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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 Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2017

Over $300 Million in Ferraris in One Place

If you are an Italian enthusiast who wasn't able to attend this year's Ferrari Cavalcade Classiche, Marchettino captured some amazing footage to fill the void. This year's event was attended by 70 owners from around the world. Many historically significant cars that attended included the second production model ever made, the 1947 Ferrari 125S owned by Jim Glickenhaus. As a perfect contrast, it wasn't far away from the latest LaFerrari Aperta. A tour of the museum was followed by a few parade laps around Fiorano, with the powerful V12s begging to run free.We thought we had seen everything at the Mondiali in Daytona, but nothing beats a homecoming of heroes. With pristine examples of the Ferrari 250, 275, 365, some Berlinettas, Barchettas and Spiders, this gathering had something for everyone. Marchettino estimates over 3 Million Euros worth of cars were in attendance, and our estimates are even higher. The logistics of moving so many priceless cars can be stressful, so we hope everyone made it home without a scratch. He has high-quality microphones, so turn up your speakers for this one. If you want in on the action, check out our pre-owned Ferrari for sale, & stay with us for more Ferrari Footage.

By Andrew Nabors – May 09, 2017

Classic Drag Racing: Ferraris vs Lamborghinis (Diablo GT,...

Age can be a major factor in human racing, but Italian exotics seem to stay young forever. You might be quick to disregard a twelve-year-old car if it lines up next to you, but buying a pre-owned exotic is an affordable way to win races. In two videos uploaded by GTBOARD this morning, we see two comparisons of previous models in races filmed a decade ago. Think about what is was like back then. Cars were not weighted down with a dozen airbags and dual clutch transmissions. Launches control was between your ears because it took intuition for a perfect hole shot.The first race features a 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo SE versus a Ferrari F430 Spider. The Gallardo SE was limited to 250 cars in a two-tone paint scheme. The 5.0 liter V10 made 520 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque that was sent to all wheels. Ferrari's F430 Spider was an evolution of the 360 drop-top that used a 4.3 liter V8 to make 490 horsepower and 342 lb-ft of torque. Being at a disadvantage of 30 hp and torque, can the lighter V8 outmaneuver the V10?Lamborghini Gallardo SE vs Ferrari F430 SpiderOnce you reach illegal speeds, mother nature takes over in the form of wind resistance. Convertibles will rarely perform better than coupes, because their tops are formed to fold away on sunny days. This makes for a serious aerodynamic disadvantage, especially when the top deforms at high speeds. In the next event, an incredibly rare Lamborghini Diablo GT takes on a Ferrari 599 GTB. Only 80 examples of the GT were produced, and they used a stroker crankshaft to transform 5.7 liters into 6.0L. Revised engines require all new EPA testing, so the car was never legally imported to the US. It made 575 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque sent through a 5-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels only. The opponent is a Ferrari 599 GTB, also fitted with a naturally aspirated 6.0 liter V12. Horsepower is rated at 612 with 448 lb-ft of torque.Lamborghini Diablo GT vs Ferrari 599 GTBThe runway looks a little wet which probably led both drivers to make conservative starts. Tell us what you think of the outcomes and how the 2nd place cars could gain an upper hand. If you want to dominate your next half-mile event, be sure to check with our dealers for classics at great prices.

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2017

This Guy Daily Drives his Classic Ferrari 308 GTB

Any true automotive enthusiast will have stories of the car that got them addicted. The first car that piqued your curiosity and became a goal in life. In my case, my formative years were spent with Corvettes, and being born in 1983 the C4 is burned into my mind. The irony is that Corvette took a year off in '83, the only hiatus in 65 years. Much like the rest of us, Chayanin Debhakam's fell in love with the Ferrari 308 as a child. An Italian exotic is a rarity on the streets of Bangkok, especially one restored to new condition. In the latest YouTube upload by Petrolicious, the owner explains his passion for the car along with highlights of the restoration. If you are not fluent in Thai, the closed caption button offers a handy translation.Also Check Out – Ferrari 308 Electric PrototypeHe set out with a specific model in mind. The Gran Turismo Berlinetta was Ferrari's first mid-mounted V8, and one of the last carbureted models to be produced. The later GTS versions had primitive fuel injection which is a nightmare of disco-era electronics. Carbureted cars have personalities, and a tuneup only requires a screwdriver. It was the first fiberglass body from Maranello, so each panel was fit by hand. He wrestled with the idea of tightening the panel gaps, but it would diminish the legacy of the assembly line workers. Thanks to the meticulous records Ferrari keeps on each model, he discovered the original color combination was yellow with black interior. So with the help of a few buddies, the car was completely disassembled for restoration. Contrary to what we see on TV, it takes more than a weekend to remove a few decades of wear, so we wish other owners would use this film as inspiration. We have several Ferrari 308 GTB for sale, and they are poised to skyrocket in value just like their Dino predecessors. Stay with us for more inspirational footage and don't blame us for your restoration billsFerrari For Sale Naples, FL

By Andrew Nabors – April 25, 2017

A Ferrari F40 Ride From Petrol Lounge

In a secure location somewhere near Austin, Texas, three automotive enthusiasts have launched a new concept in car storage. Petrol Lounge is home to some of the world's most coveted rides, and they pulled back the curtain for Daniel Hurlbert and his YouTube subscribers. It's not every day that you get to experience a Ferrari F40. The introduction has some of the best cinematography we've seen in awhile, and if you can figure out how he got the flyover shots please tell me. Headphones should be used because he plays with spatial awareness with 3D sound effects.If you prefer to skip to the action, the F40 is awakened at precisely 6:00.A Tesla Model S makes a few silent maneuvers at 9 minutes, followed by a few potent Pontiacs.Wagon lovers will drool at the E63 AMG at 9:30, followed by a GT40 replica at 11:40.The video showcases some of the rarer cars in the collection. Stay with us for more wild collections and helpful advice.Ferrari For Sale Dallas, TX

By Edward Jones – April 21, 2017

Testing Agility: Ferrari vs Porsche

The difference between Ferrari and Porsche reaches far beyond just styling. From their heritage to their powerhouses, the two automakers are vastly different. But, this didn't stop Fifth Gear from seeing if the Porsche 911 GT3 could outperform the Ferrari 458 Speciale.First off, a newer 911 GT3 will sell for around $150,000, while the 458 Speciale will fetch around $410,000. This means that you'd have to spend almost twice as much as the Porsche in order to afford the Ferrari. However, does this difference in price result in a difference in performance?(Also Check Out - Battle of the Chevys: 2017 Camaro ZL1 vs Corvette Z06)Fifth Gear's Tiff Needell was behind the wheel of the Italian while Chris Harris was driving the German. They tested each car's agility by driving them through an obstacle course and then seeing which car could stop the quickest. Click play below to see which car wins the battle.All Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale | All Ferrari 458 Speciale For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 19, 2017

Ferrari FXX K Brakes Get Lit at the Track

While your co-workers lament over the latest automotive news, turn up your volume for an epic soundtrack. At a recent track day in Tuscany, owners of the incredible FXX-K came together at Mugello for a private track day. Only 40 examples were produced so it might not seem logical to abuse them. But Ferrari designed them to dominate every corner they encounter. As the race-bred version of the LaFerrari, it combines a V12 engine with the Hy-Kers energy storage to provide 1,036 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque for blistering acceleration. As part of Ferrari's Corse Clienti program, it allows Ferrari's most privileged customers to showcase the abilities of their cars at a dozen events around the world. Not just for the owner's benefit, performance data is collected and sent back to Maranello to influence the next generation of supercars.Not just for the owner's benefit, performance data is collected and sent back to Maranello to influence the next generation of supercars. The logistics of transporting the cars and renting the track is handled by the manufacturer, so all the owner has to do is show up and drive. The catered meals are undoubtedly impressive, but we hope brake pads are on the list of appetizers. The temperatures needed to make carbon ceramic brakes glow in daylight are hot enough to destroy the suspension's rubber bushings, which is why proper airflow is important. Watch the spoilers do their dance at corner entry and listen to the sounds of twelve cylinder thunder. Big thanks to Marchettino for capturing this event! Stay with us for more wild Ferrari footage.

By Andrew Nabors – March 28, 2017

Ferrari 812 Superfast Arrives in Monaco

Everyone has been waiting to see the new Ferrari 812 Superfast in person, because the new 6.5-liter V12 is the state of the art in naturally aspirated power. As the successor to the wild F12berlinetta, the new car has large shoes to fill. So Ferrari endowed it with 800 metric horsepower which equals around 790 hp on the more commonly used SAE rating. Torque was increased to 530 lb-ft thanks to the bump in displacement, and from not having to spin a power steering pump. Ferrari was hesitant to adopt electric power steering because the first cars to feature it had almost no feedback, so we're anxious to feel how it responds in the corners. The redline has also been raised to 8,500 rpm, an incredible feat for a twelve-cylinder engine. Used Ferrari 812 For Sale A few lucky enthusiasts who happened to be in Monaco were witness to a delivery of the new car, so we put together the hottest clips from YouTube. Precisely timed, or in a grand coincidence Ferrari has also released the 812 Superfast Configurator which offers more details on the interior and exterior options. Everyone loves LED headlights, but some of us lament the loss of the air-bridge from behind the front fenders. Now incorporated into a vented hood, the intakes inboard of the headlights make use of high-pressure turbulence from the front bumper. The only thing we can say about the final video is that revving a cold supercar is a dance with the devil. It makes us cringe to hear such abuse, especially to an engine that has not been broken in. With an astronomical compression ratio of 13.6:1, this car loves to rev. The intake and exhaust ports are all new along with a variable length intake manifold. In the old days, variable intakes were either short or long, but Ferrari's new system resembles an analog control, constantly changing with torque demands. This allows 80% of maximum torque to be available at 3,500 rpm, which is a giant increase from the F12. If any 2018 model year car deserved a manual transmission it would be this one. Sure the dual clutch is capable, but imagine the weight savings and fun factor of a gated six-speed. Stay with us for more updates and footage of the 812 Superfast here on Autofluence. All Ferrari For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 27, 2017

The Extreme Ferrari FXX Evoluzione Spitting Flames and So...

The Ferrari FXX Evoluzione picked up the legacy that the original FXX left behind. Thanks to this model, the life of the FXX program was extended by two years and allowed us to experience more of the amazing Italian race car supercar.The FXX Evoluzione is packed with a monster V12 engine that generates 850 horsepower. All of this naturally aspirated power is routed through an exhaust system that doesn't hold back. What also isn't held back is the car's acceleration, which is capable of a 0-62 mph run in just 2.5 seconds. In its entirety, the Ferrari FXX Evoluzione is undoubtedly one of the rawest and extreme cars that the Italian automaker has ever created.Because the car was built as a track-only vehicle, the only time you'll typically spot one of these is if you're on the sidelines of a track that's hosting one. YouTube channel 19Bozzy92 was recently at the Mugello Circuit in Tuscany, Italy where two FXX Evoluziones were being pushed to their limits. The sounds and sights of these cars ripping through the track is something every car fan should experience. So, while we all can't take time off to travel to Italy, you can still enjoy the video below.All Ferrari For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 15, 2017

Official Ferrari 812 Superfast Video Released, Sounds as ...

The new Ferrari 812 Superfast is the brand's fastest and most powerful production car that they've ever produced. Underneath the hood of the 812 Superfast is a massive 6.5-liter V12 engine that’s capable of 789 hp and 529 lb-ft of torque. With 80% of its power available at just 3.500 rpm, the 812 Superfast can rocket from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds. What’s more, it has a top speed of over 211 mph.Related - This is What Makes the Ferrari FXX K So EpicBut, does this power translate to a great sounding car? Why even ask the question-- we're talking about Ferrari here! In the official video for the 812 Superfast, we hear the Italian supercar in action for the first time and it sure sounds incredible. What's even better? It looks absolutely fantastic in motion. Click play below to see it in action for the first time for yourself.All Ferrari For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 13, 2017

This is What Makes the Ferrari FXX K So Epic

There's no denying that when Ferrari unveiled the FXX K, every automotive enthusiast was blown away. Its appearance is undeniable, with aero components that create an absurd amount of downforce and an overall look that's as extreme as the X-Games.Jack Rix of Top Gear recently had the chance to spend some alone time with the Ferrari FXX K and give us an in-depth look into the hyper race car. In the video, he goes over the specifics of the FXX K's abilities in the downforce area, its massive 6.3-liter V12 engine, the massive price and how the owners go about driving their own. Check it out in the video below to see the car up close and personal for yourself.All Ferrari For Sale

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