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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

A blue Koenigsegg Jesko hypercar from O'Gara Coach is parked indoors on a concrete floor, with its rear spoiler raised and striking red brake calipers visible.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2025

O'Gara Coach Delivers Its Very First 1,600HP Koenigsegg J...

The monumental occasion marks the official kickoff of future Jesko deliveries. Throughout automotive history, countless cars have come and gone, but only a select few rise above the moment to become timeless icons. In rare cases, their impact is felt before a single mile is driven, leaving a mark long before they ever touch the road. This proves to be the case for Koenigsegg and its ever-promising Jesko series, which carries Christian von Koenigsegg’s torch as the successor to the legendary Agera. Originally announced back in 2019 at the Geneva International Motor Show, bearing the name of Christian’s father, Koenigsegg slotted just 125 chassis for production, including both a track-focused Attack and top-speed Absolut version. Today, Koenigsegg Jesko owners from around the world are celebrating as some are beginning to receive calls that their dream specs have landed all the way from Ängelholm, Sweden. The team at O’Gara Coach and Koenigsegg Beverly Hills is pleased to join in on the celebrations, recently taking to Instagram to showcase its very first Koenigsegg Jesko Attack delivery to a very special client. Engineered for the track with weight savings and downforce in mind, the Jesko Attack features additional aero upgrades that give it a distinct and sinister style in comparison to its high-speed counterpart, the Jesko Absolut. With a practically limitless color palette to choose from, the owner chose a stunning Imperial Blue Metallic finish that perfectly highlights the Jesko Attack's low-slung look and the way it channels air to achieve over 3,000 lbs of downforce. Natural aluminum centerlock wheels provide the surface traction while bright orange carbon ceramic supply the stopping power, adding a touch of contrast to the already-impressive configuration. Inside is where Koenigsegg’s refinement and focus on quality come into play, starting with a cabin tub construction completely from carbon fiber to ensure strength, stability, and safety while defying the laws of speed. One-piece carbon bucket seats come beautifully layered in Night Sky Blue leather with a contrasting Lava Orange diamond stitching, tying the entire design together and bringing the owner’s dream to reality. The Koenigsegg Jesko Attack packs a serious punch thanks to its twin‑turbocharged 5.0‑liter V8 that pushes out up to 1,600 horsepower on E85 fuel. Paired with Koenigsegg’s advanced 9‑speed Light Speed Transmission, which swaps gears faster than you can blink, the Jesko Attack launches with blistering acceleration and impressive top‑end speed potential. Performance stats are jaw‑dropping, including a sub‑2.5 second 0–60 mph time, a top speed rumored well north of 300 mph under the right conditions, and a power‑to‑weight ratio that puts it in top-tier territory. All O'Gara Coach Inventory Source: @ogaracoach Instagram

A grey Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut with "World Record Car" text on the door speeds along a racetrack, set against a grassy landscape and cloudy sky, reflecting its 0-250-0 MPH world record capabilities.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 12, 2025

Watch The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Reclaim The 0-250-0 MP...

Thanks to Koenigsegg's “Absolut Overdrive” software. Koenigsegg has taken back the official 0–400–0 km/h world record, with the Jesko Absolut posting a new best time of 25.21 seconds at Sweden’s Örebro airfield on August 7th, 2025. Factory driver Markus Lundh was behind the wheel of the Jesko, improving on the same car’s 2024 run thanks to its updated “Absolut Overdrive” software. These technical tweaks are set to make their way into customer cars, fine-tune the Jesko Absolut’s drivetrain and traction control, and help it deliver its performance more effectively. The track condition wasn’t perfect, with the tarmac drying after early rain. However, the combination of the twin-turbo 5.0L V8, low-drag aero, and smarter grip management still delivered the fastest time for a fully road-legal production car. The new numbers show just how quick the car is. The Jesko Absolut hit 400km/h in 16.77 seconds and got back to a standstill in 8.44, adding up to the 25.21-second total for the 0–400–0 km/h run. Measured in miles per hour, it managed 0–250–0 mph in 25.67 seconds, cutting more than two and a half seconds off its previous record of 27.83. For Koenigsegg, the run was a way to test changes that will soon be in the hands of owners. “Absolut Overdrive” is the result of months of back-and-forth between engineers, software teams, and test drivers, finding ways to make the car more controllable without losing its edge. While the record itself might grab the headlines, it’s the process that shows how the Jesko Absolut continues to evolve. View All Koenigsegg Hypercars For Sale " width="680"> Source: Koenigsegg

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 27, 2021

Discover the Cover – January 2022: Silver Carbon Koenigse...

This month we are excited to feature the performance-focused Koenigsegg Regera on our cover. The hybrid hypercar is one of the most powerful production cars on the market, highlighting the abilities of the design and engineering team of the Swedish automotive manufacturer. Powering the Regera is Koenigsegg’s twin-turbocharged 5.0L V8 HEV, which produces a mind-blowing 1,502 hp and 1,450 lb-ft of torque. Buy Issue Now The power delivered to the rear wheels is managed through its state-of-the-art 1-Speed Direct Drive transmission. This makes it the most efficient hypercar on the market, capable of going 0-249 mph in only 31.49 seconds. The Koenigsegg Regera displays its nimbleness on and off the track using its state-of-the-art aerodynamic system, which blends the comfort of a luxury vehicle with the performance of a true race car. This 2021 Koenigsegg Regera is presented in Silver Carbon over Clear Carbon with Apple Red stripes to highlight its unique body lines. Inside is a Desiato and Glacier leather interior with contrasting Lingonberry stitching. It is available now through the hypercar professionals at Koenigsegg Charlotte for $5,649,996. View Online Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 16, 2021

2021 Koenisegg Regera Delivered At Koenigsegg Charlotte

Presented by Koenigsegg Charlotte - The Koenigsegg Regera is known as one of the most powerful production cars on the market, which stands tall next to the collection of hypercars created by the Swedish manufacturer. This 2021 Koenigsegg Regera is presented in Silver Carbon over Clear Carbon with Apple Red stripes to highlight its unique body lines. Inside is a Desiato and Glacier leather interior with contrasting Lingonberry stitching. The interior also features plenty of matte and polished carbon surfaces that are joined by natural aluminum trim. Powering the Regera is Koenigsegg’s twin-turbocharged 5.0L V8 HEV, which produces a mind-blowing 1,502 hp and 1,450 lb-ft of torque. The power delivered to the rear wheels is managed through its state-of-the-art 1-Speed Direct Drive transmission. This makes it the most efficient hypercar on the market, capable of going 0-249 mph-0 in only 31.49 seconds. Delivered brand new to Koenigsegg Charlotte of North Carolina, this 2021 Koenigsegg Regera specification is valued between $5,000,000 and $7,000,000. Check out the listing for this 2021 Koenigsegg Regera on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View 2021 Koenigsegg Regera Listing

By Edward Jones – April 23, 2020

New Futuristic Koenigsegg Concept Revealed

Over in Europe, Koenigsegg's designers are hard at work imagining the megacar of the future. Putting in the design hours is the team at "Raw Design House," Koenigsegg's internal design team that's head up by Sasha Selipanov. Under his wing is Esa Mustonen who has just released a new Koenigsegg concept design for his graduation thesis. The result is a beautiful blend of Koenigsegg's modern design and futuristic stylings. " width="680"> Raw Design House recently uploaded a video and images of the concept to your social accounts so the world can see Mustonen's creation. A three-seat configuration is utilized inside, while the innovative three-cylinder Freevalve TFG engine rests behind the rear seat. One novel fact about this design is that Mustonen is aiming for a 1:1 ratio between weight and power. These figures are noted as 700 horsepower and 700 kg (1543 lbs). This is a truly remarkable look at what an entry-level Koenigsegg could appear as in the future. While there is clearly no word on production of this car and it remains a true concept study, it's still exciting to see Koenigsegg's design team hard at work envisioning their future. See All Koenigseggs for Sale Source: Instagram/Raw Design House

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2019

Koenigsegg Jesko is Already Soldout

A wise man once told me "The best way to sell something is to tell someone they can't have it". While that might work for many products, Koenigsegg will not build more than 125 examples of their latest hypercar. That's why we are not totally shocked that the Koenigsegg Jesko is already sold out! As the successor to the Agera RS, it has big shoes to fill. Being that each new model arrives with serious innovation, it will probably smash the 300 mph barrier with ease. In the email earlier today, we learned that 83 cars were sold prior to the unveiling at the Geneva Auto Show. The remainder of the deposits were received in only 5 days. We were wondering why their display model was being pushed out of the show, and now we know its probably en route to its owner. Koenigsegg Jesko Revealed at Geneva And now a quote from the man himself: "The new Koenigsegg Jesko is the highest volume production run we’ve ever planned. For it to have sold out within days of its unveiling is both humbling and a wonderful testament to the outstanding crew we have at Koenigsegg. From the visionary work of our designers, engineers and technicians to the incredible job done by our sales team and our global network of Koenigsegg dealers – it took a great team to bring the Jesko to the world. We are very thankful for the reception it’s received from the press, the public and of course, our growing family of Koenigsegg owners". A few dealers purchased production spots, and we're sure they will fetch a pretty penny when delivered. Production will begin at the end of 2020, with a planned run of one per week. I am still stuck on the Regera because it has made the transmission obsolete. If you haven't experienced one in person, click the link below and stay with us for all your Koenigsegg news. Shop Koenigsegg For Sale " width="680"> Related: Muscle Cars For Sale BMW M3 For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 05, 2019

Koenigsegg Jesko is Here as the Agera RS Replacement

We've been waiting and now the wait is over. The new Koenigsegg Jesko is here to replace the Agera RS in the Swedish automaker's lineup. What's in a name? "Jesko" comes Christian von Koenigsegg's father's name, Jesko von Koenigsegg. Koenigsegg automotive touts that the Jesko's powerplant, a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 engine, is coming into the world with a new intake, bigger turbos and better pressure control when compared than the Agera RS. Mated to this engine is Koenigsegg's Light Speed Transmission, a new system that was designed in-house. Light speed-like gear changes are the reason for the name. Running through the transmission is quite a bit of power. And by a bit, I mean a lot. Koenigsegg says that the Jesko will be able to put out 1600 horsepower on E85 fuel or 1280 with regular gasoline. Torque is rated at 737 lb-ft from 2700 to 6170 rpm. Max torque is rated at 1106 lb-ft at 5100 rpm.

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