Concept 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

A sleek, futuristic red and black sports car with aerodynamic design is parked on a reflective surface under a clear sky—reminiscent of the California Corvette: GM's Pasadena Studio showcases this stunning one-off hypercar concept.

By Khris Bharath – July 25, 2025

California Corvette: GM's Pasadena Studio Showcases One-O...

Chevrolet has just unveiled digital renderings of a Corvette concept unlike anything before it, a bold reinterpretation shaped by the sun-soaked design culture of SoCal. Fittingly, this is the California Corvette Concept, the second in a trio of Corvette-inspired design studies scheduled to debut in 2025, and this one, as the name suggests, was developed by GM’s Advanced Design studio in Pasadena. A futuristic vision steeped in Corvette heritage and West Coast creativity, this is a one-of-one hypercar that reimagines America’s sports car through the lens of Southern California’s distinctive design language and is a follow-up to the first Corvette design study revealed earlier this year by GM’s U.K. Advanced Design studio. “Our Advanced Design teams are dedicated to shaping the future,” said Bryan Nesbitt, GM’s vice president of global design. “This concept honors Corvette performance while pushing into new territory.” That territory, in this particular case, is defined by dramatic proportions, a narrow cockpit, a canopy-style roof that lifts forward in one seamless motion. Also, the front-hinged canopy can be removed altogether, transforming the California Corvette concept from a sleek street machine into a stripped-down, open-air track weapon. Built around a carbon-fiber tub with a tunneled underbody and active aero elements, including a deployable spoiler and air brake, the car sits low to the ground and has a wide stance, with tires wrapped in staggered wheels measuring 21 inches in front and 22 inches at the rear. An assumed T-shaped prismatic battery pack sits low in the chassis, which improves airflow and seating position, enhancing driving dynamics. A hint of red serves as a great accent color against the sleek silver and ties it all in with Corvette tradition. Inside, the experience is as focused as it gets. The minimalist cockpit eliminates unnecessary distractions, while integrated structural elements, performance-focused displays, and yoke steering keep the driver’s attention where it belongs. An augmented-reality head-up display presents only the most essential data, enhancing awareness at high speed without overloading the senses. This concept is not intended for production, and that only gives designers the freedom to dream more boldly. What results is a design philosophy made visible in a machine that celebrates the Corvette’s rebellious spirit, southern California’s rich design tradition. Earlier this month, we spotlighted some of the most radical mid-engine American concept cars in our Independence Day special, and the California Corvette fits right into that lineage while simultaneously standing apart. Its SoCal origins are no coincidence. Pasadena has long been a creative epicenter for the automotive world, with institutions like the ArtCenter College of Design producing some of the industry’s most influential designers. Legendary names like Henrik Fisker, Franz von Holzhausen, Luc Donckerwolke, and Karim Antoine Habib all walked its halls before going on to shape the design language of brands like Aston Martin and Fisker Inc., Tesla, Lamborghini, Bentley, Genesis, and BMW. The GM Pasadena facility, spread across a 148,000-square-foot campus and staffed by around 130 designers, sculptors, fabricators, and creative professionals, plays a vital role in GM’s global design ecosystem. It works alongside other studios around the globe, with locations in Detroit, Shanghai, Seoul, the U.K., and Los Angeles, each contributing to a shared mission of pushing automotive design into uncharted territory. Of course, the idea of a mid-ship Corvette is not new and has existed for decades, long before the C8. Zora Arkus-Duntov, often considered the father of the Corvette, envisioned such a configuration as far back as the 1960s. His experimental prototypes, including the XP-882 and AeroVette, laid the groundwork for future explorations of performance and layout, even if they never reached production. The California Concept honors this history while forging something entirely new and futuristic. View All Chevrolet Corvettes For Sale Source: General Motors Design

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2021

Yamaha Unveils Compact 470 HP Electric Motor

Time to finish your project car When building a car to suit your needs, the engine is often the starting point. Now it's time to take your project in a green direction thanks to Yamaha's new 800-volt motor. Rated at 470 horsepower, it is poised to shakeup the world of hybrids and electrics. The world's biggest companies are in a race for electric supremacy, much like how Porsche has upped their stake in Rimac to 24%. The press release highlights their abilities to power everything from motorcycles to track cars, all you need is a battery and a little time. It is self-contained without the need for cooling pumps or radiators. Instead, the oil filter is mounted on the case for easy maintenance. Their goal is create new opportunities in mobility and fun in the aftermarket, so tell us what you would do with 470 horsepower in the comments below.

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2021

Opel Teases an Electric Restomod Revival of the Manta

A gorgeous car appeared on European roads back in 1970, so now is a perfect time for a comeback. Opel has teased an electric restomod revival of the Manta with a high-voltage heart. Opel was the luxury & sporty arm of General Motors in Germany. Along with their English cousins at Vauxhall, Americans have had a few opportunities to buy them from Buick & Cadillac dealerships over the years. GM sold the brand to Stellantis, the owners of Fiat-Chrysler & Peugeot. This teaser of the GSe ElektroMOD definitely has retro styling, something not yet embraced by electric automakers. Their press release mentions the name is a reference to their world-record setting Elektro GT from the 70s along with MOD for modern technology. With a stiff injection of cash, Opel is poised to bring back the glory days, so we'd like to see it offered at Dodge & Chrysler lots. Their goal is to be all-electric by 2024, so we think this is a great starting point. Browse Sports Cars For Sale Image (C) Stellantis NV

By Andrew Nabors – January 22, 2021

Vanderhall Teases Navarro Electric Side By Side

Are your off-road memories tainted by the sounds and smells of ATV engines? It's time to take batteries into uncharted territory, so Vanderhall has teased the Navarro electric Side By Side. Their Edison roadster arrived with incredible power and a range of 200 miles. Sending torque to all wheels is made easy with all-terrain tires and healthy ground clearance. We always enjoy having them on display, so stay with us for all your Vanderhall updates. Images (C) Vanderhall Motor Works

By Andrew Nabors – January 04, 2021

Aspark Owl Officially For Sale

Waiting for the world's quickest car is almost over. If you need to reach 60 mph in 1.72 seconds, the Aspark Owl is officially for sale. The latest Japanese supercar is limited to 50 examples, each with around 2,000 horsepower. With each wheel having its own motor, they claim to have the fastest 0-60 time of any production car. The press release mentions 20 cars are allocated for Europe and another 20 are aimed at the Middle East and Asia. That leaves only 10 for North America, so you better act fast. Aspark Owl Revealed: World’s Quickest and Most Powerful Production Car A new showroom in Osaka has opened to allow potential customers to experience the car in person, and they have secured a partnership with a dealer in South Florida. At roughly 3.5 Million dollars, it isn't cheap. But having the latest in electric hypercars is a life goal for many. CEO Masanori Yoshida said: "We will continue to increase the number of retailers around the world so that we can sell the Owl to the right customers at the right time and provide them with a special driving and acceleration experience they have never had before”. Click the button to learn more and stay with us for more Aspark news. Learn More Image (C) AsparkCompany.com

By Andrew Nabors – December 10, 2020

Henrik Fisker Teases Something New

We were beginning to think 2020 was the year of the fake concept car until last night. That's when our friend Henrik Fisker teased something new. His bold styling can be seen on the BMW Z8, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, DB9, and the eponymous Fisker Karma. His latest Tweet mentions climate change, EVs, and love, and we see a headlight housing reminiscent of his favorite shape. Regardless of what it resembles, he finds a way to push every design into production despite all the naysayers. So listen to his advice to CNBC's Jim Cramer and stay with us for all your Fisker news. " width="680"> Image Source (C) @HenrikFisker

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2020

AC Cars Introduces The Series 4-Electric

Once the war was over, servicemen stationed in England enjoyed the light & nimble AC Ace. One of those veterans was Carroll Shelby, who dropped in a Ford V8 to build his Cobra. Although the automaker might have changed hands a few times since then, AC Cars has introduced the Series 4-Electric. https://www.facebook.com/102556118182006/videos/1643825275799039 In a collaboration with Falcon Electric, this carbon-neutral Cobra offers 617 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. More powerful than almost any big-block Cobra, it would be a formidable contender against Mr. Shelby's Super Snake. Without sacrificing the iconic dimensions, a 54 kWh battery offers 200 miles of range and 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The curb weight is under 2,623 lbs, with an ideal balance front-to-rear. Pricing starts at £168,000, or around $226,500. Click the button below to find your Cobra and stay with us for all your electric supercar news. Browse Shelby Cobra For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2020

Volcon E-Powersports Announces Austin Headquarters

Texas is not playing when it comes to innovation. That's why Volcon E-Powersports has announced their Austin headquarters. In a press release yesterday their website confirms a crowdfunding program along with their first three models. After only a few hours we see over $1.6 Million dollars from 724 investors. Layout Of Volcon Headquarters They want to see the first electric ATV company turn up the heat on gas-powered fun, so the Grunt will start at $5,995. This overland e-cycle has big tires for maximum grip and 75 lb-ft of torque. Weighing less than 200 lbs, it offers a range of 100 miles with a top speed of 60 mph. The battery is charged in 2 hours, or easily swapped for a charged one to keep on riding. Also announced are the Stag Side-by-side and the Beast ATV. This trio will begin production this Spring, so stay with us for more Volcon updates.

By Andrew Nabors – November 05, 2020

Volvo P1800 Cyan Is Ready To Race

What happens when a race team is given a blank check? For Cyan Racing it means a return to their origins, and they have just announce that the Volvo P1800 Cyan is ready to race. This 21st century interpretation of the world's most favorite Scandinavian, it was built by Polestar engineers with the same winning DNA as their S60 TC1. Volvo Will Give Away $1 Million in Cars if there is a Big Game Safety Their 2-liter turbo-four offers 420 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque. A new chassis was developed to make the classic lower and wider than before. You won't notice at first that every body panel has been altered to hide the subtle difference. Aluminum control arms and spindles are combined with rack & pinion steering and an independent rear suspension. With a curb weight of 2,182 lbs it will be potent on the track and a blast on the streets. Until it arrives we have a nice array of classic Swedish cars for sale. Click the link below and stay with us for all your Volvo updates.

By Andrew Nabors – September 08, 2020

GM & Nikola Join Forces To Build Electric Trucks

Almost a year ago we were literally shocked by a new manufacturer. Anheuser-Busch delivered beer with zero pollution. Nikola Corporation received an order for 800 fuel-cell trucks along with cash to begin work on their electric pickup. With Tesla in their crosshairs, investors and the public have been wondering who would step up to help them. That answer came today as GM & Nikola have joined forces to build electric trucks. This investment of 11% is valued at $2 Billion of Nikola's common stock thanks to the sharing of innovation and production between the two companies. The press release says Nikola will use GM's new Ultium battery technology while their Badger pickup truck is engineered and built for them by GM. This allows GM to be the exclusive fuel cell supplier for Nikola's Class 7/8 trucks outside of Europe. Nikola has been building production Semi Trucks at a snail's pace so far, so this is truly exciting. The Badger will be offered in EV or Fuel Cell models, so click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your EV news. Learn More " width="680">

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