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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 Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2021

Jay Leno Drives the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3

We think he likes it! Mr. Leno has exacting standards when it comes to Porsche. Because his collection contains Stuttgart's supercars of all generations, what does he think of the new 911 GT3? To discern what sets it apart from lesser models, a Patrick Long was called in to explain the significance of the innovations. For a quick refresher, this new GT3 for sale has its own assembly line. The suspension and chassis changes are so substantial that it doesn't share much with a normal Carrera. Let's allow them to show us, and then click the button to learn more from our dealers! Browse Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 25, 2020

Jay Leno Drives His Porsche Carrera GT

Once a successor is announced, many supercars plummet in value. Porsche purists prevent this with each new generation, and that is why we are glad that Jay Leno drives his Porsche Carrera GT. While he has shown clips on Jay Leno's Garage and on the Tonight Show, our favorite comedian has finally filmed a proper review. Porsche Carrera GT Specs, Price, Review and Photos Knowing full well that it would be the last analog Porsche, Mr. Leno purchased this 2004 model new, intending on preserving it for posterity. After spinning a prototype at Talladega, his insights on the car were used as testimony for the Grand Jury in Paul Walker's wrongful death lawsuit. A few short trips behind the wheel have left me with the same assumptions. The Carrera GT was designed by the world's most talented drivers, and it offers no apologies. No stability or taction systems will save you, so plan your turns and throttle inputs far in advance. Respect the car or live in fear, because nothing will ever compare to the Carrera GT. Browse Porsche Carrera GT For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 20, 2020

Jay Leno Drives 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S

The only rear-engine car sold in the US is also offered in several body styles. From the classic coupe to a Speedster, the Cabriolet and Targa offer something for everyone. Given the trim levels for each, it can be difficult to choose between over 30 variants. At up to 30 mph, the fabric roof can disappear under the rear glass to offer the best of both worlds. Jay Leno’s Car Collection An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic or the bulletproof 7-speed manual sends power to all wheels. With the Sport Chrono package onboard, you will reach 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. The 3-liter twin-turbo offers 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, and it only has to push around 3,687 lbs. Click the button to learn more and stay with us for all your 911 news. Browse Porsche 911 Targa 4S For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 08, 2020

Jay Leno Drives the 1991 Porsche 911 "Honor Roll" by Singer

Steve Davis is the Customer Relationship Manager at Singer Vehicle Design. You might think he has an easy job, as their skilled team is capable of turning any request into reality. However, giving your customers unlimited options can also be overwhelming. So his job is to translate a feeling into ideas, which are used to build the ultimate example of the 964-Series Porsche 911 for sale. Check Out Jay Leno's Car Collection As you probably know, Singer Vehicle Design is an homage to Norbert Singer, Porsche's Chief Engineer for decades. As such, no detail is too small. From a complete carbon fiber body and chassis, the original block is retained, but displacement is up to 4 liters using the latest in air-cooled upgrades. Every stitch and switch is appealing to see and touch, so only a few cars can be completed annually. Singer has delivered 130 restorations so far, only a few blocks from Mr. Leno's "Big Dog Garage". Since they specialize in the 1989 to 1994 model years, the team makes sure each build is better than new. Click the button below to find your Porsche 911 for sale, then allow Singer to reveal its true potential. Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2020

Jay Leno Drives Porsche Taycan Turbo S

A decade in development was worth the wait. After carefully studying their target market and building an innovative electric drivetrain, this is the one you have been waiting for. To see how it compares to other electric sedans, let's watch Jay Leno drive the new Porsche Taycan Turbo S. The question on everyone's mind is "Why does it need a 2-speed transmission on the rear motor?" Because Porsche partnered with Rivian to build the world's most efficient automotive electric motor, the automatic transmission has a low and high gear. Cars that make incredible torque used 2-speed automatics for decades. Corvette had one from 1953 to 1967. Porsche uses a dog-box 1st gear for incredible strength and a wet clutch for 2nd. This optimizes the engine rpm and saves battery power. For Eco mode, the rear gearbox goes neutral and the motor is off. This offers the most city range, as the Taycan is capable of front-wheel drive. Check Out Jay Leno's Car Collection Porsche didn't build the Taycan to fill a gap in their lineup, they built it to be their fastest-accelerating car of all time, and force the industry to catch up. Click the link below to find yours and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse All Porsche Taycan For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 23, 2019

Jay Leno Drives a Bisimoto 911 Turbo

Many Porsche purists will tell you there is only one way to build a classic 930. Bisi Ezerioha is an engineer who emigrated from Nigeria. He is not your typical Porsche enthusiast, having realized the limitations of the original drivetrain. His innovative approach will undoubtedly inspire others, so that's why Jay Leno drove a Bisimoto 911 Turbo. Browse All Porsche 911 For Sale Making big power with the 1st generation turbo engine is easy. Slap a big turbo and intercooler and call it a day. His goal was modern drivability and cleaner emissions offered by a late-model engine. The answer was found in the form of a 3.6-liter from a 996 series 911. It began production in 2001 as a de-tuned version of the 911 GT1, the same engine that won LeMans. As an engineer, Bisi understands the abilities of the PDK transmission, so he sourced one from a 997 (2004 to 2012). The car makes 850 horsepower on low boost, and it runs on a modern Can-Bus system of his own design. No burning oil or leaky pushrod tubes, this is the dawn of a new era in 930 restorations. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 28, 2019

Jay Leno Drives a Porsche 959 Komfort

Rally racing was the birthplace of many great supercars. Ferrari engineered the 288 GTO and the F40 to compete on the world's roughest terrain, and Porsche needed to beat them at all costs. Chief Engineer Hemuth Bott was given a blank check to build the ultimate Porsche 911, and this is the result. Only 345 cars were built, so it is rare to see Jay Leno driving a Porsche 959 Komfort. Built in two versions, the 959S used traditional suspension to perform on the track. But the 959 Komfort used a high-pressure active suspension that could leap through the woods if needed. After all, many Group B races took place on the worst possible roads, so it was built with three distinct modes of ride height. Jay Leno's Car Collection The 2.8L flat-six has air-cooled cylinders and water-cooled heads. It is nearly identical to the 956 and 962 race cars, offering 444 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The manual transmission has a granny gear for offroad fun, and 5 normal gears for the street. It is coupled to an AWD system years ahead of its time. It sends 80% of torque to the rear wheels at wide-open throttle, and it constantly changes the split based on wheel slip sensors. The body is made of Kevlar and Nomex for safety and strength, not to mention incredible weight 3,140 lbs. Because every aspect of the car was revolutionary, our Federal Government forbid its sale in the U.S. Thankfully, the cars are aging out of the 25 year ban. The 959 was designed to compete in the world's roughest races, so it needs to be driven. We applaud the owner for running errands in such a valuable car, and we have a few examples for sale in the link below. Stay with us for more updates from Jay Leno's Garage. Browse Porsche 959 For Sale Bruce Canepa Explains the Porsche 959 Bill Gates' Porsche 959

By Andrew Nabors – October 15, 2018

Jay Leno Drives West Coast Customs' Porsche 356

What if you could own & drive a classic Porsche 356 without the quirks associated with old cars? That is what motivated West Coast Customs to build a modern interpretation of a 1959 model. In the latest upload to Jay Leno's Garage, CEO Ryan Friedlinghaus allowed Jay and us to experience something amazing.How Many Cars in Jay Leno's Collection!?!Starting with a rustbucket 1959 Porsche, they were commissioned by its owner to fit the classic body onto the chassis of a late-model Cayman. Nothing lined up, which led the team to chop, channel, & modify the classic car to fit the modern dimensions. The Cayman is much wider, so every piece of metal had to be modified.The mid-engine layout allowed his team to build a decent-sized trunk behind the powertrain in addition to the front trunk. If you look closely you will see a separation along the beltline. The hardtop has all new glass and it is removable to transform into a roadster. With all the luxuries of a 2008 Cayman or Boxster, this custom is the best of both worlds. Stay with us for all your classic Porsches and more updates from Jay Leno's Garage.

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2018

Jay Leno Drives 1993 Porsche Schuppan 962CR With 1 Mile o...

Carbon fiber can be found in every aspect of modern life, but it was very exotic in 1993. With the introduction of Jaguar's XJR15, Porsche found themselves between a rock and a hard place. They were struggling in sales because they only offered the 911 and the 968. Emissions laws put the air-cooled engine on death row, so Porsche was fighting an uphill battle.Nevertheless, they would not allow their competitors to field a new supercar without offering something better. So they turned to their factory driver Vern Schuppan for help. He won LeMans in 1983 behind the wheel of a 956, and he was in the process of building his own supercar. Porsche decided to fully support his efforts, and the result is the Porsche Schuppan 962CR.Highest Torque Production Cars- Check Out The ListWith the support of Japanese investors, he hired Michael Simcoe to design the body. Back then he was a designer at Holden, but he is now GM's VP of Global Design. For power, Porsche delivered a 3.2-liter flat-six with giant turbos. Air-cooled cylinders and water cooled heads allowed it to make 850 horsepower, so the headed to LeMans.LeBron James' Car Collection Will Blow Your Mind!Sadly the investors got cold feet and backed out before the cars met the homologation rules, but the owner of this car was smart to preserve it with only 1 mile on the odometer. Street legal 962s are among the rarest Porsches for sale, so we suggest a new GT2 RS instead. Better performance along with A/C and a warranty? Click the link below to see great offers from our dealers.Browse Porsche 911 GT2 RS For Sale

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