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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 – April 22, 2025

How To Buy: Devin Booker's Nike Collection Inspired By Cl...

Devin Booker brings his love for classic Chevy Blazers into his latest Nike collab Aside from being a four-time NBA All-Star and a lead guard for the Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker stands out as a trendsetter with a passion for collecting cars. And we're not talking about the latest and greatest supercars; instead, it's all about classic muscle cars and trucks for the 28-year-old superstar. Whether he's pulling up to PHX Arena in GMC Typhoon or kicking it at home with his all-original, 86-mile Chevy Impala, it's clear that Devin Booker's taste in cars is impeccable. Devin Booker's love for vintage cars just hit the court with his latest Nike x Chevrolet collaboration. The new drop includes fresh colorways of his signature Book 1 sneaker and the iconic Blazer Low, all inspired by his trio of 1972 Chevrolet Blazers. Each pair ties into his personal style and car collection, making this release feel more like a true extension of who he is beyond basketball. Paired with matching Nike x Chevrolet T-shirts featuring the Phoenix Mountains and shots of Devin's Blazers, the lineup combines retro auto flair with modern sportswear. The "Dark Gold Leaf" Book 1 and the "Team Dark Green" Blazer Low are a nod to old-school styles, while the "Surf Blue" Blazer Low adds a pop of color and will be more limited, dropping at select Nike stores. These pieces also build off Booker's first Nike apparel collection. Launching today, this Nike x Chevrolet collab will be available on Nike's website. Whether you're a fan of classic Chevys, Booker's game, or just clean sneaker design, this collection brings all three together in a low-key but well-executed way. Shop Devin Booker's Nike collection by clicking the link below. Shop Nike x Devin Booker x Chevy Source: Nike

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By Tyler Rampersaud – September 16, 2024

Luka Dončić x Forza Horizon 5 Reveal New '69 Camaro Colla...

One of the NBA’s biggest stars enters the world of Forza Horizon. At only 25 years old, Luka Dončić has become one of the most prominent players in the NBA, rising to stardom in the Dallas Mavericks as one of the most talented and formidable players in the league. However, his fame has already expanded beyond basketball, debuting a line of sneakers with Jordan and now entering the world of racing video games with his latest collaboration with Forza Horizon 5. The thrilling open-world video game allows players to experience a fantastic collection of cars, exploring on and off-road environments behind the wheels of high-performance and unique, exclusive gems of the automotive industry. The new collaboration with Luka Dončić features a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. The legendary classic muscle car is transformed into a custom, exclusive edition with a wide body kit and a special livery that echoes the Luka Jordan 3. Details like the signature Jordan print and white Jordan script on the tires make the muscle car truly special. Players of Forza Horizon 5 can download the new Jordan Luka 3-inspired Chevrolet Camaro in the game now. If you don’t have the game, it’s available now for Xbox Series X systems, and you can buy the game and get behind the wheel of this stunning exclusive collaborative Chevrolet Camaro by clicking the button below. Shop Forza Horizon 5 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Forza Horizon (@forzahorizonofficial)

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 09, 2024

David Donohue Sets Record COTA Lap Time In John Hennessey...

The Circuit of the Americas was taken on by an American performance hero. John Hennessey is known for having an insatiable penchant for the ultimate American performance, whether that means tuning, acquiring, or building from the ground up, some of the greatest American performance cars ever seen. In the automotive world, the Hennessey name has become synonymous with speed, power, and engineering prowess, and despite not being tuned, John Hennessey’s stock C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 now has a feather in its own cap. Recently, Hennessey announced a partnership with racing legend David Donohue, with the two setting their sights together on achieving incredible records behind the wheel of Hennessey’s Venom F5 hypercar, but the new Corvette Z06 also took part in achieving racing success this past December, when Donohue took it to the Circuit of the Americas. The car is equipped with Chevrolet’s Z07 performance package, which adds to the already-formidable Z06 track ready carbon fiber aero and carbon fiber wheels. While conditions were less than ideal and prevented the lap time from being even faster, Donohue managed to clock an incredible 2 minutes and 19.18 seconds, recorded through the on-board lap time recorder in the Corvette Z06. This puts the car in the Austin, Texas circuit’s record books as the fastest Corvette Z06 at the track, and Hennessey filmed the entire lap for fans to experience both the performance prowess of the C8 Z06, and the driving skill of the legendary David Donohue, whose partnership with Hennessey has already proved fruitful. Watch the incredible lap below. View All Vehicles For Sale From Hennessey

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By Jordan Aquistapace – August 28, 2023

UFC Star 'Suga' Sean O'Malley Buys A New Chevrolet C8 Cor...

From the UFC octagon to the exotic car dealership, Suga Sean is making all the right moves.

By Andrew Nabors – July 19, 2018

Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet Opens In Columbus, Ohio

Actor and entrepreneur Mark Wahlberg is known for his comedy and the tasty Wahlburgers restaurant chain, but his latest venture is one you might not expect. He met Jay Feldman, a Chevrolet dealer while they worked together on the 4th Transformers film. Most of the action was shot in Detroit, with a certain yellow Camaro playing the part of Bumblebee. Together they opened a Whalburgers in Cleveland and Feldman gave him the rundown on how to make a dealership profitable. Feldman has 5 Chevy stores, along with Hyundai, Kia and a pre-owned lot.When the opportunity arose to purchase the largest Chevy store in Columbus, they went in together to expand the business. Automotive News reports that the 15.5-acre facility has a 2-story showroom and 50 service bays. All 100 employees kept their jobs and the new owners are looking to expand sales and service departments.Mark said: "I am continuously looking for ways to innovate my brand and engage in businesses I am passionate about. I love cars, and the chance to work with an experienced, proven dealer-operator like Jay and represent an iconic brand like Chevrolet inspired me to get involved." Feldman will be the dealer principal, but Wahlberg is planning to be an active part of the operations. It is Feldman's 9th store, so we think this will be a nice investment for both of them. If you have been considering a new Chevy click the link below to find one near you, and stay with us for all your dealer news.See The USA In A Chevrolet

By Andrew Nabors – July 18, 2018

Chevrolet Awards All Star MVP With New Camaro

Are you old enough to finish this: "Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie &..........."? Its not a riddle, Chevrolet has been involved with Major League Baseball almost as long as they have been building cars. That's why Alex Bregman was given a choice between a new Colorado ZR2 or a Camaro SS. He is the All-Star MVP this year, and his home run at the top of the 10th inning was one for the record books.In a press release this morning, Chevrolet says he chose the car because he is giving to his mother. This 2019 Camaro SS has new exterior styling and the 10-speed automatic from the ZL1. Also borrowed from the supercar are the line lock and launch control systems. The Chevrolet Youth Baseball program is a partnership with the MLB and every Chevy dealer. They have donated over 150,000 equipment kits and setup over 1,800 youth baseball clinics across the country. Included with the press release are photos of Alex with Chevy's Vice President Brian Sweeny along with the Bregman family. Congratulations Alex on leading the American League to victory and getting mom a new car!Find Your Camaro Here!

By Edward Jones – November 02, 2017

World Series MVP Awarded with a Special Truck

The Houston Astros are now the 2017 World Series champions and are the greatest baseball team in the country for the time being. During the World Series, George Springer went off, going 11-for-29 with five home runs and seven RBI. With that many home runs, he ties Reggie Jackson (1977) and Chase Utley (2009) for the most home runs in a World Series. With those numbers, he was naturally picked as the 2017 Willie Mays World Series Most Valuable Player. With this award, he was given a brand-new 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Centennial Edition pickup truck. This truck celebrates the 100th year anniversary of the first production truck made by Chevy. Congratulations to the Houston Astros and Springer on their momentous win!Just Released: New Images of the Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6

By Andrew Nabors – October 31, 2017

Chevrolet Unveils Luke Bryan's Concept Suburban

Most people don't realize the power of a good name. Chevrolet does, and that is why the Suburban has been in production for 83 years. Chevy has been building trucks for a century, so they've pulled out all the stops for this year's SEMA show. To tap into the hearts of Country Music fans, Luke Bryan was asked to build his ultimate version of the 2018 Suburban.Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile TimesIt was revealed in a press release last night, and the details are mouth-watering. Taking a page from his lyrics, it embodies the "Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day" lifestyle. Starting where it counts, the offroad 35" tires are wrapped around 22" wheels. A suspension lift was installed for more travel and ground clearance. Instead of the stump-pulling 6.2 liter V8, Luke chose the 5.3-liter as a great compromise between power and fuel economy. It sends 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque to all wheels, and Chevrolet mentions it has been part of their lineup for 60 years. The modern 325 ci V8 shares nothing in common with the classic 327 other than being a Chevrolet option, but the sentiment and heritage are worth their weight in gold.To show off the extensive lineup of accessory parts, it was bestowed with a mesh grille, nerf bars, Thule roof rack, LEDs by Baja Design, and rod holders. The retro-inspired tailgate swings out, along with a full-size spare tire. A rear-facing 3rd-row seat with a fabricated footwell harkens back to the tail-gunner seats of Chevy wagons. Brembo brakes round out the package, showcasing a ton of options available at the dealer. It is just one of the 20 Chevrolet display vehicles at SEMA, so follow our coverage on Facebook for live feeds later this week. If you are looking for a great deal on leftover 2017 models, click the link below and stay with us here at Autofluence for all your Chevy news. Search Chevrolet For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=No9rAthyBNc

By Andrew Nabors – July 12, 2017

All-Star Game MVP Robinson Cano Wins Corvette Grand Sport

One of the best series of advertisements in automotive history was Chevrolet's slogan in the 70's: "Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie & Chevrolet". As one of the biggest sponsors of Major League Baseball, Chevrolet had something special for last night's All-Star Game. The American League won in the 13th inning, thanks to the efforts of Seattle Mariner Robinson Canó. To celebrate his first All-Star award, Chevrolet Vice-President Brian Sweeny offered him a new Colorado ZR2 or a new Corvette Grand Sport, with a few congratulations: "“Robinson Canó turned in a tremendous performance tonight and is an excellent example to all baseball fans, and especially our kids, that hustle, determination, and teamwork are what wins, and that is why Chevrolet is proud to present the MVP award”. Although the Colorado ZR2 is a hot seller, we think he made the right choice with the new Corvette. If you have been considering a more efficient daily driver, the naturally aspirated 6.2 liter is capable of 28 miles per gallon and an 11.8-second quarter mile at 118 mph. Reaching 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, it will scare the daylights out of any first baseman. The spoilers and wide body parts are borrowed from the Z06 for aggressive looks and incredible grip. A blue metallic finish with a white center stripe is a throwback to the original 1963 Grand Sports. It was a secret program to build race cars to compete on the world stage. Resurrected in 1996, they were powered by the final and most powerful version of the 350 V8. You might be wondering why he wasn't offered a Z06? That's because the wild ZR1 is almost ready to launch. It will probably send the Z06 back to the dugout, but the Grand Sport will remain as the best combination of power and performance. Congrats to Mr. Canó on the big win! if you want to be part of a winning team, our dealers have great summer incentives on new Corvette Grand Sports for sale. Stay with us for all your Chevrolet news.

By Andrew Nabors – January 13, 2017

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Preview: Dale Jr's 1970 Chevel...

Global warming has been the driving force behind car emissions laws since the 1970s. States with strict emissions laws have guidelines to follow when modifying anything under the hood, so many enthusiasts are limited in engine upgrades. Every part must be tested and receive a smog legal number that is cataloged when the car is emissions tested. So Chevrolet Performance engineers made the bold move of adding up every 50-state legal component they offer and it made for a great parts catalog. But they already had a clean burning monster under the hood of the Camaro ZL1, so the entire powertrain was offered with smog legal status as the Connect and Cruise system. From intake to exhaust, the 556 hp supercharged 6.2 liter LSA is identical to what was found in the Camaro and 2nd generation CTS-V, and very similar to the 638 hp LS9 in the Corvette ZR1. (Also Read - Justin Bieber's Liberty Walk Ferrari 458 Up for Auction) To show the world how easy it is to make a classic muscle car offer modern efficiency, Chevrolet Performance worked with Dale Earnhardt Jr. to showcase the first Connect and Cruise system. The perfect starting point was his 1970 Chevelle SS, which a high water mark for all muscle cars. The build took place at GM's Milford Proving Grounds, because it has the same level of security as Area 51. A new body was supplied by Dynacorn, and it was dropped onto a coil over suspension. Moser Engineering built a 12 bolt rear end with 3.73 gears and disc brakes. Seats, wheels, and several other parts are straight from the Camaro assembly line, and are available at your local GM parts department. As part of the prime time Saturday night lineup, this Chevelle will be offered at no reserve at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. All proceeds will go to Nationwide Children's Hospital, so it will undoubtedly incite a bidding frenzy. We will be there with live updates, so stay with us for all the auction excitement. If you don't need that much power, we have a few pristine examples for your consideration. View Listing

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