Maserati 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

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 23, 2026

Maserati GT2 Makes Its Endurance Debut

The past few years have been transformative for Maserati, with a new supercar redefining the historic manufacturer’s performance legacy, and a suite of high-tech, yet timelessly beautiful Italian luxury performance cars following suit. However, some of the most exciting new creations to come out of this new Maserati era are the racing-focused cars. These include the Maserati GT2 Stradale, the track-only and ultra-exclusive MCXtrema, and the Maserati GT2, a race car that has just made its endurance racing debut. The Maserati GT2 saw through the 12 Hours of Mugello as its maiden voyage in endurance racing. The daunting challenge sees cars take on the iconic track for 12 hours of racing as part of the 24H Series, and the team driving the Maserati GT2, Dinamic Motorsport, had drivers Roberto Pampanini, Mauro Calamia, and Amedeo Pampanini take up the task. The race falls on the centenary year of Maserati’s involvement in motorsport, which is also the centenary of its legendary Trident emblem, making it a momentous occasion for the brand. Competing in the GTX class of the race, Dinamic Motorsport’s Maserati GT2 placed second in the class, marking a significant milestone in its mission to carry on the legacy that was previously championed by Maserati’s last racing supercar, the legendary Maserati MC12. With its debut endurance race now complete, the Maserati GT2 is continuing to forge a new chapter in Maserati’s celebrated motorsport legacy. View All Maserati For Sale <- Gallery -> Image Source: Maserati

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 17, 2026

Maserati Hosts Women’s Drive At Goodwood

Maria Teresa de Filippis was born nearly 100 years ago in 1926, and she would grow up to be one of the most impactful woman in motorsport and the automotive world. Living to be 89 years old, some of her proudest moments include becoming the first woman to qualify for a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1958, and many other successful moments in a long racing career. It was a Maserati 250F de Filippis drove in her first F1 Grand Prix, and as such an important person to Maserati’s legacy, her birth year happens to be the same as Maserati’s trident, and the manufacturer’s presence in motorsport. To celebrate both her centenary, and that of Maserati’s racing efforts and Trident, the brand hosted its inaugural Women’s Drive Summit, specifically at Goodwood, one of the word’s most celebrated racing venues. The event brings together women who are carrying on de Filippis’ legacy, who today are helping shape the world of automotive performance and motorsport. The all-female team of professional racing drivers and guests took on the track in some of Maserati’s most exciting models, like the GranTurismo Trofeo, the GranCabrio Trofeo, the Grecale Trofeo and the MCPura. With a 100-year history in motorsport and a deep connection to one of racing’s most influential women, Maserati’s Women’s Drive Summit at Goodwood was an exciting celebration of an important heritage. <- Gallery -> View All Maserati For Sale Image Source: Maserati

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 12, 2026

New 2026 Master Maserati Driving Experiences Announced

One of the most historic and foundational names in the Italian automotive industry, Maserati has over a century behind it, and while today’s Maserati lineup includes luxurious, high-tech, powerful, and beautiful SUVs, sedans, grand tourers, and supercars, the roots of the manufacturer have been steeped in racing for an entire century. As Maserati announces the 2026 season of its Master Maserati Driving Experience, that century-long history is in the limelight. This year, Maserati has selected the Autodromo di Modena and Varano de’ Melegari as circuits for its Master Maserati Driving Experience, and at the Vallelunga “Piero Taruffi” Circuit, Maserati will host the GT2 Stradale Racetrack Experience and GT Pro. In addition, Hockenheimring and Circuit Paul Ricard will host Maserati Driving Experiences for an even wider audience than before. The program has hosted over 600 driving courses for over 9,000 participants since 1999, and for the 2026 season, revised GT2 Stradale Racetrack Academy and GT Pro courses are going to make the pinnacle of the action even more intense. The GT2 Stradale, which was designed to sit between the MC20 supercar and the GT2 racing supercar, is the flagship of the Master Maserati Driving Experience 2026 season, and participants will be able to get a better understanding of its lightweight construction and 631 horsepower of twin-turbo Nettuno V6 brawn. <- Gallery -> Also, owners of the ultra-exclusive, track-only Maserati MCXtrema supercar will be able to unleash its performance at the GT2 Stradale Racetrack Experience with specific driving sessions for their cars. Sim racing will also be prominently featured in the program, allowing participants to experience the GT2 race car in a faithfully recreated simulation environment, perfect for learning. This year’s Master Maserati Driving Experiences give enthusiasts and owners the chance to experience the Trident’s latest performance cars where they shine the brightest: the track. View All Maserati For Sale Image Source: Maserati

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 18, 2026

Goodwood Revival Celebrates Maserati Racing Centenary

2026 is an important year for Maserati. One of the most historic and influential names in the Italian automotive industry, this year marks the 100th anniversary of Maserati’s Trident emblem, the visual centerpiece of its rich and storied legacy, as well as the 100th anniversary of its involvement in motorsport and a groundbreaking inaugural class victory at the Targa Florio race, and this year’s Goodwood Revival, which will take place from September 18-20, will feature a dedicated celebration of Maserati’s motorsport centenary. A period-themed historic racing event, Goodwood Revival gathers some of the most iconic and legendary historic race cars at the gorgeous and equally historic venue, and this year’s event will feature a unique celebration of Maserati’s century of motorsport. The cars on the track, as well as mid-century fashion worn by event attendees, will all embrace the theme of “La Dolce Vita,” evoking Sicily during the golden era of the Targa Florio competition. Throughout the Goodwood Revival weekend, more than 50 pre-1966 Maserati race cars will take to the track, including the largest gathering of Maserati 250F examples, and cars like the 150S, 200Si, 300S, 350S, 450S, 4CL, 4CM, 8C, 8CM, A6GCS, Tipo 151, Tipo 63, V4, V8RI, and many others. Among other celebrations of historic motorsport throughout the automotive industry, this year’s Goodwood Revival will serve as an ode to a glorious hundred years of Maserati’s involvement in the racing world. View All Maserati For Sale Image Source: Goodwood

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 13, 2026

Maserati Showcases Grecale & More At The Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics are currently underway, and Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are buzzing with excited fans, an incredible concentration of athletic excellence, and international community. Maserati, one of the most influential and historic automotive names in the Olympics’ host country, has a special presence at this year’s games, including a host of experiences and showcases in the scenic locations of Cortina. Casa Maserati is the main presence of Maserati at the Olympics. There, at the Alajmo Cortina restaurant in Località Ronco, an immersive space welcomes guests to the world of Maserati with sophisticated design, cuisine, furnishings, and more. The Maserati Grecale Cristallo Special Edition was on display just outside. Several brand ambassadors and partners participated in the event, including Roberto Bolle and Chef Massimiliano Alajmo, and Giorgetti with its collaborative furniture collection with Maserati. Inspired by the location and the spirit of the Winter Olympics, the Maserati Grecale Critsallo Special Edition features a unique configuration inspired by Italian alpine environments and winter beauty. Its exterior color Azzurro Aureo, a Fuoriserie color inspired by the shimmer of snowcapped slopes. The luxury SUV was previewed during the passage of the Olympic Flame at Maserati’s historic Modena plant, and was just part of the brand’s commitment to showcasing Italian heritage at this year’s Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. View All Maserati Grecale For Sale <- Gallery -> Image Source: Maserati

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 03, 2026

Maserati Reveals New Grecale Modena V6

The Maserati Grecale is an important piece of the historic brand’s latest chapter. It has all the makings of a successful model for Maserati, like the practicality and luxury of its SUV body style, the Italian craftsmanship and heritage that Maserati is celebrated for, and compelling performance through various available powertrains with a wide variety of trims, as well. That versatility is improving even further for the North American market, as Maserati has announced the new Grecale Modena V6. Available for the United States and Canada, the new Maserati Grecale Modena V6 was created as part of Maserati’s customer-centered lineup strategy, offering customers the Modena trim level with the V6 engine’s power delivery, sound experience, specifically a variant of the celebrated 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno V6 with 385 hp and 368 lb/ft of torque. While the Trofeo variant has 523 horsepower, the Modena V6 is tuned to have greater responsiveness at low revs for everyday driving enjoyment, especially with its all-wheel drive system. An 8-speed transmission, an electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive air suspension, and a host of driving modes make the new Maserati Grecale Modena V6 an enjoyable drive in various different situations, and features like a set of staggered 21-inch wheels, a quad exhaust with sport valves, and more add significant style. <- Gallery -> With V6 power added to the Modena trim level, Maserati Grecale customers in the North American market now have more choice than ever before, and starting at $84,500 in the United States, a new option exists between the four-cylinder Maserati Grecale, and the high-performance Trofeo model. View All Maserati Grecale For Sale Image Source: Maserati

By Khris Bharath – January 31, 2026

Maserati Unveils One-off MCPURA Cielo 'FROZEN MAGMA' at St. Moritz

I.C.E. (The International Concours of Elegance) St.Moritz has earned its place on the automotive calendar for doing things differently. With the Swiss Alps serving as a stunning backdrop every winter, the Alpine resort town, not too far from the Italian border, turns its frozen lake into a stage where performance, discretion, and spectacle all come together. Running Jan 30-31, this year’s event expands into a two-day Concours of Elegance in St. Moritz, opening with a private preview and followed by a dynamic parade across the ice. Categories range from Barchettas on the Lake to Birth of the Hypercar. Maserati has chosen this icy setting to debut the MCPURA Cielo FROZEN MAGMA, a one-off conceived through its bespoke Fuoriserie program, for this event. The Ai Aqua Rainbow paint shifts tone under light, moving between icy blues and silvery hues. Glossy orange accents sharpen the contrast, from the dreamline livery to the Trident badging and exterior lettering. Black lower facias and 20-inch Cyclonic wheels in gloss black keep the visual balance tight, while orange brake calipers add focus. Inside, the cabin features black Alcantara, lasered with Chevron graphics with orange stitching throughout. Carbon fiber trim reinforces the car’s track bias. A dedicated interior plaque on the center console reads, “Maserati Fuoriserie - THE I.C.E. 2026 - ONE OF ONE.” Power comes from the 630-horsepower Nettuno V6 that we experienced not too long ago in our exclusive review of the 2026 Maserati MCPura in Florida and the 2026 Maserati MCPura Cielo in Tuscany. The car seen here features carbon ceramic brakes, a suspension lifter, a full driver assistance suite, and a Sonus Faber Premium audio system. “FROZEN MAGMA is part of the BOTTEGAFUORISERIE program, through which we aim to elevate the creation of timeless bespoke vehicles, drawing from our history and our vision, making each of our cars a true symbol of Italian excellence and pure performance.” - Santo Ficili, COO, Maserati. It was just earlier this week that we saw four BOTTEGAFUORISERIE builds at Rétromobile, 2026 in Paris. At the ongoing event in St.Moritz, Maserati’s presence extends beyond this reveal, as the Italian marque also debuted the Grecale Cristallo Special Edition. It will also feature the MCPURA Coupé and Cielo, a GT2 Stradale, and GranTurismo and GranCabrio Meccanica Lirica one-offs, alongside historic classics including 300S and 4CLT racers, all marking the Trident centenary. View All Maseratis for Sale Images: Maserati

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 23, 2026

Maserati To Unveil Fuoriserie Project At I.C.E. St. Moritz 2026

One of the most prestigious and popular ski destinations in the world, St. Moritz becomes one of the hottest luxury vacation destinations each winter, with a stunning frozen alpine landscape and the very best of the classic alpine luxury lifestyle on offer for visitors. However, St. Moritz is a different kind of winter destination for car enthusiasts, and that’s because of the I.C.E. St. Moritz. While the acronym stands for “International Concours of Elegance,” it also serves as a clever pun on its location, and it brings some of the most legendary and exciting exotic, luxury, classic, and supercars to a frozen lake for unique driving experiences and once-in-a-lifetime sights. Maserati is participating in this year’s event, and 2026 is a particularly special year for the brand as it marks the centenary of its Trident and of its participation in motorsport. The I.C.E. will serve as the stage for a world premiere from Maserati’s Fuoriserie customization program, which alongside Alfa Romeo will serve as a showcase of BOTTEGAFUORISERIE. Classics from Maserati will be present at the event, too, like the 300S and the 4CLT, along with its modern lineup, including the MCPURA, the GT2 Stradale, GranTurismo Meccanica Lirica One-Off, and GranCabrio Meccanica Lirica One-Off. With a frozen lake as the beautifully temporary location for the annual event, Maserati’s presence at this year’s I.C.E. St. Moritz is making a cherished automotive event even more exciting. View All Maserati For Sale Image Source: Maserati

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 12, 2026

Maserati At The 2026 Brussels Motor Show

Over a century of history has made Maserati one of the most cherished and important names in the Italian automotive industry, and in 2026, the legendary manufacturer is celebrating a century of its presence in motorsport, as well as a century of its unmistakable Trident emblem. Kicking off the year, Maserati has brought a sizeable presence to this year’s Brussels Motor Show, showcasing its supercars, Fuoriserie special editions, and other vehicles that demonstrate the highest level of luxury and design excellence that the brand currently offers. Maserati’s new MCPURA Cielo, the open-top successor to the MC20 Cielo, was present at the show, along with the all-electric GranCabrio Folgore and Grecale Folgore, and the special edition Grecale Lumina Blu, and a VIP-exclusive event also saw the presence of the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio Meccanica Lirica one-off, as well as the GT2 Stradale supercar. Created to celebrate a homecoming for the production of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio to Maserati’s historic Modena plant, the one-off creations are an homage to Modena’s historic connection with the automotive industry, as well as the city’s theatrical and musical heritage. Meanwhile, the GT2 Stradale is the road-going supercar meant to bridge the gap between the Maserati MC20 and the racing-bred Maserati GT2. Bringing the best of its current lineup to this year’s Brussels Motor Show, Maserati starts 2026 by showcasing its diverse offerings of both electric and combustion-powered models that, despite their differences, both combine luxury, performance, and iconic Italian automotive design. Whether it’s a grand touring convertible, a racing-derived supercar, or an all-electric luxury SUV, Maserati continues to deliver Italian flair and over a century of heritage with its cars. View All Maserati For Sale Image Source: Maserati

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 09, 2026

Maserati Unveils New Grecale Cristallo Special Edition

Monte Cristallo is one of the most iconic peaks in Italy’s Dolomites mountain range. Home to stunning natural beauty, the unique vistas the peak offers served as the inspiration for the new Maserati Grecale Cristallo, a special edition of Maserati’s iconic luxury SUV, and its special configuration is an homage to the elegance, balance, and majesty of the mountain. A new, exclusive, Fuoriserie exterior color called Azzurro Aureo is the color of the new Maserati Grecale Cristallo, transforming what would just be a gorgeous shade of blue into a dynamic, shifting color that evokes the snow and wintry alpine beauty of Monte Cristallo with golden mica. Inside, the premium leather upholstery in the new Maserati Grecale Cristallo is done in the Ghiaccio color, and a unique set of Maserati accessories further enhances the special edition. These accessories include self-leveling logo center caps in the 21-inch diamond-cut aluminium CRIO design wheels, branded valve caps, custom courtesy lighting, and branded front floor mats. In addition, the Cristallo special edition is available to be ordered for the Modena, Trofeo, and Folgore variants of the Grecale, allowing a wide range of driving experiences along with the beautiful and luxurious special edition of the model. Maserati’s historic manufacturing site on Viale Ciro Menotti in Modena, Italy, is where the vehicle was unveiled, where stage 32 of the Olympic Torch Relay through Italy was held. A legendary venue that served as the cradle for much of Maserati’s cherished legacy and heritage, the first ten Grecale Cristallo vehicles were on display at the headquarters, inaugurating a new chapter of the Grecale with a captivating special edition. View All Maserati Grecale For Sale Image Source: Stellantis

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