McLaren W1 Supercar Unveiled at Jay Leno’s Garage in Burbank

BURBANK, Calif. — The McLaren W1, a new supercar that has generated significant buzz in the automotive world, was recently showcased at Jay Leno‘s Garage. The iconic comedian and car enthusiast shared his excitement about the model during a recent event, highlighting the appeal of this limited edition supercar that boasts a price tag of $2.1 million and a production limit of just 399 units.

The W1 features an impressive hybrid powertrain that produces 1,258 horsepower and 988 pound-feet of torque, enabling remarkable performance metrics: a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.7 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in 5.8 seconds, and a top speed of 217 mph. The car’s lightweight design, weighing 3,200 pounds, contributes to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of only 2.5 pounds per horsepower, making it one of the most potent vehicles ever produced by McLaren.

Marcus Waite, Head of McLaren Performance, emphasized the four key pillars that guided the design of the W1 during a technical briefing at Leno’s Garage: Performance Everywhere, Epic Power Delivery, Pure Driver Connection, and Authentic Theater. Waite explained that these principles ensure the W1 not only runs with incredible speed but also offers a dynamic and rewarding driving experience.

The hybrid drivetrain combines a 4.0-liter V8 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission, reflecting McLaren’s F1-inspired architecture. Waite noted that the vehicle’s rear-wheel-drive system may be more challenging to manage than all-wheel drive, but it offers a more engaging experience for drivers.

“The W1 provides multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Race, and Race+, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s behavior based on the driving conditions,” Waite stated. “For example, Race+ mode is engineered for high-performance tracks.”

One of the most engaging elements of the W1 is its distinctive sound profile. Leno compared the auditory experience of driving the W1 to navigating through exhilarating automotive history, alluding to his fond memories with McLaren since he acquired a McLaren 12C years ago. “I feel like I’m at the Enzo Ferrari factory in 1948 when all the exciting things are happening,” Leno remarked.

Despite the exclusivity of the W1 — which has already sold out months before its public release — Leno is among the lucky few to own one, expressing his deep admiration for the brand. “Every time they say they have something better, I have to get it. That’s why I love these cars,” Leno added, emphasizing the continuous innovation McLaren brings to the supercar market.

As of now, the W1 represents a benchmark in McLaren’s ongoing legacy of performance and design excellence. The supercar will not only appeal to collectors like Leno but also hold a significant place in automotive history as an evolution of the McLaren F1 and P1, which have already set high performance standards.