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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

A red sports car launches off a ramp, soaring over a canyon and a moving semi-truck with trailers on a dirt road below—classic Pastrana Gymkhana Film action set in a breathtaking desert landscape.

By Khris Bharath – December 09, 2025

Aussie Shred Is Live: Pastrana Pushes 670 HP Brataroo to ...

Travis Pastrana’s new Gymkhana film has just dropped, and it is already the most chaotic entry the franchise has ever released. Aussie Shred is now live on Hoonigan’s YouTube channel, and you can feel the team’s intent from the opening shot in the action-packed 11-minute-long film. The last time Pastrana strapped into a Gymkhana build, he set new benchmarks. This one goes further, and you see it immediately. The land down under finally gets its moment, after nearly a decade of no-go approvals from local authorities. Now the government is on board, and Hoonigan wasted no time pushing the limits. The hero car is the Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo, which broke cover at SEMA this year. Subaru Motorsports USA and Vermont SportsCar built it from a 1978 Subaru BRAT; all in a bid to help Pastrana defy the laws of physics. The Brataroo produces 670 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque from a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine that spins past 9,500 RPM. The chassis and aero work go far beyond any Gymkhana build before it, with active systems designed to keep the truck planted at speed, sideways in a slide, or in the air during long jumps. Pastrana takes the Brataroo across Sydney Harbour with the iconic Harbor bridge and the Opera House in the background, deep into the red dust of the Outback, and up Bathurst’s Mount Panorama. He jumps a 160-foot canyon, clears a road train, hangs two wheels off a pier, and hydroplanes across a lake. He admits the car scared him more than once, and the footage supports it. The margin for error looks tight, and the Brataroo seems built to take punishment rather than survive politely. Aussie Shred also leans on heavy local talent. Two-time Dakar winner Toby Price goes wheel to wheel with Pastrana. Subaru WRC driver Chris Atkinson also appears in the film, as do Nitro Circus BMX names Ryan Williams, Jaie Toohey, and Will Brown. V8 Supercars drivers line up for a drag run down Conrod Straight. Mighty Car Mods show up. Even the Mad Hueys get screen time for a shoey. This is Pastrana’s final Gymkhana film, and Hoonigan’s Brian Scotto calls the project unfinished business. He and the late Ken Block tried to film in Australia ten years ago and were denied permission. Things are thankfully a lot different today, and that sense of closure gives this project weight. View All Subarus For Sale " width="680"> Images: HOONIGAN

A rare 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 22b with gold wheels is parked in front of a white wall. For sale to collectors and enthusiasts, this blue sports car captures the spirit of a thrilling legacy.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 18, 2024

1-of-400 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 22b For Sale

Among automotive enthusiasts, Subaru has an undeniable cult following, and a reputation for earning lifelong fans whose love for Subaru’s lineup is a lifestyle. Whether it’s the manufacturer’s family cars, or the performance-oriented, rally-inspired offerings, Subaru is celebrated globally as a manufacturer. However, specific Subaru models from throughout the manufacturer’s history earn a specifically venerable reputation, and one of the most prominent is the 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 22b. View Price And Listing The first-generation Subaru Impreza ushered in the now-iconic WRX, a rally-inspired model with added performance and enhanced design. However, Subaru upped the ante even further with the WRX STi, a model made for pure performance enjoyment. With great success in the FIA World Rally Championship, having won three consecutive manufacturer’s titles at the time, and the 40th anniversary of the Subaru brand coinciding in 1998, the limited-production Subaru Impreza WRX STi 22b was born. The Impreza WRX STi 22b only saw 400 examples made, with a larger 2.2-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine with 276 horsepower and 268 lb/ft of torque. Setting the 22b apart visually is its widebody coupe body style, as well as its unique blue exterior color. While the origin of the name “22b” is debated, there’s no doubt that the JDM performance icon is a collector-worthy masterpiece of recent automotive history, and a car with incredible exclusivity and a legion of passionate fans. For those looking to get their hands on one of the 400 WRX STi 22b cars in existence, the opportunity to own the JDM legend has finally arrived. Listed on duPont REGISTRY, the source for supercars since 1985, a 1998 Subaru 22b is available for sale at Graham Rahal Performance in Brownsburg, Indiana. Number 392 out of the 400 22b cars made, this 1998 Subaru 22b for sale is an opportunity to own a milestone of JDM performance history. View the price and listing of this car for sale by clicking the button, including flexible financing options from dR Finance, powered by Westlake Financial.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 22, 2024

Subaru's 670HP WRX 'Project Midnight' Is Set To Shine At ...

Subaru's WRX Project Midnight, fresh from Goodwood's Festival of Speed, heads to Sonoma Raceway for the Velocity Invitational. Prepare for the excitement as Subaru Motorsports USA's WRX: Project Midnight makes its North American debut at the 5th annual Velocity Invitational at Sonoma Raceway from October 4th to 6th. Project Midnight was this year's standout at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, taking shape as the quickest and fastest WRX race car ever. With its second-place finish in the 2024 Festival of Speed Timed Shootout, it's set to impress on Sonoma's 12-turn road course. Scott Speed, a Northern California native, will pilot the Subaru, showcasing its ultra-wide aerodynamic bodywork and massive wing borrowed from the WRX ARA24 gravel rally car. Weighing under 2,500 pounds, Project Midnight is nearly 1,000 pounds lighter than a standard WRX. Its turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L flat-four engine delivers a whopping 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque, revving up to 9500 rpm with a hood-exit exhaust that spits flames. Chaydon Ford Scott Speed's mastery of Project Midnight at Goodwood was a sight to behold, and now, fans in North America have the chance to witness this groundbreaking WRX in action. Velocity Invitational Founder Jeff O'Neill is thrilled to partner with Subaru and bring this world-class car to the event. Project Midnight will be showcased alongside other Time Attack cars, delivering an incredible spectacle for enthusiasts. This year's Velocity Invitational promises an unmatched lineup of the world's rarest cars, from modern hypercars to historic NASCAR and Formula 1 race cars, making it a must-attend event for car lovers. Chaydon Ford Beyond the thrilling races, the Velocity Invitational offers a luxurious, family-friendly setting with local cuisine and beverages, including wines from local vintners. General admission tickets and premium packages, which include unique experiences like a ride in a Group B Rally Car, are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit velocityinvitational.com. Don't miss out on the chance to see Subaru's Project Midnight and other legendary cars at this incredible event. View all Subaru WRXs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Subaru WRXs For Sale Source: Velocity Invitational/Subaru/Kahn Media/Chaydon Ford

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 19, 2022

Subaru's New STI E-RA Concept Has Sights Set On The Nürbu...

The Beauty of All-Wheel Drive just turned into the beast. Subaru’s old slogan is a reminder of what has made them so popular among daily commuters and enthusiasts the world over: an all-wheel-drive system that is capable and dependable. And for decades now, the brand has been putting that all-wheel drive to the test in the motorsport and rally world through STI, which gave us the beloved WRX STI performance sedan which proves itself on and off the tarmac. MUST READ: The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Is Now A Guinness World Record Holder Now, STI is taking performance to an entirely new level with an electric concept car, fittingly called the “STI E-RA Concept.” This charged-up race car is said to possess over 1000 horsepower, and STI says that that power is going to be put on the road through four Yamaha motors with four-wheel torque vectoring in a proprietary system. Image Source: Subaru Tecnica International What “E-RA” stands for is something that makes this venture even more exciting. Electric-Record-Attempt, the full meaning of the acronym, alludes to the fact that STI’s first goal for the car is to complete the Nürburgring in a shocking 6 minutes and 40 seconds in 2023. As they start at home in Japan in 2022 with driving experiments, the success of the E-RA could change the course of history for Subaru, STI, and motorsport as a whole.

By Andrew Nabors – February 12, 2021

Travis Pastrana's Subaru WRX STI Stars In Launch Control ...

Rally racing is filled with moments of incredible excitement punctuated by agony. To take us behind the scenes of of Gymkhana 2020, Travis Pastrana's Subaru WRX STI stars in Launch Control season 8. This award-winning series is hosted on YouTube and Amazon, and it is a great way to see inside Team Subaru. Ken Block has handed the reigns over to Travis in order to focus on Hoonigan projects. Travis chose his hometown as the backdrop for the epic stunts, so the first episode of this season focuses on the logistics involved. Annapolis is a gorgeous city and tire smoke makes it the perfect home. Please don't try this, the permits required are a massive headache. Should he have borrowed the Hoonicorn Mustang instead? Subaru For Sale Images (C) Subaru of America

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2020

Watch Travis Pastrana's Gymkhana 2020: Ultimate Hometown ...

If you are a car enthusiast, then the Hoonigan Gymkhana series is something very familiar, but when Ken Block is behind the wheel. The newest Gymkhana 2020 video released by Hoonigan is featured as the Travis Pastrana Takeover, just under ten minutes of incredible maneuvering from land, air, and sea perspective. Travis took his 826hp Subaru STI back to his hometown of Annapolis, Maryland to put on a show for his community. Throughout the video, Travis makes the trek back to his home on a route that would leave anyone to believe it was a rally course, making Ken Block proud to share the series. It would not be a Subaru sponsored video without a cameo featuring the newly redesigned BRZ model, as it does a synchronize donut with the race car. The Hoonigan Gymkhana 2020 Travis Pastrana Take Over; Ultimate Hometown Shred is available by clicking below. Image Source: The Hoonigans

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2020

Gymkhana 11 Teases 2021 Subaru WRX Assaulting Annapolis

Are you ready for an overload of drifting? In the latest upload from the Hoonigans, Gymkhana 11 has teased a 2022 Subaru WRX assaulting Annapolis. Launching tomorrow, this film will mark the end of the Ken Block series. Tomorrow marks a new era for the Hoonigans as Travis Pastrana will pilot the world's wildest Subaru across his hometown. Ken Block’s Hoonicorn Mustang Price & Specs While his car was built as a collaboration between Subaru's factory WRC team and the Hoonigans, we also see a few cameos of the 2021 WRX production car. Officially titled "Hometown Shred", we will have a complete rundown of the video as soon as it airs. Click the button to find a WRX near you and stay with us for all your Hoonigan updates. Browse Subaru WRX For Sale " width="680">

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