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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

Miller Motorcars Brings Together 14 Ferrari Daytona SP3 Hypercars In Rare Historic Gathering

By Khris Bharath – March 09, 2026

Miller Motorcars Brings Together 14 Ferrari Daytona SP3's

In November last year, Miller Motorcars showed off three rare Ferrari Daytona SP3. This past weekend, the dealership hosted yet another significant gathering inside its Greenwich, Connecticut, showroom, bringing together 14 Ferrari Daytona SP3 hypercars for what is believed to be the largest assembly of the model ever displayed in one location. The cars returned together publicly for the first time since leaving Ferrari’s factory in Maranello. Owners transported their examples to Connecticut for the private showcase, creating an extraordinary lineup of Ferrari’s latest Icona Series flagship. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miller Motorcars (@millermotorcars) The collection reflected the highly personalized nature of the Daytona SP3 program. Specifications ranged from dramatic exposed carbon finishes to classic Ferrari reds and heritage-inspired tones. Among the cars displayed were examples finished in Transitional Ametista Exposed Carbon, Rosso Magma, Blu Lucido Carbon, Wine Red Exposed Carbon, Aluminio Opaco, Rosso Fuoco, Nero DS, Bianco Italia Opaca, Giallo Modena, Bianco Mille Miglia, and Rosso Maranello. The centerpiece of the gathering was the one of one Daytona SP3 finished in Exposed Carbon with Giallo Modena accents. This particular car holds special significance as the 600th example of the model ever produced. Ferrari originally limited the Daytona SP3 to 599 units worldwide, all allocated to select collectors. The additional car was later created for charity and achieved $26 million at auction during Monterey Car Week last year. The Daytona SP3 program combines historic design inspiration with modern engineering. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 mounted behind the cockpit, marking Ferrari’s first mid-mounted non-hybrid V12 flagship since the Enzo. Beyond the display itself, the gathering also supported an important cause. Proceeds raised during the event will benefit Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. View All Miller Motors Inventory Images: @millermotorcars

Three sports cars—one red, one black, and an ultra-rare Ferrari Daytona SP3 with white stripes—are parked side by side on a paved area next to a mossy rock wall, possibly showcased by Miller Motorcars.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 24, 2025

Miller Motorcars Shows Off THREE Ultra-Rare Ferrari Dayto...

Maranello's modern hypercar comes best in threes. Engineered as both a track weapon and the future of an Italian legacy built on craftsmanship and performance, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 epitomizes Enzo’s drive to stay true to the brand and its racing roots. Today, with monumental predecessors like the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari, the Daytona SP3 continues to write its own chapter with 599 examples allocated to Ferrari’s most VIP clients, often joining already-impressive collections of Italian prancing horses. Showcasing Ferrari’s wide spectrum of colors and a small percentage of its production, the team at Miller Motorcars of Greenwich, CT, recently gathered three of its clients’ Daytona SP3 hypercars for what looks to be the photoshoot of the year. @millermotorcars/@carsthatlookneat Instagram Starting with the most traditional, heritage-forward spec, the first of the SP3 trio comes finished in multi-layer Rosso Magma with hand-painted Ferrari shields. Delivered new back in February, the build also features other personalized touches, courtesy of the owner, like matte bronze finished wheels and an American flag badge on the rear bumper. Next in the lineup takes on a more sinister style with a classic Nero Daytona paint scheme, accentuated by a set of satin-finished factory silver wheels and hand-painted Ferrari shields. Taking ownership back in March, the all-black Daytona SP3 remains a timeless spec that blends the past and future of Ferrari. And last, but certainly not least, a seriously stunning Daytona SP3 that is new to us, sporting a color that is unknown to us, but what we will call a metallic light purple carbon. The light viola shade showcases a whole new appearance to the car, exposing its carbon fiber structure while highlighting its racing roots with a silver Scuderia-style racing stripe. Add in beautiful hand-painted Ferrari shields, and those gloss silver forged wheels, and we may have a contender for best Daytona SP3 spec of all time. @millermotorcars/@carsthatlookneat Instagram When it comes to the cabin, these owners optioned for their Daytona SP3s with vibrant interior designs that shy away from traditional black and beige leathers, pushing the creative boundaries of Ferrari’s upholstery team. And while carbon fiber seems to cover almost every inch of the interior, helping to identify its ultra-lightweight DNA, the carbon Daytona-style seats act as a blank canvas for limitless color options. All the colors featured look to pair perfectly with their exterior paint choices: Oro Jeans Aunde on the Rosso Magma, blue for the Nero Daytona, and a grey alcantara inside the exposed purple carbon. @millermotorcars/@carsthatlookneat Instagram The Ferrari Daytona SP3 pairs its design heritage with some truly impressive mechanical credentials, starting with a 6.5L naturally aspirated V12 that produces 829 horsepower and revs to an astonishing 9,500 rpm. Power is managed through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering quick, precise shifts that keep the car composed even as it works through its upper range. Performance numbers reinforce just how capable the SP3 is: 0–62 mph sprint in roughly 2.8 seconds, 0–124 mph in about 7.4 seconds, and top speed exceeds 211 mph. All Miller Motorcars Inventory View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miller Motorcars (@millermotorcars) Source: @millermotorcars/@carsthatlookneat Instagram

A group of six people stands behind a sleek, dark brown convertible in an upscale showroom filled with other luxury vehicles, including the impressive Ferrari Daytona SP3.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 11, 2025

Ferrari of Central New Jersey Delivers A Stunning Tailor ...

Its unlike any Daytona SP3 we've seen before! While every Ferrari that rolls off the production line in Maranello proves to be special in some way, there are exclusive models that cement themselves as timeless icons for the renowned Italian marque. Representing a moment in time for both the brand and the industry itself, cars like the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari have gone on to lay the foundation for the future of hypercar engineering and new models like the Daytona SP3. The team at Ferrari of Central New Jersey is proud to showcase the delivery of a very special Ferrari Daytona SP3 to one of its most coveted clients. Recently uploaded to the dealership's Instagram (@ferraricentralnewjersey), the team documented the delivery with a heartfelt celebration, welcoming the new owner and his family for the special occasion. The new Ferrari hypercar will join a fleet of Italian prancing horses, including a LaFerrari Aperta, 296 GTS, and Roma that the owner recently purchased from Ferrari of Central New Jersey. Uncovered alongside framed photos, Dom Perignon, a color-matched cake, and a flower bouquet, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 left everyone in its presence speechless with a stunning deep purple finish. The breathtaking shade, courtesy of Ferrari's Tailor Made department, even extends to its paint-matched center caps, grilles, and carbon engine covers. Inside, the cabin pays homage to historic Ferrari racecars with a vibrant blue Alcantara and exposed carbon fiber interior. Going the extra mile to make this day truly memorable, Ferrari of Central New Jersey sends off the Daytona SP3 and its new owner with best wishes on a future filled with thrilling drives. View all Ferrari of Central New Jersey inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Ferrari of Central New Jersey Inventory View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ferrari of Central New Jersey (@ferraricentralnewjersey) Source: Ferrari of Central New Jersey Instagram

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