Jay Leno's Garage

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 – September 16, 2019

Jay Leno Drives "xXx" 1967 GTO Movie Car

Riding high on the success of the first "Fast & Furious" film, Vin Diesel took a chance to play the hero in the 2002 film XXX (Triple X). Playing the role of Xander Cage, his character's preferred ride is a gorgeous Pontiac. Because movie cars are usually crushed, several enthusiasts have started to save these stars of the Big Screen. That is why Jay Leno chose to drive the XXX 1967 GTO movie car. Find Your Pontiac GTO Here! What makes this car timeless is that the builders didn't start with a wreck or rusted junk. This was and is a real, numbers-matching 1967 Pontiac GTO. Unlike Chevrolet, Olds, & Buick, Pontiac made one V8 to fit all needs, and it was big. The GTO was created by Pontiac Chief Engineer John DeLorean. He wanted their most powerful engine in light & sporty midsize car. Jay Leno's Car Collection Having the original cowl tag allowed this car to escape the crusher, and the fact that it retains the flamethrower makes it a valuable part of film & Pontiac history. Tell us about your favorite Pontiac in the comments below and stay with us for more updates from Jay Leno's Garage. " width="680"> Related: Vin Diesel's "Fast" Friends Surprise Him With Muscle Car for Birthday Vin Diesel Stars in new Dodge Demon Ad

By Andrew Nabors – July 29, 2019

Jay Leno Drives the 1934 Bugatti Aérolithe

Nothing will ever approach the timeless creations of Ettore Bugatti. Except maybe this one. The old man realized the same passion for form and design was endowed to his son Jean. Giving him the unlimited resources of their brand, Jean sculpted a masterpiece of metal. Sure it has similar lines to other models, but under the glossy paint is a body of magnesium. We're glad the Guild of Automotive Restorers spent years on this car, because they allowed Jay Leno to drive the 1934 Bugatti Aérolithe. Magnesium is light and strong, but this element has a bad temperament. Working it below 800 degrees will make it crack, and pure magnesium ignites at only 1,100 degrees. Once it catches fire, be somewhere else because it strips the hydrogen from water and burns even hotter. Given its strength and lightweight, it was the carbon fiber of the 1930s. Along with fighter jets, Porsche and Chevrolet use it to shave ounces from their most powerful cars, so this is just another way Bugatti has led the way. Their modern cars are decades ahead of what you have experienced before, so click the below and stay with us for all your updates from Jay Leno's Garage. Browse Bugatti For Sale Related: 2018 Bugatti Chiron Price, Specs, Photos & Review Jay Leno's Car Collection

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2019

Jay Leno Reviews his 2005 Ford GT

You know what they say about opinions...The 3rd generation Ford GT is a LeMans-Winning supercar. It has performance than can't be denied, but it is also a bit quirky. That's why it made many of us remember its amazing predecessor. In case you have never seen one up close, Jay Leno reviewed his 2005 Ford GT. The first production example sold to the public was car #12, and Mr. Leno purchased it new. It was (and is) a breathtaking design, so he invited the car's designer to be part of this episode. Ford Chief Designer Camilo Pardo talks about his inspiration, and the clashes with car's engineers. Aside from the stick-shift Ferrari 430 Scuderia, the 2005 Ford GT will remain the best car I have driven. Tell us your thoughts on new vs old in the comments below, and stay with us for all your updates from Jay Leno's Garage! Browse Ford GT For Sale Related: Ford GT: 10 Facts You Need to Know Ford GT Goes 300 MPH at the Texas Mile

By Andrew Nabors – January 22, 2019

Jay Leno Drives a 1993 Bugatti EB110

Last year we undertook the arduous task of identifying every car in Jay Leno's collection. The cars are just the tip of the iceberg, as Mr. Leno also has an impressive collection of motorcycles, dealer signs, and rare engines. Because he owns a pristine V12, he decided to see how it performs on the street. So sit back and watch Jay Leno drive a 1993 Bugatti EB110. The 90's was a time of unbridled optimism for supercars. Inspired by the Ferrari F40 and the JagXJ220, an Italian entrepreneur decided to resurrect Bugatti. Romano Artioli's purchase of the Bugatti trademark was praised by Ferruccio Lamborghini, so naturally, he hired Marcello Gandini to design a modern Bugatti. Designer Spotlight: Marcello Gandini Unveiled in September of 1991, the EB110 was named to celebrate Ettore Bugatti's 110th birthday. It is powered by a quad-turbo 3.5L V12. It used individual throttle bodies to make 592 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This is sent to all wheels by a six-speed manual transmission. The owner of the company also decided to buy Lotus from GM, but he bit off more than he could chew. Only 139 examples of the car were built before the cash ran out. Volkswagen bought the defunct company and began work on the Veyron in 1998. We'll cover this story in-depth at a later date, so click the link below to find a quad-turbo beast for yourself and stay with us for all your updates from Jay Leno's Garage. View All Bugatti For Sale Related: The Story of 2 Wild Bugatti EB110 Race Cars Is the Bugatti EB110 GT Faster Than the Chiron?

By Andrew Nabors – January 29, 2018

Jay Leno Drives The Oldest Running Bugatti

Most of us would love to arrive in the latest Bugatti Chiron, but some enthusiasts are happy in a pre-owned model. Taking that notion to the extreme, Jay Leno came across a 1913 Bugatti Type 22 at the local Cars & Coffee show. Sports Cars For Sale It takes a dedicated owner to keep such an antique on the road. It is probably worth a small fortune, and it even sports most of the original running gear. Ettore Bugatti was a genius and an artist in every sense. One of the first overhead cam engines had a cam-driven oil pump and lightweight valvetrain that could rev to 5,000. This was unheard of until decades later, as most cars would detonate at 2,000 rpm. Bugatti is a French company, but before WWI, their headquarters in Molsheim was part of the German Empire. What once was old is new again, as Bugatti has been owned by VW since '98. Bugatti Chiron: 10 Facts You Need To Know Driving a car like this can be just as distracting as modern vehicles because the driver must constantly adjust the carburetor, ignition advance, and fuel pump priming while also double-clutching the transmission and staying a mile behind the car in front of you. In a testament to the rugged design, only a few thousands of an inch were needed to bring the motor back to new condition. It makes us wonder what cars from today will be around in 105 years. Tell us the oldest car you have driven in the comments below and stay with us for all your updates from Jay Leno's Garage. Browse Bugatti For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 09, 2018

Jay Leno Drives Firebird III Concept Car

Jet engines were all the rage back in the 50's. The same technology that revolutionized air travel could also power a car, so GM built a series of space-age concepts for their Motorama shows. We had a chance to experience the first Firebirds a few years ago at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, and it was jaw-dropping to see them in person.Built as a statement to the world, Harley Earl and his team built a car around a jet engine for Firebird 1. It is as loud as a 747 and it sets fire to everything behind it. This isn't exactly practical, so Firebird II improved the formula which resulted in Firebird III. Jet turbines make incredible power and they offer years of smooth running. The final Firebird has a double-bubble cockpit with a central joystick for control. It would be amazing until you realized it has no air conditioner!The Sultan of Brunei's 5,000 Car CollectionThe one main problem that kept them from mass production is thirst. They will burn any type of fuel oil or gas- in large quantities. Not that gas was expensive back then, but the tank would have to be enormous for daily driving. Instead of a 5,000 rpm redline, turbines can see 50,000 rpm without a sweat. This requires one heck of a transmission to send power to the tires, and the technology just wasn't available. A turbine electric generator would make for a screaming exotic car for sale, so maybe GM is foreshadowing something wild...They rarely allow these cars outside, so thanks to Jay Leno's Garage for this blast from the past.

By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2017

Jay Leno Drives a 1965 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada

Aside from his own vast collection, Jay Leno has the opportunity to drive some of the rarest cars ever built. In a YouTube video uploaded this morning, we are treated to a snapshot of Italian racing history. In 1961, Ferrari's racing team found themselves at odds with their leader. A petition was signed and sent to Enzo. His response was to fire everyone who signed it.Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile TimesThe fallout of the "Palace Revolt" allowed the industry's most capable drivers and engineers to make names for themselves. Giotto Bizzarrini was a racing genius. Not only did he design Lamborghini's first V12, he heavily influenced the Iso Rivolta and the Grifo. His own masterpiece was the 5300 GT, which topped 190 mph on a consistent basis. Not only was he a pioneer in aerodynamics, he chose an engine that was proven on the world's toughest tracks.The 5300 GT along with both ISO models are powered by Chevrolet. Using a solid lifter version of the 327 small block, the mechanical fuel injection allowed it to make 400 horsepower. Unfortunately, his company lacked the cash to homologate the car, so it was forced to run as a prototype instead of the GT class. Nevertheless, his cars were feared on the track and street which makes them bring big numbers on the auction block. Stay with us for more timeless classics and uploads from Jay Leno's Garage.Browse Sports Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 01, 2017

BMW 2002 on Jay Leno's Garage

If you had to pick one car from BMW's history, most every gearhead will choose the 2002. It combines great visibility comfort for four adults, classy looks, and a light chassis. With tons of grip and the right proportions, they are coveted among track enthusiasts as the perfect dual-purpose daily driver. Unfortunately, they were built as an economy car and were delivered without galvanized body panels or much corrosion protection. That is why many great examples were led to the crusher, as the unibody was hard to repair. As the spiritual ancestor of all modern M Performance models, BMW has embraced their heritage with a few 2002 Hommage concept cars. Also Check Out: Big Dog Garage - Lenos' Collection Since you rarely see them anymore, Jay Leno invited one of his fans to the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage. Of all the attributes found in the classic BMW, horsepower was not in abundance. Being aimed at thrifty drivers, the base model 1.6 liter made 84 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque. Many owners have solved this with the addition of performance parts, but the best cure is an engine swap. Before you go screaming for LS power, know that BMW owners are a loyal group. As such, this example is powered by a 2.5 liter four from an E30 series M3. Making close to double the original power without much of a weight penalty is a wonderful achievement. An M2 badge on the trunk lid is a proper finishing touch. Tell us what you think of this build in the comments below and stay with us for more updates from Jay Leno's Garage.

By Andrew Nabors – April 17, 2017

The Monster USSV Rhino Visits Jay Leno's Garage

For the past few years, we at duPont REGISTRYbeen working together to showcase US Specialty Vehicles' impressive lineup. What starts life as an F-450 chassis cab, the Rhino GX is hand-built in So Cal as a five-ton testament to ingenuity and creativity. Each panel is CNC-laser cut for an exact fit and welded by master fabricators. We've sold quite a few so far, and they are impressive machines.Now that the Rhino GX and XT are the stars of "The Fate of the Furious", Jay Leno decided to get behind the wheel. Ernie Salazar is the brains behind the builds, so he explains the finer points of the ordering process along with the inspiration behind the company. You can't deny the power and reliability of Ford's latest Powerstroke diesel, so the powertrain is left in factory form. You will have 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque at your disposal, with a towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. A comfortable ride is provided by 38" Toyo Open Country tires on 20" forged wheels. The one-piece design is built to the same offset as the original so you can rotate them as they wear. On the road, you will have an unmatched view of the world around you. We recommend tinted window because other motorists tend to stare. The plate steel construction soaks up all noise and vibration so you can enjoy a peaceful commute. Mr. Leno was probably as impressed as we are, which is why USSV should be considered for your next daily driver. For more information check out USSV SUVs for sale and stay with us for more uploads from Jay Leno's Garage.

By Edward Jones – September 29, 2016

Jay Leno Drives the Koenigsegg One:1

Jay Leno has traveled to the Michelin Laurens Proving Grounds in South Carolina to meet both the Koenigsegg One:1 and Christian von Koenigsegg. In the facility's garage, Leno and Koenigsegg went over the finer details on the United State's only One:1. From the mechanics of the door to the engine itself, the megacar's creator talked about the car the same way a father would talk about their child.After the walkaround, Leno and Koenigsegg headed out in the car to see what it's made of. "It is like a go-kart isn't it," Leno said about the handling of the car. Eventually, the show host let the creator get behind the wheel so he could see what the car is really made of. If Leno's facial expression were any indication of how the drive was going, I'd say he had great time.Check the car out in the video below and see our inventory of Koenigseggs by clicking the button below.Koenigsegg For Sale

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