Celebrity Cars

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 – May 08, 2026

Fernando Alonso Just Bought One of the Rarest Paganis Ever Made

When your day job revolves around piloting a purpose-built 1,000-horsepower Formula 1 car with massive downforce and a top speed pushing past 249 mph, it makes you wonder what actually feels exciting enough to drive once you’re back on normal public roads. Fernando Alonso is giving fans a glimpse into what scratches that itch for him away from the racetrack, recently taking delivery of the one-off Pagani Zonda Roadster Diamante Verde following its recent sale through the team at Mechatronik.Joining an already impressive collection, Fernando Alonso’s garage is filled with automotive icons like the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Aston Martin Valiant, Ferrari LaFerrari, Ferrari Enzo, McLaren Elva, and McLaren P1, along with so many others. The recent delivery of Fernando’s Pagani Zonda Roadster Diamante Verde took place in Monaco, where the members of Mechatronik were on scene, as well as renowned photographer Alex Penfold, to capture the historic moment.The Zonda already stands out as one of the most sought-after hypercars ever built, but the Diamante Verde elevates its craftsmanship and exclusivity to a whole new level. Built as a true factory one-off in 2017, this Zonda was commissioned to the full 760 spec, with a laundry list of bespoke details that never featured on another Pagani. Add in that the odometer shows just 800 kilometers (497 miles) from new, and it becomes the kind of car collectors wait years, sometimes decades, to even see publicly offered. The exposed carbon fiber exterior shows off a green-tinted finish that shifts depending on the lighting, giving the car its “Diamante Verde” name, which translates to “Sparkling Green”. From its widened front fenders to the massive rear diffuser and signature center-mounted quad-exhaust, the entire car comes sculpted by Horacio Pagani and his team. There are also details inspired by the legendary Zonda 760LM, including the distinctive hood that gives the front end an even more agressive look. Inside, the cabin keeps things clean and simple with black Alcantara, exposed carbon fiber, handcrafted touches, and even a custom Recaro car seat for Fernando Alonso’s son.Power comes from the legendary Mercedes-AMG-sourced 7.3L naturally aspirated V12, delivering 760 horsepower and revving past 8,000 rpm with one of the most recognizable exhaust notes ever fitted to a road car. In typical Pagani fashion, the experience is just as much about emotion as it is about speed. The exposed intake noise and open-top layout make the entire car raw and mechanical in the best way possible. Now, in the collection of a true Formula 1 legend, we hope to see Fernando Alonso enjoying his new Pagani Zonda Roadster Diamante Verde on the streets of Monaco soon. Source: Mechatronik/Images by Alex Penfold

By Edward Jones – August 05, 2021

Lewis Hamilton Spotted In His Pagani Zonda 760 LH in Monaco

It's nice to see this magnificent Pagani out again. Aside from the race car that Lewis Hamilton has been driving to victories, there is one other vehicle oh his that many know quite well. That car? His one-off Pagani Zonda 760 LH, with "LH" standing for Lewis Hamilton. While we haven't seen this Zonda out for quite some time, YouTube channel ExoticCarspotters recently filmed him in the supercar. The description of the video, found above, notes that he took the Zonda 760 LH out to meet Samuel L. Jackson and others on a yacht in Monaco. Now that's a proper way to travel around Monaco. In the video, you can hear the wonderful V12 engine of the Pagani Zonda 760 LH. With a sound like that, many would be hard-pressed not to drive it around every single day. Then again, he drives race cars for a living and is used to wild engine sounds even if they don't sound like as good as they used to. While you can't purchase Lewis Hamilton's Pagani, you can visit duPontREGISTRY.com's Paganis for sale by clicking the button below. See Paganis For Sale Source: ExoticCarspotters/Youtube via Motor1.com

By Andrew Nabors – August 29, 2018

Tony Robbins Visits Pagani Miami

One of the most successful authors and motivational speakers of our generation is Tony Robbins. His methods have inspired people to become better versions of themselves, and it has allowed him to become a figurehead of modern philanthropy. He has also made an impact on our friend Brett David, the owner of Pagani Miami.Pagani Huayra Specs, Price, Photos & ReviewBrett left the annual Pebble Beach Car Week to give Robbins a special private viewing of the new Pagani Huayra Roadster. Is he looking to buy himself one? We'll have to wait and see!Pagani Miami has a hotline to the factory in Italy, along with the only Pagani service department on the East Coast. If you want to experience what the brand is capable of, they can render your car in 3D, with every detail customized to your liking. Tell us how you would build your Huayra in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Pagani Miami news.Browse Pagani Huayra For Sale Flew back early from Pebble Beach Car Week for a special private viewing of the Pagani Huayra Roadster to our dear friend & mentor @tonyrobbins! One incredible human. #prestigeimports #paganimiami #teamprestige A post shared by Brett A David (@brett_david) on Aug 27, 2018 at 7:46am PDT

By Edward Jones – April 06, 2018

Manny Khoshbin's Hermes Pagani Huayra

Manny Khoshbin is the owner of a Lamborghini Aventador SV, Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren P1, Bugatti Veyrons, Porsche Carrera GT and now a one-off Pagani Huayra. (Related - 11 Paganis and an LED Lamborghini Shut Down Japanese Car Show) This new Huayra was unveiled on Khoshbin's Instagram profile where he gave a better description of the car. In one post, he says it's a completely one-off car that was designed by both Pagani and luxury brand Hermes. This is actually the first time that Pagani has done a co-design with a luxury grand. Additionally, this is one of the last Huayra to be made. As for its hardware, the Hermes Huayra has new aerodynamics, suspension, exhaust and larger wheels. Inside is Hermes-developed leather with matching leather bags, H-pattern outer aeration grills and more. The Hermes Pagani Huayra is just the latest purchase made by Khoshbin and I'm sure there will be plenty more. All Pagani For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/BM91sOlBaJF/

By Edward Jones – July 12, 2017

Justin Bieber and Lewis Hamilton Cruise in Purple Pagani ...

I'm not sure if everyone knows this, but apparently Lewis Hamilton and Justin Bieber are actually really close friends. In fact, Rolling Stone says goes so far to say that the two are BBFs.Their bromance was recently spotted in action while the two were cruising around Monaco in Hamilton's rare supercar. The said supercar is a Pagani Zonda 760 LH that was created specifically for Hamilton. This Italian supercar started off life as the Zonda 760 RSJX, but was redesigned by Horacio Pagani and became the 760 LH (LH obviously stands for Lewis Hamilton). Powering this car is a glorious 7.3-liter V12 AMG engine. This engine can put out around 760 bhp, creating a top speed of over 220 mph and a 0-60 mph time of around 3.3 seconds.Floyd Mayweather's Car CollectionCheck out the video below to see the two, and even a few extra celebs cruising Monaco.

By Edward Jones – July 18, 2016

The Rock Arrives to "Ballers" Premiere in Custom Pagani H...

For the premiere of HBO's hit television show Ballers, the star of the show, The Rock, showed up in a Pagani Huayra driven by Brett David, owner of Prestige Imports and Pagani Miami.Named "Project Vulcan", this Huayra was built specifically for David. The whole process of customizing his car and having it built took a total of two years, and it was finally delivered to him at the end of last year. “The entire process has been amazing. It’s things like being able to go behind the curtains and seeing what goes on behind the scenes that makes ordering a Pagani so special," said Brett. "Instead of feeling like a dealer, I felt like a customer for once.”Learn More About This Pagani Huayra Source: Instagram/@brett_davidKnowing just how rare and special this car is, it's fitting that it was the ride of choice for The Rock when traveling to the premiere of his show that is all about living a lavish life. And it's even more fitting that the premiere took place in Miami, where the show takes place. In the show, he's driven cars like the McLaren 650S and a custom Porsche Panamera.What's funny about the whole scenario is that the massive actor surely had to struggle to get out of the car. In an Instagram post he said in the caption: "0-60 in 2.9 seconds. And it took me 16.8 seconds to exit the vehicle cause I don't f*ckin' fit in it." View Paganis For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 01, 2016

This Pagani Huayra Delivers Shoes to Christiano Ronaldo

Famed soccer star, Christiano Ronaldo undoubtedly has an extensive shoe collection. In fact, the collection might be so extensive he actually has too many options to choose from. So why not let one of the world's most exclusive supercars choose your shoes for you? That's precisely what Ronaldo decides to do in the video below. After walking through and electrically powered, secret closet door, Ronaldo passes up rows upon rows of shoes, only to come to yet another, secret passageway that leads to a room filled with a Pagani Huayra.Athlete shoe collections are something to be coveted, especially when you're endorsed by a major shoe maker like Nike. Together, Ronaldo and Nike have created the ultimate shoe for speed: the Mercurial Superfly V.Check out the new Mercurial Superfly Vs that the Huayra chooses for Ronaldo below.VIEW PAGANI CARS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – February 29, 2016

Horacio Pagani Flies Around Monaco In His Huayra

Horacio Pagani, the man behind Pagani Automobili S.p.A., has always had an intense passion for everything automotive. In fact, Brett David of Prestige Imports told me in an interview that his father, Irv David, noted that Pagani would create "the next benchmark supercar." And if the Zonda or Huayra have anything to say about it, David was correct.After years of having a successful automobile brand, it only makes sense that Pagani treats himself to leisurely drives in some of the finest cars in the world, including his own Huayra.We've seen him in a McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder and now Supercars of Austria has spotted him driving his Huayra through the streets of Monaco. In the video, he can be seen cruising by in his matte gray Huayra, which is downright stunning. Check it out below.Paganis For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 23, 2015

Floyd Mayweather Buying Two Supercars, Aims for $30 Milli...

Famous boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is looking to increase the value of his car collection by a few million with the addition of just two cars.TMZ Sports reported Oct. 21 that Mayweather is very close to acquiring both an Aston Marton One-77 and a Pagani Huayra. According to the article, these cars have a price tag of around $3 million each. But, this multi-million dollar supercar acquisition is just the tip of the iceberg for Mayweather.Sports cars For Sale "Floyd's car collections is worth about $16 million right now and he wants to push it up to $30 million, and the biggest challenge for me is to find him very special unique cars," Obi Okeke, co-owner of Fusion Luxury Motors, told TMZ Sports. "So these two cars I've been working on getting for a while and they showed up in my showroom yesterday."(See Also: Floyd Mayweather Reveals $4.8 Million Koenigsegg Purchase)Yes, you read that correctly: Mayweather wants to essentially double the value of his car collection. And the examples he's about to acquire are stunning; Fusion Luxury Motors shared a few images of them on their Facebook page Oct. 21 and 22, with the caption of one reading, "'LANDED' - ONE-77."What will he purchase after these cars? Who knows, but we know they will be some high-ticket items.(Source: TMZ Sports, Facebook) More Celebrity Car News

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