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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 Tyler Rampersaud – March 02, 2023

Hennessey Shows Off A Custom-Wrapped "Exorcist" Camaro ZL1

Hennessey shows off its supernatural performance.

By Andrew Nabors – September 28, 2020

2021 Yenko/SC Stage II Camaro Unveiled By SVE With 1,050 ...

Don Yenko would be proud to see his name on the latest in Yenko Supercars from Specialty Vehicle Engineering. Last year at the Amelia Island Concours, I had an opportunity to drive the 2020 Stage I Yenko Camaro. Mr. Hamburger and his team conservatively rated the beast at 1,000 horsepower, but he mentioned room for improvement. Now we are happy to announce the 2021 Yenko/SC Stage II by SVE. Available on 2021 Camaro 1SS or 2SS models with the 1LE package, this 6.8-liter (414ci) beast offers 1,050 horsepower and a whopping 900 lb-ft of torque. Standard equipment includes poly suspension bushings, recalibrated magnetic ride control, Recaro seats, and an electronic differential. The same family team that was once SLP, Ed Hamburger and his son David have delivered over 66,000 performance cars, trucks, and SUVs to GM Dealers since 1991. https://www.facebook.com/1761358110755157/videos/3393904440833841 Along with their 750 horsepower, AWD V8 Syclone and the 800 horsepower Yenko Silverado, each engine is built by hand and backed by their warranty along with GM. All SVE builds use OEM-quality parts. That is because they have been a Tier-1 supplier to GM for years, solving engineering problems for low-volume models and protecting trade secrets. I bought my 2002 Camaro SS from them in 2001, and 98,000 miles later, all I have done is to upgrade the alternator. Reliability is ensured in each Yenko Supercar thanks to dual outboard radiators, engine, transmission, and differential oil coolers along with heavy-duty cooling fans. Each SVE model can be ordered and serviced at any GM dealer, something not offered from any other performance company. Only 50 Phase II cars will be built for 2021, so click the button for all the details and stay with us for all your SVE news. Learn More Learn More

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By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2020

SVE Yenko 1000 Stage II on the Dyno

Ed Hamburger and his son David have been building fast cars for over 3 decades. During the mid-'80s, GM's Camaro and Firebird had great potential, but they were choked by bureaucracy. The Corvette team would not allow a competitor from within. So there was room for more power and torque while still being able to meet clean-air laws. Ed is a veteran drag racer, winning numerous races and building a wealth of knowledge along the way. That is how he and his team were able to reverse-engineer a 1990 Trans-Am, and the Firehawk was born. Specialty Vehicle Engineering builds street-legal production cars that can be ordered from any GM dealer. I ordered my 2002 Camaro SS with every option, and it still runs like new. So I am thankful that I was able to drive their latest creation at this year's Amelia Island Concours. Taking delivery of a new Yenko 1000 Stage II along with their new GMC Syclone, I can truly say I have felt over 1,000 horsepower. I have spent 9 years at duPont REGISTRY driving fast cars and writing about them for you. This one is not like the others. Whatever is inside the supercharger should be kept under lock and key. Cruising along the beach on Florida's A1A, their torque management program knows when to enable boost. With this much power, you can easily shift 1-3-5 or 2-4-6 without any objection. It is able to get loose in 4th without effort thanks to the hand-built 416 bottom end and their proprietary supercharger. If you want a 9-second daily driver, Don Yenko would approve of the SVE Stage II Yenko Camaro. Learn More

The 2020 Camaro SS sports an updated new front fascia derived fr

By Andrew Nabors – May 02, 2019

2020 Chevrolet Camaro SS Undergoes Emergency Surgery

GM's Styling Department gets it 100% right, usually around 73% of the time. Let me clarify this. I have owned 7 examples of the Chevrolet Camaro, but Chevy let me down last year. New styling for 2019 made the V6 more appealing, but the updated to the SS model were hideous. Thankfully, the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro SS has undergone emergency surgery. To refresh your memory, here is a 2019 Camaro SS: Srsly? But this isn't the first time Chevrolet has done this. Remember the 2012 Malibu? It was also a one-year mistake that was solved with a new front end in 2013. Chevy had a hard time selling them, so they were given to rental car companies. How designs like this pass for appealing is beyond me, so we're glad they will be forgotten. 2020 Camaro LT1 Have faith Camaro Comrades, today's press release is cause for celebration. First off, the V6 cars will receive the 10-speed automatic. The big news is the Camaro LT1. It is a base model (LT) with the SS engine. It is a 455 horsepower bargain at $34,995. It is 3,000 cheaper than my 2002 SS was new, inflation hits me in the feels...Our dealers will be receiving the 2020 models in a few weeks, so click the link below to find one near you. Browse All Camaro For Sale 2020 Camaro LT1 Related: Chevrolet Unveils Restyled 2019 Camaro Lineup 2020 Camaro ZL1 1LE Receives 10-Speed Automatic

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2018

Up Close & Personal With SVE's Yenko Stage II 1,000 HP Ca...

If you weren't here in November, you missed out on a great Cars & Coffee show. My old friends Ed & David Hamburger brought their latest build from SVE. Specialty Vehicle Engineering started life as Hamburger's Oil Pans in 1970. Ed realized the need for strong oil pans because wheelies tend to break stuff when the nose comes back down. Literally, the pan that changed an industry, it allowed him and his son David to form SLP, or Street Legal Performance in the 80's. If you had a Camaro or Firebird, SLP sold everything necessary to make it a supercar. Busines was booming in 1996 when Chevrolet decided to resurrect the SS Camaro. Instead of doing it in-house, they allowed SLP to transform the Z28 into the SS in a factory located next to the Camaro's assembly line. It was also the birthplace of the ferocious Firehawk, along with other GM special projects. But by 2002 the writing was on the wall. The Camaro would not pass modern crash standards without a complete redesign, so GM killed it and the Firebird. Ed decided to sell SLP to Jack Roush, and tried to retire...but once the new Camaro was announced in 2009, it was time to get back to work. They stood out from the competition by going the extra step. Every SLP part was 50-state legal, in a time when modifying your car was almost a felony. A year ago they unveiled the Yenko Camaro 800, a fitting tribute to Camaro legend Don Yenko. We knew they were bringing it to our show, but the other car in their hauler took our breath away. The Yenko 1,000 is the culmination of many late nights and countless dyno runs. The 6.2 liter V8 is removed and then it goes under the knife. Then it is bored and receives forged internals that bumps displacement to 6.8 liters, or 414 ci. A new hand-ported set of LT4 heads and a top-secret cam are fed by a massive supercharger of their own design. The result is 1,000 horsepower and 875 lb-ft of torque. 2019 Corvette ZR1: Fastest Production Car At VIR Back in 2001, the death of the Camaro was announced. My first job was as a grease monkey at Ron Anderson Chevrolet, so I decided to cash in my scholarship and buy one of their final cars. Ed and David have been friends of mine ever since, and I still own my first car. The quality of their products speaks for itself. From the medical-grade stainless steel used in the exhaust to the vinyl graphics that still look new. If you don't need 1,000 horsepower, SVE will be happy to offer you the best Camaro upgrades on the market. Click the link below to learn more and tell us what you think of this beast in the comments below.

By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2017

Rick Hendrick Takes Delivery of First Chevrolet Camaro ZL...

April in South Florida can be brutal if you aren't ready to sweat, but we're used to the weather at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach Auction. For the past several years, Chevrolet has used the occasion to auction the first production example of a new model to the public. All the proceeds from the sale go to a major charity, so it's a great way for GM to bring awareness and support to good causes. Never missing an opportunity to have Car #1, Rick Hendrick was on-hand to buy the first production 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. His winning bid of $250,000 sealed his rights to the first car, which was delivered to him on Thursday.A team from Hendrick Motorsports along with Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser came together at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant to witness the birth of the new car. If you are wondering what makes the latest Camaro so special, its that it arrives ready to race. Power is from the same 650 hp supercharged 6.2 liter V8 as the Corvette Z06. It also has 650 lb-ft of torque, since GM has finally given up on under rating the Camaro's engine. Instead of magnetic suspension, the shocks are DSSV units from Multimatic. The front end has quick-change camber settings for track days and 1.1g of lateral grip. A carbon fiber aero kit allowed it to run around the 'Ring in 7:16.04. Thanks to Corvette Engineer Breann Voss for sending us the pictures and video! If you are looking for the world's most capable Camaro, our dealers have great incentives on Camaros for sale. Stay with us for all your Chevrolet updates.

First Retail 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE to be Auctioned by Barrett-Jackson

By Andrew Nabors – May 17, 2017

Chevrolet Releases 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Pack

If you need a new track car, you should consider the Camaro ZL1 1LE. We saw the first example in person earlier this year, and its ready for a fight. The 650 horsepower LT4 V8 is the same 6.2-liter small block found in the Corvette Z06 and the Cadillac CTS-V. Yes, we've mentioned it before, but now Chevrolet has given it a price an option code. ZL1 buyers will need to add$7,500 to their order and select the A1Z package.On top of the already potent ZL1, the 1LE will arrive with much more carbon fiber and less weight. New forged wheels are an inch shorter and an inch wider all around. They are wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires. Multimatic DSSV shocks on all corners will adapt to any situation. Caster and ride height are adjustable on the front, and the rear sway bar has 3 settings. A fixed rear seat along with thinner glass and the new wheels give the 1LE a 60-pound weight advantage over the ZL1. Get your racing shoes ready, because automatic transmissions are not an option. The Tremec six-speed manual is the only gearbox offered, and it has active rev-matching. That feature has divided us on the fun factor. We first experienced it in the ATS-V and it took some getting used to. I am all for lighter flywheels in the name of fuel economy, but it would be nice to control the engine speed between shifts. Thankfully it can be disabled after start up.Other included luxuries are dual-zone climate and Bose audio for a grand total of $69,995. That makes it the most expensive Camaro ever offered, but also the most capable. With a skidpad rating of 1.1g, it will be able to keep up with cars several times its price. As soon as they hit our dealers you will see them here. But until then, check out these great offers on Chevy Camaros for sale.

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2017

The Exorcist Camaro From Hennessey Performance

If you or your loved ones find yourselves at the mercy of a Demon, John Hennessey's latest creation will bring forth a deliverance. He teased us a few weeks ago with the name and photos, leaving many to speculate about the details of the build. So in a YouTube upload last night, The Exorcist was strapped to the dyno to measure its power. Dropping a monster cam into the 6.2 liter LT4 would be more than enough to deal with your in-laws or possibly an ex who is off their medication, but something unprecedented is needed to rebuke Dodge's evil creation. Roots superchargers are all the rage because they include the intercooler in a convenient location in the engine valley. But even the most well-engineered examples are limited by their physical size.Also Check Out: Popular Cars That Are Illegal In The USAThat is why Hennessey Performace took a page from the history book and worked with ProCharger to make the largest centrifugal blower we've ever seen. The matte black monster is mounted above the steering column and it sends boost to a front-mounted intercooler that is larger than your radiator. It feeds a carbon-fiber tunnel ram intake that looks like something out of Formula1. No detail was overlooked, as a Crucifix can be found in the graphics and hanging from the rear view mirror. You probably have the Demon's horsepower and torque memorized by now, but those readings were at the flywheel, not the ground. If you factor in drivetrain losses, The Exorcist is among the most powerful cars in the world. Click here to learn more, and stay with us for all your Hennessey updates!

By Andrew Nabors – April 11, 2017

Rick Hendrick Buys First Camaro ZL1 1LE at Barrett-Jackson

If your supercharged Camaro isn't enough for you anymore, your wait is over. The new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE is lighter and more capable than any Chevy in recent history. To make it faster on the track, engineers cut 60 lbs with clever improvements. I saw it firsthand at Barrett-Jackson last weekend, and it made us smile knowing it would help the less fortunate. NASCAR owner and philanthropist Rick Hendrick likes low VIN numbers, especially the first production models of each new Chevrolet Performance car. A gentleman's agreement with Craig Jackson allows him the rights to give 100% of the proceeds from the hammer price to go to charity, and that means the United Way received $250,000 for ZL1 1LE #001. So they added carbon fiber to the ZL1? No, the 1LE is much more focused. The shocks are DSSV from Multimatic, offering brutal tire control and light weight. Wheels are an inch smaller in diameter but much wider. In combination with Goodyear tires developed to warm up quickly, the 1LE is much more competent on the track. Sway bars, camber and ride height are easily adjustable for perfect grip. To shave every last ounce, the rear seats are now fixed because hinges are heavy. 1LE has always translated to the ultimate track day Camaro. In the 80's you couldn't order it with A/C or radio. Times have changed but 1LE will always dominate. If your local dealer attempts to adjust the retail for such a rare model, our dealers will be happy to work with you. Stay with us for all your Camaro & Chevy Performance news.

By Edward Jones – April 05, 2017

The Exorcist - Hennessey Performance's Dodge Demon Rival

Well, this is amazing.Hennessey Performance (HPE) has an answer for the upcoming Dodge Demon and it's called The Exorcist. No, this isn't the kind of exorcist you'd see on the movie screen that's used on. Instead, it's the kind of exorcism that is looking to exorcise the Demon out of the drag strip.The Exorcist is actually a heavily modified 2017 Chevrolet `Camaro ZL1. Hennessey took the car's LT4 V8 engine and worked some holy spirits into it in the form of a larger supercharger and intercooler system, ported cylinder heads, new camshaft, long-tube stainless steel headers, high-flow air induction system and a custom engine management calibration. All of these modifications have allowed the engine to produce 1000 bhp @ 6,400 rpm and 966 lb-ft of torque @4,400 rpm.Those wanting their own Exorcist can either pick one up as a turnkey vehicle from Hennessey or order one from Chevrolet dealers. Additionally, those who already own a ZL1 Camaro can send their car into HPE for the conversion. The engine upgrade and graphics cost $55,000 and come with a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty. Ther is also an optional drag pack ($8,995) that includes 20-inch wheels shod in 315/30-20 Nitto drag radials, drive shaft upgrade, floor jack and took kit. The road race pack ($6,995) comes with 20-inch lightweight Hennessey wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 wheels.Only 100 examples of The Exorcist will be created each year.Learn More

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