is 1 of 1

Last month, our friends at European Auto Group showed up with a secret project. In the back of their trailer was a pristine Ferrari F430 Scuderia. I was expecting a twin-turbo kit or maybe bigger cams. But they chose a far more complex challenge. Instead of doing typical mods, they deleted the automatic transmission. Using all Ferrari parts, they removed the transmission hydraulics with the precision of a skilled surgeon. Learning from this achievement, they announced today that their Ferrari 458 Italia six-speed manual is 1 of 1. Nothing about going manual is easy. At least a handful of 6-speed F430 models were built at the factory. However, the 458 Italia and its variants were never intended to have a 3rd pedal. The F430 Scuderia made more power and torque than the base F430, so the team at EAG had to start with building a transmission with upgraded synchros. What Would You Give To Drive This? Then they had to bolt it to a clutch that is light enough to rev while having the grip for any situation. After a few laps, it was easy to understand how many late nights and prototypes they went thru. But why? Ferrari 458 Engine, Horsepower & Specs If you have to ask yourself why a six-speed manual is better than a 7-speed slushbox, you might have low testosterone. Ask your doctor. The hydraulics that works the clutch and shifter are complex, expensive and heavy, so losing them offers several advantages. Ask any 458 Italia owner who has had to replace the F1 pump or actuators. Before dual-clutch boring boxes, every brand experimented with the automated single-clutch transmission. Even the Aston-Martin One-77 was very confused after a short nap. This manual 458 Italia is the one you have been waiting for, so find your 458 Italia below and call EAG at 210-608-5610 Sell My Ferrari 458: Get a Cash Offer Used Ferrari 458 For Sale " width="680"> Related: The ONLY Six-Speed Ferrari F430 Scuderia is For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2019

This LaFerrari Isn't Afraid of Rain

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

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2019

Jay Leno Drives a Ferrari 250 TR Tribute

In an ideal world everyone should experience the iconic Ferrari 250. The one caveat is that even bad examples sell for over $50 Million. So building a tribute car is the next best thing. In his latest upload, Jay Leno Drives a Ferrari 250 TR Tribute car. It was pure coincidence that the owner came across this prototype body in Italy. Enzo was looking for an aluminum body for a new breed of race cars. Several coachbuilders presented their examples, and this one was rejected. So it was hung on a wall as an ornament for over half a decade. Peter Giacobbi spent a decade building an exact replica of a 1959 Testarossa, even down to the nuts and bolts. Check Out Jay Leno's Collection! Because a 250 engine would be hard to find, they found a 4.4L V12 from a 365 GTB. The tube-frame chassis is also an exact replica, but it is made of modern DOM steel. So what we have here is a stronger and faster Ferrari 250 for a fraction of the cost of an original. If you want the real thing, click the link below and stay with us for more updates from Jay Leno's Garage. Shop Ferrari 250 For Sale Related: Jay Leno Drives 1984 Ferrari 308 GTB Christian von Koenigsegg on Jay Leno's Garage

By Andrew Nabors – February 14, 2019

Ferrari 812 Superfast Scorches the Nurburgring

Enzo Ferrari demanded the very best of his race team and his street cars. That is why he built the Fiorano test track around his home in 1971. Since then, catching a Ferrari testing in Germany has been a rare sight. That's why we loved watching a Ferrari 812 Superfast Nurburgring lap time of 7:27.48. In the latest upload by the German magazine Sport Auto, we see their test driver Christian Gebbhardt dominating the old north loop. The Italian stallion is powered by a 6.5L V12, the latest evolution of the Type 140 that debuted in the Enzo. It has evolved to include active cam timing, more compression and an active intake manifold. Although it doesn't have the fancy AWD used by many competitors, the rear wheel steering keeps it glued to the track. If you think you can handle it, our dealers have several to choose from. Click the link below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Ferrari updates. Shop Ferrari 812 Superfast For Sale Related: 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast Specs, Price, Photos & Review See How Fast The Ferrari 812 Superfast Can Hit 200 MPH

By Andrew Nabors – January 07, 2019

Sunken Ferrari 360 Modena Salvaged in West Palm Beach

Everyone loved the Ferrari 360 series when it arrived in 2000. Working with ALCOA, the chassis and many body parts were aluminum. It was so revolutionary that many aspects remained unchanged until the 488 GTB arrived. Despite all the innovations since then, one small feature that was never added was submarine mode. Authorities in West Palm Beach, Florida have released the name of a man who drove his 360 Modena into Palm Beach Inlet. This pristine section of the Intercoastal Waterway has scenic views of the historic Breakers hotel and the President's home at Mar-a-Lago. The owner had a conversation about parking with a police officer, but then it gets weird. The car was on a fishing pier, then the driver backs up to the gate... A local salvage company was tasked with "The Hunt For Blue Modena", and they used air bags to float it to a boat ramp. You tell us what happened here. Regardless of the motive, the sad car was exposed to the salt of the Atlantic, so it will face serious corrosion for the rest of its life. If you want a nice & dry example, click the link below and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. View all Ferrari 360 For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 29, 2018

Camo LaFerrari Hypercar Drifts Around a Factory, Puts on ...

Florian Merckx has one of the wildest Ferraris out there: a LaFerrari that's been wrapped in camouflage. We first saw the car earlier this year when it was unveiled in Monaco and even revved its heart out while the Monaco GP festivities were going on. Now, we're getting a different taste of Florian's LaFerrari and it tastes like dirt... but in a good one.Florian recently took his camo LaFerrari out for some extracurricular driving around a factory. All of the roads surrounded the factory were made of dirt, so he had a good time drifting around and kicking up as much dirt as possible. It's not often you see a car as prestigious and rare as the LaFerrari being taken out for wild rides like this one, but we relish it every time. Check it out in the video below and think about how badly this car needed a wash afterward.

By Andrew Nabors – July 03, 2018

LaFerrari Aperta Dominates An Italian Hillclimb

It is sad to know that only a few of Ferrari's hypercars will be driven to their limits. If I had the means, not only would I buy a LaFerrari Aperta, but I would equip it with R-compound tires and head to the Tail of the Dragon. One lucky owner got a chance to enter his car in the Giau Pass Hillclimb, and we applaud him on excellent use of counter-steer.Wildest Camo LaFerrari Revs Hard (RIP Ears) and Looks MeanGive me a mountain, and I will delight in using 950 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque to reach the summit. Not only is it Ferrari's most powerful V12 engine, it is combined with the same KERS system used on their F1 cars. In a video uploaded by Powerslide Lover, he chases a high horsepower shifter kart up the mountain. Living up to his name, many of the corners are excellent drifts, making this run slower than the others, but much more enjoyable. If you think you can handle it, click the link below to find one for yourself. The 4th of July might entice you to spin a few for Independence Day, but please drive responsibly and enjoy the day in a responsible manner.Browse LaFerrari For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2018

Ferrari Enzo With Straight Pipes: RIP Headphones

Our friends at Road & Track have found the loudest Ferrari Enzo in the world. Every production car comes with catalytic converters and mufflers to keep everyone around you from going deaf. But if you live somewhere they aren't required, straight pipes are a great way to add power.Why You Should Buy A Ferrari EnzoThis doesn't apply to 4 or 6 cylinder engines, as they need a bit of backpressure to create torque at low rpm. If you happen to own a V12-powered Ferrari, we say go for it. The good people at Road & Track stumbled across this video on YouTube, and we offer fair warning that the audio is intense. Who in their right might would straight-pipe a Ferrari? Well, I would, and I am sure a few other hearing impaired gearheads would also. So fire up your audio system after work and annoy everyone with a Scuderia Shield Symphony.Browse Ferrari For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 01, 2018

Ferrari 488 Pista Aerodynamics Explained

One of the best ways to overtake your opponents is to carry more speed through the corners. Ferrari made a radical departure from previous designs in the new 488 Pista. A giant grille opening feeds air to a heat extractor in the hood. This keeps the front wheels glued to the pavement.Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile TimesThe air intakes in the quarter panels are used to feed cool air to the turbos on the 488 GTB, on the Pista they have become intercoolers. A giant rear spoiler is integrated into the rear bodywork, and it rises to the occasion when downforce and braking are needed. What do all these changes add up to? James Calado is a driver for Team Ferrari, so allow him to tell you: Discover how the #Ferrari488Pista makes the difference on track, with the @FerrariRaces’ driver James Calado. #Ferrari pic.twitter.com/dgMkcRNaWN — Ferrari USA (@FerrariUSA) April 30, 2018

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