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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 Jordan Aquistapace – March 03, 2026

GAA Classic Cars Starts 2026 With Record-Breaking Auction Sales

The collector car world has kicked off 2026 with a bang, as auction houses report record-breaking results that are already shaping the year ahead. From early-2000s supercars reclaiming their place as modern icons to classic cars that continue to appreciate like fine wine, there’s a noticeable sense that the market is firing on all cylinders. Buyers are moving quickly, snapping up rare and desirable examples before prices climb any higher, and before opportunity passes. The team at GAA Classic Cars Auction is one of those industry insiders proud to celebrate that success, sharing a fantastic end to its February auction event with 82% of all lots sold to happy new owners. Remarkable Sales 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition - Sold for $1,036,800 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko - Sold for $426,600 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 - Sold for $334,800 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird - Sold for $286,200 1968 Ford Shelby GT500KR - Sold for $220,000 Set in its Greensboro, North Carolina, headquarters, GAA Classic Cars welcomed an energetic crowd of buyers and enthusiasts for a 3-day weekend filled with a serious lineup of modern and classic muscle. In addition to some notable sales, including a never-titled 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition and an all-original 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko, GAA was also honored to host a very special charity moment. George and Megan Shinn took the stage, generously donating a 2004 Cadillac XLR to benefit the Rebuilding Hollers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring homes and supporting families devastated by Hurricane Helene. A total of $107,292 was raised to support the cause. To learn more, visit RebuildingHollers.org. After a strong finish to February, GAA Classic Cars is set to carry that momentum into its next auction, running April 9th through 11th. GAA Classic Cars Inventory

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 29, 2026

RM Sotheby's Totals $63M In Sales At Arizona Car Week

RM Sotheby’s wasted no time setting the pace for 2026, kicking off the auction season at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa with a single-day sale that pulled in a healthy $63 million. As a staple of Arizona Car Week, the 28th annual Arizona auction felt exciting from the start, with a 94% sell-through rate and bidders tuning in from 23 different countries. The atmosphere was less about spectacle and more about momentum—collectors clearly showed up ready to buy, reinforcing that the market, at least at the top, remains very much awake. What stood out was the range of interest across all sorts of eras and marques. From pre-war icons like Duesenbergs to modern-day Ferrari halo cars, the room reflected a broad confidence in blue-chip collectibles. Ferrari’s top-tier models continue to command serious attention, while the Porsche market, led by cars like the Carrera GT, keeps pushing into new territory with prices setting fresh benchmarks. Hitting $63 million in a single day marks RM Sotheby’s strongest Arizona showing in a decade, and if this sale is any indication, the 2026 collector car calendar is already shaping up to be a wild one. Highlights (Robin Adams/RM Sotheby's) 2003 Ferrari Enzo sold for $9,300,000. One of 111 examples specified for the US market and one of 498 built overall, this low-mileage Enzo shows just 746 miles from new and has had only three private caretakers, including 17 years with its most recent owner. (ted7.com/RM Sothebys) 1995 Ferrari F50 sold for $8,805,000. One of 349 built, this highly original F50 in Rosso Corsa over Nero shows 8,195 miles and has received extensive six-figure servicing by Ferrari of Newport Beach. Powered by a 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V-12 derived from Ferrari’s Formula 1 program. (ted7.com/RM Sothebys) 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari sold for $5,477,500. Limited to 499 examples, LaFerrari pairs a 6.3-liter V-12 with Ferrari’s hybrid system for 949 horsepower. Finished in Rosso Corsa over Nero and Rosso, this example shows 1,938 miles. (Patrick Ernzen/RM Sotheby's) 2005 Porsche Carrera GT sold for $3,085,000. One of approximately 644 examples delivered new to the US market and one of 1,270 built overall, this low-mileage Carrera GT shows just 2,147 miles and is finished in Seal Grey Metallic over Dark Grey leather. Offered with desirable factory options and the rarely seen factory Dark Grey luggage, it also benefits from a recent $45,000 service completed by Porsche Sugar Land in March 2025. (Mackeydesigns/RM Sotheby's) 1929 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by Murphy sold for $1,572,500. Retaining its original short-wheelbase chassis, engine, and Murphy coachwork, this iconic Model J has been upgraded to supercharged SJ specification using original components. A well-documented example with notable provenance, it is a CCCA Full Classic and was featured in Beverly Rae Kimes’ The Classic Car. Top 10 Lots Sold 2003 Ferrari Enzo – $9,300,000 1995 Ferrari F50 – $8,805,000 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari – $5,477,500 2005 Porsche Carrera GT – $3,085,000 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort – $2,535,000 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight – $2,480,000 2012 Ferrari LaFerrari Prototype P2 – $2,425,000 1929 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by Murphy – $1,572,500 2020 McLaren Senna GTR - $1,270,000 1994 RUF RCT Evo Widebody - $1,242,500 Significant Records Broken 2005 Porsche Carrera GT Previous record: $2,200,000Record-breaking price: $3,085,000 1988 Porsche 959 KomfortPrevious record: $2,135,815Record-breaking price: $2,535,000 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S Club Coupe Previous record: $231,784 Record-breaking price: $318,500 2010 Porsche 911 Sport ClassicPrevious record: $764,000Record-breaking price: $775,000 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS 'Ispirazioni'Previous record: $770,000 Record-breaking price: $995,000

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 27, 2026

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026 Totals $195.2M in Sales

Every January, Arizona Car Week serves as a reset for the collector car market, and the 2026 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction offered a clear glimpse at a promising future. Held January 17th to 25th at WestWorld of Scottsdale, the event marked the company’s 54th year and brought together 6,500 registered bidders competing for 1,911 no-reserve vehicles. When the final hammer fell, total sales surpassed $191 million, with every vehicle finding a buyer. Results reflected a market that remains engaged, informed, and willing to buy across a wide range of eras and price points. Top 10 Auction Sales • 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe (Lot #1377) - $2,530,000• 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (Lot #1378) - $1,870,000• 2019 McLaren Senna (Lot #1366) - $1,870,000• 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO (Lot #1381) - $1,622,500• 2021 McLaren Elva (Lot #1378.1) - $1,512,500• 2022 Ford GT ‘64 Heritage Edition (Lot #1382) - $1,237,500• 1966 Lincoln Continental Custom Convertible (Lot #1426) - $1,100,000• 2023 Porsche Brabus 900 Rocket R (Lot #1383) - $1,100,000• 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 “Big Tank” Split-Window Coupe (Lot #1379) - $1,100,000• 2022 Ford GT (Lot #1365) - $1,100,000 Much of the attention centered on Super Saturday, where both desirable blue-chip cars and modern collectibles shared the spotlight. A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe sold for $2.53 million, supporting its long-standing status as one of the most important postwar collector cars. Nearby, a custom 1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible brought $1.1 million, a reminder that well-executed builds continue to resonate alongside factory-original examples. Charity sales remained a meaningful part of the week, led by a one-of-one 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Stars & Steel Limited Edition that sold for $2.6 million, plus an additional donation. In total, nine vehicles raised $5.855 million for charitable causes, pushing Barrett-Jackson’s cumulative charity total past $170 million. Outside the auction lanes,The Rock The Block concert returned to open the week, while the Opening Night Gala and smaller invitation-only events provided space for collectors, builders, and industry figures to connect away from the noise of the block. Saturday’s Barrett-Jackson Cup Parade highlighted 50 custom vehicles, with a 1959 Chevy Impala earning Ultimate Best in Show and a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette receiving the People’s Choice Award. The presence of well-known designers, racers, musicians, and athletes added excitement to the event, but the focus remained squarely on the cars and the community. With upcoming auctions scheduled for Palm Beach, Columbus, and Las Vegas, Scottsdale once again served as a starting point, confirming that interest, participation, and confidence remain firmly in place as the year moves forward.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 20, 2026

1-of-1 PTS Porsche 918 Spyder Sets New World Record at $6,050,000

The Porsche 918 Spyder has been edging steadily upward in collector circles for a while now, but Mecum Auctions Kissimmee 2026 delivered a moment that firmly reset expectations. A one-of-one 2015 918 Spyder finished in Paint-to-Sample Pure Orange crossed the block and sold for $5,500,000 (before fees), making it the most expensive 918 Spyder ever sold at auction. With just 845 miles, this car already had the kind of mileage collectors like to see, but it was the spec that really carried the story. Until this sale, the record was held by a Grand Prix White example that brought $3,937,500, a number that once felt like the ceiling. Kissimmee proved that the ceiling was higher than many expected. Looking back, it’s not hard to see why the 918 has aged so well. Porsche first showed the car as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Production ran from 2013 through 2015, capped at 918 cars total, and from day one it was clear this wasn’t just another halo model. Designed under Michael Mauer, the 918 carried the look and function of a modern-day endurance race car, with active aerodynamics and a mid-engine configuration that prioritized balance and efficiency just as much as overall speed. Even today, the car still feels more than relevant in a way few early-2010s supercars do. At the center of it all is the 918’s hybrid powertrain, which remains one of Porsche’s most ambitious engineering efforts. The naturally aspirated 4.6L V8 makes 608 horsepower on its own, using a flat-plane crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, and dry-sump lubrication derived from Porsche’s RS Spyder Le Mans Prototype program. Add the front and rear electric motors, and total output jumps to 887 horsepower with a massive 944 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transaxle, with electric all-wheel drive providing instant response and traction. Even years later, the numbers still feel serious, especially considering how seamlessly the system blends old-school engine character with modern hybrid tech. What pushed this particular 918 into record territory, though, was how it was configured. It’s the only example ever finished in Paint-to-Sample Pure Orange, a $21,000 option, paired with matching Color-to-Sample interior piping instead of the usual Acid Green. The Weissach Package, Inconel top-exit exhaust, magnesium wheels, front axle lift, and carbon-ceramic hybrid brakes rounded out. Where this PTS Pure Orange example just set the benchmark for the future, you have to wonder what it will do to the rest of the Porsche 918 market. All Porsche 918 Spyder Inventory Source: Mecum Auctions

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