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

Two men stand beside a green Ferrari SP3 Daytona with gold accents in a garage filled with vintage car posters and classics, revealing just why Jay Leno is smitten by David Lee's stunning Ferrari masterpiece.

By Khris Bharath – June 09, 2025

Jay Leno Smitten By David Lee's Daytona SP3: One Thing He...

On the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the former talk show host, lifelong gearhead and car collector, takes viewers on an in-depth tour of one of LA-based Ferrari collector David Lee’s latest acquisitions, a Daytona SP3. Delivered on Lee’s birthday in October last year, this particular example, with a green exposed carbon fiber finish against matte gold rims, takes a new direction for his collection. It steps away from the signature mustard (yellow) and ketchup (red) colors found on most of his 30 Ferraris, and is part of his growing new ‘Relish collection,’ which also includes a similarly spec’d green 812 Competizione. While Leno may have had a complicated history with Ferrari, that hasn’t stopped him from admiring and appreciating the Italian marque’s engineering prowess, especially when they harken back to the good old days of analog driving. This is something that the Daytona SP3, part of Ferrari’s Icona Series, which also includes the SP1 and SP2 Monzas, truly embodies. These three models are all about driving purity, and unsurprisingly, Jay was excited about taking a closer look at the Daytona SP3. This is so much more fun than electrification and turbochargers. This is what Ferrari is all about. No turbos. No hybrid motors. Just raw, visceral power - Jay Leno With only 599 examples slated for production, the SP3 was conceived for some of Ferrari’s most loyal customers and draws design cues from the ‘67 Ferrari 330 P4, Daytona winner. Built upon the underpinnings of a La Ferrari Aperta, the SP3 packs the same naturally-aspirated mid-mounted 6.5-liter V12 engine found in the 812 Superfast and puts out 829 horsepower. While Jay was smitten by the car’s exterior design and was particularly happy to find a V12 and rear-wheel drive setup in a modern Ferrari, one thing that he felt was missing and could have elevated the experience even further was a manual transmission. The SP3 Daytona packs a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. Much to Leno’s relief, Lee quickly pointed out that there are already rumors of an SP4 with possible inputs from seven-time F1 world champion and current Ferrari F1 grand prix driver, Lewis Hamilton. This car is supposedly the spiritual successor to the F40 and could potentially feature a manual gearbox. Get Jay Leno’s overall thoughts and driving impressions of David Lee's Ferrari Daytona SP3 in the video below. View All Ferraris For Sale " width="680"> Image Source: Jay Leno's Garage/YouTube

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2024

Jay Leno's Car Collection

How Many Cars Are In Jay Leno's Collection? Located at the Burbank Airport, Jay Leno's extensive car collection is an ever-changing showcase of automotive magnificence. Jay Leno's car collection consists of over 181 cars and 160 motorcycles. This impressive assortment is constantly evolving as Leno actively manages his beloved fleet. His passion for these mechanical marvels drives him to continuously buy and sell vehicles, preventing any hint of stagnation within his living museum. This curated treasure trove reflects Leno's unwavering enthusiasm and profound knowledge as a true connoisseur. Leno's collection spans across time, encompassing an eclectic mix of transportation wonders that chronicle the evolution of motorized travel. From early 20th-century steam-powered automobiles to cutting-edge hypercars, every piece in his possession tells a unique story. Maintaining an accurate inventory can be quite challenging due to frequent acquisitions and departures from the collection. However, each addition or departure carries its own significance and provenance. Whether it's the melodic hum of a vintage motorcycle or the thunderous roar of a muscle car engine, every vehicle chosen for this extraordinary assembly undergoes meticulous selection. The goal is to ensure that Leno's cherished collection remains vibrant and diverse—mirroring the rich tapestry woven by the history of transportation itself. How Much Is Jay Leno's Car Collection Worth? Jay Leno possesses an extraordinary assortment of automobiles that extends far beyond a mere gathering of powerful machines. His car collection represents a veritable trove of automotive history and craftsmanship, with an estimated present-day market value exceeding $52 million. Nevertheless, this astonishing sum only reveals part of the narrative. Deep within the confines of his renowned garage, an unwavering team of expert coachbuilders labors ceaselessly—not solely to maintain Leno's fleet but also to painstakingly restore vintage gems to their former splendor. Through this ongoing dedication to restoration, the collection's future worth may experience significant growth; each vehicle is preserved and often enhanced, poised to captivate forthcoming generations of enthusiasts and collectors. In addition to the intrinsic value bestowed upon these vehicles themselves, Leno's restoration team boasts expertise that is exceedingly rare in the realm of classic cars—a factor that bestows an intangible premium upon the collection's overall worth. The demand for their impeccable restoration services is so high that aspiring patrons must join a waiting list to secure their assistance. Every project undertaken by this esteemed team—whether it be for Leno or fortunate individuals who manage to enlist their aid—is undeniable evidence of their unparalleled skill and meticulous attention to detail. As the market for vintage and classic cars continues its flourishing trajectory, one can confidently predict that Leno's collection will steadily ascend in value, solidifying his status as a comedian extraordinaire and guardian over one of the most enviable car collections found anywhere on Earth. What Is Jay Leno's Net Worth? Jay Leno has consistently stated that he hasn't spent any of the money NBC has paid him over the years. Instead, he and his wife have lived on his earnings from stand-up comedy and hosting top car shows. His calendar is filled year-round with speaking engagements, like when he acts as the MC at events like the Boca Raton Concours. Should he decide to retire, Jay Leno's net worth is $450 million. Including his collection and properties, his total worth could exceed half a billion dollars, offering a splendid way to enjoy the rewards of his hard work. Let's Take A Look At Jay Leno's Cars We have covered private collections for years, but this one makes them all look inferior. He knows more about cars than most historians, and his Big Dog Garage is filled with pristine examples from every era. so without further adieu... View All Sports Cars For Sale 289 AC Cobra 427 Shelby Cobra 2017 Acura NSX VIN 003 1906 Advance Steam Traction Engine 1941 American LaFrance Series 600 pumper V-12 Firetruck 1916 Autocar 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder 2006 Ariel Atom 2009 Aston Martin DBS 2015 BAC Mono 1909 Baker Electric 1931 Bentley 8-Litre 1989 Bentley Turbo R 1924 Bentley Twin Turbo 1929 Bentley Speed 6 1930 Bentley 27-Litre Blastolene Special Twin Turbo 1957 Buick Roadmaster 1955 Buick Roadmaster 1928 Bugatti Type 37A 1937 Bugatti Alantique Bugatti Type 51 1932 Bowtie Deuce Roadster LS7 Hot Rod 1918 Cadillac Type 57 Victoria 1956 Chevy Nomad 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger 2002 Corvette Z06 (With Tiger Shark Body Kit) 2004 Corvette Coupe (Electron Blue Metallic) 1963 Corvette Split-Window Coupe Fuelie 2008 Corvette C6RS by Pratt & Miller Video 2009 Corvette ZR1 #001 2011 Chevrolet Volt 1911 Christie Fire Engine 1963 Chrysler Turbine 1961 Chrysler 300G 1971 Citroën DS 1936 Cord 812 1916 Crane Simplex Model 5 Holbrook Skiff 1953 Cunningham C3 1962 Daimler SP250 1935 Delahaye 135 S 1971 DeTomasso Pantera 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 1992 Dodge Viper 1996 Dodge Viper GTS 1993 Dodge Viper RT/10 (First Black Viper) 1966 Dodge Coronet " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8- Auctioned to Support the USO Read About Jay's Support of the USO 1970 Dodge Challenger RT 2015 Dodge SRT Challenger Hellcat 1925 Doble E-20 1931 Duesenberg Model J Town Car 1927 Duesenberg Model 1932 Duesenberg S 1932 Duesenberg SJ Murphy-Convertible 2006 GM EcoJet 1937 Fiat Topolino 1917 Fiat Botafogo Special 1959 Fiat Millecento 2005 Ford GT 2017 Ford GT 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350-R 1925 Ford Model T 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 7 Litre 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint 2000 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson This one was auctioned to support MS research at Barrett-Jackson 1991 GMC Cyclone 1953 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe 1953 Hudson Hornet Sedan 1915 Hispano-Suiza 1964 Honda S600 1958 Imperial Convertible 1946 International Shell Oil Truck 1963 Jaguar E-Type 1954 Jaguar XK120M 1954 Jaguar XK120 Roadster 1963 Jaguar XK-E - The ONLY short wheelbase V12 XK-E 1939 Lagonda V12 Replica 1993 LCC Rocket Lamborghini 1986 Countach 1967 Miura P400 Purchased new by Dean Martin, given to his son. Deano blew the motor. 1969 Miura S 1969 Espada 1969 Lancia Aurelia 1966 Lincoln Continental 1969 Lotus Elan 1967 Mazda Cosmo 110S 1996 Mazda Miata 2008 Mazda RX8 1962 Maserati 3500 GTi 2004 Maybach 57 1994 McLaren F1 2012 McLaren MP4-12C 2015 McLaren P1 1955 Mercedes 300SL 2010 Mercedes SLR McLaren 1972 Mercedes 600 Kompressor 1972 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Liter 1950 Mercedes Transporter 1971 Mercedes Benz 280SE 1908 "Benz Mercedes" Radic 1 1913 Mercer Raceabout 1952 MG TD Hot Rod 1932 Morgan 2011 Morgan 1950 Nash Ambassador 1966 NSU Spider 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 1932 Packard Twin Six 1911 Packard Model 18 1918 Pierce Arrow Model 66 1975 Plymouth Duster Hemi 1941 Plymouth Special Deluxe Business Coupe 1932 Plymouth Convertible 2005 Porsche Carrera GT 1957 Porsche 356A Outlaw 1963 Porsche 356 Carrera 2 1916 Rever 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost 1918 Stutz Bearcat 1931 Shotwell 1958 Saab 93B 1906 Stanley Steamer Vanderbuilt Cup Racer 1922 Stanley Steamer 1909 Stanley Steamer 2012 Tata Nano 2012 Tesla Model S 1966 Volga GAZ-21 1966 Volvo 122S Wagon 1910 White Steam Car Model 0-0 1907 White Steam Car 1999 Y2K Jet Bike What Is Jay Leno's Favorite Car? Of all the exotic cars and classic cars Jay Leno owns, nothing compares to Jay Leno's favorite car, the 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 Kompressor. The 600 was built and engineered without regard to cost, so almost every system is silent. That is because the 600 uses hydraulics for the windows, trunk, and almost every other moving part. The fluid is a mix of mineral oil and a few other lubricants that circulate around the car at 300 psi. With a few passengers, it is over 3 tons. So Jay added a giant supercharger (Kompressor) and fuel injection to make 525 horsepower. What is Jay Leno's Favorite Car Company? That would be McLaren. His praise of the brand stems from their innovations. Going the extra mile to stay ahead of the competition. That is how everything from the F1 to the BP23 Speedtail are unlike anything else on the road. Can I Take A Tour Of Jay Leno's Car Collection? We wish there was an admission fee for a Jay Leno Collection Tour, but as our collection, it is not open to the public. He does offer special events for automotive media and YouTube Personalities. Aside from what we can see on his show, he offered a tour to CNN in 2016. Last year he opened the doors to SmufinWRX and his friends, and they got a sneak peak on his new line of car care products. What is Jay Leno's Most Expensive Car? Jay's most expensive car is the McLaren F1. Even at McLaren Headquarters, they are not allowed to have more than 3 examples under the same roof. Being valued between $14 to 17 Million dollars, their insurance company forbids them from being in the same vicinity. Mr. Leno's 1994 McLaren F1 was the first McLaren imported to the US, and it has recently been completely restored to new condition. Where is Jay Leno's Garage? The "Big Dog Garage" is a series of aircraft hangars at the Burbank (Bob Hope) Airport in California. Jay Leno's Garage is located here: 3160 N. Damon Way, Burbank, CA 91505 Jay Leno Garage on Google Maps Where Can I Buy Jay Leno's Garage Car Care Products? His team has a full-time career keeping this collection clean. Their budget for wash & wax supplies prompted Jay to develop his own line of car care essentials. Amazon has each item individually, but the best way is to buy the comprehensive kit. It will bring order to the chaos of cleaning and each process is shown by a video from the garage. Click Here To Buy Jay Leno Car Care Products So these are the cars with clear images or a video. Going frame-by-frame on a few of them, we've spotted other notables lurking in the shadows. These include a 2002 Pontiac Trans-Am WS6, a few more Corvettes, and more motorcycles than we can count. Tell us what we missed so we can keep this up to date, and check back for updates from Jay Leno's Garage. View All Sports Cars For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 22, 2024

Watch Former Top Gear Star James May Tour Jay Leno's Garage

Two automotive icons meet from across the pond. An unforgettable force in the automotive world is the former Top Gear trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. The British trifecta captured the world’s attention with their humor, chemistry, and, of course, the showcase of the most intriguing cars, for better or worse. James May has joined one of the most famous American automotive personalities, comedian Jay Leno, to tour his garage in a new video. The tour includes up-close looks at historic models from Bentley and Rolls-Royce and nostalgic icons like the Jaguar E-type. However, Jay Leno’s immense collection also features modern masterpieces, including the McLaren MP4-12C, the McLaren P1, and the Rolls-Royce Spectre. There are also vintage motorcycles, unique one-offs, racing icons, and more. With decades of knowledge and experience in the automotive world and the humor and wit that made both of them some of the most captivating personalities in the car enthusiast space, the new video of James May exploring Jay Leno’s extensive car collection is a must-see. You can watch the video now and get a unique perspective on one of the most famous celebrity car collections. Finance A Luxury or Exotic Car

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 07, 2023

Watch Jay Leno Debate If The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Is...

Jay Leno drives Porsche’s new track weapon. Porsche is known and admired for plenty of feats in the automotive world, but one of the most prominent is its ability to create sports cars with a driver-centered focus and racing ready power, performance, and engineering. The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is one of the most recent and greatest examples, boasting a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat six engine producing 493 horsepower, an advanced swan neck wing, and other lightweight and agility-focused features to make it a racing-ready masterpiece. With its mid-engined layout, the GT4 RS features a dynamism that rivals the legendary 911 GT3, and on Jay Leno’s Garage, the prolific comedian and car collector got the chance to get behind the wheel of the incredible sports car, with the help of his friend, Spike Feresten. On the road, Leno got a first-hand experience of the thrilling and track-ready nature of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and all the features and characteristics of the sports car that make it worthy of Porsche’s prestigious “Renn Sport” name. Finished in the stunning Paint To Sample Oslo Blue with the desirable and motorsport-focused Weissach Package, the car features a body-colored stripe on the carbon fiber hood from Porsche’s Sonderwunsch department. With the experience of driving the incredible 718 Cayman GT4 RS, with a small and agile design and incredible naturally aspirated power, the car’s appearance on Jay Leno’s Garage fans the flames of the controversial debate: is the Porsche 718 better than the 911? View All Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RSs For Sale

Jay Leno's Garage

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