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.

1-of-99 2024 Pagani Utopia Coupe For Sale At Prestige Imports

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 05, 2026

1-of-99 2024 Pagani Utopia Coupe Listed For Sale

The Pagani Utopia is the third chapter in the manufacturer’s quarter-century legacy of making some of the world’s most noteworthy and desirable supercars and hypercars. Succeeding the Zonda and the Huayra, the Pagani Utopia continues the tradition of combining a mid-mounted V12 engine with a body and chassis that combine artisan beauty and craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and performance-oriented engineering excellence. Only 99 Pagani Utopia Coupes were allotted for production, making it one of the most exclusive and desirable hypercars on the market. Its V12 engine makes it part of a dying breed of high-performance machines, and its unique design includes classical touches like exterior leather straps and physical interior controls, alongside exposed carbon fiber and active aerodynamics. The circle of Pagani Utopia owners is an incredibly small one, making it a difficult car to find on the market, but one is currently listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY. The source for supercars since 1985, duPont REGISTRY specializes in the rarest and most coveted luxury and exotic cars like this Pagani for sale, which is available at Prestige Imports in North Miami Beach, Florida. <- Gallery -> A 2024 Pagani Utopia Coupe for sale, this example is number 17 of the 99-car production run for the model. It’s finished with a stunning yellow exterior that includes yellow accents on the wheels, as well as several touches of exposed carbon fiber, like a contrasting roof. Inside, the #17 of 99 Pagani Utopia Coupe for sale features brown leather upholstery, which is complemented by woven inserts that combine brown and yellow leathers. Yellow embroidery details and the signature of Horacio Pagani on the dashboard serve as beautiful accents, while the physical buttons and switches and analog gauges provide timeless beauty. An incomparable statement of automotive excellence and Italian supercar craftsmanship, the #17 of 99 Pagani Utopia Coupe for sale is an undeniable collector-grade beauty. If you’re interested in owning it, click below to view the price and listing, and explore financing options from duPont REGISTRY Finance, powered by LLP Exotic Auto Finance. View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 19, 2026

From The Mind of Horacio: The Best Pagani Hypercars For Sale

The best part about the hypercar industry is that it still remains relatively new within the automotive space, giving both large manufacturers and small independent facilities the shot at engineering high-performance modern marvels for the road. This proved to be perfect for the fuel-driven dream of Horacio Pagani, who worked at Renault and Lamborghini before setting of on his journey to create the most beautiful hypercar. Since then, Horacio and Pagani Automobili have competed against icons like Bugatti with examples like the Zonda, Huayra, Imola, and now Utopia. Pagani's approach to hypercar design is like a blend of high art and high tech. They've got this knack for sculpting machines that are more like moving sculptures, but it's not just about looks. They're obsessed with shaving off every possible gram, turning to cutting-edge materials and technology to craft an ultra-lightweight chassis that's as strong as it is sleek. It's like they're on a mission to redefine what's possible in both beauty and engineering, making their hypercars a symphony of style and speed. Its love affair with raw power is displayed in their high-performance engines, all sourced from the team over at AMG. It's like a perfect dance of Italian artistry meeting German engineering expertise, creating engines that tell a story of innovation and passion under the hood. We at duPont REGISTRY are proud to feature the largest inventory of Pagani hypercars for sale courtesy of our extensive network of dealerships. Check out all the Pagani examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the links below. How much does a Pagani Huayra cost? On average, you can expect to pay around $2.6 million for a new Pagani Huayra. However, the price can vary depending on the model, customization options, and any unique features you choose to add. This is definitely a car for those who appreciate the finer things in life and are willing to invest in a truly unique driving experience. How fast are Pagani hypercars? Pagani hypercars are renowned for their impressive speed. Take the Pagani Huayra, for example—it can reach a top speed of around 238 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just about 2.8 seconds. These figures make Pagani hypercars some of the fastest and most exhilarating vehicles on the road, perfect for those who crave speed and luxury in one impressive package. Are Pagani hypercars durable? Pagani hypercars are meticulously handcrafted with high-end materials, ensuring a certain level of robustness. However, Pagani hypercars are built primarily for speed and performance, not necessarily for everyday durability like a family sedan. They require regular maintenance and care to keep them in top condition. So, while they are durable in the sense that they are well-constructed and can withstand high speeds and stresses, they aren't designed to endure the wear and tear of daily driving without the proper attention and upkeep. 2011 Pagani Zonda R "Liquid" View Listing 2022 Pagani Huayra R “MAD” View Listing 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster View Listing 2024 Pagani Utopia View Listing 2020 Pagani Huayra BC Roadster View Listing Buy Searching for a Pagani to buy? duPont REGISTRY has multiple Paganis for sale right now, including some of the rarest Paganis ever created. To view them all, click the button below to shop all Paganis for sale. All Paganis For Sale Sell Do you own a Pagani and are interested in selling it? duPont REGISTRY is the number 1 source for private sellers to list and or sell their Pagani. Click the button below to view listing options. Learn to Sell Your Pagani

By duPont Registry – May 08, 2023

Keith Urban's Former 2014 Pagani Huayra Listed For Sale

It is one of 100 coupes made.

By Andrew Nabors – December 15, 2020

2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster "Rosso Dubai" In Action

Every aspect of a Pagani is designed to take your breath away. From matched luggage to machined titanium, here is a rare opportunity to see the 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster "Rosso Dubai" in action. A change in the seasons prompted our friends at Pagani of Greenwich to excercise this roadster before hibernation. " width="680"> Under the paint protection film lies Rosso Dubai, a stunning metallic that can only be found on a bespoke Pagani Zonda. Along with a contrasting interior of Vermiglio & Medici, the Autumn leaves provide the perfect backdrop. Nothing on a Pagani is overlooked, as even the leather straps that secure each opening are cut from world-class hides. The matching luggage is also made to order, and it is an option that few have experienced. This 6-piece set is stitched by hand, and shaped to hide in plain sight. Contrary to popular belief, the Huayra Roadster is quite practical for a weekend getaway. This is the only such Pagani Huayra in existence, and we are happy to offer it to you. The team at Miller Motorcars only deals in the world's best automobiles, and this one can be yours. View Listing

By Edward Jones – November 30, 2020

Pristine Pagani Huayra Roadster in Black Mamba Carbon Fib...

The Pagani Huayra Roadster is a truly unique hypercar. Its power is undeniable and style unmatched. What takes the Huayra Roadster to even greater heights is Pagani's ability to customize their vehicle to each customer's preference. What we have here is a 2017 Huayra Roadster that's a perfect example of Pagani's ability to personalize to the extreme. With a Black Mamba carbon fiber exterior, it's downright one of the sleekest vehicles I've ever seen. Open the doors of this Huayra Roadster and you'll be greeted with a grand interior comprised of a tan and black color scheme. Carbon fiber trim that matches the exterior is used in the perfect amount while beautifully stitched tan leather contrasts against the darker tones. Miller Motorcars is currently selling this 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster with just 185 miles. If you'd like to see and learn more, click the button below to see its listing on duPontREGISTRY.com. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – May 10, 2019

Now Is Your Chance to Own a Pagani Huayra

Nothing hurts worse than a missed opportunity. Hindsight is 20/20, so don't pass up a chance of a lifetime. We could plug in a thousand appropriate idioms here because we are the #1 source for exotic cars. Therefore, we thought you might be interested in these Pagani Huayras for sale. These Italian masterpieces combine the latest in composites with twin-turbo AMG V12 power. Only 100 or less of each model will be produced, so we're glad to offer these to you. The Huayra is the successor to the Zonda, the first creation of Horacio Pagani. After being the Chief Engineer at Lamborghini, he parted ways when the company was sold to Chrysler, as they had no interest in carbon fiber. After buying his on giant autoclave, he patented a way to infuse titanium into the substrate, and Carbotanium was born. Not only can it be manufactured in any color, it is several times stronger than conventional carbon fiber. For a quick overview of the Huayra lineup, all cars are powered by a 6.0L AMG V12. It is twin turbocharged and built to Pagani's specifications. The block is twice as rigid as its predecessor because it is used to form the basis of the rear suspension. The coupe is rated at 720 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. All 100 examples have been produced. After allowing Dallara to revise the exterior, Pagani developed an upgrade kit known as Tempesta. It could be ordered in advance and installed on the assembly line, or by the factory trained technicians at Pagani Miami. For $180,000, the car received new body panels, lighter wheels, more downforce, and 4 new Ohlins coil-over shocks. They are tuned to cope with the increased downforce while also preventing roll in the corners. The Huayra Roadster is lighter and more powerful. It has a removable glass roof and 754 horsepower. Torque remains unchanged, but it only has to move 2,820 lbs around. Finally, the Huayra BC was built to honor Benny Caiola. He was Horacio's longtime friend who encouraged the development of the Zonda. He was also the first Pagani customer. Benny passed on, but the car named for him has 745 horsepower and a whopping 811 lb-ft of torque. Needless to say, its very fast. The entire car is made from a new form of Carbotanium known as "Triax". It is lighter and stronger, yielding a curb weight of 2,685 lbs. Take a look at these listings and tell us which one you would drive in the comments below: 2016 Pagani Huayra View Listing 2014 Pagani Huayra View Listing 2017 Pagani Huayra BC Macchina Volante Only 20 limited edition cars were sold globally. Intended for top clients of the Pagani brand. View Listing 2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta View Listing 2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta View Listing 2016 Pagani Huayra BC View Listing 2014 Pagani Huayra View Listing 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster View Listing 2016 Pagani Huayra Coupe View Listing 2014 Pagani Huayra View Listing Everyone needs to experience the power and perfection that is Pagani. Tell us your favorite example and stay with us for all your Pagani updates! Horacio Pagani & Tom duPont

By Andrew Nabors – October 29, 2018

2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster For Sale

Recently, we had an opportunity to experience this Pagani Huayra Roadster in person. When you tell someone it is a roadster version of Mr. Pagani's masterpiece, it provokes a few different reactions. First, only a trained eye will see where the top separates from the cockpit. Others have bad memories of convertibles with cowl-shake and rough suspension. What if we told you a secret: Pagani builds such a solid car that it needs no roof! Let your Carbonaium shine! The genius is in the very molecules of the body panels. You might think you are looking at carbon fiber. As Lamborghini's Chief Engineer, Horacio Pagani was inspired to build the world's best supercar. But Lamborghini was bought by Chrysler which wanted nothing to do with the future of composites. It was 1990, and he had been working there since he was 17, it was time for a change. Pagani left his only career and changed the world. He invented and patented a way to weave titanium thread into carbon matte before it is infused with his secret resin. The result is 'Carbotanium' this super-composite makes up the one-piece Monocoque chassis & body of the Huayra. What does this mean to a prospective owner? The Huayra Roadster's chassis is stronger than a Semi Truck. Since it is so rigid it allows the suspension to be relaxed, and even quite comfortable. Idling behind you is a beast in every sense. AMG supplies a 6.0-liter V12 that is built to Pagani's specifications. Even though it isn't needed, the engine block acts as a tuned part of the suspension. This allows the unsprung weight to be incredibly low compared to anything else on the road. Another factor in making this car such a smooth ride. In fact, the curb weight of 2,820 lbs is less than every other V12 car in production. A slight tap of the accelerator allows for 764 horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque to send accelerate with a better power-to-weight ratio than an F-18 fighter. Thanks to Pagani Newport Beach for allowing us to experience it in person. If you own a Zonda or a Huayra coupe, consider yourself fortunate because of their rarity. The factory has capped production of the Roadster at only 100 cars. It is not because of a lack of materials or because of any corporate agreements. It is because each example is built by artisans who are not in a hurry. Only a handful have been allotted for the USA, so this opportunity won't likely appear again. If you want to drive something that will change your perceptions of performance, click the link below and stay with us for more pristine Paganis. Click Here To Learn More

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