McLaren News

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 – July 09, 2026

The Most Expensive McLarens Of All Time

From manufacturer collaborations to race-inspired factory models, McLaren's lineage of supercars and hypercars come with big price tags.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 14, 2026

Best McLaren 750S Specs For Sale Today

The McLaren 750S has quickly established itself as McLaren’s latest top-tier supercar, designed for those who crave speed, precision, and innovative technology. Building on McLaren’s history of excellence, the 750S delivers unmatched performance and cutting-edge engineering, making it a standout alongside models like the Artura, 720S, and 600LT. The 750S showcases a lightweight aerodynamic body design that’s a hallmark of McLaren’s engineering expertise. It features carbon fiber components that reduce weight while maximizing downforce, making it incredibly nimble on the road and track. From its sleek, sculpted body to its active aerodynamics, the 750S prioritizes both form and function, guaranteeing a dynamic driving experience. Inside, the 750S continues to impress wit h its luxurious yet driver-focused interior. High-quality materials like Alcantara and leather create a refined cabin, while the minimalist dashboard keeps the focus on the road ahead. A new digital instrument cluster and infotainment system provide simplified controls and connectivity, offering both comfort and convenience without sacrificing the 750S' focus on performance. Under the hood, the McLaren 750S is powered by a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing a jaw-dropping 740 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission, the 750S quickly sprints from 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds. If you're looking to add a 750S to your garage, check out the best McLaren 750S examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. McLaren 750S Inventory Is the 750S faster than the 720S? Yes, the McLaren 750S is faster than the 720S. With 740 horsepower and improved aerodynamics, the 750S crushes the 720S in both speed and performance. It’s designed to be lighter and quicker. Is the McLaren 750S sold out? The McLaren 750S isn’t completely sold out yet, but it’s definitely in high demand. With limited production and its status as McLaren's latest top-tier supercar, it's moving fast. What is the McLaren 750S' top speed ? The McLaren 750S has an impressive top speed of 206 mph. 2026 McLaren 750S Spider View Listing 2025 McLaren 750S View Listing 2026 McLaren 750S Spider View Listing 2024 McLaren 750S Spider View Listing 2024 McLaren 750S View Listing 2026 McLaren 750S View Listing 2025 McLaren 750S View Listing 2026 McLaren 750S View Listing 2024 McLaren 750S View Listing 2025 McLaren 750S View Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 30, 2024

MSO McLaren For Sale: Own Bepsoke Track-Ready Luxury

Enhance your racing-ready supercar with bespoke luxury. With its roots tracing back to the race track in 1963, McLaren is celebrated for its enviable motorsport success. It’s one of the few names in the world with the prestigious “Triple Crown” of Motorsport, having won the Indy 500, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the same year. Today, it’s supercars are celebrated for their lightweight construction, their immense power, and their performance-oriented engineering innovation. Models like the McLaren Senna, Speedtail, P1, 765LT and more are coveted by automotive collectors for their performance and eye-catching style, but there is a way that McLaren clients can further enhance the luxury factor of their supercars, and that’s with MSO. MSO offers an enhanced color palette for McLaren models, as well as bespoke interior options and head-turning livery details. If you’re looking to get your hands on a truly unique McLaren, an example with MSO customizations is the way to go. Check out some of the best MSO McLaren cars for sale below, all listed on duPont REGISTRY, the source for supercars since 1985. View All McLarens For Sale 2019 McLaren Senna MSO Balearic Blue View Listing & Payment 2023 McLaren 600LT Spider MSO Ludus Blue View Listing & Payment 2025 McLaren Artura Spider MSO Tokyo Cyan View Listing & Payment 2025 McLaren Artura Spider MSO Mexico Blue View Listing & Payment 2020 McLaren 720S Spider MSO Ludus Blue View Listing & Payment 2024 McLaren 750S Spider MSO Ceramic Grey View Listing & Payment 2024 McLaren 750S Spider MSO Amethyst Black View Listing & Payment 2024 McLaren 750S Spider MSO Bespoke Gloss Colorstream View Listing & Payment 2022 McLaren 765LT Spider MSO Volcano Blue View Listing & Payment 2025 McLaren Artura Spider MSO Paris Blue View Listing & Payment What does MSO stand for? McLaren Special Operations. It is the bespoke division of McLaren. What customizations does McLaren MSO offer? MSO offers unique paint colors for McLaren models, as well as unique liveries, upgraded interiors, and more. Can I finance an MSO McLaren for sale? Of course. With dR Finance, getting behind the wheel of your dream MSO McLaren for sale is easier than ever. View the listings to see flexible financing options and payments. Buy Searching for a McLaren to buy? duPont REGISTRY has hundreds of McLarens for sale right now, including some of the rarest ever created. To view them all, click the button below to shop all McLarens for sale. Shop Best McLarens For Sale Sell Do you own a McLaren and are interested in selling it? duPont REGISTRY is the number 1 source for private sellers to list and or sell their McLaren. Click the button below to view listing options. Learn How To Sell Your McLaren

By Edward Jones – December 10, 2015

Our Top Favorite 10 McLaren P1 Moments So Far

Now that McLaren P1 production has ended, we'd like to take this time to look at some of our favorite moments we've had so far with the hypercar.It's been up against other hypercars like the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder, and has been customized in countless amounts of ways. We've seen celebrities show them off and we've seen them sold.Check out the list below to see the top 10 favorite P1 moments we've had so far, and let us know yours in the comments below.DRIVER’S SEAT: C.J. WILSON ON HIS MCLAREN P1 ROAD TRIP TAKING A P1 TO PICK UP A 918 SPYDER AND LAFERRARI MCLAREN P1 SUNSET CRUISE BY MCLAREN NEWPORT BEACH EVERY ANGLE OF THE P1 GTR AT MCLAREN NEWPORT BEACH PRIVATE PARTY DEADMAU5 HAS MCLAREN P1 FINALLY DELIVERED 202 MPH MCLAREN P1 GTR TEST DRIVE MAN BUYS AND IMMEDIATELY RACES PORSCHE 918 SPYDER, CARRERA GT AND MCLAREN P1 DEFINITIVE LAFERRARI VS P1 VS 918 SPYDER 0-186 MPH DRAG RACE LAFERRARI, P1, 918, VEYRON AND HUAYRA DRAG RACES AND FINAL RESULTS CHRIS HARRIS’ LAFERRARI, 918 AND P1 ULTIMATE HYPERCAR TEST AND REVIEW

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