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

Pagani News

Pagani news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Utopia, the Huayra in its many forms, and the Zonda that made the marque's name. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, bespoke builds and the auction results that set collector values. Pagani finishes fewer cars in a year than most makers build in a single day, so each sale sets a benchmark. That is where our marketplace becomes useful to readers. Paganis covered here are sometimes listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts the reporting beside a real figure. For Pagani news today, and the hypercar news and exotic car news around it, start below.

A silver Pagani Automobili Huayra Codalunga convertible sports car with a sleek, aerodynamic design is displayed on a plain light background, showcasing its limited edition allure.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 08, 2025

Pagani Automobili Reveals The Huayra Codalunga Speedster,...

Pagani is back with its newest creation. What started as a dream backed by decades of expertise working with and around the most beautiful and powerful supercars is now a living reality for Horacio Pagani and Pagani Automobili. Since the creation of the first Zonda C12 back in 1992, every Pagani has served as a stepping stone as the brand has evolved into the hypercar powerhouse it is today. And while legends like the Zonda and Huayra paved the way with a number of exclusive models and variations over the years, newcomers like the Imola and Huayra Codalunga have carried on Horacio's vision of what a hypercar looks and drives like. Today, Pagani Automobili just revealed its all-new Huayra Codalunga Speedster as the open-top version of its ultra-exclusive hypercar. Pagani's Huayra Codalunga Speedster draws on the spirit of post-war prototypes, longtail race cars, and a time when performance and luxury didn't meet. Horacio Pagani and his Grandi Complicazioni team set out to build something that pays homage to the past while remaining timeless. The result is a stripped-back design with cleaner lines, a more artistic presence, and a purposeful lack of the dramatic aero components that flood today's automotive world. The shape of the panoramic roof, the low side windows, and the tapered rear feel subtle but intentional. The whole thing seems more interested in being driven than being noticed, which is refreshing for a modern hypercar. Inside, that same mindset carries throughout the cabin. The interior features handpicked materials like stitched leather and polished aluminum, with custom embroidery that you notice more the longer you look at it. The embroidered seat fabric alone, stitched with over 450,000 individual threads, quietly proves how far Pagani goes to build something meaningful. There's also a modest nod to old-school craftsmanship, from the gear lever's shape to the steering wheel's wooden touches. And despite being open-top, the Codalunga Speedster doesn't feel like it's been carefully considered, inside and out, as a hypercar that can both be driven casually and comfortably or at 200+ mph. Under the hood, the 6.0L twin-turbo V12, built with Mercedes-AMG, delivers 864 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque to its rear wheels. It's paired with a 7-speed gearbox from Xtrac, available with either an automated setup or a traditional manual for those who prefer something more mechanical. The real appeal lies in how it delivers the performance, which is raw but refined, aggressive but not loud for the sake of it. The chassis is all carbon and titanium, the suspension is fully active, and the brakes are race-grade Brembos. Pagani Automobili describes the Codalunga Speedster as responsive, light, and deeply analog. Only ten of these will be built, each shaped by a collaboration between the Pagani team and individual owners. But for all its rarity, the Huayra Codalunga Speedster is a reminder that cars can still be personal, still be shaped by history, and still be made for people who want to feel something unique behind the wheel. View All Pagani Hypercars For Sale Source: Pagani Automobili

By Gabriel Vega – July 30, 2024

Unveiled: The Pagani Utopia Roadster

Something odd is happening amongst the auto industry's upper echelon. As most automakers focus on making their machines quicker, even at the cost of weight and driver engagement, hypercar manufacturers are moving in the opposite direction. In September of 2022, Pagani unveiled the Huayra's successor, the Utopia, a V12-powered rolling piece of art that brought with it a surprise: a manual transmission. Today, the Italian carmaker revealed its roofless counterpart, the Pagani Utopia Roadster. The Roadster's recipe has become quite familiar. As with the Zonda and Huayra that preceded it, you won't find a complex folding mechanism added to stow away its hard carbon-fiber and soft fabric roof options. By sticking with manually removable pieces, the Utopia Roadster and its extensive use of composite materials like Pagani's Carbo-Titanium and Carbo-Triax retain its structural rigidity without adding unnecessary weight. The result is an open-top hypercar that weighs the same - 2,822 pounds dry - as the coupe. Alongside its focus on lightness, the Pagani Utopia Roadster retains a Mercedes-AMG sourced 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 as its powerhouse, now developing 864 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. Unlike its predecessor, the Utopia offers the choice between an automated manual transmission or a proper seven-speed manual box designed in collaboration with Xtrac. These pair with a new electronic rear differential, allowing it to put its massive power output down exclusively through its rear wheels. While Pagani has yet to publish full performance stats for its latest open-top hypercar, we at least know it's electronically limited to 217 mph. In a first for the Italian automaker, the Roadster will wear Pirelli's Cyber Tire, measuring 265/35 R21 at the front and 325/30 R22 in the rear. Available in either P Zero Corsa, Winter, or Trofeo RS forms, they host sensors embedded into their tread. This allows the car to receive real-time information from its various stability and traction control systems to make continuous adjustments. These wrap around a set of staggered 21 and 22-inch wheels. Given how much work went into dialing in the coupe from an aerodynamic perspective, Paganini chose to limit the changes between it and its latest Roadster. As such, it incorporates the same open front fascia characterized by two twin-beam headlights. Despite adding new removable roof pieces, the Utopia retains its teardrop silhouette, which feeds air over and around the engine compartment and into two massive air channels that emerge from its rear quarter panels. Its rear end incorporates two movable active pieces to channel the outflowing air while generating downforce. Presented wearing an exposed-carbon Habanero Red finish, the Pagani Utopia Roadster retains the coupe's stunning looks while introducing a new Sport Pack available also for the coupe. Inside, you'll find seats made of Carbo-Titanium to reduce their weight while its shift paddles, gear-lever, floor mats, and active aero components also adopt the lightweight material. Inside, the Utopia Roadster builds on a design philosophy first introduced in the Zonda that focuses on beautifully sculpted analog features and exposed mechanical components. Its dashboard, center console, and instrument cluster comprise mostly analog dials, switches, and levers. Aside from providing Pagani with an opportunity to showcase its manufacturing prowess, this allows the cabin to retain its timelessness. Unlike the split-window roof design seen in the coupe, its open-top counterpart employs a large glass piece for its composite roof option, allowing more light to permeate the cabin. However, an included fabric top blocks it out while allowing it to stow and fold between the two seats. The Pagani Utopia Roadster will make its first public debut during Monterey Car Week with a presentation at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. The Italian carmaker plans to build just 150 units of its latest open-top creation, each with a starting price of €3.1 million or $3.35 million. Alongside the coupe it introduced last year, Pagani and other hypercar manufacturers like it show a greater focus than ever on design and the driving experience. The Utopia takes this further by combining its aero-focused design with a beautifully sculpted cabin and a powerful V12 engine without any electrification. However, the inclusion of a new manual transmission option amongst these other elements shows that as the industry in general moves in one direction, the Italian carmaker continues to follow a unique path.

By Edward Jones – September 12, 2022

Pagani Utopia Revealed: Beauty and Power From Simplicity

Pagani has revealed the project codenamed "C10" as Utopia, a new model that blends simplicity with a pure driving experience. After plenty of teases, the new Pagani Utopia has been revealed as the Italian automaker's latest model. The name for this new Pagani comes from Thomas More's 1516 book, Utopia. Since that book, people have used the word to describe the ideal place or environment that can only be dreamed of. For Pagani, they believe they have created their ideal model with the Utopia. When designing the Utopia, Horacio Pagani asked his closest clients about their wishes for a new model. Their answers revolved around three terms: simplicity, lightness, and the pleasure of driving. Through a litany of special considerations and design features, Pagani has certainly followed through with those requests. Browse All Pagani Huayras For Sale For the Pagani Utopia, the designers went for beauty found within simplicity. Unlike many newer supercars on the market, the Utopia has few aerodynamic components yet it is still incredibly efficient thanks to its flowing and curvaceous lines. Pagani's designers also took inspiration from objects from the 1950s like a Vespa scooter and Riva speedboats. Underneath the paint finish of each Pagani Utopia is a new A-class carbon fiber that the automaker created specifically for the bodywork. This new carbon fiber provides an additional 38% of stiffness while retaining the same density. Pagani is known for these types of advancements in materials, with Carbo-Titanium and Carbo-Triax being their other inventions in the realm. Automobili Pagani Debuts The All-New Huayra Codalunga In the rear, the Pagani Utopia's engine can be found, a twin-turbo 6-liter V12 engine built by Mercedes-AMG. Producing 864 horsepower and 809 lb-ft of torque, the Utopia is an absolute powerhouse with a beautiful appearance. Unlike many recent models that contain this much power, the Utopia is no hybrid vehicle. This decision was made to keep the powertrain simple and the overall weight down. Pagani also ensured that the transmission was on the same page, opting for either a pure seven-speed manual or seven-speed transversal automated manual transmission from Xtrac. Pagani notes that the latter transmission is the "quickest shifting gearbox with helical gears possible." Laying down power sent by the transmission are 21-inch wheels in the front and 22-inch wheels in the rear. These forged wheels feature a turbine design that pulls hot air away from the brakes and helps with turbulence. Inside, the Pagani Utopia's concept of simplicity continues. Instead of filling the instrument cluster and center console with touchscreens and digital displays, Pagani went for a more analog route. In fact, there are no screens inside the Utopia aside from the small display in front of the driver. The result is a beautiful interior that keeps the driver focused on the road ahead. Just 99 examples of the Pagani Utopia are planned for production, but a price or estimated delivery range has yet to have been announced. See All Paganis For Sale Source: Pagani Automobili

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 16, 2022

Automobili Pagani Debuts The All-New Huayra Codalunga

The exclusive Pagani Huayra Long Tail is limited to only 5 cars in the world. The Huayra stands out as one of the most iconic hypercars to come from the mind of founder Horacio Pagani, focusing on delivering a truly unique driving experience that also presents itself as a form of art. With an eye for design and performance, Horacio set out to create and unveil the first-ever Pagani Huayra back in January 2015. During a seven year production, the Huayra underwent an array of exclusive variations that include the Huayra BC, Huayra Roadster, Huayra BC Roadster, and Huayra R. Horacio Pagani and Automobili Pagani are proud to present the Huayra Codalunga as the latest ‘Tailor Made Suite’ added to its portfolio of luxury hypercars. The Longtail Huayra is a tribute to the 1960s racing cars and the shapes of classic Italian coachbuilders. The idea of creating a series of coach-built Huayra examples came back in 2018, when two Pagani collectors approached the brand requesting a long-tail version of the Coupé. Automobili Pagani After jumping on board with the idea, Horacio quickly went to work to develop the project behind the special operations doors of Pagani Grandi Complicazioni. The most noticeable aspect of the Huayra Codalunga is its elongated body style, which beautifully accentuates the curvature that controls its aerodynamics and cooling elements. With a dry weight of only 2,822-pounds, the Huayra Codalunga’s chassis is built using Carbo-Titanium to ensure a lightweight feel while providing extra strength. The color options focus on neutral tones that not only commemorates finishes from the 1960s, but also the way that each highlight the simplicity of the car. Automobili Pagani The interior travels back in time to an era when the cabin of a vehicle was built by hand, utilizing manual skills of the past that line up with the same values that Pagani continues to instill today. The launch configuration showcases a rich brown leather and nubuck design, with exposed hand-polished titanium trim components. The driver-oriented layout blends traditional craftsmanship with modern comfort and performance amenities. Automobili Pagani At the rear of the Huayra Long Tail sits a slotted engine cover that reads ‘Codalunga’, where a monstrous Twin-Turbocharged Pagani V12 burrows beneath. The engine produces an astonishing 840-horsepower and 811-pound feet of torque to its rear wheels, making it the perfect race weapon for any owner risky enough to take it on track. Proving itself to be over a foot longer than its Coupé twin, the Huayra Codalunga features a newly redesigned titanium exhaust system that makes all the right noises while shedding 9.7-pounds of weight. Establishing itself as one of the most powerful and exclusive examples from Pagani, the special edition Huayra functions as any everyday driver approved for road use all around the world. The all-new Pagani Huayra Codalunga is part of a limited proodction series of only five chassis, all to which have been sold with a starting price of $7,384,818. View all of the current Pagani examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming news and release information on the Pagani Huayra Codalunga. VIEW ALL PAGANI FOR SALE Source: Automobili Pagani

By Andrew Nabors – July 31, 2019

Pagani Huayra Roadster BC is Automotive Perfection

We knew Horacio Pagani and his team was building something amazing. It has been seen testing around the world wearing intense camouflage, and now we see their latest creation. In a press release just a few minutes ago, we see the Pagani Huayra Roadster BC is automotive perfection. As an all-new design, it shares only a few parts with the previous Huayra models. Starting with a stronger foundation, the monocoque chassis is woven from their new Carbo-Triax and Carbo-Titanium. Lighter and stronger than other composites, these materials are decades ahead of what the competition is capable of. It allows this masterpiece to arrive with a curb weight of 2,775 lbs. Only 40 examples will be produced, each one with a base price of 3,085,000 € + VAT. At current exchange rates, you are looking a slightly under $3.5 Million. You will receive a hypercar capable of 1.9G in the corners, and powered by an all-new V12. Because the car is an homage to the first Pagani customer, the boss decided it was time for a new engine. Mercedes-AMG delivered a 6.0L V12 with three valves per cylinder. Combined with twin-turbos, you will have 800 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. Maximum torque arrives at only 2,000 rpm and it hangs on across the tachometer. Not only will it launch the car unlike any Pagani before it, but you could also probably tow a 3-car trailer with ease. This launch coincides with the car being available on the world's most popular Drag Racing game. Zynga's CSR Racing 2 offers incredible graphics and realism, and their Vice President offered praise for their collaboration. If you want to see it in the real world, pack your bags for Monterey Car Week. It will be unveiled at The Quail, and also be a prominent feature on the Concept Lawn at Pebble Beach. We will see you there! Browse All Pagani For Sale " width="680"> Related: Pagani Huayra Roadster BC Teased

By Edward Jones – January 25, 2019

New Pagani Huayra Roadster Sports Wicked Acid Green Trim

A new Pagani Huayra Roadster has been created for a client, and the spec they designed is unreal. Ordered through Pagani Newport Beach, this example of Pagani's open-top supercar features the company's new composite called "Carbo-Triax." This composite is lighter than what was previously used and also stronger. But enough about that, let's talk about what makes this specific Huayra Roadster so special. The owner is no stranger to exotic cars, having a Porsche 918 Spyder in his collection. His love for the "Acid Green" paint used on the 918 Spyder led him to spec his Huayra Roadster with acid green paint as its trim color. Green trimming across the supercar is easily noticeable as it contrasts in extraordinary fashion against the exposed carbon fiber body. Even on the inside, this black and green color scheme continues, down to the stitching. Across the car, black and green can be seen, until you get to the engine bay. This is where the Huayra Roadster's massive Mercedes-AMG V12 engine rests. A shade of gold is visible on the various engine components and suspension components, as is a taste of blue. When the engine is put to the test and on display, it can push out 764 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. Power like this combined with a light weight of around 2,800 lbs results in a blindingly fast Italian supercar. Be sure check out all of the images in this article, courtesy of the photographer, Tyler Lee. Also check out Pagani Newport Beach's inventory by clicking the button down below. view pagani newport beach's inventory

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