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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 Jordan Aquistapace – July 15, 2025

Why The Ducati Diavel Lamborghini 63 Edition Is A Must-Ha...

With only 630-examples, this is one of the most exclusive and powerful superbike collaborations ever made!

A modern Olto electric scooter is shown in a studio on the left; on the right, a person wearing a helmet rides the same Infinite Machine scooter outdoors near a bridge, gliding smoothly along the bike lane.

By Khris Bharath – June 12, 2025

How Infinite Machine’s Olto Aims To Reinvent The Bike Lane

No License, Registration, Or Insurance Needed New York-based electric mobility startup Infinite Machine is aimed squarely at the “post-car future: Founded by brothers Joseph Cohen and Eddie Cohen, along with co-founder/chief engineer Zach Cooper, the company is betting on a radically different approach to combat and rewrite the rules of urban transportation. In an exclusive interview with duPont REGISTRY last week, the trio shared their vision: “To build the most compelling non-cars on Earth.” Today, Infinite Machine unveiled Olto, a low-slung rethink of the urban two-wheeler. Less of an e-bike, more of an ultra-refined tool purpose-built for the bike lane, the Olto combines industrial design with tech-enabled modern convenience. It is the startup’s second major product after the sleek, high-performance P1, unveiled in 2023, a 65-mph electric scooter that has already built a cult following. If P1 is the firm's OG Tesla Roadster, Olto is their iPhone: engineered with mass appeal, and the same clean monolithic design first seen on their disruptive P1. Built From Scratch For The Bike Lane The Olto reimagines what a two-wheeled vehicle could be if it were designed from the ground up for city life. That means no registration, no license, no insurance, and no compromises. Tuned for both regulatory flexibility and rider confidence, the Olto hits 20 mph in the bike lane and can unlock 33 mph in off-road mode via the Infinite Machine app. There’s also a five-second handlebar-triggered “Boost Mode” for those steep climbs or quick getaways. “We wanted to build something that could exist legally in New York City and also feel fun in a gated community or gravel path,” Joseph explained. A mono-shock rear suspension is designed to smooth out potholes, while 200mm hydraulic disc brakes up front and 190mm in the rear offer motorcycle-grade stopping power. It adapts to local laws using GPS-based tuning. The Olto’s 750W rear hub motor (2kW peak) is powered by a 48V, 1.2kWh hot-swappable battery that offers 40 miles of real-world range. The battery drops under the seat, no cables needed, and can be topped up to 50% in an hour, and 5.5 hours for a full charge with the included charger. With the optional supercharger, you're looking at three hours for a full charge. Radical, Functional, And Cool Infinite Machine Olto and P1 Breaking into the competitive micro-mobility space is already a tall order, and design won’t just help you stand out in the crowd, but could also serve as a strategic tool against competitors. “Most products out there look like printers,” Eddie said. “They're boring, appliance-like. We wanted something you’d be excited to ride.” The result is bold: a monolithic, angular Cybertruck-like form crafted from welded steel and anodized aluminum. Every part from the clutch-based pedal system to the 200mm hydraulic disc brakes is built to take on more than just the urban environment. Inspired by the enduring appeal of the legendary Honda Cub that put Japan back on wheels in the post-World War II era, the Olto follows a design philosophy rooted in mass accessibility. “Honda changed the world when it said motorcycles aren’t just for rebels; they’re for moms, commuters, regular people,” said Joseph. “We want Olto to do the same for e-mobility. We're just getting started, so who knows what will happen, but our ambition with it is to have a product that aspirationally can become as iconic as the Cub.” The Olto weighs 176 pounds, yet carries two adults with ease. The pedals double as footrests, magnetically aligning when not in use. Retractable passenger footpegs and modular accessory mounts (for baskets, child carriers, and more) make it a truly utilitarian vehicle. Two helmet hooks are hidden beneath the seat, a dedicated AirTag cavity, and a mount for U-locks. Infinite Security And Seamless Tech Security is core to the Olto experience. When parked, the steering and wheels auto-lock and Tampering triggers a 98 dB alarm and an instant app notification. GPS and LTE tracking are standard, and a backup battery keeps security systems active even without the main pack. Your phone is your key and with the Infinite Machine app, you can unlock and start Olto just by walking up. The app available across both iOS and Android, also displays live metrics such as speed, range, location, and allows you to adjust power modes, track rides, and share digital keys with friends and family. When Can You Get One Infinite Machine’s ultimate goal with the Olto is to take the technology, and design language from the larger P1 and bring it into a much more accessible form factor, price point. This was something that Chief Engineer Zach Cooper laid particular emphasis on. “Instead of going from a smaller vehicle to a bigger vehicle, where you’re tapping into something that’s meant to be pedaled, adding a motor and overdriving all the systems with the Olto, we’re taking a different approach and scaling things down from our learnings from P1.” Available in silver or black, the Olto starts at $3,495 and ships this fall. It aims to democratize the design-first ethos that Infinite Machine established with the P1. With direct-to-consumer sales and potential retail partnerships in the works, Global expansion is also planned, but the Infinite Machine team is currently focused on scaling operations within the U.S. first, with New York, L.A., San Francisco, Austin, and Miami being some of the key markets. Despite looming tariffs and infrastructure gaps, the founders remain bullish on the micro-mobility industry growing at the rate of 20% annually. Images: Infinite Machine

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2023

Yamaha's MOTOROiD Concept: The AI-Powered Electric Motorc...

As the world continues to adapt to the electrification taking place in the transportation sector, state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) technology is also now being adopted by motorcycle manufacturers. Yamaha's latest venture, the MOTOROiD electric motorcycle, is a technological marvel designed to transform the way we travel on a daily basis. As a proof-of-concept experimental vehicle, it showcases Yamaha's cutting-edge development ideal of Jin-Ki-Kanno. MOTOROiD aims to create new experiences of "Kando." the Japanese term for deep satisfaction and excitement when facing exceptional value. MOTOROiD incorporates groundbreaking features including high-precision balance control using artificial intelligence and autonomous technology. This advanced two-wheeler can sense its position, adjust its center of gravity, and stand upright on its own without any assistance. The motorcycle can even recognize its owner and move forward to greet them, thanks to its human-machine interface (HMI). One of the standout features is AMCES, Yamaha's exclusive technology for electronically controlling and stabilizing the chassis of electric motorcycles. By constantly maintaining rotating parts like the battery, swingarm, and rear wheel around the AMCES axis, MOTOROiD can keep itself balanced whether stationary or moving. This high-tech motorcycle also includes a Control Unit that integrates and manages all its functions, from image recognition AI and inertial measurement unit (IMU) data to other various vehicle information. Thanks to high-speed processing, the unit can relay instructions for the steer-by-wire system, kickstand, powertrain, and more. The lean angle is sensed by a gyro sensor and a G-sensor, and this data is sent to the control unit faster than once every 0.0005 seconds. With MOTOROiD, Yamaha is challenging the norms of traditional motorcycle engineering, while also redefining what personal mobility can be in the future. By incorporating advanced technologies like AI, autonomous functionality, and haptic feedback, this motorcycle goes beyond being a simple tool for movement. Stay tuned into duPont REGISTRY for more updates and release information on Yamaha's all-new MOTOROiD electric motorcycle concept. Source: Yamaha

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2023

Ducati Introduces Its All-New Multistrada V4 RS As A Tour...

Ducati has just raised the stakes in the world of luxury touring motorcycles with the introduction of its all-new Multistrada V4 RS. Developed and engineered in Bologna, this addition to Ducati's lineup is a special edition with features that will leave both bike enthusiasts and casual observers turning their heads. The Multistrada V4 RS is engineered with the Desmosedici Stradale engine derived from the renowned Panigale V4. The powerplant delivers a maximum output of 180 horsepower at 13,500 rpm. This engine offers a unique auditory experience thanks to its dry clutch and Akrapovič silencer. To ensure dynamic handling, Ducati has equipped the Multistrada with Öhlins suspension, a single-sided aluminum swingarm, and lightweight forged rims. Tech-savvy riders are in for a treat because the Multistrada V4 RS is equipped with an extensive electronic package that includes radar technology for Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection. It also offers four power modes and an array of advanced riding assist systems like Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Quick Shift. Sporty aesthetics haven't been compromised, either. The Multistrada V4 RS boasts various carbon fiber components and a titanium subframe, ensuring a weight saving of 5.5 lbs compared to the standard model. The Iceberg White livery adds an extra touch of refinement. The unique and sport-focused design is also expressed through a slim and streamlined tail, specially crafted for this edition. The Multistrada V4 RS' engine delivers a maximum output of 180 horsepower at 13,500 rpm. This level of performance is perfectly balanced with usability, thanks to thoughtful engineering. For example, Ducati has thoughtfully designed the engine to deactivate the rear cylinder bank when the bike is stationary to improve thermal comfort. Aiming for February 2024 deliveries, the Multistrada V4 RS will be available at authorized Ducati dealerships starting MSRP of $37,995. Those interested in customizing their ride further can opt for a range of accessories from the Ducati Performance catalog, making the Multistrada V4 RS a versatile choice for those who demand the very best. With a limited production run, this motorcycle is bound to become an iconic model for the Ducati brand. View all Ducati motorcycles currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ducati For Sale Source: Ducati

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 21, 2023

Aston Martin Announces New Aero Kit For The AMB 001 Motor...

A new aero kit further intensifies Aston Martin’s motorcycle.

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By Jordan Aquistapace – July 12, 2023

BMW Unveils The CE 02 eParkourer: A Game-Changer In Urban...

Offering efficient two-wheel transportation, the BMW CE 02 eParkourer aims to make urban commuting a breeze.

p90513788 highres bmw r 18 the crown a.jpg

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 10, 2023

The Crown Jewel Of Custom Bikes: Oehlerking's BMW R 18 Tr...

Dirk Oehlerking's Magnum Opus Celebrates 100 Years of BMW Motorrad Excellence.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 01, 2023

BMW Motorrad x Vagabund Scooter Welcomes Fashion To Moder...

BMW and Vagabund join forces to create a stylish and multifunctional e-scooter based on the BMW CE 04 for urban use.

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2021

2021 Indian Chief Is All New For Its 100th Anniversary

America's first Motorcycle Company unveiled a masterpiece in 1921, and that's why the 2021 Indian Chief is all-new for its 100th anniversary. Three versions aim to appeal to different tastes: Chief Dark Horse, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, and Super Chief Limited. All are powered by a revised Thunderstroke 116" v-twin that offers 120 lb-ft of torque. Their new Ride Command system combines all aspects of engine power, stability control, and instrumentation. It has different modes for the gauge displays, audio, and Bluetooth. Over 70 accessories are specific to the Chief, so don't follow the crowd. Did you see the Indian Chieftan inspired by Evel Knievel? Images (C) Indian Motorcycle

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By Andrew Nabors – January 07, 2021

2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 Is A Light & Powerful V-Twin

Inspired by the popularity of the Tuono 1100, the 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 is a light & powerful V-twin. The new naked sportbike shares most of the innovations that debuted on the RS 660. By removing all non-essential weight, the front-facing twin only has to move 403 lbs. It does this easily thanks to two engine choices: 95 horsepower, or 47 horsepower for younger riders. Unique in this class, it offers a comfortable, upright seating position for comfort on the street along with the occasional track day. Expect to see it at dealers before Summer. Images (C) Piaggio & C. SpA

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