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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 – July 27, 2026

Ryan Friedman Motor Cars Showcases Four Rare PTS 997 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Specs

The 911 GT3 RS has and will always continue to shine as the thoroughbred in Porsche’s motorsport-derived GT series, setting the pace on and off track with naturally aspirated performance, aero and agility, and legendary styling. With six distinct generations of the GT3 RS, each representing a key chapter in its evolution, it's no surprise that collectors and enthusiasts still debate which one deserves the title of the greatest. While every generation has a case to make, the 997-generation GT3 RS is often the fan favorite among collectors and enthusiasts, thanks to its iconic Mezger flat-six, six-speed manual gearbox, and hydraulic steering that together create the complete analog driving experience.And as if the 997 Porsche 911 GT3 RS couldn’t be any more special than it already is in the collector car world, Ryan Friedman Motor Cars just took it to a whole new level, showcasing four of the most desirable PTS (Paint-to-Sample) examples on the planet, photographed by @autofocus_nyc. The rolling time capsule represents a different era for Porsche, long before off-catalog colors and expensive Sonderwunsch builds became the norm. Back then, choosing a bold, vibrant color came with personality, not a future price tag in mind. The colorful lineup includes non-metallic Paint-to-Sample RS Orange, Mexico Blue, Speed Yellow, and what looks to be Viper Green. Rarity only adds to the appeal of these PTS GT3 RS examples, highlighting just how unique the option was for buyers at the time. The orange car is believed to be the only known North American example, while the blue and yellow examples are each among just one of two known U.S.-market cars. The green spec, the only one not available as part of Ryan Friedman Motor Cars’ inventory on duPont REGISTRY, proves to be extremely special and a collector’s gem, as it only shows 93 miles on the odometer. Summing up the spectacle perfectly on his Instagram post, Friedman captioned the gallery, saying, “You don’t recreate collections like this. You only hope you’re around when they surface. Time to break the internet.” And that he did. Ryan Friedman Motor Cars Inventory 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS View Listing 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS View Listing 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS View Listing Source: Ryan Friedman Motorcars Instagram/ Photos by @autofocus_nyc

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 01, 2025

The Porsche Exchange Shows Off A Brand-New 911 GT3 RS Fin...

This GT3 RS found its color outside the range of standard options. Born as a race-bred brand with historical roots in motorsports, Porsche has built its world-renowned reputation and a community of passionate owners and enthusiasts behind its idea of crafting the ultimate sports car. And while performance has and will always remain the focus of its DNA, it goes without saying that Porsche also prides itself on taking a creative and personalized approach to designing its cars. Porsche's Paint-to-Sample Program has allowed customers to configure their 911s using extensive color palettes since the early 1990s, birthing iconic shades like Speed Yellow, Mexico Blue, Irish Green, Ruby Star, and so many others. Highlighting how far Porsche and its PTS program have come, the team at The Porsche Exchange recently showcased this brand-new Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Ipanema Blue. Where colors play a pivotal role in Porsche's history, most come attached with a story or reasoning behind the choice of name. For Ipanema Blue, the rare turquoise metallic finish is named after the crystal clear waters of Rio de Janeiro beach. More commonly seen in 997.2 generation 911s like the Turbo S and Carrera 4 GTS, this 992 GT3 RS is the perfect example of how these influential colors continue to resurface on newer models while cementing themselves in the PTS archives. The vibrant blue finish contrasts beautifully with all the exposed gloss carbon fiber that makes the 911 GT3 RS ultra-lightweight and agile. Inside, the cabin takes a more subtle and stealthy approach with a black leather interior paired with even more exposed carbon. The 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is all about precision and performance, starting with its naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine that screams all the way up to 9,000 rpm. It delivers 518 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, paired with a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. The result is a 0–60 mph time of just 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 184 mph. View all Porsche Exchange inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Exchange Inventory Source: @porscheexchange Instagram

A white Porsche 911 GT3 RS sports car with black accents and a large rear wing is parked in front of a modern, striped metal wall.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 22, 2025

Porsche South Orlando Shows Off The Second 992 911 GT3 RS...

Since its debut to the automotive world in August 2022, Porsche's 992-generation 911 GT3 RS has gained even more traction as one of the hottest supercars on the market. Carrying on the legacy of quite possibly the most iconic GT car ever created, in both a modern and tasteful manner, Porsche honed in on its motorsport expertise with its 992 variant to deliver a true track-like driving experience to its passionate community of owners and fanatics. While the rest of the world focused on the new GT3 RS's performance and market value, the team at Manthey Racing worked quietly in the background to find ways to improve what seemed to be an already-perfect supercar through aero and handling. The result is a carefully curated package of suspension and carbon aero components that are track-proven to take the GT3 RS to the next level. Porsche South Orlando proudly shows off the second 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS MR in the U.S. If there's one thing to know about Manthey Racing, it's how rare it is to source and acquire a complete MR kit, especially now that the new GT3 RS promises serious performance. Working directly under Porsche as a branch of its performance division, Manthey Racing kits are sold and installed through certified Porsche facilities to guarantee authenticity and quality. This already-impressive white GT3 RS received the full MR kit courtesy of Porsche South Orlando and its expert team of trained technicians. The GT3 RS's exterior becomes even more agile with carbon upgrades to its front bumper, front lip, side splitters, rear diffuser, and underbody panels, which help channel air. But if you want to talk about real aero upgrades, Manthey Racing uses a carbon fiber shark fin, roof fins, larger rear wing end plates, and a two-piece DRS blade to cut through air while providing massive downforce for the straightaways. Paint-matched, lightweight carbon aero disc wheel covers add even more downforce. Cutting lap times without adding horsepower, Manthey Racing's advanced coilover kit gives the GT3 RS a more aggressive track stance while maintaining modern comforts like front-end lift. Only the second of its kind so far and ready to take on any track in its path, this ultra-exclusive 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS MR now starts its journey thanks to Porsche South Orlando. View All Porsche South Orlando Inventory Source: @porschesouthorlando Instagram

A sleek white 911 GT3 RS with a PTS Moongem finish flaunts its "GT3 RS" decal and large rear wing, resting on black wheels. It's parked stylishly on a dirt road, framed by dry grass, as if fresh from the Porsche Exchange showroom.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 14, 2025

The Porsche Exchange Shows Off A $439K PTS 'Moongem' 992 ...

You have to see it to believe it. Since its debut into the automotive world as Porsche's most track-focused GT car, the 992 911 GT3 RS continues to gain traction as owners experience the closest feeling to an actual factory racecar. And while every 992 GT3 RS that rolls off the Stutgartt production line proves to be special in its own way, Porsche's Sonderwonsch (or Special Wishes) program elevates things ever further with limitless customization possibilities to personalize your spec. Now experts in configuring jaw-dropping examples that go viral on social media, The Porsche Exchange is back at it again as they recently revealed a stunning Porsche 911 GT3 RS unlike you've ever seen before. Uploaded to its Instagram and featured on pages like @ptsrs, this GT3 RS comes from the factory in a Paint-to-Sample Moongem finish with purple decals. Exposed gloss carbon fiber accents and black magnesium wheels add contrast as its subtle shade shifts depending on which direction the light hits it. Welcoming the driver and passenger with carbon door trim that reads "Sonderwunsch," the cabin showcases a breathtaking interior that perfectly mirrors its exterior styling. Purple leather and white contrasting stitching covers every inch of the cabin, from the lower portion of the dash to the PDK shift boot. Matching carbon sport bucket seats come fit and finished with Moongem-painted trim and Pepita cloth inserts. At its heart is a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that produces 518 horsepower, revving up to an impressive 9,000 rpm. Porsche's high-revving engine is paired with a lightning-quick seven-speed PDK transmission that guarantees seamless gear changes and maximum power delivery. With its advanced aerodynamics and lightweight construction, the 992 GT3 RS accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 3.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 184 mph. View all inventory from The Porsche Exchange for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View The Porsche Exchange Inventory View this post on Instagram A post shared by Porsche Exchange (@porscheexchange) Source: @porscheexchange Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 01, 2024

Two RARE 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Tribute Editions For Sale...

This is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you and your best friend to both own GT3 RS Tribute Editions. There's no denying that the Porsche 911 GT3 RS takes a top spot as one of the best sports cars ever made, with an ongoing legacy engineered on the track for the road. And with five generations of GT3 RS models, Porsche has developed a rolling timeline that explains the evolution of its most powerful naturally-aspirated 911. In honor of the 1973 911 Carrera RS 2.7 and it kicking off the manufacturer's RS program, Porsche released a special “Tribute To Carrera RS” package for the 992-generation 911 GT3 RS. With only 150 examples produced for the world, the team at Status Auto Group of Staten Island, New York is proud to showcase not one, but two incredible 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Tribute Editions as part of its jaw-dropping inventory of supercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY. These special edition Porsches come straight from Stuttgart in an eye-catching gloss white and Python Green race livery, paying homage to the iconic Carrera RS 2.7. Every air duct, louver, and diffuser optimizes airflow for cooling and additional downforce, further intensifying the agility and performance of the already nimble GT3 RS. Complementing the design, the paint-matched Python Green magnesium wheels provide traction on long straights, while the carbon ceramic brakes deliver precise stopping power for tight corners. Notably, the standout feature on the new GT3 RS is its sizable swan-neck rear wing, equipped with an active DRS (drag reduction system) for smoother and faster overtakes. In the Porsche 911 GT3 RS Tribute Edition, passengers enter a driver-focused interior configured with black leather and Alcantara accents, highlighted by Python Green stitching. The cabin features carbon fiber sports bucket seats for added safety during high-speed drives and track sessions. The Alcantara sports steering wheel offers customizable adjustments, including suspension settings and seven traction control positions. While not suited for daily errands due to the absence of a front cargo area, the Tribute Edition prioritizes aerodynamics. Additionally, the Weissach Package, included as standard, includes a fire extinguisher and space for a track-compliant roll cage. The 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS features a motorsport-inspired 4.0L flat-six engine, delivering an impressive 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque, marking a remarkable 75% power increase from the 996 generation. Unlike some other high-performance Porsche models, the GT3 RS remains naturally aspirated, maintaining its distinctive driving experience. Paired with a refined 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, this powertrain propels the 911 GT3 RS from 0 to 60 mph in around 3.2 seconds, with a top speed reaching 197 mph. Check out these two 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Tribute Editions for sale on duPont REGISTRY from Status Auto Group by clicking the links below. View All Status Auto Group Inventory 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Tribute Edition View Price And Listing 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Tribute Edition View Price And Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 01, 2024

The Porsche Exchange Delivers A 911 GT3 RS With $92K+ In ...

Already gaining traction as one of the hottest car releases of the past year, the 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS has dominated the car market with early examples fetching well past the manufacturer's starting $223,800 MSRP. Incorporating performance and aerodynamics derived from Formula 1 racing technology, Porsche markets the new 911 GT3 RS as the supercar that delivers the closest on-track thrills to an actual factory GT Cup car. And while we've seen some pretty unbelievable GT3 RS specs roll off the Stuttgart production line, none quite hold up to the bespoke configuration recently delivered to a dear customer by the team at The Porsche Exchange of Highland Park, IL. This spec ventures outside of the traditional GT3 RS paint offerings from Porsche, sporting a breathtaking PTS (Paint-to-Sample) San Marino finish with over $92k worth of Sonderwunsch (aka Special Wishes) options. If you know anything about personalizing Porsches, the Special Wishes program takes customization to the next level by giving the customer complete creative control when designing their dream car. The only downside to the bespoke service is that Porsche can deny some of the requested options based on a long list of variables. Porsche Special Wishes Options: • Customized Front Bucket Seats• Customized Storage Bin Lid• Wheels Completely Painted• Customized Sport Steering Wheel• Customized Key Pouch• Center Console Trim in Black with Gloss Carbon Fiber Inlay• Dashboard End Pieces in Black Leather with Chalk Stitching• Lower dashboard in Black Leather• Window Lifter Plate in Black Leather• Knee Pads in Black Leather with Chalk Stitching• Upper Dashboard in Black Leather with Chalk Stitching• Inner Door-Sill Guards in Black Leather with Chalk Stitching• Painted Mirrors• Keys Painted in San Marino Blue• Dashboard Center Cover in Black Leather with Chalk Stitching• Seat Belt Passage Painted in San Marino Blue• Customized Gear Shifter• Customized Center Locking Wheel Caps• Customized Door Sill Guards in High Gloss Carbon Fiber• GT3 Front Fascia Middle Section Painted in White• Customized Door Panels• Interior Trim in Black with Gloss Carbon Fiber Inlay• Sally Pepita (Blue, Chalk and Black)• Side Plates GT3 RS Rear Wing Painted in San Marino Blue• RS Decal on Side Plates in 3M 2080-S10 Satin White• Decorative Side Logo Decal GT3 RS incl. front and rear apron• Model Designation Decal on rear 3M 2080-S10 Satin White• Lever Service Flap on Rear Painted in White• GT3 RS logo (Below Gear Shifter) in Shark Blue• “PORSCHE” Decal on Rear Wing in 3M 2080-S10 Satin White Luckily, this build slot passed production with flying colors as its extensive checklist of upgrades was approved by the manufacturer. The exterior also includes contrasting gloss white decals and exposed carbon fiber aero components that give the GT3 RS a true motorsport look and feel. Paint-matched white magnesium wheels add that extra sense of exclusivity while supplying the traction and grip needed to crush corners and lap times. Inside, Porsche's driver-centric cabin is reimagined through an interior design that beautifully matches the aggressive styling of the 911 GT3 RS' exterior. A pair of Chalk leather carbon bucket seats feature San Marino-painted trim and houndstooth inserts that pay homage to classic 911 interiors. Nestled within its rear is a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, a powerplant that sings to the tune of 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. The mechanical symphony pushes the GT3 RS from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.2 seconds, showcasing a top speed of 193 mph. View all Porsche Exchange inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View The Porsche Exchange Inventory Source: @theporscheexchange Instagram

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