Saleen

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 Khris Bharath – October 06, 2026

Long-Awaited Saleen S1 Street Is Open for Reservations

Saleen has reopened reservations for the S1, the mid-engine sports car that made its debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. The California-based boutique automaker announced the opening of pre-orders on social media, saying the S1 is now available to reserve with a fully refundable $1,000 deposit. Saleen lists the car with a starting price of $160,000, up from the $100,000 price announced when the model was unveiled in 2017. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saleen (@saleen) The original specification called for a Saleen-designed 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 450 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The torque figure has now climbed to 425 pound-feet of torque, according to Saleen's current specifications. Power goes to the rear wheels, with Saleen quoting a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top track speed of 171 mph. Saleen originally quoted a weight of 2,685 pounds for the aluminum-tub, carbon-fiber-bodied S1. Visually, the S1's overall design has remained largely unchanged, retaining the compact mid-engine proportions and much of the styling shown during its original debut. Highlights include a low nose, double bubble roof, pronounced rear haunches, and intakes positioned behind the doors, while the rear incorporates a full-width lightbar, integrated spoiler, and centrally mounted dual exhaust outlets. Saleen also unveiled the S11 supercar concept last year, continuing the company's development of its own sports and supercars. The S1 follows the S7, Saleen's purpose-built mid-engine supercar introduced in 2000. Two S7s have recently appeared on duPont REGISTRY Live, including a one-of-three S7 LM from the SFX Collection and a Steve Saleen-signed example with ties to Paul Walker. The S1 builds on more than 40 years of motorsports experience. The S1 subsequently formed the basis of a dedicated racing model. 20 S1 Cup cars were produced for the Saleen Cup, a one-make series launched in 2019. The company initially planned annual production of as many as 1,500 cars at its facility in Corona, California. Saleen has not announced how many examples of the road-going S1 it now plans to produce, or when deliveries will begin. For now, the reopening of reservations marks the latest step toward bringing the long-running S1 project to the road. View All Saleens for Sale Images: Saleen Automotive

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 29, 2025

Saleen Unveils New S11 Supercar At LeMay Museum

Saleen opens a new chapter of supercars. In the 2000s, the Saleen S7 emerged as one of the world’s most exciting and radical supercars. Its dramatic proportions, brawny engine, butterfly doors, and robust performance made it an instant icon, and one of the crown jewels of American performance to this day. As the Saleen S7’s reign was coming to an end, the Saleen S5S Raptor concept supercar emerged as a possible successor to the S7, but it never made it to production. At long last, however, a new Saleen supercar is breaking cover, and it’s the Saleen S11, debuting at the LeMay - America’s Car Museum, in Tacoma, Washington. The new Saleen sueprcar comes at the end of a special exhibition curated by Steve Saleen called “The Birth of The American Supercar,” which chronicles some of the most influential American performance cars, leading up to the new Saleen S11 that has only just emerged. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saleen (@saleen) In an exciting, enthusiast-focused opportunity, Saleen is letting the public vote on various design elements of what will be the final version of the S11, and after 25 years have passed since the S7 emerged at the turn of the millennium, enthusiasts themselves will get the opportunity to help shape the legacy of its anticipated successor. Over the next year, Saleen is set to reveal more details about the new supercar, including some of the most important details about its engineering and performance capabilities. Coming after the S7, the Saleen S11 has a cherished legacy to live up to. View All Saleen For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2020

2005 Saleen S7 Twin Turbo With Under 500 Miles For Sale

What were you driving 15 years ago? If it had over 400 horsepower from the factory, you were a superhero. Sure the Ford GT and Lamborghini both offered mid-engine performance, but both brands were upset by our friend Steve Saleen. His S7 Supercar had been in production since 2000. Knowing the abilities of Ford's 351 Windsor block, he worked in secret to shock the world. The Saleen S7 Twin Turbo arrived in 2005 with 750 Horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. Given the displacement of 7 liters (427 ci) it is still among the most potent production V8 engines ever offered. Marshall Goldman Motor Sales Virtual Dealer Tour Not only did it have immense power, but the S7 Twin Turbo also arrived with revised aerodynamics. Drag was reduced by 40% with a corresponding increase in downforce by 60%. With only 468 miles, this car has no signs of age inside or out. It has been stored in a climate-controlled collection, waiting for you. The chassis stiffness is better than many new production cars, as it is tig-welded 4130 steel. There are no silly electronics. It has 3 pedals, a CD player. A/C and power windows. The Windsor block and Cleveland heads offer decades of reliable fun, so we hope you exercise them once in a while. Marshall Goldman only chooses the best cars for his inventory, and he owns each one outright. If you want the car that changed everything, click the button below. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – August 20, 2019

Saleen S7 20th Anniversary Celebration: August 2020

Our friend Steve Saleen is calling on all S7 owners. He wants to see his creations gathered together in Monterey next year for the Saleen S7 20th Anniversary Celebration. The iconic American supercar debuted at the Monterey Historic Races back in 2000, and they have proven themselves on tracks around the world. He said, "The S7 was immediately competitive in motorsports from day one, winning over 100 professional races at the world’s top racetracks including Daytona, Nürburgring, Silverstone, Imola, Spa-Francorchamps and the 24 Hours of Le Mans – and that was just in the first ten years of its existence". The S7 LeMans Edition was recently introduced, and all 7 were sold before completion. The Ford V8 and twin turbos offered 1,500 horsepower with a price of $1 Million each. Thankfully, our dealers always have a few pristine examples for sale, so click the link below and make plans to join the festivities next year. We will have all the details at a later date, so stay with us for all your Saleen news. Browse Saleen S7 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Saleen S7 Resurrected With 1,500 Horsepower Saleen S1 Makes Track Debut in Portland Dodge Demon For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2019

Saleen S7 Resurrected With 1,500 Horsepower!

Steve Saleen never fails to impress. While the core business of performance parts has always been strong, he looked to China for a strategic partnership. Jiangsu Secco Automobile has been the driving force behind Saleen's Chinese operations. They have allowed Steve and his team to develop the S1 and bring it to market. We covered the debut in Portland last week, but we could never anticipate this news: In preparation for the 20th anniversary of the S7, it has been resurrected with 1,500 horsepower. The 2020 Saleen S7 Le Mans is powered by a 7.0L Ford V8 and twin turbos. It is the same recipe used in the S7 Twin Turbo, and technology has advanced significantly over the past 2 decades. We are looking at a 1,500 horsepower supercar. It is rated at 1,327 lb-ft of torque, which is asking a lot from a Ford Windsor block. You will be at 62 mph in 2.2 seconds on your way to 298 mph! The unveiling was a big event, with the parent company also unveiling a high-performance SUV. In attendance were famous racers from around the world including Tanner Foust. Star of Saleen's latest ads, Jason Statham was also on the dais. Colin also said that production of the S7 is exclusive to Saleen's plant in Corona, California. So if you missed your chance at the original run, click the link below to browse Saleen S7 for sale. Saleen S7 For Sale Related: Jason Statham Stars in new Saleen Commercial Saleen S1 Makes Track Debut in Portland Photos via Facebook/Saleen

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