Ferrari News

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

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By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2020

Ferrari of Central Florida Announces Unprecedented Servic...

Because many enthusiasts are working from home, car repair shops are booked months ahead with maintenance that owners have been putting off. If the timing belts on your 360 are almost due, or if you need a tune-up on your Testarossa, Ferrari of Central Florida has announced unprecedented service savings. If you schedule service before June 1st, you will only pay $99 per hour. This offer is open to the following models: 308 328 550 575 360 348 355 F430 Mondial Testarossa 365BB F40 F50 This is much more affordable than many domestic dealers, let alone a European shop. While your car is there, technicians will address any outstanding campaigns, and any procedures done with Ferrari parts will be backed by a 2-year parts & labor warranty. Complimentary pick up and drop off is included to all Floridians, so get your Italian Stallion in top shape, and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. Browse Inventory https://www.instagram.com/p/B_NSwDHpKcJ/ Contact Ferrari of Central Florida Website: https://www.ferraricf.com/Phone: 888-286-4238Address: 525 South Lake Destiny Drive Orlando, FL 32810

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By Edward Jones – April 16, 2020

Ferrari Starts Producing Respirators and Fittings for Pro...

Ferrari has been hard at work designing pieces to help the frontline workers in their efforts to fight the Covid-19 virus. Now, Ferrari has announced that they have begun production on valves for respirators and fittings for protective masks. These pieces are being produced where Ferrari typically builds prototype cars. Helping Ferrari get to this point are multiple companies. First, there's Mares, a diving equipment manufacturer. Some of the valves being produced by Ferrari can be fitted to Mares' diving masks in order to create emergency masks for healthcare workers. There's Nuovamacut Gruppo TeamSystem who has help with the research and logistics of the project. Ferrari will also be supplying Solid Energy with fittings that can transform Decathlon snorkel masks into protection for healthcare workers. This is just the latest in Ferrari's effort to help the Italian healthcare system and it's absolutely incredible! See All Ferraris for Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – April 15, 2020

Ferrari Roma Configurator is Now Live

Hey, reader. You probably have a lot of time on your hands right now. How do I know? Well, you're reading this. So, why don't you spend some of that time configuring your own Ferrari Roma? We sure did. We ended up with an example finished in Nero Daytona, complete with the exterior carbon components, forged Matte Grigio Corsa diamond-cut rims. Those shiny Rosso Corsa brake calipers match the Rosso Ferrari Red interior with diamond-stitched seats. There's honestly a lot more we could tell you about our car but I think it's time you built your own! Click the button below to get started. View Configurator

By Edward Jones – April 10, 2020

Ferrari's Covid-19 Fundraiser Hits 1 Million Euro Mark

Ferrari has organized a fundraiser set to support the health system of Modena. All donations made by Ferrari's clients to this fundraiser will be matched by the automaker and in a matter of days, they've already reached the 1 million euro mark. What's more, Ferrari is making the initial funds available to the Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale (AUSL), a local health care unit of the Italian National Health Service. Part of the funding is also being distributed to help expand Telemedicine within the area. Because of Ferrari's donations, the AUSL is actually already starting to use this technology to monitor Covid-19 patients. It doesn't stop there, because Ferrari has also recently donated an ambulance to AUSL Modena. With Italy being so heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, it's inspiring to see companies like Ferrari step up to the plate and help out. But don't expect them to stop helping out anytime soon, as their fundraiser is still going strong.

By Edward Jones – April 03, 2020

Ferrari Taking Part in Virtual Vietnam GP With Charles Le...

Motorsports fans, more specifically Formula 1 fans, are in a bit of a pickle as there's no racing to watch (unless you watched the Freedom 500 last night). Taking place of the many races you see on TV at real-life locations are a slew of virtual races that are happening in video games an simulators. Ferrari has taken notice and is sending four racers to take on the Virtual Vietnam GP. Who will they be sending? David Tonizza, Enzo Bonito, Arthur Leclerc and Charles Leclerc. Yes, Leclerc fan, you can finally see your favorite driver race. Albeit, in a more virtual way. But still! This is exciting. As for the race itself, it will be happening on Sunday, April 5 at 3 PM EST. You can watch it on Formula 1's YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels. There will be two separate races happening on Sunday, so buckle up. The first is for the racers of real cars, as well as TV commentators and celebrities. The second race is for professional esports drivers. See All Ferraris for Sale Related Video:

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By Andrew Nabors – March 31, 2020

Dealer Details: Scottsdale Ferrari

We have been a sponsor of Barrett-Jackson for over 30 years. Getting around in a taxi or rental car was a way of life untill 2002. That's when our friend Roger Penske decided the city needed an unprecedented exotic car dealership. Ever since, his team have allowed us to borrow an Italian Stallion for our stay, and that is just one example of how Scottsdale Ferrari has the hottest cars in the desert. Our Staff Is Here To Address Your Every Need Looking east from Scottsdale, I have always wanted drive deep into the Superstition Mountains and find the Lost Dutchman's Mine. A brutal 4WD is needed, but Ferrari's SUV development is on hold due to the Italian quarantine, so thankfully there are other options to choose from. Only Penske Group has the power to combine so many brands in one location. So if you don't see a Ferrari that fits you, your other choices are: Maserati Bentley Lamborghini Land Rover-Jaguar Rolls-Royce Aston Martin You can't go wrong with Italian or English luxury, and Scottsdale has amazing scenery for your test drive. Our friends at Automotive News awarded Scottsdale Ferrari as one of the best dealerships to work at in 2019. That speaks volumes about happy employees making sure every customer need is addressed. Click the button below to view their inventory and stay with us for more Penske Group news. View Inventory Contact Scottsdale Ferrari Website: scottsdaleferrari.comPhone: (480) 421-3800 Address: 18118 N. Scottsdale Rd Phoenix, AZ 85056

By Edward Jones – March 27, 2020

Ferrari Picks Date to Resume Production in Maranello and ...

During these uncertain times, we're hearing a lot of news regarding businesses shutting down and cities going on lockdown. Now, we finally get to share some of the opposite. Ferrari has just announced that they plan to resume production on April 14, 2020. They do note that this is subject to supply chain continuity. Ferrari notes in a press release: "All activities that can be conducted in smart working will continue to be performed as has been the case in recent weeks. The Company will continue to cover all days of absence to those unable to take advantage of this solution." See All Ferraris

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By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2020

Ferrari 812 Superfast Inspired by Formula 1

No request has ever been refused by Ferrari's Tailor Made custom shop. These skilled artisans are given a blank check to build a car to the buyer's wildest dreams. As such, one Formula 1 superfan chose to express his passion in a new Ferrari 812 Superfast Inspired by Formula 1. First seen on Ferrari's instagram page, their goal was to evoke the team spirit of Scuderia Ferrari using technical fabrics and a heritage livery. Much like the 70th Anniversary models offered by Marshall Goldman, this car is an instant collectible. To see what Tailor Made can do for you, click the button below to find our dealer near you. Browse All Ferrari For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2020

REUTERS: Fiat & Ferrari to Build Ventilators

From prehistory, Italy has shrugged off invaders both large and small. It is their steadfast ethic and unflinching resolve that keeps tham at the top of automotive innovation. Without direction from the government or the Church, Reuters is reporting that Fiat & Ferrari are gearing up to build ventilators. Because COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, the spread has increased the need for this apparatus. Skilled in building complex components, the workers will gain satisfaction by helping restore civility to those infected. Browse All Ferrari For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2020

Agnelli Family, Owners of Ferrari, Make €10 Million Donat...

The Agnelli Family, owners of Ferrari since 1969, and their companies have just announced a series of measures to support Italy. First off is a €10 million donation to the Italian Civil Protection Department. This will help them in their response in iaiding the public during this time of crisis. In addition to the donation they're doing much more. This includes aiding in the sourcing and purchasing of 150 ventilators, as well as other medical equipment. Ferrari, as well as EXOR, FCA and CNH Industrial, are helping the Italian Department of Civil Protection in their search of medical wquipment and healthcare products internationally. It's times like these that we all need to come together and help out in any way we can. Bravo to these companies and the Agnelli family for stepping up and helping out. It should be noted that while Ferrari has suspended production, we still have hundreds of Ferraris for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com.

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