Chevrolet

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 black SUVs, including a Hennessey-tuned Chevrolet Tahoe, are parked on an open pavement under a cloudy sky, grassy fields stretching in the background—a true Suburban Upgrade.

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 01, 2025

Hennessey Reveals New 625HP Chevrolet Tahoe & Suburban Up...

Hennessey transforms a large American SUV staple. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban are a dynamic duo that, together, comprise one of the most popular corners of the full-size SUV market, with instantly recognizable style, three rows of seating and a spacious interior, and a wide range of potential for luxurious appointments and customization. One of the most prominent specialists in customization, specifically regarding performance, is Hennessey, one of the premier engineering titans in the realm of American performance, with an incredible repertoire of custom high-performance vehicles and even hypercars emerging from its facility in Texas. Its latest reveal is of a new 625-horsepower version of the Tahoe and Suburban, thanks to a series of upgrades from Hennessey, as well as various visual tweaks that help the large SUVs stand out as unique custom creations. With the new H600 performance package, the 6.2-liter V8 engine of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban gets a new Magnuson supercharger and an upgraded exhaust to be upgraded by a factor of over 200 horsepower, bringing its total figures to 625 horsepower and 633 lb/ft of torque. In addition to its performance upgrades, the custom SUV features special 24-inch wheels, lowered ride height by 2.5 inches, and Brembo brakes for stopping power in accordance with its increased brawn. The upgrade is available to purchase through Hennessey’s approved Chevrolet dealerships, and is backed by GM’s own warranty, and also includes a three-year/36,000-mile Hennessey warranty. Those interested in the package can also contact Hennessey directly to unlock a new level of performance for two of the most iconic full-size SUVs. View All Chevrolet Suburbans For Sale " width="680"> Image Source: Hennessey Performance

By Andrew Nabors – April 29, 2021

Hennessey Performance Builds The Last Resurrection

The ultimate Camaro All good things must come to an end. John Hennessey and his team only made enough unique parts to build 20 examples of the Resurrection. Their 1,200 horsepower supercar starts with a forged 416 (6.8L) V8. Then the ZL1 1LE Camaro is taken apart to start over with Hennessey hardware. It follows the same attention to detail previewed in their new Mammoth SUV. The 1,200 horsepower Resurrection was only offered to owners of the Hennessey Exorcist, but they still have a special blend of boost and tuning to take your Camaro past 4-digit horsepower. Click the button to see what they offer for your daily driver and stay with us for all your Hennessey news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2020

Hennessey Goliath 800 Becomes World's Most Powerful 2020 ...

When Chevrolet introduced direct fuel injection, the aftermarket world was discouraged at the complex system. The latest V8 engines use an extra cam lobe to send fuel at almost 3,000 psi into the combustion chamber. Hennessey Performance was the first to find ways to deliver more fuel. It was the foundation of their supercharged Goliath, a truck that offers more than twice the power it arrived with. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time After several camshafts were tested, they settled on a unique grind that allows the 2.9-liter supercharger to fill the cylinders without just enough overlap to offer meaty torque. Hardened pushrods, Hennessey stainless exhaust, their own wheels, and fabricated steel bumpers are also along for the ride. The primary cooling system is upgraded to keep the fans running full blast, and the intercooler has a straight shot to deliver cool boost. As with all Hennessey Performance builds, no expense was spared. Click the link below for all the details & turn up the volume to let Goliath roar! Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 26, 2020

Stock Hennessey C8 Corvette Laps Circuit of the Americas

Before he built the world's first twin turbo Corvette, John Hennessey wanted a baseline on the track. So he called up SCCA racing legend and Assistant Corvette Chief Engineer John Heinricy. When John and John are at the same track, you are destined to see amazing performance. Turn up your volume and watch a stock C8 Corvette lap the Circuit of the Americas! " width="680"> P.S. Your car can't do this in the rain!

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2020

2020 C8 Corvette Stingray Twin Turbo by Hennessey Perform...

After only owning the car a few days, John Hennessey and his talented team have worked their magic on the latest plastic fantastic. After protecting the paint with masking tape, the bumper was removed to reveal the mufflers. " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> After they were deleted, the factory downpipes received V-band connections and two honkin turbos. So turn up your volume and listen to the first 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray Twin Turbo by Hennessey Performance. " width="680"> Browse All Corvette For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 03, 2020

2020 Hennessey HPE850 Camaro ZL1 1LE Shakedown Runs

Need a little more excitement in your life? There is no doubt that the latest Camaro is a great car, but we know a guy who reliably take it beyond 800 horsepower and throw in a warranty. So sit back and get ready for the 2020 Hennessey HPE850 Camaro ZL1 1LE shakedown runs. The ZL1 1LE is the culmination of decades of Camaro development. John Hennessey and his team port & polish the heads and install larger valves. After only changing the lower supercharger pulley, it consistently offers 850 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque. In fact, it is their base model package, as they offer the 1,000 horsepower Excorcist and 1,200 horsepower resurrection. Click the button below or call 979.885.1300 for all the info. " width="680">

Hennessey_HPE700_TwinTurbo_Corvette_Stingray-05

By Andrew Nabors – December 09, 2019

Hennessey HPE750 Grand Sport Customer Testimonial

The year was 2012, the setting was the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island. It was the first time in Corvette history that all 5 original Grand Sports were together. The notion of a naturally-aspirated Corvette race car scared Chevrolet management, and they ordered them destroyed. Thanks to Roger Penske and a few other racers, the cars were hidden for decades. The Grand Sport returned in the 7th generation, offering the same body and suspension as the Z06. Until the new Corvette arrives, Chevrolet is offering nearly 12,000 off new Grand Sports. Mr. Watson decided he needed 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The top model C7 ZR1 makes 755 horsepower, but Chevy won't offer any incentives. So the smartest way 215 horsepower is to call John Hennessey. He and his team ported the heads, added their secret camshaft and transformed this Grand Sport into a screamer. Browse All C7 Corvette For Sale It makes 751 horsepower and 734 lb-ft of torque with a soundtrack to match. Being much cheaper than the ZR1, congratulations Mr. Watson for being a savvy shopper, and enjoy your new Hennessey HPE750 Corvette Grand Sport. Click the button above for amazing incentives on new Corvettes and stay with us for all your Hennessey updates. " width="680"> Hennessey HPE 1000 Grans Sport is a Supercharged Beast C7 Corvette Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2019

Hennessey Performance Previews HPE1200 Corvette

Behind the cockpit of the new C8 Corvette is a familiar friend. The LT2 V8 is an improved version of the 6.2-liter LT1, which has been in production since 2013. Since the design is shared across Chevrolet, GMC, & Cadillac, a certain shop in Sealy, Texas has turned out hundreds of boosted examples. That is why Hennessey Performance has previewed their HPE1200 Corvette. Over 500 C7 Corvettes have received upgrades by John Hennessey and his team. The cramped engine bay of the C7 is gone, as Chevrolet has big plans in the next few years. Because the LT2 has gorgeous exhaust headers, fitting twin turbos is a no-brainer. Browse New Corvette For sale To ensure years of reliability, the bottom end will be replaced with forged rods and pistons. Thanks to direct-injection, a 10:1 compression ratio will spool the turbos in the twinkling of an eye. It will take several late nights to crack into the new Corvette's programming, so in the meantime, there will be exhaust upgrades and the CarbonAero body parts. Of course, you will need to supply them with your new Corvette, so click the button above to order yours now. Related: C8 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – July 26, 2019

John Hennessey Explains the Chevy Goliath in Detail

Four wheels are great, and six are amazing. That has been the formula for Hennessey Performance over the past decade. After perfecting the 6x6 conversion process on the Velociraptor, the team turned their attention to the Silverado. It has a base price of $375,000, so our friends at The Fast Lane Truck asked John Hennessey to explain the Chevy Goliath in detail. If you missed our coverage when it was first released, this build starts at the back of the cab. A new bed is 20" longer than the original, and it covers their ingenious suspension system. Fabricating a new rear frame allows them to move the factory locking rear axle to the rear. Between it and the transfer case is a custom fabricated middle axle. A pass-through pinion shaft turns an open differential and sends uninterrupted power to the rear. Riding 8" higher on a custom BDS lift kit, both the front and rear diffs retain their lockers. Hennessey Performance Unveils the 1st Production Goliath 6x6 Having an open center differential is nice, as it will vary its power left and right depending on conditions. Due to the size and weight, I would recommend the 6.2L V8, but Hennessey will build 5.3L versions like we see here. Due to the complex fabricated parts and time, only 23 more examples will be built. As soon as he cracks the encryption on the late-model truck computers, expect to see the Goliath doing things a Silverado could never dream of. Stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. Click the link below to see the Hennessey Velociraptor, and contact them for all the details. Hennessey Velociraptor 6x6 For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – May 23, 2017

Hennessey Camaro Runs 0-60 in 2.7 Seconds

Do you want to go 0-60 mph in under three seconds in a Chevrolet Camaro? Well, you're not going to do it in a production version. Because of this, it's best to leave it to an aftermarket tuner like Hennessey Performance who has a monstrous upgrade for the American muscle car. The HPE850 upgrade for the 2017 Camaro ZL1 takes the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine and pushes its power all the way up to 725 hp and 706 lb-ft of torque (858 hp and 830 lb-ft at the motor factoring a 15% driveline loss through factory manual transmission). How to they do this? With a pretty lengthy list of upgrades that can be found on their page dedicated to the package. After Hennessey Performance installs the new package on a Camaro, they claim that it will run 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds, run a quarter-mile in 104 seconds at 135 mph and hit a top speed of 210 (top speed for examples equipped with 10-speed automatic). Hennessey does not that these "acceleration times are achieved by using optional rear drag radial tires on a prepped dragstrip."

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