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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

Hennessey MAXIMUS Jeep Gladiator Glamis 34 min

By Andrew Nabors – February 17, 2021

Hennessey Maximus 1000 Final Shakedown Runs

Growing bigger without becoming complacent is very hard in the aftermarket. By adopting the same quality controls as the big automakers, we can wittness a new Hennessey Maximus 1000 final shakedown runs. Each employee is taught the function of each component along with what any possible fault in its appearance. Alex invites three technicians to listen for rattles and experience the abilities of the latest 1,000 horsepower Jeep. Their supercharger moves 1/3rd more air than the standard Hellcat Hemi, so the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, and axles must be bulletproof. Launching from a dig we get a view of the pavement as the squat allows for consistent grip while still allowing flexibility in the woods. Due to the complexity in this conversion, they only built two-dozen of the specialized chassis parts. Several have been delivered and more are in-process, so order yours before Maximus is relegated to the history books. Learn More Image (C) Hennessey Performance Engineering

By Andrew Nabors – January 26, 2021

2021 Hennessey HPE1000 Jeep Trackhawk Is AWD Perfection

Our only gripe with a Dodge Demon for sale is that it sends all power to the rear wheels. In order to fully grasp what the supercharged HEMI has to offer, the 2021 Hennessey HPE1000 Jeep Trackhawk is AWD perfection. Starting with the meanest Jeep Grand Cherokee, their proprietary blend of herbs and spices yields 1,012 horsepower and 969 lb-ft of torque. To put that into perspective, we see Alex push this example while passengers giggle. If your HEMI needs unprecedented power, click the button! Learn More Did you see what Hennessey Performance can do to your Cadillac CTS-V?

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2020

Hennessey Maximus 1000 Goes Mudding

There are two schools of thought when it comes to mud. A strategic approach would be to use a divorced transfer case and very low gear ratios. Then there are the badasses. Families who show up with nitrous and boost and hydroplane across the hole while barely getting wet. Combining the two makes for an incredible ride, so watch as the Hennessey Maximus 1000 goes mudding. Muscle Cars For Sale For a quick refresher, John Hennessey and his team order a new Jeep Gladiator, remove the suspension and powertrain and build the world's most powerful Jeep truck. Hennessey Performance is the only builder to offer a Hellcat-powered Wrangler with a warranty, so click the button below to learn more. Click Here To View Pricing & options " width="680"> Hennessey Maximus 1000 is the Ultimate Jeep Gladiator

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2019

Hennessey Maximus 1000 Shakedown Runs

Dyno testing is a nice way to find hidden power, but it can't come close to real-world conditions. That's why our friend John Hennessey purchased Lonestar Motorsports Park, which is next to their headquarters in Sealy, Texas. Cold weather is great for superchargers, so turn up your volume for the Hennessey Maximus 1000 shakedown runs. Starting with all-new suspension, this Jeep Gladiator has been blessed with 1,000 horsepower from a Hellcat HEMI. After porting the supercharger and heads, the transmission & transfer case are upgraded and bolted to new driveshafts. Browse Jeep Gladiator For Sale Due to the time & unique parts required, only 24 examples will be offered. Fully loaded for $225,000, it includes a new Jeep Gladiator with a laundry list of upgrades. You can always find a great deal on a new Jeep from our dealers, and Hennessey Performance will be glad to make your dreams come true. Click the button above to find a Gladiator near you, because Maximus is ready for battle! " width="680"> Related: Hennessey Performance Unveils Maximus 1000 Jeep Gladiator Sultan of Brunei Car Collection is at 7,000 cars & growing

By Andrew Nabors – May 30, 2019

Hennessey Maximus 1000 is the Ultimate Jeep Gladiator

Before the new Jeep Wrangler was unveiled, they teased us with interesting specs. One of the most intriguing was that the engine bay is large enough to fit a HEMI V8. This makes sense to offer room for all possible engines, but rumors were quickly squashed by the overlords at Fiat-Chrysler. The notion of a V8 Jeep Wrangler was too scary for their legal team, as it would be incredibly overpowered. That's why our friend John Hennessey stepped up to the challenge. After almost a year in development, the Hennessey Maximus 1000 is the ultimate Jeep Gladiator for sale. Inspired by Russel Crowe's character from the film Gladiator, the name is appropriate. The Jeep Gladiator combines the praticality of a 4-door with the utility of a truck bed. From the factory it is powered by the 3.6L Pentastar V6. It is ironic that this engine is older than the Roman empire, and it is built by an Italian owned company. That is why Hennessey Performance starts by sending the V6 to the scrap pile. In its place goes a 1,000 horsepower Hellcat HEMI. It sends 933 lb-ft of torque to an upgraged 8-speed automatic. The Maximus front and rear bumpers are powder coated for long life, and they have integrated LED lights. BFG offroad tires are mounted on Hennessey 20" wheels, and they are bolted to a 6" suspension lift. A new fuel system, cooling system, radiator, fans, and stainless exhaust complete the package. Only 24 examples will be built, and each will be backed by a 3 year/36k warranty. The retail price of $200,000 includes the new Jeep shipped from the factory to Hennessey Headquarters in Sealy, TX. It also includes an interior of your choice and several other pleasantries. Click the link below for all the info and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. Click Here to learn more Related: 1,000 HP Hennessey Corvette ZR1 vs Dodge Demon Would You Drive a Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster?

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2018

Hennessey Jeep Runs 0-60 in Under 3 Seconds...What?

Hennessey Performance's upgrades for the Jeep Trackhawk are enough to turn the car into a Super SUV capable of hypercar-like acceleration. After their upgrades to the car, including a new 4.5-liter supercharger system, headers, high-flow fuel injectors and a lot more, the HPE1000 Trackhawk creates 1,012 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque.Hennessey Sets New Dodge Demon Record Quarter-Mile TimeWith that much power at the ready, how fast can the HPE1000 Trackhawk go? Hennessey Performance recently tested the SUV's capabilities and recorded the sprint for their YouTube channel. In the video, found below, we see the modified Trackhawk attempt a 1/4-mile run. The results? How about a 0-60 mph time of just 2.7 seconds and a 1/4-mile time of 10.7 seconds @ 132 mph. That kind of acceleration puts it into the same range as the new Acura NSX, Ferrari F12tdf, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren 650S and Porsche 911 Turbo S. All of those are supercars, while this Trackhawk has room for a family and four doors. Impressive? You bet.

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