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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 Tyler Rampersaud – June 09, 2026

New Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV Unveiled

Hennessey is known for its high-performance, all-American engineering, whether that be with groundbreaking hypercars or enhanced versions of celebrated muscle cars, trucks, and SUVs. One of its most recognizable nameplates is VelociRaptor, which began as a Hennessey twist on the Ford F-150 Raptor performance truck, and then expanded to include other truck models, the Ford Bronco, and now a three-row SUV. The latest Hennessey VelociRaptor model, the Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV Expedition, is based on the Ford Expedition, Ford’s iconic full-size SUV, and it aims to combine compelling performance and off-road capability with sharp style and versatility for the whole family. Its basis is the already high-spec Ford Expedition Tremor, and after over a decade of Hennessey VelociRaptor lineage, it receives Hennessey’s signature treatment of enhanced off-road hardware, visual revisions, and other improvements. Power comes from a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 440 horsepower and 510 lb/ft of torque, and Hennessey transforms the Expedition with features like an off-road suspension, a two-inch ride height lift, and all-terrain tires on custom 20-inch wheels. Visual changes include a revised front bumper and front skid plates for an aggressive, purpose-built look. Power sidesteps make for easy entry and exit despite the lift, and the three-row interior offers a practical, family-friendly interior along with the off-road capability of Hennessey VelociRaptor vehicles. <- Gallery -> A limited-production model, each Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV Expedition is serial-numbered, with a plaque adorning the interior to denote its exclusivity. Each example is dynamometer-tested, road-tested, and street legal, and as with all Hennessey vehicles, it is backed by a comprehensive 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty. For customers who want a vehicle that combines Hennessey style and performance engineering with off-road capability and family-ready practicality, the new Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV Expedition is one of the most versatile models to emerge from the Texas engineering powerhouse yet. View All Ford Expedition For Sale Image Source: Hennessey

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 25, 2025

Hennessey Unveils New 1-of-91 850HP SUPER VENOM Mustang

Hennessey celebrates decades of performance with a new special edition. Known as one of the most iconic purveyors of unabashed American performance, Hennessey has been celebrated by legions of enthusiasts and car collectors for its impeccable engineering abilities, groundbreaking hypercars, and immensely powerful custom creations. However, it all began in 1991, and a new limited-production custom Ford Mustang-based model will serve as a stunning tribute to the storied legacy of Hennessey performance excellence. The new model is called the Hennessey SUPER VENOM, and its Venom name continues a cornerstone staple of Hennessey’s heritage, from the Venom Dodge Vipers, to the Hennessey Venom GT hypercar, to the latest Hennessey Venom F5 that boasts record-breaking performance and is currently pursuing the goal of a 300-mph top speed. Based on the Ford Mustang, the new SUPER VENOM boasts a 70-percent increase to the power of its 5.0-liter V8 engine with an immense 850 horsepower. However, that’s just the beginning. Also boasting 650 lb/ft of torque, the new Hennessey SUPER VENOM also brandishes an all-new bespoke ‘VenomAero’ carbon fiber performance kit meant to improve handling and render the Mustang into a dynamic, formidably well-rounded Hennessey performance machine. Only 91 examples of the Hennessey SUPER VENOM are set to be made, paying homage to the 1991 founding year of the manufacturer, with a unique ‘91 Icon’ livery. The Hennessey SUPER VENOM Dark Horse starts at $163,950, while the Hennessey SUPER VENOM GT carries a starting price of $149,950. Both builds are available to order from Hennessey-authorized Ford dealerships, as well as directly from Hennessey. With over three decades of American performance excellence, the new Hennessey SUPER VENOM GT is both a celebration of incredible engineering and an example of what Hennessey does best. View All Hennesseys For Sale Image Source: Hennessey

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 24, 2024

Hennessey Launches Its New Venom 800 F-150 Raptor R Super...

The Ford Raptor R gets an extra pep in its step with help from Hennessey. With a knack for fitting some of the automotive world's most powerful cars, trucks, and SUVs with performance upgrades for even more horsepower, Hennessey continues to diversify its lineup with an all-new build that features the Ford F-150 Raptor R, the Venom 800 Super Truck. Hennessey Performance has responded to overwhelming demand by introducing the Venom 800 F-150, a powerful super-truck delivering 800 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 757 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. The extra power boost allows the Venom 800 to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and achieve an impressive 11.7-second quarter mile time. Upgrades to the Raptor R's suspension, wheels, tires, and powertrain guarantee the full-size truck is both extremely fast and incredibly capable. Hennessey’s team installed a 3.0L supercharger, high-performance fuel injection, and their proprietary engine calibration system to achieve its power gain. A dual-tip cat-back exhaust and massive Brembo performance brakes round out the upgrades. The build also features a six-inch BDS suspension lift with FOX coilovers and 35-inch off-road tires for on and off-road use. LED off-road lights, steel ‘Venom’ bumpers, and a custom Hennessey grille add signature flair to the exterior. Inside, the Venom 800 F-150 continues to impress with luxurious touches like embroidered headrests, American flag inserts, and a serial-numbered plaque. With only 250 units available globally in 2024, each model comes with Hennessey badging and a 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty. Available exclusively through authorized Ford retailers, the Hennessey Venom 800 combines extreme performance, luxury, and exclusivity. View all Ford F-150 Raptors for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford F-150 Raptors For Sale Source: Hennessey

By Andrew Nabors – April 02, 2021

How Fast Is The Hennessey VelociRaptor 700 F-250?

Let's watch their latest build lineup against a stock Ford When Ford announced their all-new big-block V8, we figured it would be an evolution of the Coyote or even the return of the Trinity. But the world is still in awe of the new Godzilla. So just how fast is the new Hennessey VelociRaptor 700 F-250? Blue Oval engineers had a goal to offer best-in-class fuel economy and towing ability, so it has 430 horsepower and a stump-pulling 475 torques from the factory. So once it arrived in Texas, the team realized that nobody in the aftermarket had stepped up to see what it is capable of. Starting with their belt-driven intake manifold, the Hennessey supercharger and their proprietary intercooler were added. That boost needs to be heard, so a new exhaust was fabricated from stem to stern. After 200 miles of real-world testing, the computer received instructions for safe ignition and fuel mapping. The dyno doesn't lie, and it shows 700 horsepower and 722 lb-ft of torque. This is without touching the cam or heads, so there is undoubtedly more power to be had. If you need to tow 15,000 lbs before the drag race, this is the truck for you! Click the button for all the details. View Hennessey Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2021

Hennessey Venom 1000 GT500 First Impressions

Another Happy Customer! Ford will be happy to sell you the most powerful Mustang ever offered, but it will be just like all the others. For those of us that dare to be different, let's watch the Hennessey Venom 1000 GT500 first impressions from its owner. Mr. Devine allowed Mr. Hennessey and the team to dive into a new Shelby GT500. Starting with the supercharger, it is gutted and rebuilt to move much more air. Their snout and pulleys are turned by a new drive system that won't slip under load. The intercooler system is also new, with a massive brick and high-flow heat exchanger. What separates the Venom 1000 from lesser competitors is the ability to ingest moonshine. A new flex-fuel system is integrated into the factory computer. Once it senses E85, the boost and ignition timing are unlocked to make 1,000 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. Because you have 850 lb-ft of torque at 4,800, you might need a tire sponsor. Each example is fine-tuned for comfortable street driving, even if you only have 900 horsepower on 93 octane. The dual-clutch transmission is given a snappy tune to make the most of this power, and the look on their faces is priceless! Click the button for all the details on this Venom and stay with us for all your Hennessey news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – February 27, 2020

Hennessey Unveils 2020 Venom 775 at Brown Lee Ford

Most people buy a truck as a utility vehicle. Moving goods from point A to B is why the Ford F-Series has been popular for decades. The F-150 and the 5.0L V8 are like peas and carrots. While the aforementioned vegetables are healthy, a few of us like the occasional Ghost Pepper. That is why Hennessey has unveiled the 2020 Venom 775. In his latest press release, our friend John Hennessey said: " At Hennessey Performance, we continue to push the envelope and crush the competition, The Venom 775, is the culmination of what the perfect F-150 should be." Brown Lee Ford: Your Hennessey VelociRaptor Headquarters Starting with a ram air hood, it arrives with a 2.9L supercharger, new fuel system, stainless exhaust, 6" suspension lift, and 20" wheels wrapped in 35" Toyo tires. Other goodies include powered running boards, plush leather, and 15.1" Brembo brakes. Because of the extensive modifications, the only person authorized to order them is Brock Patterson at Brown Lee Ford. Click the button below to view their inventory, or call Brock at 888-348-5653 view 2020 Vemom 775 for sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 22, 2020

Hennessey Performance Receives 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500

Every time an automaker says "It can't be done", John Hennessey and his team prove them wrong. Ford and Shelby have produced the most powerful production Pony Car ever sold. That being said, engineers are forced to leave power on the table for insurance and safety concerns. Our friend in Sealy, Texas began his career with Vipers, so its only natural to play with Cobras. That's why we're excited that Hennessey Performance has received a 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500. What will it make on the dyno? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! Browse All Ford Mustang For Sale " width="680"> Related: " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2019

Hennessey VelociRaptor 600: Up Close & Personal

It is Spring in Sealy, Texas, and the flowers are blooming. Just when we thought this was a nature film, the roar of a 600 horsepower Ford is heard across the field. In their latest upload we can see a Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 up close and personal. For only a minute long, it includes scenes around and under the beast as the driver gets in and out of boost. This gives us a nice look at the mandrel-bent exhaust, custom fabricated bumpers, and the bright LEDs. The VelociRaptor V8 offers a 5.0L Coyote swap if you want a more traditional exhaust sound. Both are available in 4WD or the ultimate 6x6. Tell us which one you would own in the comments below and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. View Hennessey Performance Velociraptors Related: Hennessey Performance McLaren Senna HPE1000 Hennessey Performance Ferrari F12berlinetta HPE800 Testing

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