Hennessey

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 – November 07, 2023

Hennessey Performance Debuts The 'Last Stand' Series To C...

In a thrilling tribute to the celebrated 6.2-liter Hellcat HEMI V8. engine platform, Hennessey Performance has announced a limited edition 'Last Stand' for Dodge SRT Challenger and Charger enthusiasts. This commemorative series pays homage to the nine-year reign of the supercharged engine that has powered some of Dodge’s fiercest models. The 'Last Stand' not only commemorates the end of an era but also elevates the Hellcat legacy to new heights with an output of a whopping 1,000 horsepower. Hennessey, known for its mantra of 'making fast cars faster,' has masterfully upgraded the Hellcat engine with enhancements like a larger supercharger, high-performance fuel injectors, and meticulous engine tuning. This power pack of upgrades boosts the power output to near-Demon levels, enabling the H1000 'Last Stand' editions to blaze from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.8 seconds. These road and track beasts sport a distinct aesthetic, featuring lightweight carbon-fiber components and special 'Last Stand' heritage graphics, setting them apart as truly collectible examples. With a limited run of only 50 vehicles, each with a unique serial number, exclusivity is guaranteed. Hennessey's craftsmanship extends beyond performance to peace of mind, with a comprehensive 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty on all upgrades. Future buyers will be delighted to know that these rare models are already rolling out of the Sealy, Texas facility, with global shipping options available. This 'Last Stand' is a celebration of the Hellcat's legendary status and a final roar of the engine that redefined power. With Hennessey's expert touch, these Dodge SRT Challenger and Charger models are set to leave a legacy as enduring and electrifying as the Hellcat engine itself. View all Hennessey Performance inventory currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Hennessey Performance Inventory Source: Hennessey Performance

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 11, 2023

Hennessey Performance Unveils Its 1,000HP EXORCIST Camaro...

The supercharged LT4 V8 is comprehensively upgraded to 1,000 horsepower – placing the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 in its crosshairs. Recognized as a world-renowned Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle builder, Hennessey Performance continues to pack more power into the industry's fastest American-made sports cars. The passionate team of professionals at Hennessey Performance have just revealed its last build series for the iconic EXORCIST Camaro ZL1 series, appropriately named the ‘Final Edition’. The baseline Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 showcases an already powerful 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 engine that delivers 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque to its rear wheels. However, Hennessey fits this track-focused beast with an arsenal of upgrades that include a larger supercharger, top-tier air induction systems, and an engine revamp of components from cylinder heads to valve springs. Paired with a meticulously crafted HPE Engine Management software that fine-tunes the Camaro’s spirit, the LT4 engine's output jumps to an astonishing 1,000 horsepower and 966 lb-ft of torque. These figures translate to a breathtaking 0-60 mph time of just 2.1 seconds and a top speed touching 217 mph. The EXORCIST’s origin in 2017 was underpinned by Hennessey’s ambition to outmuscle the Dodge Demon and its 840 horsepower mark. And while Dodge recently upped the ante with the Challenger SRT Demon 170, boasting 1,025 hp, the EXORCIST ‘Final Edition’ remains prepared for both racing circuits and regular roads. An homage to the Camaro's successful history in the automotive space, each ‘Final Edition’ engine bears a commemorative serial number, marking 57 years since the Camaro’s start. The EXORCIST ‘Final Edition’, backed by Hennessey’s solid 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty, is now in production. Enthusiasts and collectors eager to own the new Hennessey EXORCIST 'Final Edition' can reach out to Ford retailers or Hennessey directly. View all Hennessey Performance inventory currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Hennessey Performance Inventory Source: Hennessey Performance

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 18, 2023

Hennessey Delivers A Venom F5 Coupe To A Customer In Mont...

Its delivery day for Hennessey Performance at Monterey Car Week.

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 17, 2023

Hennessey Brings 8 Venom F5 Builds To Monterey Car Week

Hennessey brings its “Revolution” to Monterey Car Week.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 08, 2023

Hennessey Reveals The New Venom F5 'Revolution Roadster' ...

Priced from $3 million, the Venom F5 Revolution Roadster is limited to just 12 units worldwide, of which production is sold out!

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 26, 2023

Watch This Hennessey Venom 1000 Shelby GT500 Mustang Unle...

Putting its best work to the test, Hennessey Performance unleashes all 1,000 horsepower from the Venom 1000 GT500 Mustang.

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 05, 2023

Rafa Martinez's 2nd Hennessey Venom F5 Is The 16th Delivered

Hennessey Special Vehicles celebrated its 'Sweet 16' milestone, delivering its 16th Venom F5 hypercar to Rafa Martinez.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 18, 2021

Hennessey Venom F5 Unveiled At Monterey Car Week In 'Moja...

Hennessey Performance brought the new Venom F5 in 'Mojave Gold' to display at The Quail and Pebble Beach Concours. The 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was full of desirable and historic vehicles displayed throughout the week, exemplifying the best of the best in the industry. Part of the celebration was dedicated to a select few concept vehicles that were unveiled during the event for future owners, collectors, and enthusiasts. Hennessey Performance was one of the brands to show out with one of its newest examples, the all-new Venom F5. Unveiled earlier this year in Speed Devil Blue, the Hennessey Venom F5 boasts an incredible 1,817-horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 8-cylinder engine. MUST-READ: Hennessey Venom F5 to Debut at Amelia Island Concours The U.S. hypercar manufacturer was proud to display the second Venom F5 chassis in a ‘Mojave Gold’ version during The Quail - A Motorsport Gathering on Saturday, which later on made its way to the Concept Car Line on Sunday for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The bright metallic gold paint scheme highlighted the body lines and aerodynamics of the new hypercar while giving future clients a new color option for their specification orders. The interior is also highlighted in an ultra-clean white leather and carbon fiber configuration. Viewed as one of the most anticipated automotive releases of the year, the new Hennessey Venom F5 is the next U.S. manufactured hypercars to break lap times and top speed records. Hennessey Cars & Trucks For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 24, 2018

Hennessey Venom F5 Premiere: Over 1,600 Horsepower!

We've been waiting to see what was behind the cockpit of the new Hennessey Venom F5. The first generation Venom GT used a 7.0-liter Chevrolet LS engine and twin turbos to make 1,244 horsepower and 1,155 lb-ft of torque. It pushed the car to 270 mph at the Shuttle Landing Runway, but they were at the limits of the cast aluminum block and heads.Watch Hennessey Take Delivery of His New Ford GTNever satisfied, they have stunned the world today with the 7.6-liter (464 ci) V8 that was unveiled at The Quail. While still based on the Chevrolet's 4th Generation small block, this monster and its heads are milled from a billet of hardened alloy. Something about CNC machine work this precise...it takes our breath away. Backed by Shell and Pennzoil, Hennessey Performance has dropped 1,600 horsepower into a 2,900-pound car.The 9.3 compression ratio is able to run on 93 octane while still offering 1,300 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Only 24 examples of the Venom F5 will be produced, each one with a starting price of $1.6 million dollars. The first 15 orders are confirmed, so don't miss out!

By Edward Jones – June 20, 2017

New Hennessey Hypercar Takes Direct Aim at the Bugatti Ch...

Hennessey Performance has fired some direct shots at Bugatti, saying their new Venom F5 hypercar will be a direct competitor for the new Chiron for being the world's fastest production series super sports car.“We are very excited about our F5 and that it brings forth an all-new design and chassis to achieve even higher performance through improved aerodynamics and technology,” said company founder and CEO, John Hennessey. “The best way I can describe the Venom F5 is that it is sophisticated aggression on wheels. We look forward to sharing F5 with the world later this year.”The name of the new Venom F5 comes from the designation for the fastest tornado on Earth, the F5 tornado. These tornadoes have speeds between 260 mph and 318 mph, and Hennessey Performance is aiming to have the Venom F5 reach speeds of up to 300 mph.Hennessey Performance is already well underway when it comes to the development of the Venom F5. In fact, they have already established Hennessey Special Vehicles, a new company, that will design, develop, build and sell the new hypercar.“This is a new chapter in an all new book,” said Hennessey. “F5 will be exceptionally American and built in Texas. We look forward to sharing more details about our special hypercar very soon.”

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