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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 – March 06, 2017

Ferrari 458 Speciale Crashes During Wet Track Day

Update: Looks like the video has been made private. I'll update this article if it's reuploaded. Near Marseille, France is a track called the Circuit Paul Ricard. This track measures in at 19,229 feet long with a massive straight interrupted by an S-curve and a shape that's quite elongated. Recently, a car styling company was out on this circuit in their BMW M3 (E92) when a Ferrari 458 Speciale came zooming past them. Then, all hell broke loose.With 597 hp on tap, thanks to a 4.5-liter V8 engine, the 458 Speciale has some serious power in its wheels. If not kept in check during unfavorable conditions, spinouts can happen. Unfortunately for one driver on the Circuit Paul Ricard, this is exactly what happened.After passing the BMW, which was recording their lap, the black 458 Speciale spun out and hit a wall. There was no word as to the driver's status, but it didn't seem like a life-threatening accident. Albeit, it may have been a Ferrari ending accident. Check the crash out in the video below.Ferrari 458 Speciale For SaleView All Ferrari 458 Italia News, Articles, Video

By Edward Jones – December 08, 2016

Ferrari 333 SP Spits Flames: Why We Love the Classics

Back in 1993, the Ferrari 333 SP was unveiled as a prototype race car that would be the Italian automaker's return to racing after being out of the game for 20 years. It came with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V12 engine that was brutal and raw. After being introduced, the car went on to race well over 100 times, winning 56 races. It's history and abilities make it a dream car to many Ferrari fans.(Also Check Out - Ferrari FXX-K Goes Over 200 mph at Daytona)The 333 SP has since been retired, but that didn't stop it from coming out to the Ferrari Finali Mondiali for a most special run around the track. While it was making its way around the famous track, Jason Thorgalsen mounted a camera to the rear to the car so we could not only hear the raw sound of the car, but also see the flames it produces.This car is an absolute dragon with the voice of a demon. Click play on the video below to see what I'm talking about.All Ferrari For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 30, 2016

What it's Like Dyno Testing a Tuned Ferrari 488 GTB

Most people have never strapped their car down on a dyno and that's a shame, because that means most people will never have a fun sheet that acts as a grade sheet for their cars power. For these people, I have a fun little video of a Ferrari 488 GTB that has had its ECU remapped being strapped down for dyno testing.(Also Check Out - LaFerrari Aperta Officially Revealed)In the video by NM2255, we get to see and hear the turbocharged Ferrari being put under load for the sake of information. The result? Well, I'll just go ahead and let you know that this 488 GTB lays down 724 hp and 618 lb-ft of torque, much more than the stock model's 660 hp and 561 lb-ft.Check out the video below to see the test happen.View Ferrari 488 GTB For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 29, 2016

LaFerrari Aperta Launch Video is a Masterpiece

With the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta being just unveiled, the Italian brand has already produced and released one of the most fantastic release videos they've ever done.In this new video, we have our first chance to hear and see the LaFerrari Aperta in action. Granted, it sounds just like the coupe version of the LaFerrari. Driving the car for this video is none other than Ferrari racer Sebastian Vettel. As he drives it through the roads, he sees the LaFerrari Aperta reflecting in windows as F1 cars, 330 P4 and other iconic models, signifying the hypercar's true heritage.Check out the amazing video below and get ready to see the LaFerrari Aperta in real life very soon.View LaFerrari For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 23, 2016

Ferrari Driver Sets Record on Crazy Mountainside Roadway

In China, Tianmen Mountain is home of one of the most dangerous roadways. The 6.8 mile drive sits at a crazy elevation, and is home to 99 turns, most of which require the driver to complete a 180-degree turn to get through. The winding roadway is definitely not for the faint of heart or the novice driver. In the video below Italian race car driver, Fabio Barone Mihaela, takes on the daunting task of racing from the top of the mountain to the bottom where a crowd awaits in a Ferrari 458.(Related - What to Wear When You Drive: Bianco Avus Ferrari 488 GTB)Zipping through the turns and gunning it on the straightaways, Mihaela makes the drive look near effortless. He braved hairpin turns (30 of them) and edge of the mountain turns like the pro he is, and he made it to the end of the course in 10 minutes and 31 seconds. Thanks to some modifications made to his vehicle, Mihaela was able to achieve greater speeds than he would have normally. Check out the video below for the full effect.View All Ferrari 458 For SaleView All Ferrari 458 Italia News, Articles, Video

By Andrew Nabors – September 15, 2016

Ferrari F40 Terrorizes Scotland

England might have been besieged by The Hound of the Baskervilles, but Scotland has been assaulted by the Hoon of the Highlands. Members of theSUPERCARDRIVER have a tendency to put rare cars in exotic locations, but they might have outdone themselves this time. In a YouTube video uploaded last night, a Ferrari F40 goes on a sunset cruise across the countryside. Robert Burns would be at a loss for words because this car has several upgrades from the F40 LM.(Also Check Out - Velocity Motorcars Ferrari Collection For Sale)Designed in 1989 to win Le Mans, the F40 LM was the ultimate expression of 80's excess. By dissecting the IMSA rulebook the F40 was given the downforce it needed and 700 horsepower from the 2.9 liter V8. The aftermarket embraced the wild styling, and a few parts are still available if your F40 desires an upgrade. The location looks similar to Lamborghini's Scottish Stampede so this road is now on my bucket list. With audio that might surpass the visuals, this one deserves full volume. Stay with us for more Ferrari footage.View F40s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 01, 2016

How To Drive A Ferrari 288 GTO

If you are reading this, you probably have a checklist for driving your favorite car. Every car has specific needs that must be addressed in order to extract its full potential. Petrolicious has a knack for filming the best attributes of exotic cars, so let's take a ride with them in a classic Ferrari.As the first in a long line of supercars, the 288 GTO was designed for Group B racing. Borrowing styling from the 308, the proportions are exaggerated to accommodate a new drivetrain. Instead of the 308's transverse mounted engine, the 288's block was mounted north-south just ahead of the rear wheels. The chassis is longer and wider for better handling and to house the intercooled twin turbos.(Related: Why the Ferrari F40 should be part of your collection)The ability to reach 60 mph in under 5 seconds is fast no matter what decade you are in, and doing so on a winding mountain road should be a life goal. It is rare to see one in action because only 272 cars were built before the program was canceled. If you were born in the 80's be warned that certain elements in this film might make you feel old.View All Ferraris For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 08, 2016

Classic Mercedes-Benz Drives Onto Ferrari 458 Speciale

When driving around exotic cars, you always run the risk of being involved in a very expensive accident. Whether you're on the road with them or in a parking lot, it always pays to look twice and be more cautious than normal. Unfortunately, a driver of a Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster at a car show in Great Falls, Virginia ended up on top of a Ferrari 458 Speciale.We're not exactly sure what happened, but it looks like the driver of the Mercedes was backing into a spot by way of parallel parking. And then, some way or another, too much gas was given and then back end of the German classic made its way on top of the Italian supercar. Honestly, I feel bad for both parties in this situation. The driver of the Mercedes made a mistake that anyone could make, while the owner of the Ferrari now has to deal with a repair.(Also Check Out - Audi R8 Almost Crashes at the Ring With Epic Save)In the video below, by Maryland & Virginia Cars, we see the aftermath of the accident. Upon seeing what had happened to his car, the owner of the Ferrari was more than displeased (NSFW language), while the driver of the Mercedes was visibly shaking. At least we can be thankful that nobody was hurt during the accident.While the damage done to the 458 Speciale does not look extensive, there will surely be an expensive repair bill coming. Let this serve as a reminder to always keep an extra eye out when driving around expensive cars and be as cautious as possible.View 458 Speciales For Sale View All Ferrari 458 Italia News, Articles, Video

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 01, 2016

Drifting in a Ferrari 458 and Scud Makes For Beautiful Fo...

With the help of some friends, professional drifter Ryan Tuerck ventures to Vancouver to take some supercars out to deliberately shred some tire tread. He looks like a kid in a candy store as he finds out he'll not only be able to drive a Ferrari 458 and a Ferrari Scuderia, but also a Lamborghini Murcielago SV. After giving some spec info and a little detail for each vehicle, Tuerck and Damon Fryer from Daily Driven Exotics head to the track.(Also Read - Nissan GT-R Performs World's Fastest Drift- Literally)Starting off in the 458 with Fryer in the passenger seat, Tuerck lets loose and shreds to his heart's content. Stoked to do it again, he hops in the Scuderia. This looks like too much fun. Check out the full video below (we're a little jealous, can't lie)View Ferrari 458s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 15, 2016

LaFerrari vs KTM SuperDuke Tug-Of-War

Being challenged to a bout tug-of-war is the modern equivalent of a duel. Two gentlemen who agree to disagree, see no other way to settle their dispute than a test of tires and traction. For the owner of a LaFerrari, the dispute left him no other choice but to fabricate a trailer hitch and affix a chrome shin-destroyer ball. His opponent also chose rear wheel drive, in the form of a KTM SuperDuke. But having only one rear wheel could be a disadvantage.(Also Read: What 0-215 mph in a LaFerrari Looks Like)By the numbers, LaFerrari might have an advantage. Assuming a fully charged battery, it brings 950 hp and 664 lb-ft to the fight. On the other end of the rope is a new KTM 1290 SuperDuke R. It may look like an Enduro, but their latest Naked model has 1301cc V-twin sending 170 hp to a single sided swing arm. With 107 lb-ft of torque this two-wheeler is no slouch. Spinning tires are the great equalizer in these contests, because when both sides are smoking the challenge could go either way. Rear brake rotors and pads for the LaFerrari might cost more than a trailer hitch, so if you are in the market for a pre-owned example, avoid ones with the towing package.LaFerrari For Sale

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