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 – April 04, 2024

Maserati's New Fuoriserie MC20 Cielo "Opera d'Arte" Is In...

A gorgeous supercar serves as an artistic expression. Maserati is known for making beautiful cars, and the new Maesrati MC20 Cielo, the latest open-top supercar from the historic Trident manufacturer, is certainly no exception. Its low stance, clean lines, and classic Maserati motifs make it undoubtedly worthy of its title as Maserati’s supercar flagship. However, Maserati’s Fuoriserie program and its incredible customization ability took it a step further, creating a new artistic masterpiece: the Maserati MC20 Cielo Opera d’Arte. Inspired by abstract art, the bold design of the MC20 Cielo Opera d’Arte was created as a collaboration between Maserati Fuoriserie, Maserati Centro Stile, and the Maserati Engineering department. Its unique livery is hand-painted, and features color blocking and striking linework. Its artisan craftsmanship took thousands of hours of work, and the configuration features a striking 15 colors, with laser-etched Alcantara seats, and even the same unique design featured inside as well as on the exterior. On its own, the Maserati MC20 Cielo is a stunning automotive creation. However, with the creativity, artisan craftsmanship, and bespoke customization ability of Fuoriserie, Maserati has taken the iconic beauty of the MC20 Cielo to an even greater height. The Opera d’Arte revels in creativity, abstract art, and the MC20 Cielo’s excellence alike, and as a result, it’s a beautiful bespoke machine. View All Maserati MC20 Cielos For Sale Image Source: Maserati

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 03, 2024

Maserati GT2 Makes 2024 Racing Debut At Paul Ricard Circuit

Maserati’s racing supercar is finally on the grid. The introduction of the Maserati MC20 marked a turning point in the history of the Trident. Not only was it a stunningly beautiful supercar, but it also introduced the Nettuno V6 engine to Maserati’s portfolio, ushering a new approach to high performance from the historic manufacturer. Since then, the Nettuno V6 has powered even more performance-oriented Maserati machines, and the MC20 has served as the basis for new racing-focused efforts from Maserati: the new Maserati MCXtrema, and the Maserati GT2, which ends a years-long hiatus for Maserati from GT racing. The GT2 was revealed last year, and carries the MC12’s torch as Maserati’s new GT racer, with an important legacy of track success from 2005 to 2010 to live up to. However, even before its first racing season in the Fanatec GT2 European Series, it’s already impressed on the track, participating in last season’s final race at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France, qualifying in pole position and bringing home a podium finish. However, the GT2 is now set to make its season debut this year, returning to Paul Ricard this weekend to compete for the Trident. This time, the GT2 will take part in the entire Fanatec GT2 European Series 2024 season, and Maserati is also announcing a strategic collaboration between its GT2 program and Shell. The season will head from Paul Ricard to Misano, then to the Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa, then to Hockenheim, Monza, and finally to Barcelona in October. With the legacy of the legendary MC12 behind it, and the innovation of the MC20 and its Nettuno engine as its basis, the new Maserati GT2’s performance in this years’s Fanatec GT2 European Series is highly anticipated, and as the countdown continues towards this racing weekend when it makes its full-season debut, history is about to be made for the iconic Trident. View All Maserati MC20s For Sale Image Source: Maserati

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By Tyler Rampersaud – March 26, 2024

Maserati Fine Tunes The MCXtrema On-Track Ahead Of Delive...

Maserati’s new racing machine tackles the track. Maserati’s racing legacy dates back decades, with plenty of stories and victories that have all taken part in shaping the legacy of the iconic Trident brand as we know it today, but recently, Maserati’s on-track presence has reached a new level. The Italian manufacturer unveiled the MCXtrema, an MC20-based track-only supercar with 730 horsepower, and with a scant 62 examples set to be produced. Deliveries for the race car are set to commence very soon, with the first planned for the late summer, and to prepare for then, Maserati has brought the MCXtrema to the track to put it through its paces, It will be tested until late April, and during this testing phase, Maserati will keep an eye on the performance for final fine-tuning, with the help of the very best state-of-the-art equipment and technology that Maserati has access to, as well as the history and development of the MC20 and its Nettuno V6 engine, both of which serve as the basis for the MCXtrema. The 62 customer Maserati MCXtrema customer cars that are set to be delivered will each feature stunning tailor-made configurations, all carefully created through the MCXclusiva program, in which clients are each treated to an unparalleled personalization experience to truly add their own specific flair to Maserati’s latest racing machine. In addition, the exclusive suite of MCXperience services gives clients access to a club of MCXtrema owners, who then have access to exclusive events, on-track experiences, and proximity to the Maserati Corse racing world. Starting this summer, the flag will wave for the MCXtrema, and all the exciting racing it will take part in to begin. Image Source: Maserati

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 25, 2024

Maserati Makes A Strategic Leap To Lead The Luxury EV Rev...

Maserati is setting the stage for an exciting future, making headlines as the first Italian luxury brand fully committed to developing and producing all-electric vehicles. This pioneering move is part of Maserati's sustainable and profitable growth plan, highlighting its consistent evolution in both brand and product offerings. With its roots deeply embedded in Modena, Italy, for over 80 years, Maserati's entire range is proudly designed, developed, and manufactured in its home country. The brand, known globally for its performance, innovation, design, and luxury, maintains a significant 86% export rate to more than 70 countries worldwide. Post its financial recovery in 2021, Maserati is setting a strong business model for its electric future. The plan aims to improve its leading position in the luxury segment while maintaining production volumes and profitable margins. Maserati's commitment to electric mobility is already a reality with the launch of its first two Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in the Italian and EU markets, the GranTurismo Folgore and Grecale Folgore. The Folgore range, embodying Maserati's electric vision, includes the iconic GranTurismo Folgore, a symbol of cutting-edge technology and motorsport heritage. The electrification process continues with several exciting upcoming launches on the calendar, including the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore, the MC20 Folgore in 2025, a new large E-UV BEV in 2027, and the next-generation Quattroporte BEV in 2028. These new models, like all Maserati creations, are 100% Italian in their DNA, from design to production. In its historic Modena headquarters, Maserati is focused on crafting bespoke, personalized vehicles through the "Atelier of the Fuoriserie Personalization Program." As Maserati gears up for a new era in luxury electric mobility, it forms a key part of Stellantis’ “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan. This initiative aligns with the brand's DNA of innovation and high performance, marking 2024 as a pivotal year. View all Maserati models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Maserati For Sale Source: Maserati

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By Tyler Rampersaud – January 22, 2024

Maserati Announces End Of Sailing Partnership With Giovan...

Maserati’s incredible nautical partnership completes its voyage. After over a decade, Maserati is announcing the end of its partnership with Giovanni Soldini, world-record breaking sailor. At the center of the collaboration between the two were two vessels: the monohull Maserati VOR70, and more recently the trimaran Maserati Multi70, which brought foil technology to the ocean. Together, Maserati and Giovanni Soldini pursued innovation and daring feats on the water, setting 9 new records on historic routes, and participating in 27 regattas worldwide. In partnership with Maserati, Soldini and his team sailed the 13,219 nautical miles on the Golden Route from New York to San Francisco via Cape Horn in 47 days, 42 minutes, and 29 seconds. They also achieved victory in the Cape2Rio in 2014, and delivered impressive performance in the Rolex Sydney-Hobart in 2016. With the Multi70, the team sailed the Hong Kong-London route in 2018 and shattered the previous record by 5 days, making it there in 36 days, 2 hours, 37 minutes and 2 seconds, and did the same in 2021 with the English Channel record and the record on the original Fastnet route with a time of 23 hours, 51 minutes, and 16 seconds. Along with those were other incredible race victories, as well. To this day, the Maserati Multi70 remains the only MOD to have sailed around the world, and in 2023, the vessel did it in full energy independence thanks to the installation of a photovoltaic system and an electric engine, making it the first ocean racing yacht capable of self-producing the energy needed for its long-haul sails. Since 2022, the trimaran has been repurposed for UNESCO’s monitoring program, and contributes to the scientific community by collecting data on environmental conditions on the water. While Giovanni Soldini and Maserati may have ended their partnership, the legacy that it created will surely live on. View All Maseratis For Sale Image Source: Maserati

MaseratiMC20NottewithDavidBeckham+AndreaBertolini(1)

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 08, 2023

Maserati Debuts The New MC20 Notte With David Beckham, Li...

Maserati elevates its supercar lineup to new heights with the launch of the all-new MC20 Notte, a limited edition series that infuses the racetrack's bold spirit into its latest automotive release. This exclusive 50-unit release celebrates Maserati's respected and successful racing heritage, displaying a design inspired by the enigmatic allure of the night sky. Each MC20 Notte, meaning 'night' in Italian, is a tribute to the brand's legendary motorsport achievements, capturing the essence of speed and sophistication. The MC20 Notte Edition, born from a collaboration between the Maserati Fuoriserie customization team and GT1 world champion Andrea Bertolini, presents an irresistable 'nero essenza' matte black finish. This transformative shade is an embodiment of the night itself, featuring details in matte white gold, including the iconic Trident, side logos, and the Maserati script, stimulating the glossy moonlight. These elements pay homage to the brand's motorsport history, while the 20-inch matte black birdcage wheels with matte white gold accents and black brake calipers accentuate the MC20's presence on the road. Inside, the driver-centric cabin is wrapped in Alcantara black and grey, accompanied by yellow stitching that breathes life into the sports seats. The sport steering wheel, with carbon fiber inserts and the renowned Trident on the headrests, conveys the MC20's racing DNA. A unique metal plate proudly denotes each car's identity as 'UNA DI 50', one of fifty, nestled between the headrests. To mark the MC20 Notte's debut, Maserati's global brand ambassadors David Beckham and Andrea Bertolini star in a captivating film, highlighting the vehicle's transformation into a nocturnal beast. As the Notte edition now beckons its exclusive clientele worldwide, Maserati offers an immersive on-track driving experience, inviting each owner to truly connect with the essence of the Trident under the cloak of darkness. View all Maserati MC20 examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Maserati MC20 For Sale Source: Maserati

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 02, 2023

Mansory Elevates The Maserati MC20 Cielo With A New Soft Kit

Maserati’s new supercar gets a Mansory makeover. The Maserati MC20 marks an important turning point in the history of the legendary Trident manufacturer, diving headfirst into the future with a refreshed take on its timelessly beautiful design, and importantly with the car’s Nettuno V6 engine, Maserati’s new powertrain pride and joy. However, its stunningly good looks have been taken a step further by Mansory. Mansory is known the world over for its unique customizations, and having an ability to elevate the looks and performance of some of the world’s most exclusive and desirable cars, and with a new available soft kit, the convertible Maserati MC20 Cielo is part of Mansory’s extensive portfolio. With cosmetic and aerodynamic enhancements from front to back, as well as increased power, the stunning supercar reaches a new level of exclusivity with these new Mansory upgrades. The standard 630 horsepower can be increased to 720, and an available full-carbon bonnet helps bring additional cooling to the V6 engine, with the result being an exhilarating 0-60 time of under 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. However, Mansory’s customizations only start there, with a new spoiler increasing the already-high head-turning factor of the MC20 and MC20 Cielo, as well as custom wheels and various other aerodynamic components available in the soft kit, many finished in beautiful, motorsport-inspired exposed carbon fiber. If you want to take Maserati’s new supercar a step further, the new soft kit from Mansory is a foolproof place to start. View All Maserati MC20s For Sale Image Source: Mansory

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By Jordan Aquistapace – October 30, 2023

Celebrating 60 Years Of Maserati Quattroporte: The Evolut...

With six generations of cars, this luxury saloon has straddled motoring history as the ideal interpretation of Maserati exclusivity In 1963, the Turin Motor Show introduced the automotive world to the Maserati Quattroporte, a name that would go on to define luxury and innovation for six generations of motorists. Fast-forward to today, we as passionate car enthusiasts, are celebrating 60 successful years of a sedan as an embodiment of Maserati's relentless pursuit of excellence. From its racing-derived 8-cylinder engine in the first-generation model to its status as a "living room on the move," the Quattroporte has been many things to many people. Its perfect blend of luxury and performance has secured its place in automotive history, inspiring a whole new generation with its capacity for reinvention. We're not just talking about a car; we're talking about an evolving legend that has driven alongside kings, princes, and A-list celebrities. The Quattroporte was also a canvas for some of Italy's greatest designers. From Frua to Bertone and Pininfarina, each rendition carries an artistic signature, making each generation distinct yet rooted in Maserati’s rich heritage. With more than 75,000 models cruising the globe, it's clear that this luxury sports sedan is thriving. Over the decades, various iterations have had their moments under the sun. The Quattroporte III emerged as a resounding success, and each subsequent version added another layer of elegance. Even after all the corporate shake-ups and restyling efforts, the Quattroporte has managed to retain its allure, earning its spot in over 60 film productions and the garages of the global elite. Today, as it marks its 60th anniversary, the Quattroporte stands as a symbol of the passion, skill, and vision of everyone who contributed to its legacy. It's a milestone for Maserati and a true icon that continues to set the standard for luxury cars. View all Maserati Quattroporte examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Maserati Quattroporte For Sale Source: Maserati

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 28, 2023

1-of-23 2023 Maserati MC20 In Digital Mint Listed For Sale

Experience Maserati’s new supercar with an exclusive edge. The Maserati MC20 heralds a new era for the historic Trident brand, bringing a supercar to the manufacturer’s portfolio of beautiful Italian luxury machines for the first time since the ultra-exclusive MC12 of the early 2000s. With Maserati’s signature great looks, luxurious appointments, and the manufacturer’s powerful Nettuno V6 engine, the MC20 boasts a compelling combination of performance, luxury, and style. However, the exclusive Fuoriserie program from Maserati adds exclusivity and personalization at an elevated degree to the mix. This 2023 Maserati MC20 for sale at Alfa Romeo Maserati of Santa Monica in Santa Monica, California, is an incredible example of this customization. With only 23 examples like it in North America, it features a rare and head-turning spec that is fitting for any supercar of its caliber. The exterior boasts a matte paint finish, in a unique color named Digital Mint. Open the butterfly-style doors, and the exclusivity continues. You’ll be greeted to an interior upholstered in leather and Alcantara, both in an “Ice” color, reflecting the cold look of the minty exterior color. Unique touches include the chevron pattern in the seats, as well as the legendary Maserati Trident embroidered on each headrest. If you want to add Maserati’s new incredible supercar to your exotic car collection with a degree of exclusivity a step above, this could be just the car for you. View the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing Image Source: Alfa Romeo Maserati of Santa Monica

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