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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

An orange Lamborghini Revuelto with an angular design sits parked in a dimly lit space, its sleek specs barely visible.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 28, 2025

Lamborghini Revuelto Price, Specs & Photos

Lamborghini's new flagship supercar is a revolutionary hybrid hero.

A person in white gloves uses tools to work on a detailed purple Lamborghini Revuelto model with open doors against a black background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 15, 2025

Amalgam Expands Its Lamborghini Collection With The New 1...

Make Amalgam's Lamborghini Revuelto the next decorative addition to your home or office. For collectors and car lovers who appreciate the fine details, Amalgam Collection has unveiled a scaled-down version of the Lamborghini Revuelto that’s anything but toy-like. The 1:8 scale model results from a longstanding collaboration between Amalgam and Automobili Lamborghini and reflects a serious dedication to craftsmanship. More than 300 hours go into building each model, with thousands of precision-engineered parts, from machined metal to photo-etched detailing assembled by hand. The model includes functioning features like lighting, latches, and opening panels and is offered in two versions: a limited edition in Arancio Apodis and a bespoke option that can be built to mirror an owner’s actual Revuelto spec. What’s impressive is the level of accuracy worked into every build. The Amalgam team works directly with Lamborghini to match paint codes and interior finishes, guaranteeing each model holds up under close scrutiny. From stitching on the seats to custom license plates and carbon fiber accents, the smallest details are taken seriously. Measuring nearly two feet long, the model captures the Revuelto’s sharp, futuristic lines and aggressive aero cues right down to its rear wing and front S-Duct. Even the lighting system mirrors the real car, with illuminated taillights, dashboard elements, and headlamps. While the real Revuelto represents a major step in Lamborghini’s evolution into hybrid supercar performance, this scaled version offers an unusual way to appreciate the car’s design and complexity up close. Prices for these models start at $18,220 for the limited-edition version, with bespoke builds beginning at $25,510. For Revuelto owners or simply fans of Lamborghini’s design language, the model offers a chance to keep a scaled version of the hybrid V12 supercar within arm’s reach. Orders can be placed directly through Amalgam’s Unique Commissions team or online. Learn More Source: Amalgam Collection

A stylized illustration of a futuristic sports car front with sharp angles and LED lights, featuring the bold “FENOMENO” text below—imagining what Monterey 2025 could showcase as the most powerful Lamborghini ever built.

By Khris Bharath – June 24, 2025

Monterey 2025 Could Showcase the Most Powerful Lamborghin...

From ultra-exclusive world premieres to high-end auctions, the Annual Monterey Car Week transforms into an adrenaline-soaked paradise for everyone from ultra-wealthy collectors to enthusiasts alike. While we can expect more of the same in August this year, all eyes will once again be on Lamborghini. Monterey, of course, has been the stage for showcasing several Lamborghini production and concept cars, including the likes of the original URUS concept, the modern-day Countach LPI 800-4, the 2+2 all-electric GT Lanzador, and more recently restomods like the Diablo-based Eccentrica. Now, according to the TheSupercarBlog, the Italian automaker is reportedly preparing to unveil its most powerful car to date at Pebble Beach. Based on a trademark filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) back in April this year, this limited-edition model is rumored to be named ‘Fenomeno,’ which translates to Phenomenon and occurs in both Spanish and Italian. It perfectly aligns with Lamborghini’s long-standing tradition of using native languages to come up with evocative and exotic-sounding names. Expected to build upon Lamborghini’s already potent current flagship, the 1,001 horsepower 6.5-liter V12 plug-in hybrid, Revuelto, this upcoming model could push even higher figures, potentially topping every Lambo that came before it. A private preview of the Fenomeno has already happened, and the latest rumors suggest, only 29 examples of the seven-figure supercar will be built, making it rarer than the likes of the Centanario (40 units) and the Sian FKP 37 (82 units). Besides Fenomeno, Lamborghini also filed another trademark for the word ‘Armero.’ While the name doesn’t come from the world of Spanish bulls, it relates to the word armor in Spanish. Could this relate to a more off-road-ready Urus variant? Perhaps. While it may be highly unlikely for a modern-day Lamborghini SUV to feature a V12, like the LM002 originally developed for military use back in the 80s, we can’t rule out the possibility of a more rugged variant with beefy tires and more purpose-built hardware to take on the elements. It is highly unlikely to be an all-electric model though, as Lamborghini has pushed back on its EV plans, citing slow demand by CEO Stephan Winklemann. Regardless of what’s coming this August, it appears that there’s plenty to look forward to from the Sant’Agata Bolognese-based brand, and if you’re attending Car Week this year, stay tuned for some truly spectacular reveals. View All Lamborghinis For Sale Image Source: Lamborghini, EUIPO

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 20, 2023

Lamborghini Teams Up With Photographer Anton Corbijn On A...

Renowned photographer Anton Corbijn collaborates with Lamborghini and the all-new hybrid V12 Revuelto. Lamborghini's new hybrid V12 Revuelto has now been immortalized through the lens of Anton Corbijn, one of the world's greatest photographers. Known for his work with iconic musicians like David Bowie and U2, Corbijn took on a subject less frequented in his portfolio: the world of high-performance supercars. The two-day photoshoot took place in the stunning Dolomite mountains, marking a fusion of top-tier automotive engineering and artistic mastery. As Lamborghini celebrates its 60th anniversary, the Revuelto stands as a pioneer of innovation and performance. With a groundbreaking 'mono fuselage' made of carbon fiber, the car features an impressive 6.5L V12 engine assisted by three electric motors. This configuration ramps up the total power output to an astounding 1,001 horsepower, positioning the Revuelto as the pinnacle of what's currently achievable in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Lamborghini's hometown. Anton Corbijn's involvement serves as the cherry on top for the Revuelto's launch. Famous for his work in music photography and filmmaking, Corbijn brings an authentic touch that resonates with Lamborghini's values of pushing boundaries. His experience spans several decades, shaping the aesthetics of bands like Depeche Mode and giving life to award-winning films such as "Control" and "A Most Wanted Man." Now, with this collaboration, Lamborghini and Corbijn have blended the worlds of automotive innovation and artistic expression, ensuring that the Revuelto isn't just a car, but a moving piece of art. View all Lamborghini models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini For Sale