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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 Khris Bharath – September 02, 2025

Audi’s TT Successor Leak Points to a Radical New Flagship EV

A single leaked image was all it took to send Audi fans into speculation mode. Ahead of its debut at the 2025 IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Audi Canada yesterday briefly posted to Facebook, and then deleted, a shot of what appears to be a concept based around the brand’s next sports car. Now it begs the question: is this the long-rumored electric successor to the TT, which was discontinued over two years ago in 2023? When the original TT (Tourist Trophy) first hit the scene back in 1998, it shared its platform with the humble Mk4 Volkswagen Golf. What made the 1st Gen-TT special wasn’t raw performance but its minimalist Bauhaus-inspired design. Simple, geometric, and uncluttered, it became an instant icon and one of Audi’s most influential cars of all time. Fast forward to today, and Audi wants to recapture that impact. The new coupe, penned by design chief Massimo Frascella, carries the tagline “strive for clarity.” Frascella, fresh from Jaguar Land Rover, is tasked with resetting Audi’s entire design language. Looking at the leaked image of this concept, it appears that Audi is leaning heavily into its past. The side profile of this sleek mid-ship coupe recalls the 2000 Rosemeyer concept and the 1991 Avus, both Audi design studies that combined sharp geometry with motorsport cues. While the wide D-Pillar merging into the roof is a nod to the OG-TT, a break in the roof could suggest a Targa-style roof. The multi-spoke wheels give off Taycan-Mission E vibes. Audi’s teaser campaign has also highlighted the 1930s Auto Union Type C and D Silver Arrows. “The legends of yesterday are the blueprint for tomorrow,” Audi says, framing the concept as both evolutionary and revolutionary. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Audi (@audi) Now this isn’t an isolated Audi project, but one with serious intent. CEO Gernot Döllner says every new concept from now on will preview a real production model. That means this car isn’t just a one-off; it could eventually sit above the RS e-tron GT as Audi’s new halo coupe, potentially filling the void left by the retired R8. Ironically, an all-electric R8 e-Tron exists. This also appears to align with a report from Audi Club of North America, that the car is part of a program inside the Volkswagen Group, spanning several models. Alongside Audi’s coupe, there’s Porsche’s next-gen electric 718 Boxster and Cayman, and something for the VW Group’s Spanish-brand Cupra, and maybe a potential Scirocco comeback. The program, codenamed TT Evo, should give each brand a dedicated performance model, while sharing engineering costs and economies of scale. There’s a catch. Audi’s concept is likely based around the aforementioned Porsche 718 EV, which in itself hit a roadblock as Porsche’s chosen battery supplier, Northvolt, filed for bankruptcy last year. Its assembly partner, Valmet, was also reportedly bogged down by endless revisions, and insiders say the 718 EV’s launch has slipped from 2025 to at least 2026. That’s a problem because the outgoing combustion-powered 718 goes out of production in late 2025. If Porsche stumbles, Audi’s timeline could be pushed back as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ᴡɪʟᴄᴏ ʙʟᴏᴋ (@wilcoblok) Also, there’s still the question of whether buyers actually want an all-electric sports car. Porsche’s Taycan may have found an audience, but more among luxury EV adopters than hardcore enthusiasts. The Rimac Nevera’s slow sales show how little appetite there is for ultra-pricey EV exotics. Even Ferrari and Bugatti have hedged their risk with hybridized flagships rather than pure electrics. Sports car buyers are traditionalists, and a car like the 718 GTS 4.0 with its naturally aspirated flat-six and manual transmission is still celebrated as the “real” Porsche. Audi’s challenge will be to make an EV that delivers emotional and driver engagement, often missing in EVs. Engineers across the VW Group know this, which is why features like active suspension, advanced aerodynamics, and potentially simulated dynamics could all very well be on the table. Audi calls this moment “TT 2.0.” Some insiders believe it could even revive the quattro name, tying into Audi’s Formula 1 debut in 2026. But a 2027 or 2028 timeline is more realistic given Porsche’s delays. But for now, the leaked photo shows a coupe that looks far more production-ready than Audi would like to admit. Whatever it is, we’ll learn more when the Ingolstadt-based brand unveils its next design icon at 9:00 pm CEST, later today. View All Audis For Sale

A futuristic Buick Electra Orbit Concept car, where '50s Jet Age meets modern minimalism, is shown with open doors under vertical lights, a sleek two-seat interior, and an overhead view as it drives across sandy terrain.

By Khris Bharath – August 10, 2025

Buick Electra Orbit Concept: Where '50s Jet Age Meets Mod...

If you follow concept cars at all, you know that most of them never leave design studios or auto shows, and in some cases, they exist purely as digital renderings. GM is no stranger to concepts, and over the past month, we’ve seen some truly striking new creations, including the futuristic Corvette from its UK design studio and the California Corvette hypercar concept from its Pasadena studio. Buick’s latest Electra Orbit EV Concept continues this trend, and while it’s not headed for production, it does offer a glimpse of where Buick’s design is headed, especially in China, where the brand’s image is much stronger than in the United States. The Electra Orbit has some pretty substantial proportions and measures up at 19 feet long and 6.5 feet wide, with a 13.1-foot wheelbase. These dimensions put it strictly in limousine territory, conveying Buick’s focus on Chinese buyers, who value rear-seat comfort and presence in the luxury space. This is precisely why several global automakers tailor-make and engineer long wheelbase models, sold exclusively in China. Design-wise, the sleek silhouette exudes a hint of post-war ‘50s jet-age style meets mid-century modern sophistication. The Electra Orbit features a low front with six individual daytime running lights and a backlit Buick badge, some sharp creases along the sides that extend into the elongated tapered tail, and 24-inch wheels. The split retractable rear wing elements should aid stability, while a glass dome covers the entire cabin. This glass canopy roof isn’t just for show, as it allows natural light into the cabin, to make it appear roomy. A highlight: Step on board via scissor doors that open vertically, but in opposite directions, creating an unobstructed entry with no B-pillar. Inside, four individual seats are divided by a tall center console, emphasizing personal space. The curved dashboard wraps around the driver with multiple displays that can shift between a driver-focused layout or a simpler autonomous cruising mode. Controls revolve around a spherical interface on the center console, paired with a holographic display above the windshield. Now, given that this is purely a design study, Buick hasn’t shared powertrain or battery specifications. However, history suggests some elements could trickle down to future models. The 1956 Centurion concept previewed styling cues that lingered on Buick models for years. The 2016 Avista Concept never made production but influenced the front-end of the 2018 Regal GS. More recent concepts like the Electra X and Wildcat EV have also hinted at Buick’s evolving design direction. But coming back to why there is such significance for China. Besides VW, Buick was one of the earliest Western brands to enter the Chinese market, going back to the 1950s, and the American automaker is still regarded as a prestige marque post the SAIC GM partnership of 1997, with sales remaining strong as of Q2 2025. So for GM, China isn’t just a bigger market, but Buick’s lifeline, which is why, besides its design HQ in Detroit and several studio locations globally, the brand runs a design center in Shanghai focused on local tastes. The Electra Orbit concept is the perfect example of how automakers are increasingly designing for their strongest regions instead of a single global market. In the U.S., Buick’s current lineup predominantly focuses on SUVs, crossovers, and hybrids. The Encore GX and Envision lead sales with luxury, quiet cabins, and comfort. Buick no longer sells sedans here, reflecting changing consumer tastes. This portfolio of models contrasts with China, where larger sedans and extended-wheelbase models, and EVs, remain popular. The takeaway? The Electra Orbit won’t be on a driveway anytime soon, but parts of it could. Keep an eye on this concept, as it previews design cues that could shape Buick’s Chinese lineup over the next few years. View All Buicks For Sale " width="680"> Images Source: GM Design

By Khris Bharath – May 20, 2025

One Thing That Makes This Carbon-Fiber Tent A Game Change...

At the 2025 Overland Expo West, in Flagstaff, Arizona, Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) took the wraps off a unique Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARTT) concept. A sleek, all-in-one overlanding solution, developed in partnership with outdoor gear specialist, Dometic. Making its debut on the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Sunchaser, which is one of the concepts unveiled at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah back in April, the ARTT system reimagines rooftop camping. Instead of a bulky setup bolted onto a traditional roof rack, ARTT features a lightweight carbon-fiber shell that easily mounts directly onto the Wrangler’s roof. Owing to its low-profile shape, not only is it more aerodynamic with lower wind resistance, but it also skips the need for any additional hardware, shaving precious pounds and saving weight. Neatly tucked away inside the shell is a rooftop tent that makes use of Dometic’s AIR Frame inflation tech, making it a breeze to deploy and providing enough room for a queen-size mattress. An awning that swings out 270 degrees provides ample cover for when you’re out and about in the elements. Speaking of the elements, if you’ve never been a fan of an external ladder (you still have that option here), Jeep has engineered a workaround: remove the Wrangler’s Freedom Panels, and you can crawl up into the tent right from within the cabin, with the help of a carbon-fiber step that sits over the center-console. Jeep is showcasing this concept on the highly modified Wrangler Sunchaser concept, which by itself packs a whole host of serious trail-focused hardware. Finished in a vibrant two-tone color scheme of Solar Flash and Satin Black, the electrified off-roader features upgrades, ranging from a 2.0-inch lift kit, vented high-top steel fender, and 37-inch BF Goodrich KM3 mudtrttain tires to side storage boxes, a heavy-duty winch, rock rails for body protection and a cabin that combines utility with premium touches. The ARTT concept was conceived from the Star Up intrapreneurship program, a space where Stellantis employees push new ideas from sketch to prototype. While it remains a concept for now, its production-ready design may suggest that it likely isn’t too far away from hitting dealerships. Having said that, such innovative solutions do show the Jeep brand’s continued commitment to the overlanding faithful. View All Jeep Wranglers For Sale Easter Jeep Safari Concepts, April 2025 Source: Jeep, Stellantis

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 19, 2023

This New BMW One-Off Is a Shooting Brake Two-Seater

Hopefully this stunning shooting brake is in BMW’s future.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 30, 2023

A Legend Reimagined: The Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 Returns ...

Nissan revives the iconic R32 Skyline GT-R with cutting-edge electric technology, ushering in a new era for the famed 'Godzilla'.

By Andrew Nabors – March 16, 2021

Gordon Murray Test Drives His T.50 Prototype

We've waited a long time to see the Professor in his newest creation, so we're glad to share Gordon Murray's test drives in his new T.50 prototype. This example hit YouTube yesterday along with a concise press release. The man responsible for Brabham's best racing cars, you might have heard of his work with McLaren. Lessons learned on the track and an eye for detail is how he created the McLaren F1. This car is the second round of prototypes known as XP2. Cosworth engineers were on-hand to ensure their 12,100 RPM beast was ready for the real world. Essentially a de-tuned race motor, it has a 3,000 rpm limit imposed during break-in. Nevertheless, Professor Murray strapped into the center seat for a shakedown. Weight is his enemy, so the engine does without blowers or turbos and it is also the cornerstone of the rear suspension. A manual transmission, 663 horsepower and a curb weight of 2,173 lbs is a recipe for a potent hypercar, so stay with us for more updates from Gordon Murray Automotive. Images (C) Gordon Murray Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – January 12, 2021

Cadillac Teases Celestiq Concept Car

With an electric lineup coming soon, Cadillac is teasing their Celestiq concept car at the Consumer Electronics Show. Starting with a new chassis, engineers and designers at GM's flagship brand envision battery-powered luxury and hand-crafted materials. The smart roof has four individual zones to adjust transparency, and the dashboard is one giant touchscreen. Hopefully, some of these features will find their way into a new Cadillac for sale, so stay with us for all your concept car news. GM's other big news is that the GMC Hummer EV is coming soon. Here is LeBron James offering a quick preview. Image (C) General Motors

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2020

BMW iX Is A Glimpse Of The Future

Taking in the automotive news released in the past 24 hours, the world will receive several unprecedented concepts before the end of the year. Not to be eclipsed by other electric luxury offerings, the upcoming BMW iX is a glimpse of the future. While it is still in development they have allowed us a sneak peak at what we will probably receive. Much like the i3, their goal is to offer an interior of sustainable materials. Wood and natural fibers offer a sense of holistic wellbeing and relaxation for the occupants. Recycled plastics inside and out allow for a low curb weight compared to other high-voltage SUVs. This allows it to only use 21 kWh for every 62 miles. Currently, it has a range of more than 300 miles. The electric motors have a combined output of 500 horsepower, and the batteries can charge from 10% to 80% in under 40 minutes. It will be more powerful and more efficient as development progresses, so we will be following this one closely to help you make an informed decision. Tell us what you think of the iX and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 09, 2020

Gordon Murray Group Announces New Headquarters

Building amazing cars is tough when you are paying rent. Because their upcoming T.50 demands secrecy, Gordon Murray Group has announced a new headquarters. Their latest press release includes details of this £50M project. Three buildings will be located across 54 acres in Windlesham, Surrey. Their goal is to allow design, engineering, and validation to take place in-house, without worrying about espionage. Gordon Murray Automotive Announces the T.50s Race Car Professor Gordon Murray has penned the major details of the 130,000 sq ft, and he had this to say: "This new technology campus and global headquarters is a major investment and a huge step forward for the Gordon Murray Group, as we gather momentum for the next phase of our business and our brands, spearheaded by the all-new T.50 supercar. “Our innovative new technology campus is a fantastic new home and will give us world-class facilities that have been designed with a lot of attention to communication, workflow and social interaction – which will bring new levels of productivity to our already very efficient team. This new HQ is a significant investment and will create high value-added new jobs. We’re also proud to be already making significant contribution to UK exports, and helping secure the vital UK automotive supply chain. Over 90 percent of the content of the new T.50 comes from UK supplies, which is something that we specified from the start. It is designed, engineered and manufactured from world-class British components in Britain." The T.50 now has a home among the world's leading automotive and engineering companies, so stay with us for more updates from Gordon Murray Group " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2020

2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept Revealed

Today we are blessed to show you the future of Jeep. Not only is the Grand Wagoneer making a grand return, the Wrangler 4xE will bring carbon-neutral fun to off-road adventures. Take this with a grain of salt, as the former is being displayed in concept form, but it looks production-ready to us. What began in 1962, the Grand Wagoneer was the first 4WD family SUV to offer an automatic transmission. The 1984 model arrived with plush amenities and a rugged 5.8-liter V8 that would run reliably for 3 decades. Aiming directly at Lincoln and Cadillac, this concept has bi-functional LED headlights that are cradled by teakwood. The 7-slot grille evokes fond memories, and the obsidian black finish is anodized to match the dark features of the interior. " width="680"> Inside there is a few acres of leather with seating for 7. The full length glass roof makes for incredible views for the passengers, possible tearing them away from their electronic distractions. Machined aluminum and wood are pleasing to the touch, so we hope these small details make it to production. Dinamica suede covers the pillars and headliner, while almost 45" of display screens span across the dash. McIntosh & Alps Alpine Join Forces to Build Luxury Audio for Exotic Cars McIntosh Audio features 23 speakers and a 24-channel amp, and the cabin has several layers of acoustic and thermal insulation. Since this is a concept, no engine specs were disclosed. They are waiting on Jeep faithful to demand production, so click the button below to find our dealer near you and tell them you want a 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. We will have more details as they become available so stay with us for all your Jeep news. Browse Jeep For Sale

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