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

Koenigsegg News

Koenigsegg news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Jesko and Jesko Absolut, the four-seat Gemera and the manual CC850. Our reporting follows reveals, record runs, engineering news and the auction results that set what these cars are worth. Koenigsegg builds only a handful of cars each year, so every confirmed sale carries real weight in the market. That is where our marketplace becomes useful to readers. Koenigseggs covered here are sometimes listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts the reporting and a real figure side by side. This is hypercar news with the market attached, so for Koenigsegg news today, start below.

By Khris Bharath – June 28, 2026

Koenigsegg's First V8 Client Gemera Breaks Cover at the Aurora Concours in Sweden

Three years after Koenigsegg confirmed a V8-powered version of its four-seat Gemera, the first customer example has finally been showcased in public. The hypercar maker unveiled the car this weekend at the Aurora Concours in Båstad, Sweden, finished in a vivid Johan Röd paint over Engel Svart leather and Alcantara with red stitching accents. This particular client, Gemera, is equipped with the full Crystal Clear sound system, bespoke red-tinted Ghosts on the Aircore seats, and rides on Trofast Aircore carbon wheels. The powertrain pairs a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter hot V8 with Koenigsegg's Dark Matter electric motor via the brand's nine-speed Lightspeed Tourbillon Transmission (LSTT), a four-wheel torque-vectoring system that can send power independently to each wheel. Combined output is 2,300 horsepower, with a sub-2.0-second dash to 60 mph and a top speed in excess of 240 mph. The Gemera was the cover car in a feature we did last year on the most powerful production cars in the world. <- Gallery -> "Today is a big milestone for Koenigsegg, as we roll out the most technically advanced and most ambitious program in our history." - Christian von Koenigsegg, Founder, CEO, Koenigsegg The Gemera realizes a dream von Koenigsegg has held for decades, a proper four-seat, high-performance supercar capable of seating four two-meter adults in comfort with room for luggage. The idea traces back to his childhood, when he first saw his friend's father's Lotus Excel. According to von Koenigsegg, the Gemera itself began taking shape in the mid-2000s, long before its eventual reveal. It first broke cover in 2020 with three electric motors and a tiny twin-turbo three-cylinder engine, and we’ve followed the story from its evolving design phase to its first driveable prototype testing phase in 2022. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Christian von Koenigsegg (@heycvk) The production-spec hybrid version was revised in 2023 to employ Koenigsegg's single Dark Matter motor, lifting output to 1,400 horsepower, and news that the V8 variant was on the production line surfaced earlier this year in March. Production of the Gemera is capped at 300 units, a ceiling set at the car's original 2020 unveiling. Koenigsegg has confirmed all 300 build slots are already accounted for. Original pricing started from $1.7 million, though the industry estimates have placed fully specified V8 examples well above $2 million. For a company that has built its reputation on low-volume, two-seat hypercars, the four-seat Gemera represents a significant departure, one that doesn’t compromise on the brand’s core principles of high-performance speed and design details like the signature dihedral synchro-helix doors, now being offered in a more usable package as a Mega GT. View All Koenigseggs For Sale Images: @Koenigsegg

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 25, 2026

Koenigsegg’s 2,300-HP Four-Seater Hypercar Is Almost Here

New supercars and hypercars debut every year, but behind the scenes, they’ve often been in the works for years, and buyers may still be waiting years more before delivery. That seemed to be the story of Koenigsegg’s beloved Gemera, the world’s first four-seater “Mega-GT” hypercar, which debuted at the start of March 2020. It wasn’t exactly a forgotten project; Koenigsegg was busy developing a production line while finishing the Regera, launching the Jesko, kicking off the CC850, and building a handful of one-off cars along the way. But today, Koenigsegg is excited to share its newly updated Gemera production line with the world on its Instagram. It's one of the moments in history where you pause and look back at how far Christian Von Koenigsegg and his team have come since the start, from the very first CC prototype to the world record Agera RS, and now, the first Mega-GT. Perfectly situated inside the pristine warehouse of a former Swedish Air Force fighter jet base turned hypercar headquarters, the Gemera production line is now filled with dozens of carbon fiber tubs awaiting various stages of hand assembly. It's the starting point where the Gemera takes shape before receiving Koenigsegg’s 2,300-horsepower hybrid-assisted 5.0L “Hot V8.” The production line now runs side by side with the CC850 and the upcoming Sadir Spear, showcasing the future of Koenigsegg all coming together in one space. Disguised by a black and white filter to keep configurations confidential, we can’t wait to see all the Gemera specs and its performance on the open road. View all our current Koenigsegg hypercar inventory on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the button below. All Koenigsegg Inventory

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 14, 2024

Koenigsegg Gemera Mega-GT Build Slot Available at Exclusi...

Being the passionate innovator who often breaks boundaries in light of hypercar evolution, Christian von Koenigsegg set off to create something truly special with the Gemera. After its long-anticipated wait, Koenigsegg owners are now starting to take delivery of their ultra-exclusive, high-horsepower Mega-GTs. With a slotted production of only 300 chassis, the team at Exclusive Automotive Group x Koenigsegg Washington DC is proud to present this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to configure a brand new 2023 Koenigsegg Gemera as part of its inventory of supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY. While we're all accustomed to the stealthy grey or Emeral Green launch colors, this Gemera allocation allows the future owner to design Koenigsegg's first 4-door hypercar using an innovative configurator with endless options. From choice of color and carbon upgrades to the styling and finish of its lightweight wheels, every inch of the Gemera is completely customizable and focused on contributing to its overall performance. Behind its vertical doors lies a first-ever interior layout for both Koenigsegg and the hypercar industry, showcasing four carbon bucket seats layered in your choice of rich, colorful leathers and or alacantara. Koenigsegg's focus on lightweight engineering is shown through its completely exposed gloss carbon tub, delivering a race-ready ambiance for the whole family. The Koenigsegg Gemera boasts an impressive twin-turbocharged 2.0L three-cylinder engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined output of 1,700 horsepower. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds, the Gemera achieves a top speed of over 250 mph. Noteworthy is its plug-in hybrid system, offering a remarkable range of up to 600 miles. At its core, the Gemera embodies Koenigsegg's pursuit of groundbreaking performance while embracing eco-friendly hypercar solutions. This 2023 Koenigsegg Gemera allocation from Exclusive Automotive Group x Koenigsegg Washington DC is now available on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Price And Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2023

Koenigsegg Fits The Gemera Hyper-GT With A New Carbon Fib...

Koenigsegg broadens the horizon for hypercar utility with the introduction of an innovative carbon fiber roof Gearbox, specifically designed for the Gemera. This addition seamlessly blends aerodynamics with style, extending the hyper-GT's functionality to suit the adventurous spirit of its future owners. The Gearbox promises to transform the Gemera into the ideal companion for active lifestyles, offering ample storage for sporting equipment or additional luggage without sacrificing Koenigsegg's performance. Engineered for speedy travel, the Gearbox can endure speeds up to 186mph, perfectly complementing the Gemera's high-speed capabilities. It is optimized for both capacity and aerodynamics, capable of stowing four sets of skis and poles, ski boots, two full-size suitcases, or up to four carry-on bags. Koenigsegg invites enthusiasts to suggest even more creative packing possibilities. Remarkably, Koenigsegg claims the lowest drag coefficient in the roof box category, with the Gearbox increasing the Gemera's total drag by a mere 11%. This ensures that the hypercar retains its sleek profile and dynamic performance, even when fully loaded for an adventure. Integrated sensors within the roof mounts are an example of Koenigsegg's attention to detail, automatically restricting the Gemera's top speed to ensure safety and stability. With this latest innovation, Koenigsegg redefines the realms of hypercar versatility, inviting drivers to embark on adventures as spirited as their rides. View all Koenigsegg Gemera examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Koenigsegg Gemera For Sale Source: Koenigsegg

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 19, 2023

Meet Koenigsegg's New 800HP Dark Matter Electric Motor

Powering the revolutionary production-spec Koenigsegg Gemera, the Dark Matter motor is a true engineering marvel.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 04, 2022

Koenigsegg's First Driveable Gemera Prototype Is Being Te...

The most revolutionary Koenigsegg yet is driveable and in testing. And that’s saying something because Koenigsegg seems to specialize in revolutionary cars. However, the Gemera is completely different. To start, it is Koenigsegg’s first four-seater. But that’s far from the only aspect about it that’s a first for the entire automotive industry, let alone for Koenigsegg. It’s a plug-in hybrid with a twin-turbo three-cylinder engine, and Koenigsegg’s incredible Koenigsegg Direct Drive transmission, all combining for a total combined 1,700 horsepower, which gets put down through all four wheels. MUST READ: What production cars have the most torque ever? FIND OUT The engine is called the Tiny Friendly Giant, or TFG, and that’s in reference to the fact that the engine, while being as small as it is at around 150 pounds, is both low on emissions and capable of using carbon-neutral renewable fuel, and big on power, revving up to a crazy-high 8.500 rpm, and capable of nearly 600 horsepower on its own, let alone in conjunction with the electric motors. Christian von Koenigsegg also says that the car is fun and easy to drive, which is probably the biggest departure from the intimidation of the “megacars” we are used to seeing from Koenigsegg. While the Gemera is still in development, it gets closer and closer to being a reality on our roads, and changing the automotive world forever, as Koenigseggs tend to. Source: Koenigsegg

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By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2020

Koenigsegg Gemera Prototypes Show Evolution of the Design

When your company specializes in building 2-door hypercars, the notion of adding back seats car be terrifying to a design team. That's why Christian and his team partnered with RAW Design House to sculpt their latest masterpiece. So proud of their efforts, these Koenigsegg Gemera prototypes show the evolution of the design. For a quick refresher, the Gemera was scheduled to be unveiled in Geneva alongside Jesko Absolut. A slap in the face to those who who say gas engines are dead, the "Tiny Friendly Giant is a 2.0L twin turbo without any cams. Detailed Walkaround of the Koenigsegg Gemera It uses Koenigsegg's Freevavle technology to offer 600 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque from 2-7,000 rpm. It can run on regular unleaded, E-85, E-100 (moonshine) or even methanol. Combined with the world's most advanced hybrid system, it has one motor for the front wheels and the rear wheels have their own. Total output is 1,700 horsepower and only 2,581 lb-ft of torque. It can travel 590 miles on one takn, without using the EV system, but who could resist such incredible power at your command? Click the button below to find out more and stay with us for all your Koenigsegg news. Browse All Koenigsegg for Sale https://vimeo.com/395222190

By Edward Jones – March 06, 2020

Detailed Walkaround of the Koenigsegg Gemera 4-Door Megacar

The Koenigsegg Gemera has everyone around the world talking about its unveiling earlier this week, as they should be. What Koenigsegg has unveiled is a groundbreaking megacar that packs four seats, an insane amount of power and it looks just stunning. YouTuber Mr JWW recently had the chance to check out the Gemera himself. What's more, he received a full walkaround from the man himself, Christian von Koenigsegg. In the video, found below, you can learn all of the details you can imagine from the man behind the Koenigsegg brand. It should also be mentioned that Mr JWW has ordered an example of the Gemera for himself. SEE ALL KOENIGSEGGS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2020

Koenigsegg Gemera Revealed: Four Seater Mega-GT

Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 3-Cylinder Freevalve EngineElectric Motor: Three Electric MotorsHorsepower: 1,700 bhpTorque: 2,581 lb-ftProduction Run: 300 ExamplesCupholders: 8 Surprising everyone, the new Koenigsegg Gemera has been unveiled as one of the most stunning vehicles we've ever seen. Its appearance is downright incredible, but it's what's inside that makes this a very, very special car: four seats. Yes, the new Gemera is Koenigsegg's first four-seater and the world's first "Mega-GT." The front seats fit two adults comfortably while leaving plenty of room int he back for two adults as well. What's more, there's also space for carry-on luggage as well. But the Gemera's ability to provide comfort does not end there. See All Koenigseggs for Sale For creature comforts, there's plenty. Koenigsegg notes that there are four cold and four warm cup holders, front and rear seat central infotainment displays, wireless phone chargers in the front and back, Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi, exterior and interior cameras, four reading lights, memory foam heated seats, electric front seats, three different climate zones and more. And guess what? The Gemera packs all of that AND a combined power output of 1,700 bhp. For this power, the Mega-GT relies on three electric motors and a 2-liter 3-cylinder dry-sumped twin-turbo Freevalve engine (nicknamed Tiny Friendly Giant or TFG). Thanks to the three electric motors, the Gemera can drive at speeds up to 186 mph completely silent and has a 31-mile pure EV range. Only 300 examples of the Koenigsegg Gemera will be created and we can't wait to see as many as possible out in the wild.

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