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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

Two billboards at night display close-up images of Toyota sports cars with "GR" and "Toyota Gazoo Racing" branding, hinting at a Toyota teaser for a possible new Toyota halo car inspired by Fuji Speedway.

By Khris Bharath – October 10, 2025

Toyota Just Teased Its Next Halo Car At Fuji Speedway

We’re just weeks away from the 2025 Japan Mobility show (October 30 - November 9), but before that it appears that Toyota is already setting the stage for something big this Monday. The company quietly updated its homepage with a cryptic teaser that already has the car community buzzing. The big clue is that the sign at Fuji Speedway has changed. On the left is the Toyota 2000GT and next to it, the legendary V10-powered Lexus LFA, both immensely significant models for Toyota. The 2000GT from the late 1960s was, of course, the car that put Japan on the global sports car map. Decades later, the LFA introduced in 2010, proved Toyota couldn’t just build sports cars, but also a world-class supercar. So when the brand teases a third silhouette beside these icons, it’s fair to expect something extraordinary. #新プロジェクト始動https://t.co/zpmIwYPYFu https://t.co/9u4qu7Zivl pic.twitter.com/UfrB8XVUAb— トヨタ自動車株式会社 (@TOYOTA_PR) October 9, 2025 Monday could mark the official reveal of Toyota’s new GT GT3 racer, which could serve as the foundation for what’s likely coming next: the Lexus LFR, the road-going supercar and successor to the LFA. David Wilson, president of Toyota Racing Development, hinted earlier this year that the GT GT3's debut is imminent, noting it could compete at the 24 Hours of Daytona in January 2026. So far, we've only seen camouflaged prototypes testing at Fuji, the Nürburgring and Goodwood. The Lexus concept previewed first in 2021 and subsequently at the 2022 Tokyo Motor Show already hinted at an aggressive front end, long hood, and proportions that appear to house a front mid-engine layout, most likely to feature a twin-turbo V8 hybrid setup, and a carbon fiber monocoque developed in partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing. This upcoming event isn’t limited to Lexus and GR because Toyota's teaser also features the Crown and Daihatsu logos, suggesting a broader lineup refresh or performance tie-ins across its brands. If you’re a fan of Japanese performance cars, the reveal next week could be a big one and worth looking forward to. Catch the live stream at the link below. View All Toyotas For Sale View All Lexus For Sale " width="680"> Images: Toyota

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 25, 2023

900HP TRD Widebody 1993 Toyota Supra For Sale

Known in the automotive industry as a JDM icon, the MK4 Toyota Supra continues to grow in rarity and value each day.

By Andrew Nabors – June 19, 2020

2021 Toyota Supra Receives More Power & Improved Handling

We waited over two decades for the 5th Generation Toyota Supra. Designed and built in cooperation with BMW, it is only natural that the car would evolve beyond its initial offering. While 335 horsepower is worthy of any performance car, revisions to the intake and exhaust have yielded 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. Nearly a 15% improvement was accomplished by more boost, at the sacrifice of compression. Dished pistons lower the squeeze from 11 to 10.2 to prevent detonation and offer 30 mpg on the highway. Forged strut tower braces reinforce the front end, and it has allowed the shock and spring rates to be re calibrated. Also onboard are new sway bars, revised power steering, stability control, and differential improvements. To celebrate a more capable car, the A91 Edition will be limited to 1,000 examples. Offered in Nocturnal or Refraction. Each one will arrive with a carbon fiber lip spoiler, matte black wheels, C-Pillar graphics, black leather, two key gloves and a trunk mat. The optional 8.8" touchscreen is now standard, as the 6.5" has been discontinued. If you don't need six-cylinder power, a 2.0-liter turbo four offers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. You can't go wrong with either, so click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Toyota news. Browse Toyota Supra For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2020

Immaculate 1988 Toyota FJ62 Land Cruiser by TLC4x4

Our friend Jonathan Ward is the founder of Icon, but his true passion lies in trucks. As the go-to resource for all FJ restorations, that buisness has spun of into TLC4x4. After dissassembling every nut and bolt, his team strips the chassis, frame and body to bare metal. After every moving part is replaced with NOS Toyota parts, the underside is treated to several coats of poly-urea. Not only does it prevent rust, it will stay glossy for years. Moving inside, the cockpit is loaded with layers of dynamat before receiveing new carpet and door panels. The headliner is a throwback to earlier FJs, because the original mousehair will never be stylish again. Toss in a Chevy LS3 crate engine and a 4-speed automatic and you have a recipe for a plush & powerful Land Cruiser. Stay with us for all your Icon and TLC4x4 updates. " width="680"> Browse Sports Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 05, 2019

ICON Unveils FJ40 Roadster at SEMA

It is easy to let a restoration get lost in modern features and technology. Many customers want the latest & greatest in every aspect, even if it destroys the original intentions of the manufacturer. Getting back to basics is a way to see how far you've come. and that is why ICON has unveiled the FJ40 Roadster at SEMA. No doors might give you a hint. You won't find a heater or A/C on this rig. Using only the essentials, it has a 430 horsepower Chevrolet LS3 that is 50-state emissions legal. Backed by a 5-speed manual, it sends power to Dana 44 Front & Dana 60 Rear Axles. Browse Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale Brembo brakes are hidden behind the vintage-appearing aluminum wheels, and the confident handling is provided by Fox Racing shocks with Eibach springs. At $185,000 it is a bargain compared to their other builds, but the quality speaks for itself. Click the button above to find your Toyota FJ40 for sale and stay with us for all your Icon updates.

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By Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2019

2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition: Six Decades & ...

"War is a continuation of politics by other means"- von Clausewitz. When North Korea decided to invade the South, Japan was still rebuilding from WWII. Their automotive industry needed a boost, so the U.S. Army asked Toyota to build 100 prototypes for a new Jeep, and the rest is history. That is why the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition celebrates over six decades in the U.S. It is available in Black Metallic or Pearl White, with black or brown leather. To focus on its offroad abilities, the chrome has been deleted and headlights are blacked out. No running boards equals more ground clearance, and every other option is standard. BBS supplied bronze 18x8" wheels that are not available from the parts department. Other goodies include an oil cooler, trailer brake control harness, and the impressive KDSS suspension. This will disconnect the front sway bar when you hit the trail. Browse Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale Only offered as a 2-row, 5-passenger model, it has ample room for gear in lieu of the 3rd-row jump seats. The 5.7L V8 offers 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque to a full-time 4WD system. Lock it in low range and cruise over any land you wish. Click the button above to find one for yourself and stay with us for all your Toyota news.

By Andrew Nabors – July 06, 2018

Toyota Supra Is Heading To Goodwood

Supra fans, your wait is nearly over. In a tweet by Toyota Europe, we've learned the 5th generation Supra will be unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of speed. It has been co-developed with BMW as the basis for their new Z4. We know it will have a straight six and impressive performance, but we hope it is not a carbon copy of the BMW. #ToyotaSupra is back.A90.At Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018 @fosgoodwood pic.twitter.com/qFe2aSP46k — Toyota Europe (@toyota_europe) July 5, 2018 What will this do to the value of the previous generation Supras? We will find out next weekend, so stay with us for complete coverage of the 25th Anniversary of the Goodwood Festivals of Speed. Check out this footage from Automotive Mike & tell us what you think of the new Supra in the comments below.Browse Toyotas For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 16, 2017

BMW Teases A New Z4 Ahead of Monterey Unveiling

August 17th will be a historic day for BMW fans. A new Z4 will be revealed, and we have a good idea of what it will look like thanks to their Facebook page. No matter where you are in the world, everyone seems to have fond feelings for the Z Series cars. They have endured the test of time thanks to being overbuilt and more reliable than their competitors. The Z3 and Z4 have cult-like status among Bavarian enthusiasts, with many considering it the "Miata from Munich". The biggest news surrounding the new car is that it is the product of co-development with Toyota. Their version of the car will also be reviving an amazing name: Supra.2018 Toyota Supra Testing At The 'RingYou read that right, the beast from the east is back. The Supra has been on hiatus since 1998 when they shifted performance cars to the Lexus lineup. We saw a prototype testing at the 'Ring almost a year ago, so both cars are probably ready to launch. BMW's teasers allude to a targa roof coupe, and other spy shots have shown a rag top model. It sounds like an M4, using straight six power to feed dual turbos. Each turbo only handles three cylinders, giving it a distinctive soundtrack. Rumors suggest a turbo-four in the base model with the option for manual or dual-clutch transmissions. History has a nice way of repeating itself, so our wait is almost over. The previous Z4 is a great way to enjoy a proper roadster, so check out these examples from our dealers. Stay with us for more exciting details from BMW and Toyota.

By Edward Jones – September 20, 2016

First Footage of the New Toyota Supra

Fans of the Toyota Supra have long been waiting for a successor and...it's finally happening. The new 2018-2019 Supra will be a created by the hands of both BMW and Toyota, and will be based around the Z5.(Related - Toyota Unveils Two New FT-1 Concepts)Up until now, things have been relatively quiet regarding the car, but a camo'd car at the BMW M Test Center at Nurburgring has broken the silence. YouTuber SupraMKV.com captured this test car and says that it's the upcoming Supra model. From the looks of it, that assumption is correct.What do you guys think about the revival of the Supra? Is it too late or is it never too late for a new Supra. I personally think it's never too late, because...come on...it's the Supra.

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