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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 Andrew Nabors – May 10, 2021

Hennessey Performance Unleashes The 2021 HPE1000 Dodge Ch...

You car runs 10's? That's cute! Super Stock was and is intensely competitive. Chevy's COPO Camaro, Ford's Mustang Cobra Jet and Super Stock Dodges have been fighting for showroom stock supremacy since your parents were in Middle School. Now, Hennessey muscle cars has injected their secret sauce to up the Ante. So, in order to see what the 807-horsepower Super Stock Hellcat is capable of, John Hennessey and his team took a page from their HEMI handbook. Films like these truly catch us wanting to tell you how they offer 1,000 horsepower along with a 3 year/36 warranty. But since you are reading this, you know Hennessey Performance only uses the best quality parts, most made in-house. Choosing between this and a 6x6 Ram TRX will be tough, so follow along as the Mammoth SUV is coming soon! Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – February 09, 2021

2018 Dodge SRT Demon vs. Hennessey HPE900 Hellcat Charger

Every automaker is on an electric push while Dodge has stuffed their supercharged Hemi into the Jeep Wrangler and the Ram TRX. To see how capable it truly is, let's watch a 2018 Dodge SRT Demon vs a new Hennessey HPE900 Hellcat Charger. For a quick refresher, the Demon was the most powerful muscle car in recent history. When the fuel tank sensed race fuel, it unlocked 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque. While this package was not offered on the 4-door Charger, they share the same architecture. While John Hennessey and his team have offered 1,000 horsepower examples for a decade, one lucky customer chose the HPE900 kit because it isn't as thirsty. Removing the upper and lower supercharger pulleys, their master technicians port the intake and fabricate an all-new stainless exhaust. Without removing the blower, heads, or touching the cam, the car receives a 200-mile shakedown along with a street-tune for the highest octane you can buy at the pump. This results in having 912 horsepower and 873 lb-ft of torque without having to spend big bucks on race fuel. Should the customer ever want to reach 1,000 horsepower, most of the hard work is already done. Tell us which car you would choose in the comments below and stay with us for all your Hennessey news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – June 03, 2020

Hennessey Performance C8 Corvette Exhaust Screams on the ...

Engineers are forced to walk a tightrope when designing exhaust systems. Cars like the Camaro ZL1 and the Corvette ZR1 are not allowed to be sold in many foreign markets because they are too loud. They weren't meant for export anyway so we can enjoy the roar. However, the new C8 Corvette for sale was built as a global car. Therefore it has to be quiet to please everyone. Being a true-dual system from the factory, massive mufflers are needed to quell the beast. That is why John Hennessey and his team developed the first system with a crossover. Turn up the volume and listen to the Hennessey Performance C8 Corvette exhaust scream on the dyno. Hennessey Performance 2020 Corvette Sets New World Record PRO TIP: Exhaust crossovers make more low-end power than isolated "true dual" pipes. The opposing pulses also cancel each other out, so the car will gain horsepower, torque, and a great personality. Hennessey Performance spent hundreds of hours crafting this mirror-imaged system to have an optimal length. Not only is it appealing to the eyes, but it is also a truly tuned system, a lost art in the aftermarket. Your Corvette will lose 10 lbs while gaining 21 horsepower and 19 lb-ft of torque. Pricing is set at $3,495 plus shipping and the company is offering a special price of $2,995 for the first 100 orders. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2020

Hennessey Performance Looks Back at Their C7 Corvette Lineup

Everyone is overcome with excitement over the new C8 Corvette. It is a mid-engine supercar that finally competes head-to-head with the best exotics in the world. However, Team Corvette poured their heart & soul into the previous generation, knowing full well it would be the end of an era. When it arrived in 2014, John Hennessey and his team instantly got to work unlocking the true potential of the car. From 700 to 1,200 horsepower, they can transform any C7 into a supercar. While some might interpret this film as a lament to a lost friend, but you can't deny that Hennessey Performance loves the C7 Corvette Stingray. Click the button below to browse their options for your car, and stay with us all your Hennessey news. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2020

Hennessey Performance 0-182 MPH in new 2020 Corvette

Don't lie, who could resist a top speed run in a new 2020 Corvette for sale? Before they begin to work their magic on this beast, here is a stock run by Hennessey Performance from 0-182 in their new 2020 Corvette. Hennessey Performance 2020 Corvette Dyno Baseline It is important to note that they own Loestar Motorsports Park which has an NHRA sanction 1/4 mile track with plenty of shutdown room on the top end. Also, if you plan to drive deep into triple digits, notice the 50psi in all 4 tires. This counteracts the centrifugal flex and keep the driver safe. That being said, don't try this at home! Click the button to see what else they are working on and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. Visit Hennessey Performance " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2020

Hennessey Performance 2020 Corvette Dyno Baseline

As you are reading this, John Hennessey's new car is probably already disassembled. Yesterday we watched a fun daddy-daughter roadtrip as he took delivery in Detroit. Back home in Sealy, Texas, its time for the real fun to begin. After 1,400 miles we can assume the engine is broken in, so let's watch Hennessey Performance dyno their new 2020 Corvette. Browse All Corvette For Sale " width="680"> C8 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review P.S. These are very strong numbers, so tell us if you think Chevrolet is sandbagging the industry in the comments below

By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2020

Hennessey HPE1000 Hellcat Redeye Dyno & Shakedown Runs

Checking every option at your local Dodge dealer will allow them to build the meanest, widest HEMI-powered Challenger Hellcat for sale. It is ok in stock form, but what if you want to chart your own path? John Hennessey and his team have proven the strength of the supercharged 6.2L. Starting with one Viper in his parent's garage, John learned how to extract every ounce of power from a stock Mopar. That is why you need to watch their latest Hennessey HPE1000 Hellcat Redeye Dyno & Shakedown runs. Visit Hennessey Performance Hera " width="680"> Images and film (C) Hennessey Performance Engineering

By Edward Jones – November 26, 2019

McLaren 720S vs 1200 HP Hennessey Trackhawk

Do you all want to see a heavily modified Jeep Trackhawk SUV take on a Mclaren 720S supercar? Well, boy, do we have a video for you. This latest SUV vs. supercar video comes to us from Hennessey Performance, the Texas tuners that enjoy tearing down supercars with their insane creations. Their latest video is of a Hennessey Trackhawk taking on a 720S. This Trackhawk is more than stock and has the HPE1200 package installed. The result of the package is a beast of a Jeep that packs 1200 horsepower. See it in action down below. If you want to learn more about this package, click here. SEE ALL MCLAREN 720S FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – August 07, 2019

Hennessey HPE1200 Corvette ZR1 Lays Down Incredible Numbers

As gorgeous and potent as the new 2020 Corvette is, the mid-engine layout is not for everyone. That is why the 2019 Corvette ZR1 will shine in the history books as a proper end to an era. It is still available as a coupe or convertible, with a 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. In stock form, the supercharged LT5 engine offers 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque. Known internally by Corvette Engineers as BAS (Big @SS Supercharger), Chevrolet was able to make this power mostly with the larger blower. That is where John Hennessey and his team realized the car's potential. After working their magic, the Hennessey HPE1200 Corvette ZR1 lays down incredible numbers. After removing the supercharger, it is ported by hand. It is then treated to a larger throttle body and two new pulleys. The heads are replaced by a pair of ported ones loaded with bigger valves and stronger springs. Toss in a custom ground camshaft and you have incredible power. Automatic owners are forced to upgrade the internals to handle the power, but the 7-speed stick can take the abuse. The final step is a full tank of E85 and tuning on the dyno. This allows it to make 1,200 horsepower and 1,066 lb-ft of torque. If you choose to run this car on 93 octane pump gas, power is limited to only 1,100 hp. So what does this mean in the quarter-mile? Tell us what you think of this car in the comments below. For more information email sales@hennesseyperformance.com or call 979-885-1300 " width="680"> Check out the wheelie @23 seconds! Related: John Hennessey Explains the Chevy Goliath in Detail

By Andrew Nabors – July 17, 2019

Hennessey Performance Unveils the 1st Production Goliath 6x6

Bob Berrard had a problem. He owns the largest potato farm in Wisconsin and he needed a new truck. A full load of spuds is heavy, even for a 4WD truck. So he decided to call our friend John Hennessey. Never afraid of a customer's request, the team delivered something massive. Taking inspiration from a biblical giant, Hennessey Performance has unveiled the Goliath 6x6. Starting with a Silverado High Country, the entire rear suspension is removed. In its place is their brilliant tandem axles which share a progressive leaf spring on each side. Four shock absorbers keep the ride smooth, even though it is 8" taller than stock. BF Goodrich 37" All-Terrains are wrapped on 20" Hennessey wheels. Other goodies include a roll bar, LED lights, powered running boards, massive brakes, and more performance. Adding a stainless steel side-exit exhaust and a cold air intake allow the 6.2L V8 to make 450 horsepower. Since the engine is nearly identical to the 6.2 in the Camaro and Stingray, you could always add more power if this isn't enough. Because Bob received the first example, only 24 trucks will be produced. The price of $375,000 includes a new Silverado (or GMC Sierra) and a 3 year/36,000 warranty. For more information, call 979.885.1300 or email sales@hennesseyperformance.com. Click Here to Learn More " width="680"> Related: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Hennessey HPE800 Escalade Hennessey Maximus 1000 is the Ultimate Jeep Gladiator

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