Lexus

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 Jordan Aquistapace – March 31, 2026

Caroline Marks' Lexus GX Just Made Pro Surf Life Cooler

Surf culture and luxury SUVs don’t usually share the same lane, until now, with Lexus teaming up with professional surfer Caroline Marks. It’s a solid pairing between someone who spends most of her time catching waves and a car that actually makes that on-the-go lifestyle easier. It's the perfect example of real-world use instead of a staged partnership. Caroline, who grew up riding waves in Melbourne Beach, FL, has been on a steady run at the top of the World Surf League, fast, controlled, and never really out of place, even when the conditions aren’t ideal. That kind of approach lines up well with the 2026 Lexus GX, which isn’t trying to be flashy for the sake of it. It’s all about being dependable in the moments that actually matter. Looking ahead, this is also part of Lexus's broader involvement in the World Surf League, partner on events like the Lexus US Open, Lexus Trestles Pro, Lexus Fiji Pro, and Lexus Pipe Masters. With Marks on the team, it all comes across pretty straightforward, no big statement, just a couple of things that work well together, doing exactly what they’re supposed to. All Lexus GX Inventory

Lexus x Laufey The New One-Off “Blue In Green” Edition RZ

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 30, 2026

New One-Off Lexus RZ “Blue In Green” Edition Revealed

Lexus earlier announced that it would be collaborating with Icelandic-Chinese musician Laufey on a project called “100 Miles,” a musical celebration of the 100th birthday of legendary jazz pioneer Miles Davis. That collaboration included a live debut on Twitch of Laufey’s reimagined “Blue In Green” song, and the creation of a new one-off rendition of the Lexuz RZ, the Japanese luxury marque’s BEV model. The new RZ Blue In Green Edition is a bespoke one-off inspired by the song and the creative forces behind it. Its design brings together Laufey’s modern approach to jazz music with touches that pay homage to Miles Davis and his trumpet. Its custom exterior finish, as its name suggests, features a shifting color that shows both blue and green in different lighting. Brass accents and an interior finished in aged leather and burgundy velvet are clear reminders of Miles Davis, referencing not only his trumpet but also the classic look of an instrument case. The custom vehicle features a badge that reinterprets the Lexus “L” emblem with Laufey’s signature script “L” instead, and the trunk features the lyrics of her rendition of “Blue In Green.” When the vehicle is turned on, the first few notes of “Blue In Green” by Miles Davis play, a finishing touch that playfully celebrates the incredible musical legacy of Miles Davis. <- Gallery -> About the car, Laufey says, “Miles Davis’ music has this timeless, atmospheric quality. Seeing ‘Blue In Green’ translated into a physical design was surreal. We captured the feeling of the song, something classic, emotional and a little mysterious, and turned it into something that will actually move you.” Erin Davis, Miles Davis’ son, was also impressed with the result of the collaboration, saying, “My father always created music that people could live inside of. To see ‘Blue In Green’ reimagined and expressed through design like this is really special. It shows how deeply that feeling still resonates.” Streaming now exclusively on Amazon Music, Laufey’s “Blue In Green” is available now to listen to, and the new one-off Lexus RZ Blue In Green Edition is a physical, visual representation of the musical convergence. View All Lexus For Sale Image Source: Lexus

Lexus & Laufey Collaborate On New “100 Miles” Musical Project

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 17, 2026

Lexus & Laufey Launch A New Musical Project

A celebrated young artist known for blending genres and mastering composition, vocal performance, and instruments, Laufey has enjoyed a blossoming career, and the latest move from the Icelandic-Chinese musician is a collaboration with Lexus, the Japanese luxury automotive manufacturer. That collaboration is a musical event that celebrates the centenary of Miles Davis, a pioneering jazz artist, with a livestream on Twitch and the debut of “Blue In Green,” a Davis song reimagined by Laufey. However, the event doesn’t just premiere a new song; a one-of-one Lexus has also been created as part of the collaboration. Regarding the event, Laufey said, “Partnering with Lexus to bring this celebration to life felt natural. They get how creativity and innovation can move people, just like music does.” The event and premiere of the song will take place on March 27 at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT. The one-off Lexus that will be revealed is the Blue In Green Edition Lexus RZ, a vehicle customized with personal touches from Laufey combining jazz tradition and luxury craftsmanship with the futurism of the all-electric Lexus model. Celebrating what would have been the 100th birthday of a revolutionary jazz legend, Laufey and Lexus are coming together for an exciting collaboration that is both digital and physical. View All Lexus For Sale Image Source: Lexus

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 25, 2024

Lexus And Anderson .Paak Remix The 2024 GX For World Musi...

Celebrate World Music Day with Lexus and Anderson. Paak Bringing together the luxury automotive world and renowned musical talent, Lexus has partnered with Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak for the "Destination.Paak – The Lexus GX Remix." The campaign kicks off in celebration of World Music Day, inviting fans to embark on outdoor adventures while enjoying new music. The 2024 Lexus GX stars alongside .Paak as he journeys through California's stunning landscapes on a unique auditory experience. Lexus Anderson .Paak uses the rugged beauty of California, from its dense forests to sweeping deserts, as his stage for inspiration. With the newly reimagined 2024 Lexus GX, .Paak finds the essence of his artistic rejuvenation, sharing this personal and creative resurgence with fans around the globe. Designed for adventurers who appreciate sophistication and capability, the 2024 Lexus GX exemplifies Lexus' engineering and offroad expertise. As .Paak explores off the beaten path, the GX proves its worth as a faithful companion, equipped with advanced features and intuitive technology that ensure comfort and durability. The campaign, running through August 31, 2024, offers an immersive experience into Paak's world, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content, a curated playlist by the artist, and a gallery capturing the spirit of his journey. View all Lexus GX models now for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lexus GXs For Sale Lexus Source: Lexus

By Edward Jones – October 19, 2021

Lexus Unveils 'Eternals' Vehicle For Each Hero in Upcomin...

Sometimes even superheroes that are actually ancient aliens need a luxurious ride. Hitting theaters on November 5 is Marvel's new Eternals, an exciting movie that's all about a group of Earth's protectors that have been looking over the planet before humanity came into existence. Each of the heroes in the Eternals group has been around for... a long time. Having experienced the rise of man on Earth, they've seen it all and in the upcoming film, they'll be put to the task of defending the planet from the Deviants. Assuming that the movie has a happy ending and they push back the evil forces, they will most certainly be deserving of a luxurious ride. For that, they could choose from the custom-wrapped Lexus vehicles that the automaker has just unveiled. In the collection of custom Eternals cars, each hero from the movie is represented by a vehicle that's wrapped to match them perfectly. The Eternals Lexus' also have a "golden glow" that emanates from the bottom to represent the energy each hero shares in the film. You can check they all out down below. See All Lexus For Sale Source: Lexus

By Edward Jones – March 22, 2021

Madlib Tests the Lexus IS Wax Edition's Built-in Turntable

Madlib and Kaytranada checked out the Lexus IS Wax Edition to see if its built-in turntable is the real deal. Lexus recently created the new IS Wax Edition as a very specific concept car that includes one very specific feature, and that feature is a full-functional turntable. While, at first glance, it may seem like a feat of engineering, you have to consider how prone turntables are to skipping and having one in a moving vehicle is unthinkable. To make it happen, Lexus teamed up with SCPS, a world-renowned fabrication studio out of Los Angeles. They made the record player thanks to 3D printing and modified it with carbon fiber and aluminum. The turntable was then fit into the dashboard where it can be accessed by the passenger. SCPS also incorporated a rotating motor that stabilizes the turntable so it doesn't skip, even on bumpy roads. To see if the Lexus IS Wax Edition does what the automaker says it can do, they took it out for a spin. Watch the video below to see the Lexus IS Wax Edition get tested by Madlib and Kaytranada. Also be sure to check out all of our latest Lexus news, including the new Lexus x RTFKT collab that resulted in a one-of-a-kind sneaker.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 04, 2016

Clippers Fans, Here's Your Chance to Own the Clippers Lexus

The L.A. Clippers and Lexus have come together to offer Clippers fans the ultimate fan car. The completely custom Lexus RC F includes a playbook inspired paint job, Clippers embossed rim steering wheel, bucket seats with the clippers nation regalia, a locker-room style trunk and so much more. Stuck in traffic, let everyone around you know it's game over with a horn that sounds like the game buzzer. Want to use the backboard? Your windshield is decorated with backboard paint.Your Clippers ride also includes basketball shaped speakers and a game clock. Need to know where you're going? Doc Rivers will get you there thanks to a GPS system that features his voice. All of these features house a powerful 467 hp V8 engine, perfect to get the game going. This ride really is for the ultimate fan. Lexus offers four ways to enter, and you can learn about them here.Lexus LFA For Sale

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