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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 – January 24, 2020

See How the Ferrari SF90 Stradale is Made

When the Ferrari SF90 Stradale was announced last year, it took our breaths away. This new model is set to be the Italian automaker's most powerful model yet and it's powered by a V8 engine. In fact, this is the first time their flagship model is powered by a V8 engine. How does the SF90 Stradale generate a total of 986 horsepower? Electric power. Ferrari just released a video showing off how they put together this new hybrid hypercar. From the engine assembly to the upholstery shop, they show off a lot of incredible behind-the-scenes footage. You can check it out for yourself down below. SEE ALL FERRARIS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – September 17, 2019

New 'FORD v FERRARI' Trailer Brings the Drama

A new trailer for the upcoming film 'FORD v FERARRI' film was released and it's hinting at the much-anticipated drama. The rivalry between Ferrari and Ford during this period of time was hot on and off of the race track, and this film looks to bring it all to the big screen. see all ford gt's for sale This new trailer also focuses on Ken Miles, the prolific racer that's played by Christian Bale. He was the mastermind behind the wheel, but the trailer shows that many at Ford weren't prepared for him. Check it all out in the trailer down below and get ready for the film to hit theaters on November 15. " width="680"> Also Check Out: The “FORD v FERRARI” Trailer is Finally Here Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ford GT in the 1/2 Mile

By Edward Jones – July 11, 2019

'Bobby vs. Ferrari': The Movie We Need

On November 15, 2019, 'FORD v FERRARI' will be hitting the theaters, giving the world a look into one of the greatest stories in motorsports history. Christian Bale and Matt Damon will be taking on the roles of Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby, respectively. But what about the fictional story of 'Bobby vs. Ferrari'? For that, we turn to Funny or Die, who released a trailer for the faux movie. What Bobby are we talking about? None other than Ricky Bobby, played by Will Ferrell, of course. It looks like Ricky Bobby would be the ace in the hole for Carroll Shelby in this movie. I mean, who wouldn't pick the guy that lived life by the mantra of "if you're not first you're last"? Check out the trailer up above and get excited for a movie that will, unfortunately, never be made. However, you can get ready for 'FORD v FERRARI', which looks to be an incredible film. And be sure to buy your tickets when the drop! see all ferraris for sale

By Edward Jones – March 26, 2019

Ferrari P80/C: A Short Film on Ferrari's Wild New Car

All of a sudden, the Ferrari P80/C was dropped onto the world and it was a beautiful moment. Nobody really expected this car, but we're all so very glad that it exists in the world. It's a one-off track-only Ferrari that's as extreme as they come. Ferrari put out a short film that details the conception and creation of the new P80/C, which can be seen above. In the video, the people responsible for the car talk about the car's inspiration, the design process and a lot more. I'll say that you'll feel much more acquanted with the car after you watch the video. Also be sure to see all of the Ferraris for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com by clicking the button below. see all ferraris for sale

By Edward Jones – March 13, 2019

See the Ferrari F8 Tributo in Action for the 1st Time

A new video for the Ferrari F8 Tributo has finally been released, giving the world a chance to see the 488 GTB's successor in action. More importantly, we get to hear the F8 Tributo's engine roar as it whips around a track. The engine that you're hearing is a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine that packs 720 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari says that the F8 Tributo is actually the most powerful production V8 car they've ever produced. That kind of power translated to a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 211 mph. Want to see that power in action? Click play up above! see all ferraris up for sale

By Edward Jones – December 11, 2018

See How Fast the New Ferrari 812 Superfast Can Hit 200 MPH

The New Ferrari 812 Superfast is a wicked front-engined supercar that sits as the successor to the F12berlinetta. It's powered by a massive 6.5-liter V12 engine that can push out 789 horsepower and 529 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated engine the Italian automaker has ever produced. When the 812 Superfast was released, Ferrari touted that it could rocket from 0 to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. Generally speaking, running 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds is a feat that definitely should be touted. But how long does it take for the 812 Superfast to reach a speed of say... 200 mph? To test this, Auto Bild Sportscars took an 812 Superfast to a testing facility and launched the Italian berlinetta down a straightaway. The result is pretty astonishing. Check it out for yourself by clicking play on the video below. View Ferrari 812 Superfasts For Sale Ferrari 812 Superfast Specs

By Andrew Nabors – November 20, 2018

Barn Find Hunter Uncovers $4,000,000 Of Classics

Life happens, and sometimes it forces car enthusiasts to put their collections aside. Time moves on, and even the most coveted classics are abandoned. Barn Find Hunter is a YouTube Series that scours the country looking for lost exotics. Going by local rumors and hearsay, they discovered a treasure trove hidden in the hills of North Carolina. In a garage slated to be demolished, a friend of the owner informs them it hasn't been opened since 1991. Inside they find a Triumph TR6 next to a V8-powered Morgan. These are rare, but they don't compare to an original 427 Shelby Cobra. It might look identical to the 289 versions, but we learn Mr. Shelby scaled up the design by using 4" chassis tubing instead of 3". This was done to handle the weight of the big block engine, which is actually a 428. That is a story for another day, and we're sure we'll see this 19,000-mile Cobra again. Great Deals On Ferrari 458 For Sale The star of this collection was the silver Ferrari, covered in years of dust and mouse poo. The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/2 was ordered with the single overhead cam engine, which was less expensive and easier to maintain than the race-spec GTB/4, which sported dual overhead cams. Ordered with blue vinyl instead of leather, it also sports alloy wheels instead of the optional Borrani wires. A glimpse of the odometer is breathtaking, as this 50-year-old car has only been driven 13,000 miles. The hottest trend in the auction world is to sell cars like this as-is, the dirtier the better. Tell us about your barn find stories in the comments below and stay with us for more great exotic cars for sale. Browse Classic Cars For Sale Originally Published on January 30,2018

By Edward Jones – November 20, 2018

Sad: Watch a Ferrari 458 Get Crushed

Having something you love ripped away from you and then ripped apart is not an enjoyable event. For one YouTube user, Zahid Khan, this is exactly what happened but that "something" happened to be his prized Ferrari 458 Spider. Khan uploaded a video to YouTube of his 458 Spider being ripped apart after police seized his car. He says in the video's description that the car was crushed" unlawfully" and the video of the destruction was released one year after the fact. The video's description tells a story that's quite complicated regarding the seizing and destruction of the car, and it also proclaims that police went behind his back and had the car destroyed days for a hearing regarding the matter. A commenter on the video does seem to shed some light on the matter, noting that Ferrari North Europe has been tweeting about the matter (an unverified Twitter account). Apparently, this Twitter account says that "the car was written off, after a previous serious accident. It should never have been allowed back on the road. Police rightfully crushed it." This account also says that the most recent owner "drove it illegally on false plates." There has no official word from Ferrari regarding the matter. However, this looks more like an issue between the insurance company and police, rather than the automaker. For that, West Midlands Police, according to Birminghammail.co.uk, said that the car was crushed because it had no valid insurance and was classified as a Category B vehicle. For those unaware, a Category B vehicle is one that is unroadworthy. " width="680"> Originally Published on March 20, 2018

By Edward Jones – October 01, 2018

The New Ferrari 812 Superfast Races a McLaren 720S

DragTimes recently had the chance to test Ferrari's new 812 Superfast against the McLaren 720S at the Palm Beach International Raceway. The races were made possible through Excell Auto Group, allowing them to utilize the road course and the drag strip. Between both courses, the video shows off the 790 horsepower V12 engine of the Ferrari taking on the McLaren's twin-turbo V8 that puts out 710 horsepower. Ferrari 812 Superfast Passes Cars at 200 mph on Autobahn Both cars came into the race completely stock, with no aftermarket modifications. Before racing, Brooks did record a rev-battle between the two cars and the V12 of the 812 Superfast definitely knows how to belt out a scream. As for the racing portion of the video, found below, it was pretty surprising to see the results. For those that think power rules over everything, you need to click play below.View Excell Auto Group's Inventory View Ferrari 812 Superfast For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 23, 2018

Swiss Ferrari Collection May be the Greatest Ever

In an undisclosed place in the mountains of Switzerland is quite possibly one of the greatest Ferrari collections in existence that TheStradman had a chance to visit. The owner is unknown, but we do know that whoever it is, has impeccable taste in automobiles.Included in this collection are some of the finest vehicles that Ferrari has ever created. This includes the Dino 246 GTS, 308 GTB, F40, F50, Enzo, LaFerrari, F12tdf and so many more.What makes this collection even better is the aesthetics of it. The entire garage is clean and uncluttered, allowing visitors' eyes to be drawn directly to the cars. It's also easy to see the finer details of these cars, thanks to the incredible lighting throughout the collection. It's pure eye candy.All Ferrari For Sale

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