Marc Philipp Gemballa

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 – August 10, 2026

Revealed: Marc Philipp Gemballa's New 900HP MARSIEN GT, Limited to 30

Five years ago, Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH (not associated in any form with Gemballa GmbH) took Monterey Car Week by storm with the reveal of its MARSIEN series, creating a completely bespoke supercar with Dakar-derived capabilities to conquer all terrains. Now, with cars currently being delivered to owners across more than 16 countries worldwide, Marc Philipp Gemballa is excited to continue the next chapter of his story with the all-new MARSIEN GT. Limited to 30 examples, each one starts life as a Porsche 992 Turbo S and is then heavily reworked, with around 1,500 components developed specifically for the car. That includes everything from the carbon-fiber body and suspension to the exhaust, wiring, lighting, aerodynamics, and interior. GALLERY-EMBED The Marsien GT still has plenty of visual connection to the original, but its proportions and details give it a more road-focused look. More than 100 carbon-fiber body panels help save roughly 165 lbs compared to a standard 992 Turbo S, while the redesigned body adds active front-fender louvres, an active rear wing, roof-mounted ram-air intakes, larger side intakes, and a full carbon-fiber underbody. The launch car is finished in a four-layer Anniversary Liquid Champagne Gold paint created for Uwe Gemballa’s 70th anniversary. Underneath, the car gets a new double-wishbone suspension developed with KW Automotive, along with electronically controlled dampers capable of adjusting in as little as 20 milliseconds. There’s also a 60-mm front-axle lift, which should make dealing with everyday roads a little less complicated. GALLERY-EMBED The same attention to detail carries over into the cabin. Alcantara, exposed carbon fiber, aluminum, and hand-finished elements give the interior a distinctly motorsport-inspired feel, while the raised center console houses an aluminum gear lever influenced by the Porsche Carrera GT. There’s plenty of room for personalization, including different carbon-fiber treatments, gear-knob finishes, stitching and materials, as well as the option for a painted or upholstered club-sport roll bar. Each car also gets its own production number built into the center console. On the launch example, dark gray Alcantara is paired with carbon-fiber bucket seats and champagne-colored stitching, seat belts, and instrument dials to complement the exterior. GALLERY-EMBED Under the rear deck is a six-cylinder boxer engine developed with RUF Automobile, continuing a relationship between RUF and the Gemballa family that goes back decades. The Marsien GT produces more than 830 horsepower and 685 lb-ft of torque, thanks to upgraded VTG turbochargers, revised ECU mapping, and transmission tuning. An optional second-stage engine package targeting more than 900 horsepower is also in the works. A titanium quad exhaust from Akrapovič produces the exhaust note. The Marsien GT will make its world premiere and North American debut during Monterey Car Week 2026, with appearances planned at the 18th Lawn at Pebble Beach, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Concept Lawn. First deliveries are expected toward the end of 2027, bringing total Marsien production to just 70 cars worldwide. Source: Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH

By Edward Jones – May 03, 2022

Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien Makes Rare Appearance in NYC

Wouldn't be surprised if the whole city shut down for this car. The Marsien by Marc Philipp Gemballa made waves when it was unveiled back on July 14th and subsequently made its debut on that Concept Car Line at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2021. Now, the Paris Dakar rally-inspired creation from Marc Phillipp Gemballa GmbH has made its way to New York City. Images shown in this article were taken by the incredibly talented Oskar Bakke who had this to say about the car: "I’m really impressed with the progress of the MARSIEN, from shooting it shredding dunes in the rural Al Faya desert, to dodging potholes in busy New York: no matter where it goes it stuns both drivers and spectators. I’m especially impressed by the extreme yet subtle design - it’s so well balanced and great looking. I’m looking forward to working with Marc and taking this project to further challenging environments" Image by Oskar Bakke As for the Marsien itself, its creation was made possible thanks to a handful of industry experts. For the design of the 992 911 Turbo S-based Marisen, Marc Philipp Gemballa tapped Alan Derosier who is known by many for his Porsche 908 design study. Then there's GERG Lighthouse which designed the beautiful bespoke rear light, KW Automotive in charge of the suspension system, and RUF Automobile supplying the six-cylinder boxer engine that produces 750 horsepower and 686 lb-ft of torque. Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH will be offering the Marsien in a 40-unit production run with the very last build slots currently being strategically placed. If you'd like to see it for yourself, it will be at the 2022 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este from May 20-22, 2022 at Lake Como in Italy. See All Porsches For Sale Images by Oskar Bakke

By Edward Jones – July 14, 2021

Marsien is a New Off-Road-Ready Supercar From Marc Philip...

Marc Philipp Gemballa has just unveiled Marsien, an off-road-ready, bespoke supercar that is a wondrous blend of modern and classic design. You may know Marc Philipp Gemballa as the son of late Uwe Gemballa, but he has just launched Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH and this is the company's first creation. It should be noted that this company is not related to Gemballa GmbH. The design of the 992 911 Turbo S-based Marsien was inspired by Paris Dakar Rally era cars. In charge of the design was Alan Derosier who is known by many for his Porsche 908 design study. From the integrated rear wing to the massive side vents and sleek lines, Derosier has created an automotive masterpiece. Making up the design is a full carbon fiber body that has undergone intensive testing for the sake of aerodynamics, efficiency, and safety. When ordered, customers can choose to have their Marsien completed with a fully exposed carbon fiber body. The exterior is also highlighted by a stunning bespoke rear light that was designed by GERG Lighthouse. As for the wheels, the off-road supercar comes with two sets of specially designed aluminum center-lock wheels shod in Michelin Ultra High-Performance tires for the road and all-terrain tires for off-road escapades. For those off-road moments, Marsien has been equipped with a bespoke suspension system that Marc Philipp created in partnership with KW Automotive. This suspension system allows the supercar to have its ride height increased to an overall ride height of 9.8-inches at the push of a button. Working with this suspension system are the driving modes that can automatically adjust the damper, transmission setting, engine mapping, and ride height. And no matter how high or low the Marsien sits, the entire underbody is protected by a solid aluminum skid plate. Customers can also choose to have their Marsien equipped with a Reiger Suspension rally specification that increases the suspension travel and ground clearance with a fixed off-road ride height. Marc Philipp Gemballa A supercar can't be super without power, and Marsien most definitely has plenty of power thanks to a collaboration between Marc Philipp and RUF Automobile. The engine found in the off-road-capable supercar is an upgraded six-cylinder boxer engine that produces 750 horsepower and 686 lb-ft of torque. This power can be enhanced even further with a second stage power upgrade by RUF Automobile that takes power output up to 830 hp. Mated to the engine is a revised PDK transmission that sends massive amounts of power to all four wheels. Pumping out the engine sound for the Marsien is a new Akrapovič titanium exhaust system designed exclusively for the project. Inside Marc Philipp Gemballa's Marsien is a handcrafted Alcantara interior with a Carrera GT-inspired carbon fiber center console and GT-style door lashes. There are carbon fiber accents found throughout the cabin, further hinting at the Marsien's supercar capabilities. Customers also have the ability to have the interior of their Marsien completely personalized. Finally, we should talk about the name. Where does 'Marsien' come from? It actually comes from when the supercar was being tested in the Al Faya desert. The red desert sand and jagged rocks the car sped around reminded them of the surface of Mars. Thus, the team picked the name Marsien, which is the French word for 'martian' or 'from Mars.' Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH will be offering a 40-example production run of the Marsien, with more than half of them already spoken for before the official launch. The Marsien conversion price is set at EUR 495,000, not including taxes, shipping, or special options. That equates to about $583,000 USD. That price does not include the cost of a Porsche 992 Turbo S base vehicle, as well. Marc Gemballa expects serial production to start later this year. Source: Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH

Marc Philipp Gemballa

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