Apollo

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 Jordan Aquistapace – July 09, 2026

Revealed: The Apollo EVO 'Caribbean Dragon' at Goodwood Festival of Speed

At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Apollo Automobil just officially unveiled the first hypercar in its limited ten-car production of the all-new Apollo EVO, the track-only successor to the Apollo Intensa Emozione (IE). The moment also represents a historic milestone for Apollo, as this year celebrates 20 years since the delivery of the very first Gumpert Apollo in 2006, when the company was founded as Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur. Today, the inaugural customer car, named the ‘Caribbean Dragon’, marks the latest chapter in Apollo’s history of Rebellious German Engineering. Taking shape as an extraterrestrial creation destined for the tarmac, the Apollo EVO Caribbean Dragon is engineered to cut through the air like a knife, equipped with more than 75 individual hand-painted carbon fiber pieces for aero and cooling. To achieve its Caribbean Sea-inspired finish, reminiscent of white sand beaches and blue waters, Apollo’s team applied a total of eight layers of specialized Pearl White and Ocean Blue paint with a Diamond Dust finish, a process that took over 1000 hours to bring the customer’s vision to life. Its marine theme is anchored by contrasting forged wheels, pearl white with matching white brake calipers at the front, and a blue diamond finish with blue calipers at the rear. GALLERY-EMBED Inside, the interior follows a driver-centric approach just like all of Apollo’s other track-oriented hypercars, featuring a full carbon monocoque finished in matching blue carbon fiber. A bionic skeleton runs throughout the interior as both structural support and automotive beauty, coated in a natural metallic finish. Custom, one-piece bucket seats are layered in Bright White and Ocean Blue leather, with contrasting blue stitching, embroidered Apollo logos on the headrests, and a hand-trimmed pattern across the cushions and backrests. The bespoke steering wheel remains the command center for the Apollo EVO, featuring solid-milled aluminum hardware and touches of blue carbon, wrapped in Ocean Blue leather. The most notable characteristic of the Apollo EVO is actually unseen to the naked eye. Its chassis design, engineered with a newly developed monocoque, with carbon front and rear subframes, weighs a mere 365 pounds. Now 15% stiffer and 10% lighter than the previous Apollo IE tub, drivers are safer and more confident to push the EVO to its absolute limits. Supplying more than 800 horsepower and 565 lb-ft of torque is Apollo’s high-revving, naturally aspirated 6.3L V12. Paired to a six-speed sequential transmission, the sub-3,000-pound EVO sprints from 0 to 60mph in just 2.7 seconds, with a top speed of 208mph. Even more beautiful than its design or powerplant is its signature ‘Dragon Skin’ exhaust system, 3D-printed in natural titanium for better strength-to-weight, temperature resistance, and aero packaging. Representing the next evolution of Apollo Automobil and its vision for engineering hypercars unlike any other, the EVO will now put its style and performance to the test on the automotive world’s biggest stage, the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Source: Apollo Automobil

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 23, 2026

The Apollo EVO's “Dragon Skin” Exhaust Is Absolutely Wild

The hypercar world isn’t just chasing bigger horsepower numbers and higher top speeds; it’s where the real experimentation happens. Underneath all the carbon fiber and active aero, these multi-million dollar cars double as rolling test labs, pushing forward new materials, hybrid systems, and lightweight engineering that eventually trickle down into the rest of the automotive world. Apollo Automobil, Germany’s sole hypercar manufacturer, stands at the forefront of that thought with hypercars that resemble something closer to a spaceship than a road-legal hypercar, although they’re primarily designed for track use. Apollo’s latest creation, the track-only Apollo EVO, features something never seen before in the industry: a “Dragon Skin” exhaust. Designed as the centerpiece of its engine bay, it’s a serious step forward in the automotive space. Fully 3D-printed in titanium, the exhaust is said to be the largest one-piece system of its kind. The entire surface is wrapped in a dragon-scale texture, a nod to Apollo’s signature design DNA, but it’s far from decorative. Those scales actually improve heat distribution, helping the system manage extreme temperatures up to 1832°F, thanks to specialized ceramic coatings. Produced using laser sintering (PBF-LB) and aerospace-grade TA15 titanium alloy, the exhaust takes 123 hours to print as a single piece. That means no welds, fewer weak points, and reduced weight, key advantages in the world of hypercar engineering. With production limited to just 10 units worldwide, the Apollo EVO is already making headlines, but it's the Dragon Skin exhaust that gives it an even more sinister look. The track-only EVO is strictly limited to 10 units worldwide, with the first customer deliveries scheduled for the first half of 2026.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 12, 2026

1-of-10 Apollo IE Finished In Exposed Carbon Fiber For Sale

Ask most people to imagine a hypercar, and the image comes easily to mind: low-slung, aggressive, aero-focused, and powerful. The team at Apollo Automobili never seemed interested in fitting into a mold. Its creations have always been a little wild around the edges, offering an unmatched, emotional experience behind the wheel. That has been true since the launch of the Intensa Emozione in 2017, marking the rebirth of the coveted Gumpert Apollo and its legacy from the early 2000s. Known in short as the IE, named after the Italian translation for "Intense Emotion", Apollo produced only ten examples that sold instantly for a starting price of $2,670,000. Miller Motorcars of Greenwich, CT, is pleased to present this ultra-rare 2020 Apollo Intensa Emozione as part of its impressive inventory of exotics for sale on duPont REGISTRY. With only 10 ever made, every Apollo IE comes with its own name and personality attached, reflecting its bespoke build and the original owner's inspiration. This example, nicknamed Black Dragon, showcases the natural beauty behind Apollo's focus on weight savings with a fully exposed gloss carbon finish accented with contrasting matte red badges. The choice of leaving its exterior exposed gives insight into the engineer's thoughts when creating the Intensa Emozione, crafting every airduct and louvre with the purpose of cooling and downforce in mind. And speaking of downforce, its massive fixed carbon rear wing generates over 2,976 lbs of downforce at 186 mph and contributes to an almost perfect 44.5%/55.5 % weight balance. Matte black forged center-lock wheels provide surface traction, while a set of carbon-ceramic brakes supplies the stopping power for high-speed runs. Opening the Apollo IE's signature gullwing doors reveals a luxurious cabin that almost makes you forget that it's a purpose-built racecar ready to break lap records. While carbon fiber continues to play a role as the main material used throughout the cabin, the interior also comes wrapped in vibrant red leather. The fixed carbon bucket seats, center console, steering wheel, door inserts, and dashboard have been completely transformed with the extra pop of color. Regardless of color and leather choice, the focus remains in the driver's seat, where Apollo has crafted a command station with plenty of driving dynamics that help adjust the car to its intended track. The most impressive characteristic of Apollo Automobili's Intensa Emozione lies at the rear, where a Ferrari-derived 6.3L naturally-aspirated V12 sends 780 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque to its rear wheels. Add in a quick-shifting 6-speed sequential transmission, and that combination results in a blistering 2.7-second 0-60mph time, and a top speed of 208 mph. Offering the opportunity of a lifetime to join an ultra-exclusive owners' circle, this 2020 Apollo Intensa Emozione from Miller Motorcars is now for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View Price & Listing

Close-up of an Apollo EVO Hypercar chassis and suspension system in a modern, well-lit workshop, highlighting the monocoque structure, visible tires, and metal frame components.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 10, 2025

Apollo Announces Production Of New EVO Hypercar Monocoque

Apollo is back with a new hypercar on the horizon. A name associated with ultra-exclusive and groundbreaking supercars and hypercars for over 20 years now, the legacy of Apollo includes the iconic Gumpert Apollo supercar of the 2000s, as well as the elusive Apollo Intensa Emozione hypercar that combined ultra-exclusive production numbers with unfathomable racing-focused engineering. The Intensa Emozione, despite only having ten examples in existence, revived the Apollo name and gave it a new reputation in the current era of automotive history across the globe. However, Apollo is returning yet again, with the announcement that production of the carbon fiber monocoque for the Apollo IE’s successor has begun. That car is called the Apollo EVO, and as the track-only sequel to the IE, its monocoque is the result of over 3,500 hours of engineering and painstaking development, with the goal of matching or surpassing the bar set by the current crop of Le Mans hypercars, or LMH race cars. Compared to the already uncanny Apollo IE, the EVO boasts a 15-percent reduction in weight, a 10-percent improvement in overall stiffness, and a whopping 227-percent improvement in torsional stiffness, which has been crucial in enabling the car to meet its demanding safety targets. The completion of each monocoque requires over 700 hours of work, and its design combines compelling performance with elite safety, beauty, and ergonomics. No additional panels are needed to complete the interior, which helps save weight, and the seats are integrated into the carbon fiber tub, which is exposed and can even be tinted in a color that the customer specifies. With its first deliveries set to take place in the first half of 2026, Apollo’s new track-only masterpiece is set to shake up the hypercar world yet again. View All Apollo For Sale Image Source: Apollo Automobili

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 11, 2022

The New Electric Apollo G2J Rolling Engineering Prototype...

Apollo is moving forward with electrifying new developments. Known for its Intensa Emozione hypercar, Apollo is familiar with pushing boundaries in the automotive world. However, with its Apollo Future Mobility Group, the brand is planning to push boundaries in an entirely new direction, with a new engineering prototype that plans to bring the performance-oriented Apollo hypercar DNA to electric mobility. The rolling prototype, named the G2J, is currently in a global testing program, and its name comes from the fact that it uses engineering and powertrain expertise derived from both Germany and Japan. MUST READ: duPont REGISTRY Exclusive: Rezvani Vengeance Arrives As A V8-Powered Bulletproof Seven-Seater SUV The testing that the prototype is undergoing is to refine the powertrain, and when testing is complete, the technology that will be discovered and perfected in the prototype will go on to underpin all-electric sports car products that Apollo Future Mobility Group plans to create. While Apollo says that the design of the prototype doesn’t necessarily suggest what a future electric Apollo sports car might look like, the “broad dimensions and aerodynamic characteristics” are those of what Apollo deems to be a proper electric sports car. Apollo says that the design of a future electric sports car from the brand will be informed by the design DNA of cars like the IE and that the first electric sports car concept from the brand is planned for Q4 2022 reveal. View All Electric Cars For Sale Source: Apollo Future Mobility Group

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 11, 2022

Watch The Apollo IE Make Its Track Debut On The Nürburgring

The multi-million dollar hypercar proves its worth on the track. While modern-day hypercars showcase unique lightweight designs and state-of-the-art technology, all share the common aspect of incorporating mind-blowing performance for the intentions of on-track use. With a fair amount of the world’s supply garaged in meticulous fashion, there are passionate owners willing to take the risk to experience the feeling of a hypercar’s full capability on a professional circuit setting. In a video uploaded to automotive influencer Misha Charoudin’s YouTube channel, he catches an exclusive first time track session with the ultra-rare Apollo IE. As if seeing an Apollo IE on track wasn’t special enough, driver Hugo de Sadeleer received the honors of navigating the multi-million dollar spec through the twist and turns of the Nurburgring in Germany. MUST-READ: The Best Hypercars You Can Buy Today Strapped into the driver-oriented cockpit with a Richard Mille chronograph, Hugo set off in the Apollo IE to begin his run. Most of the time spent on the notorious track was meant for Hugo to get familiar with the setup, taming the beast by applying appropriate power throughout the various curves. One of the most breathtaking moments of the session is when Hugo unleashes all of the Apollo IE’s power on the final straight, achieving speeds of 150mph+ in such a short distance. After safely returning the Apollo IE to its owner, Misha speaks with Hugo on his experience with the 780-horsepower V12 hypercar. Hugo expresses his love for the Apollo IE by comparing its similarities to some of the Le Mans prototype cars that he drove. View all of the best supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle and hypercar news. VIEW ALL SUPERCARS AND HYPERCARS FOR SALE Source: Misha Charoudin YouTube

By Edward Jones – July 26, 2021

Apollo IE 'Carbon Dragon' Unveiled by Miller Motorcars

There's nothing quite like the sound of a high-revving V12 engine. Miller Motorcars is once again bringing the joy of the Apollo IE to the United States. After releasing the Apollo IE 'Golden Dragon' into the world, they're back again with the 'Carbon Dragon'. This incredible spec is the fifth example of the ten planned Apollo IEs that will be created. It features a configuration that Miller Motorcars says pays homage to the original configuration of the Apollo IE they used for their World Premiere. In the video up above, you can see and hear the Carbon Dragon as it takes on Lime Rock Park. Its naturally aspirated 6.3 liter V12 engine screams as it makes its way through the circuit. Be sure to click the play button up above and turn your volume up because the sounds this Apollo IE makes is out of this world. View Miller Motorcars' Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – March 17, 2020

Apollo Automobil Merges With We Solutions Limited

Earlier this month I was able to see the latest versions of the Apollo IE. These cars are technological marvels in their own right, and it has caught the attention of of a Hong Kong EV investment firm. While the Apollo brand will dive deep into the future of electric hypercars, that's why we're glad to announce that Apollo Automobili has merged with We Solutions Limited. First mentioned on Apollo's Instagram page, we see that this new partner has purchased 86% of the company. Fans of Shark Tank will probably want to know what the valuation was worth, but needless to say, this influx of cash will open new doors for Apollo's electric future. Used Exotic Cars For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 21, 2020

Apollo IE U.S. Tour is Underway

The Apollo IE U.S. Tour has officially started, meaning citizens from around the country will finally get a chance to see the incredible machine. It was at Scottsdale, Arizona Auction Week that their tour started with the Golden Dragon and Black Dragon IEs. In fact, these cars were actually on display at our Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Afterparty at the W Hotel. In the Instagram post announcing the start of the U.S. Tour, Apollo Automobil also thanked Miller Motorcars who is a North American dealer partner for the automaker. Be sure to stick with us for more from the Apollo IE's journey across North America. Photos by: @automotive_alex / @rpj_cars via Instagram

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2019

Apollo IE 'Orange Dragon' North American Debut Date Anno...

Apollo Automobil Ltd. is set to unveil the new IE 'Orange Dragon' to North America soon and we can't be more excited. The Apollo IE is one of the most extreme and aggressive cars unveiled in the past decade and now we're going to see an all-new example of it. On December 12, 2019, the 'Orange Dragon' will be unveiled at a private event in Miami, Florida. The first teaser for this unveiling can be found down below. Be sure to check back with us for more information once it's unveiled! Apollo Intensa Emozione Supercar Specs and More " width="680">

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