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 Khris Bharath – August 15, 2025

Lexus Sport Concept Debuts at The Quail

Lexus just dropped a surprise at Pebble Beach with its new Sport Concept. Finished in a two-tone gray over black, this two-door prototype appears to be a showcase of the design direction of the Japanese brand’s upcoming sports cars. With a low stance, a fastback profile, and sculpted bodywork optimized with functional aero elements in the bumper, along the front fenders, and behind the door, this prototype appears to be far more edgier and angular when compared to previous concepts and potential LFA successors. Besides the aggressive front-end with Lexus’ L-signature day-time running lights, the backlit Lexus badge, and the Y-Spoke alloy wheels, the rear is perhaps the most dramatic angle, with an aggressive diffuser, a full-width LED lightbar, and triangular mesh forms that are a nod to the V10-powered LFA. Some of the extreme design touches may not survive production, but the overall shape is likely close to what you’ll most likely see on the road. Lexus hasn’t revealed any details about what’s under the hood, but early reports indicate a front-engine, rear-drive layout with a twin-turbo V8, likely paired with a rear transaxle gearbox. Toyota engineers have reportedly benchmarked the Mercedes AMG GT R, so you can expect sharp handling and serious track capability. Could this be the long-awaited LFA successor in disguise? Lexus isn’t saying anything just yet, but your next chance to see it in action might be sooner than you think. View All Lexus LFAs For Sale Source: Lexus

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 26, 2023

Lexus Unveils Two New EV Concepts At Japan Mobility Show

A vision of electrification and luxury, these models are set to hit the market by 2026. Lexus has always been a pioneer in the luxury car market, serving as a beacon of excellence and innovation in the industry. The company recently pulled back the curtain on its next-generation Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) concepts, LF-ZC and LF-ZL, at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. This landmark move is a game-changer for the electric vehicle industry and signifies Lexus's strong commitment to becoming an all-electric brand by 2035. From the get-go, Lexus made it clear that these are not just cars; they're harbingers of a new age. The LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) is aptly named to signify its role as a catalyst for transformative experiences in the realm of electric mobility. This high-end model promises elevated driving dynamics, uncompromised design, and exclusive services, embracing the core values that have made Lexus a household name in luxury. Scheduled to launch in 2026, the LF-ZC aims to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge software platforms with state-of-the-art hardware to offer an unparalleled automotive experience. Not to be outdone, the LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury) is Lexus's BEV flagship concept that aims to redefine how mobility, people, and society interact. Personalized driving experiences are the hallmark of this future-forward model, which employs Artificial Intelligence to offer a customized driving environment tailored to individual user behavior and preferences. But it's not just about high-tech futurism; Lexus also leads the pack in sustainability. The carmaker showcased its Bamboo CMF (Color, Material, Finish) Concept, emphasizing its commitment to environmental and social sustainability. By innovating the use of bamboo, a material deeply rooted in Lexus's design philosophy, the company brings a novel, eco-friendly aesthetic to the realm of luxury cars. These next-generation BEVs also boast advanced voice recognition systems, thanks to Lexus's new "Arene OS." This platform allows for continuous software updates to keep up with rapidly evolving technology, ensuring that the driving experience is as current as it is luxurious. From exceptional design and personalized driving experiences to sustainability and futuristic tech, Lexus's next-gen BEV concepts, LF-ZC and LF-ZL, encapsulate the future of the automotive industry. Set to roll out in 2026, these models will undoubtedly shape the future of mobility and luxury in the electric age. View All Lexus For Sale Image Source: Lexus

By Edward Jones – February 14, 2022

Lexus LFA Successor Teased As An Electric Supercar

We're one step closer to an LFA successor being a reality. It's crazy to think about, but the Lexus LFA ended production a decade ago in 2012. It was a sad moment in time knowing that there would be no more LFAs being produced, but after the sting was gone, everyone started thinking about what was to be the next Lexus supercar. Now, we have a better idea of what to expect thanks to the recent images released from Lexus of the BEV Sport concept (shown in this article). This new Lexus concept will be electric, as the name suggests (BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle) and the automaker says it will be "reviving the spirit of the iconic Lexus LFA." Lexus also notes that this model will have a 0-60 mph acceleration time in the low two-second range and it will have a range that could exceed 430 miles. As for when we will see a production-ready example of the LFA successor, that's unknown. Source: Lexus

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 14, 2021

Lexus Teases Electric Hypercar To Succeed LFA

The legacy of the LFA won’t just live on in legend. Toyota and Lexus have announced plans to develop and release an all-new group of electric vehicles, and the visions that they have for the future are big. In particular, they plan for Lexus to have electric vehicles for every product category by 2030, and for electric vehicles to account for 100% of their sales by 2035. The electric concept vehicles shown by Lexus include SUVs, sedans, and one very special sports coupe. Lexus calls it the Lexus Electrified Sport Coupe, and they say that while it has an electric drivetrain, it has the spirit of the LFA. The performance numbers that Lexus claims the car will have back this up, too. With a 0-60 time supposedly in the low two-second range, the Electrified Sport Coupe will be a worthy successor. MUST READ: Lexus Unveils Luxurious Off-Roader Powered by Hydrogen It isn’t just the LFA that the Lexus Electrified Sport carries the legacy of. The swooping, long, GT silhouette of the car evokes the Toyota 2000GT and Supra of the past, which means that this car has lots of names to live up to. If the new electric hypercar is going to be anything like its predecessors, however, the future for Lexus and the automotive world as a whole is bright. Image source: Toyota Image source: Toyota

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By Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2021

Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept Showcases a High Voltage F...

They have laid out an aggressive plan of battery powered luxury Your local dealer will have 10 new hybrid and electric cars to choose from by 2025, and it all starts here. The Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept showcases a high voltage future that blends their unique style with technologies not offered by anyone else. Japanese engineers are never reactionary. Instead of taking inspiration from western products or ideas, they forge a new path to achieve an outcome nobody could have predicted. In order to build the final naturally aspirated supercar, the LF-A was in development for a decade. The result was and is one of the best cars of all time. Just as dynamic as that carbon fiber chassis, the LF-Z is the first electric to mount the battery longitudinally inside the car's backbone. Not only does it center the car's mass low in the body, it also keep the center of rotation (Z-axis) close to the center of the car. This offers incredible handling, but they took it a step even further. DIRECT4 is a new take on AWD, where each motor brakes or applies torque independently. Their common goal is to provide a smooth ride and negate body roll, and they do that at each corner to optimize driving forces. The concept foreshadows technologies and styling we will see starting this year with two new production cars, so tell us your thoughts on the LF-Z Electrified and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus For Sale Images (C) Toyota USA

By Andrew Nabors – October 07, 2020

Lexus J201 Concept To Debut At Rebelle Rally

Overlanding has been a part of 4WD culture since surplus Jeeps came home from the war. The Jeep also spurred Toyota to build the FJ, which has evolved into the 2021 Land Cruiser and its luxury cousin at Lexus. The LX570 and the Land Cruiser ride on a shared chassis known as J201. Last refreshed in 2015, its time for something new. That's why the Lexus J201 concept will debut at the Rebelle Rally. This annual off-road challenges teams of ladies from around the world to compete in factory-backed equipment. The 10-day rally starts on October 8th, and defending champions Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley will have the ultimate luxury ride. The concept embodies "omotenashi" which is a Japanese practice of hospitality by learning the culture of your guest and anticipating their every need. In that manner, the J201 anticipates every adverse condition thanks to 550 supercharged horsepower. " width="680"> Along for the ride are the usual Overlanding upgrades like a tuned lift kit, 35" General Grabber tires, jerry cans, rock sliders, fabricated bumpers and a Warn winch. The upper control arms were custom made for long travel, and the snorkel will keep them dry with no need for a bridge. Hopefully a few of these parts make it to production, so we wish Team Lexus the best of luck. Stay with us for all your Lexus news and a full recap of Rebelle Rally 2020. Browse Lexus For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 17, 2020

Lexus Has Created New Moon Rovers Concepts For the Future

Humans are destined to adventure into the unknown and explore the stars, meaning we have to figure out a way to traverse the treacherous planets discovered. For that, Lexus has unveiled a new group of concept vehicles meant for moon travel. These seven concepts are were created by ED2, the European Advanced Design Studio for Toyota, and Lexus. They ended up with seven different designs created by five different designers. They can be found below. SEE ALL LEXUS FOR SALE ”When Document Journal approached us about the Lunar Design Portfolio, our team was working on the LF-30 Concept, which represents the “Lexus Electrified” futuristic vision for Lexus. The design team was already looking beyond near-term production and ahead to how advanced technology will change the way we interact with vehicles,” said Ian Cartabiano, President of ED2. Zero Gravity, by Karl Dujardin Lexus Cosmos, by Jean-Baptiste Henry Bouncing Moon Roller, by Julien Marie Lexus Lunar Cruisar, by Keisuke Matsuno Lexus Lunar Mission, by Yung Presciutti Lexus Moon Racer, by Yung Presciutti Lexus Lunar, by Yung Presciutti

By Edward Jones – June 11, 2019

Lexus QZ 618 Galactic Enforcer Jet for "Men in Black: Int...

If you expected Lexus to reveal a new spaceship today, you're an insane guesser that's in for some good news. Why? Because the new Lexus QZ 618 Galactic Enforcer jet has been revealed, specs and all. Alright, so this jet is actually a "concept" but it will be used in the upcoming "Men in Black: International" film. Still, the press release for the jet is lays the information out like it was the real deal. They even have performance figures: "Performance Lexus’ very latest Quasar Power Source Technology (QPST) Propulsion system named after Black Hole TON 618 122 MPG (Millennia Per Gallon) Three driving modes: EcoDrive, SportDrive, QuantumDrive 0-60 in 0.0000000000001 nanoseconds Light-speed-matching capability" For that kind of performance, Lexus had to get some tech from the future. Again, Lexus lays out a fantastic bit of info here for the jet's tech: "Technology IGPS (Inter-Galactic Positioning System) Amazon Alexa* understands all seven trillion alien languages Gamma ray headlamps Infinite scaling technology" Yeah boy, gamma ray headlamps. Eat your heart out, LEDs. But it doesn't stop there. For the interior, Lexus used "intergalactically sourced, ethically spawned Adorian leather." I've never heard of leather being spawned, but... here we are. They also note that the jet is available in six different colors, but they recommend Umbra Black, the "darkest black in the entire universe." Naturally. Whoever wrote this press release had a great time. They even included a few footnotes that explain some of the astronomical terms, like quasar and galactic nucleus. Bless you, whoever put this together. Learn About the Lexus RC F Track Edition " width="560">

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