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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 – August 26, 2025

How To Buy: Porsche x Backdrop's PTS Paint Collection For...

Discover new home decor with Iconic colors from Porsche's history, now available in an exclusive collection with Backdrop.

A remastering of the Porsche 911 by Gunther Werks, this purple sports car with a large rear wing is parked indoors on a polished concrete floor, with helmets displayed on shelves in the background.

By Charles Bradley – August 13, 2025

Gunther Werks GWX Revealed: Its Most Exclusive Porsche 91...

Gunther Werks, renowned for its precision-engineered, high-performance remastering of the Porsche 911 platform, has revealed its most exclusive creation to date – the Gunther Werks GWX. Unveiled as the pinnacle of the company’s bespoke offerings, the GWX will see an extremely limited production run of just three builds, each available only through an invitation-only program. This latest evolution pushes the limits of performance and design refinement, building upon Gunther Werks’ proven platforms while incorporating cutting-edge technology and materials. At its core is a second-generation 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing 440 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. This evolved Coupe motor integrates the brand’s latest performance innovation – advanced sliding throttle body plates – for a razor-sharp throttle response and dramatically improved airflow at wide-open throttle. A custom-developed drive-by-wire throttle system supports this slide valve technology, marking a major leap in responsiveness and efficiency. The GWX’s exterior showcases completely bespoke carbon-fiber body panels, engineered for improved aerodynamics and downforce. Key elements include vented front fenders, flared side skirts, rear quarter panels, a race-spec front bumper, vented rear bumper with diffuser, and a frame-mounted rear wing with decklid ram air scoop. The platform also benefits from rear chassis bracing derived from Gunther Werks’ Turbo model for enhanced rigidity. Aesthetically, the GWX commands presence with an exclusive Candy Purple paint, developed in-house, accented by silver pinstriping and an exposed herringbone carbon-fiber weave running along the hood, roof, and tail. This visual treatment is unavailable on any other Gunther Werks build. “Our new GWX takes all we have learned with remastering the Porsche 911 platform and pushes it even further,” said Peter Nam, CEO and founder of Gunther Werks. “We are extremely excited to offer this pinnacle of performance to our most loyal customers and continue to showcase our technical prowess with our newest offerings.” With only three examples ever to be built, the Gunther Werks GWX represents the highest expression of the company’s craftsmanship, engineering, and exclusivity – a true summit for collectors who demand the rarest, most advanced iterations of the Porsche 911. View All Gunther Werks Porsche For Sale Source: Gunther Werks

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 14, 2025

Driven by Style: Must-Have Gear for Porsche Enthusiasts

Whether you have a 911 in the garage or hope to have one soon, these are our top picks to show your support for the brand.

A silhouette of a race car with “969 RSP” text, a portrait of an elderly man in a cap—possibly Roger Penske—and a Porsche 963 RSP speeding on a track labeled "Daytona," capture the thrill of the Billionaire Race Team.

By Charles Bradley – June 01, 2025

Is Billionaire Race Team Boss Roger Penske Getting a One-...

Could American motorsport titan Roger Penske be about to receive a bespoke version of Porsche’s most advanced prototype race car? A recent teaser from Porsche suggests exactly that. As we revealed this week, a YouTube video introduces the Porsche 963 RSP – a “one-of-one vehicle crafted with precision, purpose, and detail at every touchpoint,” according to the official description. The sleek black-and-white footage showcases mechanics working on a 963 chassis, intercut with scenes of intricate upholstery and a unique paint scheme. One detail stands out above all: the “963 RSP” badge, which cleverly blends Porsche’s famed Rennsport branding with Penske’s initials. His full name? Roger Searle Penske. The car appears to be a tribute to the 87-year-old businessman and former racing driver, whose impact on American motorsport is unrivaled. Penske’s empire, built on a foundation of car dealerships and trucking logistics, has extended into one of the most successful racing operations in history. Team Penske has claimed a record 20 victories at the Indianapolis 500, while Porsche has earned an equal number of wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona – most recently through its factory-backed Porsche Penske Motorsport program, which triumphed with the 963 in both 2023 and 2024. The 963’s road to dominance was not immediate. After debuting at the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona with reliability woes and pace issues, it took a strategic win at Long Beach to claim its first IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship victory. But by 2024, the hybrid, twin-turbocharged V8-powered prototype had matured into a powerhouse – winning Daytona, finishing first and second in the IMSA season, and clinching the FIA World Endurance Championship drivers’ title. While some speculate that the 963 RSP could be a road-legal prototype, it is more likely to take its place in Penske’s personal collection – which features a trove of racing icons, trophies, and memorabilia housed in Phoenix, Arizona. Still, Porsche has a history of building road-capable versions of its prototype racers, including the legendary 917 and 962. Whatever the 963 RSP turns out to be, it would be a fitting tribute to a man who has done more than anyone to shape the sport of racing – on both sides of the pit wall. We should find out the whole story ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans next month. View All Porsches For Sale " width="680"> ImageSource: Porsche

By Khris Bharath – May 28, 2025

1-of-1: America's ONLY Guards Red 997 Speedster Is Up For...

Porsche’s ‘Speedster’ nameplate carries serious weight in collector circles. The German sports carmaker doesn’t build Speedster models that often, but when it does, it is worth celebrating. Born from the stripped-down, low-slung 356 Speedster of the 1950s, the formula has always been about making the car lighter, lower, and more driver-focused. Besides this, some distinctive design cues like the double-bubble rear tonneau cover and steeply raked windshield set the Speedster apart from other 911s. Fast-forward several decades, and that same ethos carried through into the 997-Speedster, built for the 2011 model year. Compared to other Speedster models from other 911 generations, the 997 is by far the rarest, making it one of the most collectible 911s. Porsche only built 356 units of the 997 Speedster as a nod to the 356 lineage, and of those, 100 made it stateside. This particular Guards Red example, on sale right now hails from a private collection and is a unicorn. It is reportedly one of just two examples globally, finished in Guards Red and the only one delivered to the United States, making it a 1-of-1 in America. The exclusive sport-classic 19-inch black Fuchs wheels and wide-body Carrera 4 shell complement the Guards Red paint, which was a special order $5,500 option. It is worth noting that Porsche only offered two standard colors for the 997 Speedster: Pure Blue or Carrera White. Inside, this car is equally distinctive from the ‘Speedster’ script on the black sports seats to the deviated stitching and the checker-delete cabin. The extended leather package covers everything from the speaker grilles to the dashboard. It also comes with illuminated door sills and a numbered dash plaque: #320 of 356, signifying this sports car’s exclusivity. Other rare factory options include a factory fire-extinguisher, Bluetooth, and Bose surround sound. When it comes to performance, the 997 Speedster packs a 3.8-liter flat-six, and while this is no Mezger engine, it still delivers 408 horsepower, making it more potent than the Carrera S of its day. Paired with a 7-speed PDK transmission for lightning-fast shifts, Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB), Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and a limited slip differential, should make for a well rounded package. With just 4,515 miles on the clock, this Guards Red Speedster is as rare as it gets in the Porsche world, and if exclusivity is high up on your list of priorities, this one shouldn’t be missed. View Listing View All 911 Porsche Speedsters For Sale Images Source: GH Vehicles

A white Porsche 959 Speedster with the top down is parked on a paved road next to a grassy field with scattered flowers, ready to turn heads at the RM Sotheby's Milan Auction.

By Khris Bharath – April 28, 2025

One-Off 1987 Porsche 959 Speedster To Be Offered At RM So...

The Porsche 959 is one of the most significant models for the German sports car maker. But this particular example builds upon that legacy with a fascinating story. Carefully reimagined, this 1987 Porsche 959 ‘Speedster’ was born from the vision of master craftsman Karl-Heinz Feustel and is now headed for auction at RM Sotheby’s Milan sale in May. Originally, a ‘Komfort’ model was finished in silver metallic, CHASSIS NO.WP0ZZZ95ZHS900142 rolled off the production line in Stuttgart, back in November 1987, and was reportedly delivered to racing driver Jürgen Lässig, who has victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and a podium finish at Le Mans to his name. After an accident on the autobahn in 1988, the original car was left damaged, but thankfully, this wasn’t the end for this 959. It was then acquired by Feustel, who decided to turn tragedy into opportunity by transforming this 959 into something truly bespoke. After 4,000 painstaking hours at a small workshop near Cologne in Germany, the transformation was complete, and the Porsche 959 ‘Speedster’ was born. First shown at the 1989 Frankfurt International Motor Show and then at the Essen Motor Show, the 959 Speedster now featured a Grand Prix White exterior, set against a vibrant blue leather interior, complete with an electronically operated blue soft top, and a hardtop for more inclement weather. Additionally, the car also came with a tonneau cover, spare door mirrors, owners' guides, and a spare ‘speedster’ windscreen. Feustel wanted $1.2 million for this unique build, and it was acquired by a German collector in 1990. But here’s why a ‘959 Speedster’ is so special. Porsche itself never made one, making Fuestel’s creation an outlier. The 959 and Speedster both carry a lot of weight in the Porsche world, and their coming together is a big deal. Developed for the sun-kissed skies of California, Speedsters are lightweight, low-slung sports cars and command a premium over standard Porsche convertibles. These models embody the spirit of purist open-top driving and can trace their roots to the 356 and subsequently the 911 Speedster with their distinctive double-bubble humps. As for the 959, it was born as a homologation special developed in the early 1980s to compete in Group B rallying. A groundbreaking car that " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> it introduced technologies never seen in a production car before: think all-wheel drive, active suspension, and an electronically managed chassis system. 1986 was a monumental year for the Porsche 959, as it not only won the gruelling Paris-Dakar rally but, on the pavement, it also became the fastest street-legal car in the world, with a top speed of 197 mph. The 959 laid the foundation for the German brand’s tradition of halo cars and future flagships like the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder. Porsche only built 292 examples of the 959, cementing its exclusivity and desirability. Well-maintained cars routinely command prices in the seven figures on the collector car market. The Porsche 959 Speedster, seen here, has been in private ownership since 2008 and was recently serviced by ADR Motorsport in March 2025. While every Porsche 959 is a collectible, this one-off creation takes it a step further. Expected to fetch €1,100,000 - €1,500,000 EUR ($1.2-1.7 million), the 959 Speedster is a true unicorn, bringing two distinctive elements from the Porsche world together. View All Porsche 959s For Sale Image Source: RM Sotheby's

A white sports car is parked on a paved surface with mountainous terrain in the background.

By Gabriel Vega – October 29, 2024

Unveiled: The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T Is Back, And It’...

This lightweight 911 trim will be offered in a Cabriolet body style for the first time.

A 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS with black accents and a large rear spoiler is parked on a stone pavement, surrounded by greenery and palm trees.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 17, 2024

How To Buy A 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Porsche’s performance pinnacle is a car collector must-have.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 27, 2024

How To Buy: Porsche Design x Patrick Dempsey's 911-Inspir...

Pick up a pair to match your Porsche. Porsche's iconic lifestyle isn't just about cars; it's a whole experience. From the very first Porsche 356, Ferdinand Porsche and his family have been pioneers in style and performance. Porsche Design is proud to team up with celebrity brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey on the launch of its all-new 2024 Eyewear Collection, featuring three innovative series inspired by the iconic Porsche 911 and its performance-focused counterparts. Porsche Deisgn Shop Porsche Design's 2024 Eyewear Collection Staying true to the philosophy of its founder, F. A. Porsche, the new Eternal, Cyber Tec, and Hexagon series, offer sleek, luxurious designs that stand out. The Eternal series pays homage to Porsche's roots with linear elegance and purist design, featuring three models of sunglasses that effortlessly integrate into everyday life. Porsche Design The Cyber Tec series takes inspiration from the iconic Porsche 911 GT2 RS and incorporates automotive design elements into its frames. Made from stainless steel and high-performance RXP®, these sunglasses, including an aviator design, boast bold, clean lines that mirror the car's dynamic style. This collection ensures you enjoy both high-end fashion and cutting-edge quality. Porsche Design The Hexagon series is a perfect fit for those who crave precision and performance. Drawing inspiration from the hexagonal bolts in the Porsche 911 engine block, these frames are crafted with a 100% titanium front and feature four hand-screwed hexagonal screws. This design choice adds to the structural stability and highlights the meticulous craftsmanship. Whether you're looking for day-to-day elegance or motorsports-inspired aesthetics, Porsche Design Eyewear has something to elevate your style. Shop Porsche Design's 2024 Eyewear Collection Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 15, 2024

How To Buy: The Magnus Walker Collection By Santo Gallery

Style your home or office with art from Porsche purists. Magnus Walker is considered to be one of the most iconic Porsche figures in the automotive world, owning a large collection of vintage models and continuing to support the brand as new vehicles release. Recently, Santo Gallery was proud to release the Magnus Walker Collection, a series of photos featuring his personal collection captured by Daniel Malikyar. The setting of the project takes place in infamous locations of California like Angela’s Crest, using familiar Porsches like Mangus’ famous 277 (1971 Porsche 911). In total, six examples are available from Santos Gallery in your choice of size and frame color. Shop any of the examples featured in Santo Gallery’s Magnus Walker Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Magnus Walker x Santo Gallery Source: Santo Gallery

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