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 Edward Jones – March 05, 2020

Maserati MC20 Prototype Starts Testing

If you didn't know, Maserati is getting ready to introduce a new supercar into the world. Called the MC20, this new supercar is coming into the world as the first "super" Maserati since the MC12 back in 2004. Maserati has been teasing the MC20 in camouflage and they're back at it again. Now, Maserati is announcing that testing of the MC20 prototype is underway. How long until we finally get to see what this car will look like? How long will it be until we learn the specifications? It's all up in the air, but we will keep you all up to date.

By Edward Jones – February 14, 2020

Maserati Announces Exciting Production News

Maserati is going full steam ahead with electrifying their cars. The Italian automaker has just announced their production schedule for their electric models and more in a press release. The new GranTurismo and GranCabrio will be the first models to be 100% electrified by Maserati. As for production, that will start in 2021. Maserati will also be starting production on the hybrid Ghibli this year, which will be the first Maserati model to have any electrification. Interestingly enough, Maserati also noted that their new "super sports car" will be created at their Modena headquarters. No specific model name was mentioned, so this may be referencing the recent test mule they showed off. Aside from cars, a new Maserati utility vehicle was also mentioned in the press release. There's a lot coming from Maserati in the near future and that has us excited. SEE ALL MASERATIS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2019

Shocking New Maserati Test Mule Spotted in Modena

The first test mule for a Maserati's new powertrain has been spotted in the streets of Modena. When we say "spotted," we should also mention that these images actually came from Maserati themselves via a press release. No matter who released the images, the substance is still worthy of a gander. Maserati says this new test mule is powered their new powertrain that is "100% Maserati." As for the test mule itself, it looks like a massive step away from the Maserati's we currently see on the street. Granted, this is a test mule and has a lot of components that won't make it into production. It's still nice to see Maserati moving forward towards a new era for the company. We will be able to see more of this car in May 2020. SEE ALL MASERATI'S FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – November 12, 2019

Maserati GranTurismo Zéda: The Last Current-Gen GranTurismo

The new Maserati GranTurismo Zéda is meant as a celebratory car as the production of the GranTurismo comes to a close. Yes, you read that correctly. Maserati is stopping production on the current generation GranTurismo and is planning towards a new model that's set to launch in 2020. The GranTurismo Zéda gets its name in a simple manner: "Zéda" means "Z" in the Modena dialect. This signifies the end of the current GranTurismo in the form of the end of the alphabet. Maserati is already renovating the Modena plant where the new GranTurismo will be produced. Regarding the powertrain for the new GranTurismo and GranCabrio, Maserati say's they will "herald a new era of electrification for the Maserati range of cars, constituting the first models to adopt 100% electric solutions in the history of the Brand." see all maserati granturismos for sale

By Edward Jones – September 26, 2019

New Electrified and Autonomous Maserati Models Are Coming

Maserati is planning for big things starting next year, thanks to FCA's €5 billion investment program for Italy. In total, Maserati will have a total of around €1.6 billion invested in their plan to release new models. Within their plan is a major push towards electrifying their cars and autonomous driving. Maserati will start off their electric push with the Ghibli hybrid, which will be coming in 2020. Then, Maserati will be revealing a new utility vehicle. Expect the first pre-series cars of this new model to roll out in 2021. see all maserati's for sale " width="680"> Maserati is also looking towards a future with autonomous driving capabilities in their vehicles. They note in a press release that their new models, including updated current models, will have some form of autonomous driving capabilities. It will start with level 2 enhanced Highway Assist capabilities, and then Level 3 autonomous capabilities, which is close to full autonomy. The Italian automaker is also proud to announce that all new Maserati models will be 100 percent made in Italy. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 11, 2019

Maserati Preview of the NYC Auto Show

If you plan on attending the New York Auto Show, be sure to check out the new Italians. In a press release last night, Maserati previews the NYC Auto Show. A celebrity appearance will coincide with the launch of their ONE OF ONE program. Not unlike their cousins at Ferrari Tailor Made, this new program aims to fulfill the dreams of their customers. The celebrity host will receive the keys to their bespoke Levante GTS, and then explain how the ordering process works. The second major reveal will be a cooperation with Ermenegildo Zegna. Milan's famous fashion house has crafted a stunning interior for their Levante. The Zegna Levante S Q4 GranSport has a PELLETESSUTA interior. It is their trademark for woven Nappa leather throughout the SUV. It represents a new flagship for the brand, with deliveries schedule for spring 2020. We will have complete coverage of the show, so stay with us and click the link below to find a Maserati dealer near you. Browse All Maserati For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 06, 2018

Maserati's New Edizione Nobile Package is Limited and Lux...

Those looking to buy a new Maserati have a new package to consider for their Ghibli, Levante or Quattroporte. Maserati recently announced the new and limited Edizione Nobile package design for the three models. The Edizione Nobile package adds a dark Blu Nobile tri-coat paint finish, 20-inch alloy wheels and silver brake calipers to the exterior. Inside are Sports Seats trimmed in Pieno Fiore leather in a two-tone nero and cuoio color scheme. Quattroporte and Ghibli models equipped with the package also get high-gloss Rovere wood veneer, and the Levante comes with a high-gloss metal net weave instead. Other features include an Alcantara headliner, Bowers & Wilkins ultra-premium sound system and Maserati's Level II Autonomy Driver Assistance Package. Visiting a Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati Graveyard Maserati will only create 150 examples of the Edizione Nobile package, 50 for each model. Deliveries will begin this month to showrooms in North American showrooms (U.S. and Canada).

By Andrew Nabors – July 13, 2018

Maserati Unveils V8 Levante GTS at Goodwood

If you need something scary fast for Friday the 13th, Maserati has quite a display at Goodwood. In addition to bringing their entire lineup, the V8 Levante GTS takes center stage. As their latest offering, it arrives with 550 horsepower from a detuned version of the Ferrari California T's twin turbo 3.8L V8. It also arrives with standard, permanent 4WD. It offers buyers a mid-level option between the 590 horsepower Levante Trofeo and two versions of their 3.0L twin turbo V6 models.LARTE Shtorm: New Maserati Levante Tuning Kit Now in USAThe V6 engine is actually built at the Jeep plant in Kokomo, Indiana thanks to FCA's commitment to American workers. It rides on the same chassis as the Ghibli and the Quattroporte and has the same Q4 Intelligent AWD. It sends 538 lb-ft of torque to whatever wheel might need it, keeping you safe in any situation. Inside, the interior gains a revised shifter with a more conventional pattern. The 8-speed automatic will hit 60 mph in 4 seconds with a top speed of 181 mph. Maserati offers some of the most powerful and elegant machines, so click the link below to find yours.Find Your Maserati Here!

By Edward Jones – March 29, 2018

Maserati Levante Trofeo Makes Debut at 2018 NYIAS

Maserati's new Levante Trofeo is the company's first SUV that has the heard of a V8 engine. This twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine produces 590 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque available from 2,250 to 5,000 rpm. Mated to this engine is Maserati's Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System that uses all wheels for the fastest sprints possible. How quick, you ask? Maserati says the Levante Trofeo's 0 to 62 mph sprint can happen in 3.9 seconds.New Rolls-Royce "Wraith Luminary Collection" with Shooting Star Headliner

By Edward Jones – August 25, 2017

Maserati Ghibli GranLusso Revealed, Brings New Style and ...

When announced, the Maserati Ghibli was heavily praised for its entry-level price point, but luxury and power that was definitely not. After four years of the car's success, Maserati is giving the model range a new variant called the Ghibli GranLusso. This new variant sees modifications to both its design and technology.In the design department, the changes start off in the front-end where the Ghibli GranLusso has a new front fascia. Within this new front-end are chrome inserts and a grille with vertical chrome bars. It's easy to see that these changes allow the car to mix in with the style of the latest Maserati models. Along the sides, the new GranLusso badges can be found at the bottom of the front fenders. In the rear is a redesigned fascia that Maserati says the car a "sharper look to the model compared to the previous version."

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