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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

By Charles Bradley – August 16, 2026

Revealed: The Billionaire Who Bought Ferrari Luce “Chassis 0” For $40 Million

The self-made American billionaire who bought a Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’ for $26 million last year is the same investing legend who purchased Ferrari Luce’s Chassis 0 at RM Sotheby's Monterey Auction for $40 million on Saturday night, immediately making it the most expensive contemporary car ever auctioned. Herbert ‘Herbie’ Wertheim, whose life story reads like an American epic, won the auction for the first production example of Maranello's first electric grand tourer. Known to friends as “Dr. Herbie,” Wertheim – who always wears a bright-red fedora – is an optometrist, inventor, and investing legend estimated to be worth up to $5 billion, depending on his charitable donations. Renowned for making shrewd investments and his generous philanthropy, his record-breaking bid will go to the Ferrari Foundation, funding education and rebuilding projects. The Luce carries a base price of roughly $640,000. Chassis 0 is the first production unit off the line, distinguished by a dedicated plaque identifying its position in the production run. It was offered as lot 345, without reserve, and RM Sotheby's waived the buyer's premium on the lot. Every dollar of the sale benefited the Ferrari Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity that supports educational initiatives. The car carries a set of Tailor-Made specifications developed through Ferrari's design studio. The exterior is finished in a Madreperla semi-gloss paint mixed specifically for this car, with an iridescent effect that shifts from green to violet depending on the light. The interior uses Le Mans metallic leather in Perla with Grigio Corvara secondary trim, paired with dedicated wheels and bespoke brake calipers. The Ferrari badge is set against an optical white background. The Luce has been Ferrari's most debated launch in years since it broke cover as the brand's first EV, and this sale is the first major public price signal tied to the model. The result is roughly 36 times the pre-sale estimate. Delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, after the car returns to Maranello, Italy. Wertheim made the headlines at Car Week last year, when he paid $26 million for the Daytona SP3. Part of Ferrari’s exclusive Icona Series, the SP3 was limited to 599 examples worldwide, but this one-off ‘Tailor Made’ commission stunned the automotive world – chassis ‘599+1,’ finished in a striking two-tone carbon-fiber and Giallo Modena livery. Who is “Dr. Herbie” Wertheim? Born in Philadelphia at the end of the Great Depression, Wertheim ran away from home as a teenager, working odd jobs like picking oranges in Florida and even living with Seminole Indians in the Everglades. At 16, he stood before a judge on truancy charges and was given a choice: State reformatory or military service. He chose the U.S. Navy at 17, a decision that reshaped his life. While serving in naval aviation during the Cold War, Wertheim began investing. His first stock purchase, Lear Jet, came from his Navy stipend, and he went on to meet aviation pioneer Bill Lear in person. That early exposure to technology and industry ignited a lifelong passion. After the Navy, Wertheim studied physics and chemistry, worked as a NASA engineer at Cape Canaveral, and eventually earned a scholarship to study optometry. In 1969, he invented an eyeglass tint for plastic lenses that filtered harmful UV rays, helping prevent cataracts. By 1970, he founded Brain Power Inc. (BPI), which went on to hold more than 100 patents and copyrights in optical technology. A Billionaire Who Played the Long Game Unlike Silicon Valley moguls or Wall Street icons, Wertheim’s fortune didn’t come from a single IPO windfall. Instead, he built it patiently through decades of disciplined investing. He bought and held shares of companies like Apple, Microsoft, GE, Google, BP, and Bank of America long before they became household names, according to Forbes. His single greatest investment remains Heico, an aerospace parts manufacturer. Wertheim purchased a stake in 1992, worth about $5 million at the time. Today, his position exceeds $800 million, making him Heico’s largest individual shareholder. A Life of Luxury, Purpose, and Giving Wertheim’s portfolio afforded him an enviable lifestyle, and he has been described as one of the most successful individual investors of his generation. Yet his wealth is balanced by philanthropy. Having donated more than $100 million to Florida’s public universities, Wertheim also signed Bill Gates and Warren Buffett’s ‘Giving Pledge’, committing to donate at least half his fortune – most of it toward education. Like his stock portfolio, the Ferrari is built on the principle that some creations – whether a transformative technology or a bespoke supercar – transcend market cycles. For collectors, it is yet another reminder that at Monterey Car Week, history isn’t just celebrated – it’s bought and can be driven. View All Ferraris for Sale Images by duPont REGISTRY, Ferrari S.P.A

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 22, 2026

duPont REGISTRY's Guide to Arizona Car Week 2026

Arizona Car Week goes beyond the cars themselves, offering a chance to experience the state at its absolute best. January brings ideal weather, making it the perfect time to enjoy Arizona’s world-class resorts and hotels, highly regarded dining scene, standout shopping, and the unmistakable beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Whether the day starts at a curated automotive event or ends with a desert sunset, the setting plays just as big a role in the experience as the cars and the community that gathers around them. Locals are even encouraged to hit the streets with their own collector cars, turning Arizona into one giant moving car show. It’s the perfect excuse to dust off that garage gem and share it with fellow enthusiasts. From laid-back gatherings to high-energy showcases, Arizona Car Week 2026 is all about celebrating the love of cars in every shape and form. Mark your calendar and get ready to enjoy the ride! *Please Note: Some of the events during Arizona Car Week 2026 require pre-purchased tickets All Exotic Cars For Sale FAQs What are the main events during Arizona Car Week 2026? The week features a variety of events, including the Barrett-Jackson auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale from January 17 to 25, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance on January 19 at Scottsdale Civic Center, and several car shows and gatherings throughout the week. Where can I purchase tickets for the events? Tickets for individual events can be purchased through their respective official websites. For instance, Barrett-Jackson tickets are available at https://www.barrett-jackson.com/events/2026-scottsdale What are the parking and transportation options? Parking details vary by event. For example, WestWorld of Scottsdale, the venue for Barrett-Jackson, offers on-site parking. It's advisable to check each event's official website for specific parking information and consider using ride-sharing services for convenience. Are there any free events during Arizona Car Week? Yes, there are multiple events that are free to the public. For instance, Supercars at Sunrise with Young Motorcars is free. What accommodations are available for out-of-town visitors? Phoenix and Scottsdale offer a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. It's recommended to book early due to the high influx of visitors during Car Week. Barrett-Jackson Auction Saturday, January 17th - Saturday, January 25th Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, is the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events. Get Tickets Wood & Wheels Tuesday, January 20th (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM) Wood and Wheels is a unique and intimate evening get together for fans of automobiles and art alike. It will feature exceptional automobiles and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts within the surroundings of one of Arizona’s most engaging and inspiring event venues: Ironwood Mills. America's Automotive Trust Desert Detour Tuesday, January 20th - Wednesday, 21st Join America’s Automotive Trust for a Scottsdale-Sedona Road Rally during Car Week 2026! The Rally will begin in Scottsdale from the Fairmont Princess and travel into scenic Sedona and then back down and directly into America’s Automotive Trusts’ Desert Destination theme party! Two-Wheeled Tuesday January 20th (7:00 PM - 11:00 PM) Two Wheel Tuesday is a community driven “do it yourself” inspired motorcycle event presented by Eleven10Garage. Focusing on socializing with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts and empowering people to work on their own machines, we welcome anyone and everyone, doesn’t matter if you ride or not. Art House Collective Tuesday, January 20th - Sunday, January 25th The Warehouse is proud to debut the Art House Collective, celebrating the intersection of automotive culture and fine art. This inaugural showcase features the works of acclaimed artists Dwight Knowlton, Lyn Hiner, Bill Pack, and David Townsend, bringing together four unique perspectives in one inspiring exhibition in the historical Mesa warehouse. Get Tickets The Scottsdale Rally Wednesday, January 21st - Saturday, January 24th Presented by the Petersen Museum, the Scottsdale Rally is your invitation to experience Arizona in style. From high-performance thrills at the Radford Racing School to a scenic drive through the red rocks of Sedona, every moment is designed to inspire. Along the way, enjoy private viewings of world-class car collections, unwind with luxury accommodations, and savor thoughtfully curated dining experiences. The weekend culminates with access to the iconic Barrett-Jackson Auction, where the world’s finest collector cars take the stage. Blending breathtaking drives, unforgettable destinations, and elevated hospitality, this rally is the ultimate way to celebrate automotive passion in luxury. Get Tickets America's Automotive Trust Desert Destination Wednesday, January 21st Join America’s Automotive Trust, Desert Destination Rally Participants and fellow car enthusiasts as we celebrate Arizona Car Week in style on Wednesday, January 21st at the beautiful Fairmont Princess Hotel in Scottsdale! Tickets start at $75 with proceeds going to help America’s Automotive Trust protect the future of classic and collector cars! Get Tickets The Grand Hotel OTTO Thursday, January 22nd (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Enter a world where the golden age of motoring meets the opulence of a 1950s hotel. Hosted at OTTO Car Club, this event will showcase Czinger’s groundbreaking 21C V MAX on display, alongside RUF North America. Enjoy luxury experiences with Hästens, Roxx Vodka, and Adobe Road Winery, plus live performances, and more! It rarely opens our doors to the public—this is your exclusive chance to step inside OTTO Car Club and experience Arizona Car Week like never before. Get Tickets Bonhams Scottsdale Auction Thursday, January 22nd - Friday, January 23rd The Scottsdale Auction is hosted at the prestigious Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Arizona and will coincide with the world-renowned Arizona Concours d’Elegance and Arizona Car Week. Consignments are still welcome with more details found at BonhamsCars.com Get Tickets RM Sotheby's Thursday, January 22nd - Friday, January 23rd The start of the auction season begins each year in Arizona as collectors from around the world arrive in the greater Phoenix-Scottsdale area for Car Week, a beloved tradition amongst car enthusiasts. A week chock-full of events, auctions, and parties; RM Sotheby’s is pleased to return to the Biltmore Hotel Resort & Spa for its 28th year as the premier auction of the weeklong affair. Get Tickets The Scottsdale Grand Tour Thursday, January 22nd (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM) The Scottsdale Grand Tour is a private, collector-focused driving experience curated by The Exotics Network in collaboration with RM Sotheby’s during Arizona Car Week. Designed for an approved group of owners and serious enthusiasts, the Grand Tour blends precision driving, desert scenery, and rare access into a single, tightly composed day. From a private estate departure to a police-escorted rally through the Sonoran Desert, the experience is built around pace, flow, and intention — with direct access to one of the most significant auction moments of the week. Get Tickets Italian Design and Racing's Ritrovo Cavallino Rampante Thursday, January 22nd (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Italian Design and Racing’s Ritrovo Cavallino Rampante is an opportunity to check out a number of rare and exotic Italian cars as well as a gallery of memorabilia and more! Race cars, off-road machines and street vehicles will be featured as well as a look behind the scenes into one of America’s foremost Italian focused motoring facilities. Revology 1969 Mustang Boss 429 Unveling Friday, January 23rd (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Join Revology for a private unveiling for collectors and marque enthusiasts, offering an intimate introduction to Revology’s modern interpretation of an automotive icon, the REVOLOGY 1969 MUSTANG BOSS 429. Select guests are invited to return the following day for a private driving experience. Attendance is limited. Advance registration is required. RSVP Here Avants Pit Stop Friday, January 23rd (6:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Come hang out at the Avants Pit Stop during Arizona Car Week! Chill vibes, cool people, and unforgettable cars. Friday, January 23rd at The Warehouse. In partnership with The Warehouse, Cars & Bids, FCP Euro, The Podium Club & Discount Tire. This is a private event for Avants members and partner guests. Tickets are required. Get Tickets Legends on Canvas: Iconic Cars, Women & Men Friday, January 23rd (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) In association with Arizona Car Week, Bella Fine Art presents Legends on Canvas—a fine art experience where power meets glamour. Featuring over 50 original works of collectible automobile art, this curated exhibition celebrates the icons who defined speed, beauty, and cultural influence—from Steve McQueen to Marilyn Monroe, from vintage Mustangs to modern McLarens. The evening includes a special appearance by legendary builder Big Daddy Les Stuart, showcasing his iconic Eleanor Mustang, alongside original works by Arizona’s premier automotive artists. Guests will enjoy handcrafted cocktails, elegant hostesses, premium cigars, and an elevated social atmosphere, with support from event sponsors Opal Hydrogen Water, Cavanaugh’s Classic Products, and more. One unforgettable night. Endless legends Supercar Saturday at McLaren Scottsdale Saturday, January 24th (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) Presented by McLaren of Scottsdale, Supercar Saturday brings together a collection of late model Supercars and Hypercars to the Scottsdale Airpark. A casual gather for owners, fans and enthusiasts alike, Supercar Saturday is fun and free to attend! McLaren Scottsdale Inventory Supercars at Sunrise with Young Motorcars Saturday, January 24th (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) Join Young Motorcars for their first-ever public event. On Saturday, January 24th, from 8–10 a.m., come celebrate Arizona Car Week with us. This is a show you won’t want to miss! Young Motorcars Inventory Luxe Cars and Coffee Saturday, January 24th (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) Luxe Cars and Coffee invites car enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles and engage in conversations with fellow aficionados. The event is from 8:00am to 10:00am at 10625 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ. Featuring Ferrari Saturday, January (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM) Join FourtillFour Café for Featuring Ferrari and an unforgettable Arizona Car Week adventure! Featuring some of the most interesting and unique Ferraris in the Southwest, Featuring Ferrari is a Saturday morning stop that nobody should miss! BossFest Saturday, January 24th (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM) Join Anghel Restorations as they focus on the original Boss Mustangs from 1969 and 1970. Confirmed to appear will be a great assortment of other first generation Mustangs and Shelbys too. Some of the cars featured will include Warren Tope’s 1969 TransAm raced Boss 302 and some Parnelli Jones inspired cars as well. Additionally, there will be examples of the legendary Boss 429s on display. Food truck will be serving breakfast and coffee. All cars enthusiasts are welcome to attend as there will be something for everyone including a vintage parts swap meet on site. Mercedes of Arizona Euro Night Saturday. January 24th (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM) Mercedes of Arizona presents Euro Night. Featuring food trucks, live music from Danger$$$ and late-model and classic offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche and more, Euro Night takes over Mr. Z’s on Saturday, January 24th.

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