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.

Pagani Brings Two Unique Zonda Examples To Villa d’Este

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 14, 2026

Pagani Brings Zondas To Villa d’Este

This weekend, one of the most prestigious automotive events on the global annual calendar is taking place, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The highly anticipated show sees some of the world’s most luxurious, exclusive, historic, and desirable cars on the planet set against the glittering and picturesque backdrop of Italy’s Lake Como, and several manufacturers also bring their masterpieces to the event. One of those manufacturers is Pagani, one of Italy’s most impressive purveyors of supercars and hypercars, known for combining a unique and artful style with traditional craftsmanship and purist-focused ethos, along with cutting-edge engineering technology. Pagani’s intersection of art and science in its creations is said to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. At this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, which is taking place from May 15 to May 17, Pagani will display two examples of its foundational supercar, the Zonda. The first is the Zonda C12 S 7.0L, the model that began the cherished legacy of Pagani at the turn of the millennium. An example of the work of Pagani’s Rinascimento program, the car was restored to its original state. Rinascimento places special focus on Authenticity, using original materials and techniques to restore cars, Documentation, creating a book that certifies the restoration process alongside original technical data and drawings, and Historical Continuity, ensuring that the car stands as an example of what it was in its time. <- Gallery -> In addition to being a Rinascimento-restored car, the specific Zonda C12 S 7.0L that will be displayed at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este was the very first one-off created by the Pagani atelier. Created bespoke in 2000, it features a unique removable glass roof that was requested by the customer. Pagani is also showcasing the Zonda Cervino at the Fuori Concorso, an event alongside the Concorso d’Eleganza. An example of Pagani’s “Unico” program, the Zonda Cervino is an example of Pagani’s tailor-made capabilities, as a complete reimagination of the Zonda made to fit the client’s most specific dreams and wishes. Bespoke bodywork makes it a unique statement, along with new technology like a state-of-the-art suspension system and other tweaks. Together, the Rinascimento restoration at the Concorso d’Eleganza and the Unico transformation at Fuori Concorso represent two different celebrations of one of the world’s most incredible supercars: the Pagani Zonda. View All Pagani For Sale Image Source: Pagani Automobili

A blue and black Blue Carbon Zonda Roadster is shown angled from the rear, highlighting its aerodynamic design and carbon fiber details—a stunning 1-of-1 Pagani Unico masterpiece.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 01, 2025

Pagani Unico Shows Off A 1-of-1 Exposed Blue Carbon Zonda...

From the mind of Horacio to the tarmac. In today's world, every hypercar brand builds a reputation based on its evolving lineup of four-wheel wonders, whether it be Christian Von Koenigsegg's pursuit of engineering prowess or Bugatti's legacy and heritage in motorsports. For Horacio Pagani and Pagani Automobili, art and craftsmanship drive what makes every one of its hypercars so special to its owners and enthusiasts worldwide. From the iconic Zonda to the all-new Utopia, Horacio and his team of artisans focus meticulously on the smallest of details to ensure perfection and timeless appeal as these cars age like fine wines. Pagani Automobili recently took to Instagram to show off a spectacular one-off Zonda Roadster courtesy of its "Pagani Unico" department. For those unfamiliar with Pagani Unico, it's a bespoke workshop that handles updates and customizations for customers who dream of further personalizing their hypercars without any limits. Inspired by Asia's breathtaking Kunlun Mountains, the owner of this Pagani Zonda Roadster commissioned the Unico department to reimagine its exterior in exposed matte blue carbon fiber with white accents. Extra carbon aero, including canards, a roof scoop, and a rear wing setup, completely transform the already-impressive Zonda into a true artistic masterpiece. And while its all-new look will certainly command attention on any road or track, its performance is what really makes it a force to be reckoned with for any competitor. The Pagani Zonda features a hand-built 7.3L Mercedes-AMG V12 that produces an impressive 750 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque. With Pagani offering its clientele the option of returning to the factory for an OEM refresh, we can't wait to see what else will roll through the doors of the Unico workshop. View All Pagani Hypercars For Sale @paganiautomobili Instagram

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 19, 2024

Last Pagani Zonda "Arrivederci" Delivered To Owner At The...

This is a true hypercar grand finale. Pagani has built an incredible legacy of creating unforgettable hypercars, and its trilogy now consists of the Zonda, Huayra, and the new Utopia. However, it was the Zonda that started it all. For many enthusiasts, it will always hold a cherished place as the elusive ultimate dream car, the ultimate car in a video game car list, and a mainstay of bedroom posters and scale models. Pagani is saying a bittersweet goodbye to the Zonda, the car that spurred what is now one of the pinnacle manufacturers of collector-grade automotive masterpieces. As such, the final Pagani Zonda, unveiled and delivered to its owner at this year’s The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, is called the Zonda “Arrivederci.” The new Zonda Arrivederci is an incredible open-top example of the unforgettable Zonda, with an exquisite configuration. Its bodywork is predominantly finished in silver exposed carbon fiber, with the Zonda’s dramatic, avant-garde shapes showcased in a livery composed of red and blue stripes and the car's center finished in black carbon fiber. The interior, featuring all of the Zonda’s unique design elements, is elegantly finished in red leather, with wood and carbon fiber highlighting its incredible craftsmanship. With an instantly recognizable design that remains futuristic and captivating to this day, the Pagani Zonda is one of the greatest supercars of all time and the beginning of a story of unparalleled craftsmanship and automotive excellence. The new Zonda Arrivederci is the final iteration of a true hypercar legend, and it’s a beautiful and fitting grand finale. View All Paganis For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miller Motorcars (@millermotorcars)

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 12, 2024

Pagani Automobili Shows Off Its Ultra-Exclusive Zonda 'At...

Let us introduce you to the Pagani Zonda that you may not have heard of before. Horacio Pagani has steered Pagani Automobili from a passionate concept to a hypercar powerhouse in the automotive world, continuously pushing the limits of design and technology. With a relentless pursuit of perfection and speed, models like the legendary Zonda helped pave the way for the hypercar realm while etching the Pagani name into the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. Through a blend of artistic craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation, Pagani's creations are moving masterpieces that redefine the very essence of speed and luxury. Pagani recently took to its Instagram page to showcase a mysterious Zonda that has been kept under wraps, until now. Captioned with "We are sure you have never seen this Zonda before.", Pagani Automobili reveals the Zonda Attack as a bespoke commission that stands as a pinnacle for its personalization program. The Pagani Zonda Attack welcomes all of the manufacturer's finest attributes, tailoring its configuration process to focus on the client's desires, aspirations, and fantasies. With a full-carbon body that screams lightweight, the Zonda Attack also features an array of aero components that add cooling and downforce at high speeds. Its stealthy exterior mirrors a modern fighter jet, with a race-focused cabin that perfectly honors the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Pagani is renowned for. At its heart lies a Mercedes-Benz AMG-sourced V12, producing upwards of 800 horsepower. This powerhouse propels the Zonda from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering sub-3 seconds. The Zonda Attack offers an exceptional driving experience, marrying raw power with the agility and precision that high-speed driving demands. View all Pagani hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Pagani Hypercars For Sale Source: Pagani Automobili

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 28, 2022

Pagani Automobili Visits The International Concours of El...

Multi-million dollar hypercars take to the frozen lake circuit. After announcing that it would be bringing the Zonda HP Barchetta, Pagani Automobili set off to St. Moritz, Switzerland for The International Concours of Elegance. The iconic event takes place on the local frozen lake and features an array of exciting motorcars that compete in a not-so-familiar environment. Through the special Pagani Officina division, the brand provides a series of programs and services that help to keep owners involved in events like I.C.E. without worries. MUST-READ: Pagani Will Bring The $15 Million Zonda HP Barchetta To The International Concours of Elegance Throughout the event, Pagani Automobili took to the icy circuit with the world’s most exclusive specs that are only best-described dream hypercars for any enthusiasts. The chassis that proudly represent the Pagani brand is the Huayra Roadster BC and Blue France Zonda S from the film ‘Blue Adrenaline’. The International Concours of Elegance highlights the aspects that are important to Pagani Automobili, which is client service and relations after the sale of each vehicle. Click on the link below to view all the current Pagani examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming supercar event coverage. View All Pagani For Sale Source: @paganiautomobili IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 25, 2022

Pagani Will Bring The $15 Million Zonda HP Barchetta To T...

Pagani brings out its exclusive Zonda model for all to see. While the Pagani Automobili brand delivers a fleet of performance-focused hypercars, each vehicle debut attracts the excitement of every collector and enthusiast worldwide. The announcement of a new Zonda chassis proves to be no different, with only three examples produced for top Pagani clientele. Pagani Automobili is proud to announce its participation in the International Concours of Elegance (I.C.E). As part of the special occasion, an array of Pagani examples are set to showcase on the frozen lake of Sankt Moritz in St. Moritz. The special guest attending the exclusive event is the extremely rare Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta, the long-awaited predecessor to the early Zonda models. MUST-READ: Horacio Pagani Invites Automotive Design Icon Giorgetto Giugiaro To Pagani Automobili’s Atelier The $15-million Pagani is limited to only three configurations worldwide, all of which have found happy new collections to call home. The Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta takes shape as an open-top convertible hypercar that produces over 789-horsepower from its 6.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V12 from Mercedes-AMG. The exclusive hypercar highlights the craftsmanship of Horacio Pangani and his dedicated team at the Pagani Automobili headquarter in San Cesario Sul Panaro, Italy. The Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta will be on scene at the International Concours of Elegance, along with other Pagani examples, on February 26th. View all of the current Pagani models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more Pagani Automobili news and releases. View All Pagani For Sale Source: @paganiautomobili IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 01, 2021

Pagani Raduno 2021 Ends With Huayra R Laps On The Circuit...

The group celebration event of Pagani Automobili comes to an end...until next year. Earlier this year, we covered the exclusive gathering of Pagani Raduno 2021: Vanishing Point, as the group of 20+ multimillion-dollar hypercars travel throughout the world. The finish line ends in Austin, Texas at the iconic Circuits of The Americas racetrack, where the world of motorsports meets the United States tarmac. Coming to a bittersweet end, Pagani Raduno 2021 completes its event on track in classic hypercar style. MUST-READ: Top 25 Most Expensive Cars in the World For the very first time, the Pagani Huayra R made its U.S. debut setting lap times on the 3.4-mile circuit. All owners on the scene are given the show of a lifetime watching and listening to the 838-horsepower 6.0L V12 screaming to 9000-RPMs. Closing out the celebration of Pagani Automobili excellence, the $3.1 million Huayra R continues the brand’s legacy towards creating the ultimate automobile. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more information on the next Pagani Raduno for 2022. View all current Pagani models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Pagani For Sale on duPont REGISTRY View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pagani Automobili Official (@paganiautomobili) Source: @paganiautomobili IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 30, 2021

Pagani Raduno 2021: Vanishing Point

The only time you will see 20+ Pagani examples on the road in unison. The world of Pagani Automobili is made up of passionate owners who all share the same interest in hand-crafted exclusive hypercars. As a celebration of the brand, Mr. Pagani assembled a record-breaking event named Pagani Raduno. This year, Pagani is proud to announce Pagani Raduno - Vanishing Point after its two-year silence. Starting through the beautiful landscape of Italy, a group of more than 20 Paganis was welcomed into the ancient town of Rieti with a parade. While the rally ventured through the ancient city, sights were on taking the Pagani Huaryas and Zondas to its day two destination of Rome for the perfect sunset. Pagani Raduno - Vanishing Point is the best culmination of acquiring some of the most exclusive Pagani examples for an epic drive throughout the landscape of which the brand was born. For more coverage on the next days of Pagani Raduno - Vanishing Point, check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily. View all of the current Pagani models for sale through DuPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Pagani For Sale Media Source: Pagani Instagram

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2021

How To Make a Pagani Zonda Revolución Street Legal

Could you tame this beast? We first saw the world's meanest Pagani Zonda at Pebble Beach nearly a decade ago. Since then, a few of us wondered how it could be driven legally. Going downtown on a Friday night would be much more enjoyable in a carbo-triax monocoque that is infused with titanium. While he was the Chief Engineer at Lamborghini, Mr. Pagani patented a slough of innovations relating to carbon fiber. All the best features of the 25th Anniversary Countach were made by him in small batches. Because the corporate overlords at Chrysler said no to innovation, he decided to build a car all his own, the Zonda. This being the most potent version, it offers 800 horsepower from a Mercedes-AMG V12. The price? Its expensive. Kudos to the team at The TFJJ for sharing this with us! We have several flavors of Pagani to choose from, so click the button and have a great weekend! Browse Pagani For Sale Image (C) TheTFJJ

By Andrew Nabors – January 04, 2021

Pagani Inspired By Imagination & Determination

Dreaming of a Zonda is a motivation for many because Pagani is inspired by imagination and determination. Their latest upload features a young fan beset with headlines of social distancing and the lockdown of Italy. The worst is over, and we see the planets in orbit and the Earth still spinning. " width="680"> Pagani had a great year, revealing a new chapter in the life of the Huayra. The Tricolore pays homage to the Italian Air Force with 840 horsepower. With a dry weight of 2,799 lbs, nothing compares to the performance offered, for a cool 6.75 million dollars. Our dealers stand ready to welcome you to the Pagani family, so click the button to learn more. Browse Pagani For Sale Image (C) Pagani Automobili

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