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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

A person dressed as Santa Claus drives a 196-MPH Hennessey sports car with a Christmas tree secured on the roof, showcasing holiday spirit down an empty road.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 22, 2025

Hennessey Showcases 196-MPH Corvette ZR1 Christmas Tree Run

Hennessey brings the Holiday spirit in its signature American high-performance style. Known for its signature all-American engineering know-how, its legendary hypercars, and its high-performance customizations of American staples, Texas-based Hennessey has enjoyed a meteoric rise in prominence within the automotive industry as a purveyor of performance. As the holiday season reaches its fever pitch this year, Hennessey decided to use an incredible all-American supercar to create an unforgettable holiday spectacle. That is what Hennessey is calling the “Fastest Christmas Tree Run Ever,” and it was completed with the C8 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which boasts over 1,000 horsepower. The seventh Christmas Tree Run created by Hennessey, the car reached 196 mph with a 5.5-foot Christmas tree attached to the roof, complete with festive ribbon and holiday lights attached. The speed bested Hennessey’s own Venom 1000 Mustang, which reached a speed of 192 mph during 2022’s Christmas Tree Run. " width="680"> Starting in 2017, the Christmas Tree Run has become a high-octane Hennessey holiday tradition, and the video of this year’s run is available to watch now on YouTube. Combining the manufacturer’s expertise in American performance with season’s greetings, the 2025 Hennessey Christmas Tree Run with the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is one of the most exciting ones yet. View All Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 For Sale Image Source: Hennessey

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 – 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 25, 2019

Hennessey HPE1000 Corvette ZR1 vs Ferrari 488 GTB

When validating your latest build, it is nice to have a twin-turbo Ferrari for comparison. Previously at Hennessey Performance, their HPE800 Escalade went head to head against a worthy opponent. Now they have upped the ante with a Hennessey HPE1000 Corvette ZR1 versus a Ferrari 488 GTB. We don't know if the Italian is the same car as last time, but it doesn't matter. The Ferrari 488 GTB offers 661 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. The opponent is the most powerful Corvette that Chevrolet has ever sold. In stock form, the Corvette ZR1 has 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque. Known internally by Corvette engineers as BAS or "Big @SS Supercharger", it was a proper farewell to the front-engine chassis. Those are good numbers for a production car, but we all know Hennessey can deliver more. Ferrari 488 GTB vs Hennessey HPE800 Escalade Starting with ported heads, the car receives a new cam, supercharger pulley, and a full stainless exhaust. Automatic cars need new internals for the 8-speed, so the 7-speed manual is a more affordable conversion. Measured on their dyno, the power at the crankshaft is 1,000 horsepower with 966 lb-ft of torque. If you want more, the car HPE1200 is tuned to run exclusively on 110 octane race fuel to unlock 1,200 horsepower and 1,066 lb-ft of torque. If you want your ZR1 to break the sound barrier, our dealers have a few 2019 examples still available. Click the link below to find yours and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. Find Your Corvette Here! Related: Jeep Trackhawk vs Hennessey HPE800 Escalade

By Edward Jones – May 02, 2019

Hennessey Corvette ZR1 Breaks 1/4 Mile Record

Hennessey Performance truly enjoys leveling up cars through their upgrades. For the Corvette ZR1, they have the HPE1000 upgrade which most definitely levels up the American supercar. When installed, the HPE1000 package pushed the car's output all the way up to 1000 bhp and 966 lb-ft of torque. When the car is equipped with drag radials, Hennessey says a ZR1 with the HPE1000 package can run 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds. To test out their work on the ZR1, Hennessey took one with the HPE1000 upgrade package to a drag strip to see how fast it could complete a 1/4-mile sprint. When the car crossed the mark, it recorded a sprint of 9.52 seconds @ 144.8 mph. According to the Texas-based aftermarket tuner, this is a new world record for the ZR1. Check out the video of the sprint by clicking play above. see all zr1's up for sale Also Check Out: 2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor Ranger vs Stock Raptor McLaren Senna HPE1000 from Hennessey Performance The Rock’s New Hennessey VelociRaptor V8

By Andrew Nabors – March 14, 2019

Hennessey HPE 1000 Corvette Grand Sport is a Supercharged...

If you like the looks and performance of the Corvette Z06, the Grand Sport has all of its features without the big engine. It bridges the gap between the base model Stingray and the Z06, and the LT1 engine offers 460 horsepower. If that is not enough for you, the Hennessey HPE1000 Corvette Grand Sport is a supercharged beast. While most superchargers have moved into the intake valley, centrifugal blowers have made incredible advances in recent years. Starting with a new 416 ci (6.8L) short block, HPE adds cnc ported heads, stainless headers, and several internal upgrades to the 8-speed automatic. The engine and transmission computers are tuned on the dyno before a shakedown at the Pennzoil Proving Grounds next door. This comprehensive upgrade makes 1,008 horsepower at the crank and it is available for manual transmission cars also. Faster and more affordable than a ZR1, the HPE1000 is waiting for you. Click Here For Price & Specs Related: Hennessey Camaro Exorcist Dyno Tuning Watch Hennessey's V8 Raptor Destroy A Stock Raptor

By Edward Jones – August 10, 2018

2019 Corvette ZR1 Arrives at Hennessey, Gets Dyno Tested

The new 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has finally landed at Hennessey Performance. Now, the company will get to work so they can start pushing more power out of the 6.2-liter LT5 supercharged engine. As a stock vehicle, Chevrolet says the ZR1 will lay down 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque. But Hennessey's version will definitely be more powerful, but they've got a few things to do. For starters, the workers needed to get behind the wheel so they could take the ZR1 out for some high-speed runs. I'd be wrong if I said I wasn't jealous of them.4,000 Horsepower Corvette Takes Flight, Sticks the LandingNext up was the dyno test. This is where the team was able to mash the pedal down and get a read of what they're working with. Interestingly enough, their dyno results showed max power at 654.64 hp and 645.20 lb-ft of torque. Hennessey says their HPE1000 supercharged engine upgrade will bring the ZR1's power all the way up to 1000 bhp and 966 lb-ft of torque. For more information on what they're working on at Hennessey for the ZR1 can be found here.

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