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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 15, 2026

Pagani Residences Officially Breaks Ground In South Florida

Automotive-inspired real estate is one of the hottest trends to take over South Florida, with ultra-luxurious residences soaring above Miami’s breathtaking skyline, offering breathtaking views and resort-like amenities for everyday living. Developed by Riviera Horizons in collaboration with Horacio Pagani and Pagani Art, Pagani Residences stands out as Miami’s most anticipated development, bringing the craftsmanship and design of a world-renowned hypercar manufacturer to the heart of Miami’s North Bay Village. Marking yet another milestone on its journey to complete construction, Pagani Residences officially broke ground during a special gathering this week, bringing together key project stakeholders. Led by Mikael Hamaoui, founder and CEO of Riviera Horizons, the groundbreaking ceremony welcomed Horacio Pagani, Edgardo Defortuna, president and CEO of Fortune International Group, Brenda Basso, chief executive officer of Pagani Arte, Nicola Volpi, chairman of Pagani Automobili, Christopher Pagani, marketing director of Pagani Automobili, and Brett David, CEO of Prestige Imports and Pagani of Miami, and North Bay Village Mayor Rachel Streitfeld. In a fitting fashion for the hypercar brand, three Pagani hypercars were on scene to showcase the evolution of Horacio’s vision, including the Huayra BC, Huayra Coupé, and Utopia Coupé. Mikael Hamaoui, Horacio Pagani, Edgardo Defortuna, Christopher Pagani The 30-story boutique tower will showcase 70 all-corner residences that focus heavily on letting in natural light, privacy, and uninterrupted views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Pagani Residences also marks Horacio Pagani’s first residential undertaking, with his direct involvement throughout every part of the design process, from architectural styling to the smallest interior details. “For me, design has always been about creating emotion,” said Horacio Pagani. “Pagani Residences brings the spirit of our Hypercars into everyday living through craftsmanship, beauty, and a thorough attention to detail. Every material, every texture, and every space were considered with the same care we dedicate to each Pagani Hypercar.” Starting at $3.9 million, Pagani Residences has taken the next crucial step before it comes to life as South Florida’s next ultra-luxury dream home for the rich and famous. Take a look at some of the available listings on duPont REGISTRY Realty by clicking the link below. duPont REGISTRY Realty Source: Pagani Residences

By Sponsored Article – April 27, 2026

A Community Built for Connoisseurs

For collectors and connoisseurs, passions rarely stop at the garage door. The same appreciation for design, engineering, and craftsmanship that defines a great automobile often extends into architecture, interiors, and the environments in which people choose to live. Pagani Residences was conceived with exactly this philosophy in mind.The first residential project inspired by legendary automaker Horacio Pagani, the development translates the ethos of hypercar design into everyday living. Architecture, interiors, and lifestyle programming reflect the same devotion to craftsmanship and performance that defines Pagani automobiles, creating a living environment that resonates with those who appreciate the artistry behind exceptional machines. Unlike traditional luxury towers where neighbors may share little more than an address, Pagani Residences is intentionally designed to bring together individuals who share a deep appreciation for engineering, innovation, and design. Residents are drawn not only to the waterfront setting and the project’s design pedigree, but to the opportunity to live among others who share those passions. Throughout the property, thoughtfully designed spaces allow this culture to unfold naturally. From the private marina and waterfront boardwalk to the rooftop pool and sky lounge with sweeping 360-degree protected views across Biscayne Bay, the building offers natural gathering points where residents can connect while taking in the surrounding waterfront. Owners may meet over aperitivo as the sun sets, gather within the private lounge reserved exclusively for Pagani automobile owners, or host intimate automotive moments within the Pagani Paddock garages. Eight collectible garages are available for purchase, each featuring dual bays, glass-and-metal statement doors, refined tire wall displays, intelligent climate control, and museum-quality lighting designed to present every vehicle as a work of art.This spirit of community extends into a fully integrated lifestyle ecosystem. Through services such as Auto Privata, the exclusive automotive concierge developed with Prestige Imports, residents enjoy seamless support for their passions, from the care of collector vehicles to curated experiences on land and sea. “Pagani has always been about bringing together people who share a deep appreciation for design, engineering, and craftsmanship,” says Mikael Hamaoui, founder and CEO of Riviera Horizons. “At Pagani Residences, we wanted to create a place where that culture becomes part of everyday life.”Located in Miami’s tranquil three-island enclave of North Bay Village, Pagani Residences comprises just 70 all-corner homes, including duplex penthouses and Sky Residences, priced from $3.9 million. Learn more at www.paganiresidences.com Visit PaganiResidences.com

By Sponsored Article – March 27, 2026

Inside Auto Privata at Pagani Residences

For collectors who view automobiles as art, engineering, and personal expression, Pagani Residences sets a new benchmark in luxury living. Through an exclusive partnership with Prestige Imports, the waterfront development introduces Auto Privata, a bespoke automotive concierge that integrates collector-grade vehicle care seamlessly into everyday life. Created exclusively for residents, Auto Privata delivers white-glove automotive services through the Pagani Residences mobile app, ensuring each vehicle is secured, maintained, detailed, and always road-ready. Valet parking is handled by trained automotive ambassadors, while monthly digital condition reports, maintenance scheduling, and personalized service recommendations are curated around each owner’s collection and driving habits. At the heart of the program are museum-quality garages with climate control and biometric access, spaces conceived not as storage, but as private galleries for automotive art. Residents may choose subscription packages or à la carte services that include professional detailing and restoration, door-to-door enclosed transport within Florida and nationwide, and pre-arrival preparation with vehicles fueled, charged, and detailed. For collectors seeking the exceptional, Auto Privata offers discreet sourcing of rare, limited-production, and off-market vehicles, along with custom modifications and personalization through certified partners, all aligned with manufacturer specifications and provenance standards. GALLERY-EMBED Beyond the garage, Prestige Imports extends the experience into a full lifestyle concierge. Services include registration and tag renewals, insurance coordination, mileage management, and meticulous pre- and post-use inspections with detailed digital reporting accessible through the resident portal. Vehicles can also be discreetly delivered to private airports, social engagements, or dining destinations with advance notice, ensuring ownership remains effortless. “Miami is one of the world’s most important cities for automotive culture,” says Brett David, CEO of Prestige Imports. “For true collectors, it’s not just about owning the car—it’s about how you live with it. This partnership brings our philosophy directly into the home, making every interaction effortless and unforgettable.” GALLERY-EMBED “Pagani Residences is about living at the intersection of art, engineering, and design,” adds Mikael Hamaoui, founder and CEO of Riviera Horizons. “Auto Privata ensures our residents’ vehicles receive the same level of care and craftsmanship as their homes.” Located in Miami’s tranquil three-island enclave of North Bay Village, Pagani Residences comprises just 70 all-corner homes, including duplex penthouses and Sky Residences, priced from $3.7 million. Conceived by legendary automaker Horacio Pagani, the project delivers an immersive lifestyle where hypercar philosophy extends effortlessly from road to residence. Visit PaganiResidences.com

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