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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 – 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 duPont Registry – April 27, 2023

Demon-Powered 840-HP 2022 Jeep Gladiator Listed For Sale

It's listed for $209,995.

By Andrew Nabors – March 09, 2021

What is the 2021 Jeep Magneto?

Celebrating Easter Weekend at Moab is a rite of passage for all Jeep owners. You will see hundreds of CJ, TJ, Cherokee, and Gladiators, but what is the 2021 Jeep Magneto. Two teasers were uploaded this morning to preview what will be unveiled. There are two distinct possibilities that each deserve consideration. This isn't quantum mechanics, but let's suppose Schrödinger's cat is actually two examples of a capable 4WD. Plurality exists at your local dealer, as they offer the Wrangler Hybrid 4xe alongside the Wrangler 392. One has four cylinders along with a turbo and a battery while the other is a rip-snorting 6.4 Hemi from SRT. Vote for what it might be in the poll below and stay with us for all your Jeep news. Shop Jeep Wrangler Image (C) Stellantis

By Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2020

Mcintosh Audio for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Is Aural Perfe...

Last week we broke the news that McIntosh was returning to car audio. Every product they build is the result of extensive research and made from the best materials. Cost is not an object for them, and such is the case for their loyal customers. That is why McIntosh Audio for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is aural perfection. The system is outlined in a press release this morning, and the details will leave you speechless. McIntosh & Alps Alpine Join Forces to Build Luxury Audio for Exotic Cars Starting with a clean slate, engineers from Jeep collaborated in the virtual realm to model the optimal speaker locations. In college, I competed in SQL competition, where a panel of judges analyze how clean and immersive your car audio is. Over the past decade, the use of VR has taken this sport to another level so I can't wait to hear this system. They won't divulge the juicy details like wattage or frequency response, mainly because audio nerds like myself will over-analyze the system. Remember, this is a Jeep Concept. Not every detail will make it to the assembly line, so we'll leave you with a quote from McIntosh Laboratory President Charlie Randall "“Like McIntosh, the Grand Wagoneer is a true American icon. Working with the Grand Wagoneer team to bring these icons together on a concept vehicle has definitely rekindled our passion for a high-end audio experience in an automobile. As a company, when we tap into our passion for audio excellence, the outcomes are plain to see…and hear.” Stay with us for all your McIntosh and Jeep news. Browse Jeep For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2020

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xE Offers 375 Hybrid Horsepower

Now you can have fun offroad without worrying about harming the environment. Released minutes ago, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xE offers 375 hybrid horsepower. Starting with their dependable 2-liter turbo, a 17 kWh battery offers 25 miles of electric range. This allows it to achieve 50 MPG, making it incredibly efficient while still being able to ford 30" of water. Watch the 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Unveiling With Us Leaving lithium-ion in the past, a nickel-manganese battery will last longer and charge faster. The integrated starter/generator is coupled to an 8-speed automatic and, of course, 4-wheel drive. The transfer case also has a separate motor/generator with several clutch packs used to manage engine power vs battery power. When open, the battery sends torque directly to the differentials without having to go through the transmission. It can also clamp down on the driveshafts with regenerative braking. This offers 0.25G of brake force, essentially eliminating wear on your pads & rotors. " width="680"> This is truly brilliant, and something that will undoubtedly be copied by everyone else. The hybrid system is all Direct Current, so there is no need for bulky inverters. All electrical connections are triple-sealed for safety and rugged dependability where the pavement ends. Three drive modes offer a normal hybrid cycle, pure electric, and eSave. The latter demands the most of the gas engine to keep the battery stored at full power. There is literally nothing not to like about this. Even if you aren't a Jeep fan, the Wrangler 4xE is loaded with unprecedented EV technology. Click the button above browse custom Jeep Wranglers for sale and stay with us for all your Jeep news. Browse Custom Jeep Wrangler For Sale

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

By Andrew Nabors – August 26, 2020

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE Will Arrive With High Voltage 4WD

Jeeps are usually not loud, but a silent model will keep nature and your neighbors happy. People give offroaders a bad name because they somehow damage the environment. That is all about to change because the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE will arrive with high voltage 4WD. There is plenty of room for a battery between the frame rails, but we don't know if it will include a gas engine also. Here's to Jeep for such a bold move, and literally shocking the industry. Our dealers might give you a few hints, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Jeep news. Browse Jeep Wrangler For Sale https://www.facebook.com/jeep/videos/307936906947505

By Andrew Nabors – August 25, 2020

2012 ICON Jeep CJ3B for Sale

The best customers are repeat customers, so our friend Jonathan Ward and his team at ICON 4x4 are selling this one that was recently traded in. The Jeep CJ3B served in Korea and Vietnam, and the civilian versions like made perfect farm trucks. Using Jeep's wide range of farm accessories, the Hurricane straight-six and a Power Take Off were a more practical alternative to a tractor, lawnmower, tiller, etc. Even in poor condition, a CJ3B will start a bidding frenzy, so imagine what this one will sell for. As you know, ICON spares no expenses, so starting with a new Art Morisson frame, the body was blasted on a rotisserie before being block sanded arrow straight. A Chevrolet EcoTec 2.5-liter engine sends power to a 5-speed backed by a part-time transfer case. It has their proprietary 4-link suspension with Fox Racing coil-overs, modern brakes, and an instrument cluster of their own design. Given the spike in CJ5 and CJ7 prices, $88,000 is a bargain for this build. If you are interested, call them at 818-280-3333, or email feedback@icon4x4.com. Stay with us for all your ICON updates and incredible Jeeps for sale.

By Andrew Nabors – August 24, 2020

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Arrives September 3rd

Ask anyone, nobody has a bad memory of Jeep's flagship. From daily drivers, they have transformed into heirlooms, so restoring them is big business these days. That's why we're happy to announce that a new Jeep Grand Wagoneer is arriving on September 3rd. " width="680"> While the original Grand Wagoneer was the first example of their Family SUV, their 360 V8 engine ran well past 500,000 miles. Overbuilt to be tough and over-engineered to do all Jeep-related things, this new one will be unbeatable. It will be a perfect kickoff for Labor Day Weekend, and you will see it here first. Stay with us for all your Dodge-Jeep-Ram & Fiat-Chrysler news. Browse Jeep For Sale

Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) are offering new factory-

By Andrew Nabors – July 31, 2020

Jeep Performance Parts Unveils new Lift Kits

Fiat-Chrysler is stepping up their accessories because Jeep owners have a thousands of companies to choose from. If your new Wrangler or 2020 Gladiator is gas-powered, the sky is the limit. However, the aftermarket has neglected the EcoDiesel owners. This compact oil burner was developed from a Fiat marine racing program, and it sends a whopping 442 lb-ft of torque and 260 horsepower to all wheels. Not only can it tow a house, but you can also squeeze out 30 mpg on the highway. Because its a bit heavier and offers twice the torque, Jeep Performance Parts has unveiled lift kits for their diesel models. Here are the details: Suspension articulation is increased 18 percent from stock for enhanced off-road vehicle capability Larger 2.5-inch-diameter (versus 2-inch-diameter stock) aluminum-body FOX monotube shock absorbers are specifically tuned for increased weight capacity, durability and cooling during off-road conditions Springs are specifically tuned for the diesel-engine application, which optimizes the dynamic performance in all on- and off-road driving conditions Longer front lower control arms (versus stock control arms) offer ideal caster settings, while unique heavy-duty bushings provide improved vehicle control and assist with suspension articulation Direct bolt-on kit requires no drilling, cutting or welding Available now from your local Jeep dealer, the Wrangler kit is part #: 77072399AE and the Gladiator is 77072469AC. The suggested retail price is $1,495, but you could probably have a shrewd salesman throw it in before your new Jeep is delivered. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Jeep news. Browse Jeep Wrangler For Sale " width="680">

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