Articles

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 31, 2023

Watch This McLaren 720S Reach 214mph On The German Autobahn

Pushing the McLaren 720S to its limit, the high-speed run takes it well past the advertised top speed.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 10, 2023

1-of-15 Novitec N-Largo 2021 McLaren 720S Spider For Sale

Fit with a rare widebody kit from one of the best in the business, this McLaren 720s Spider is a must for any collector.

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2021

McLaren Unveils Gulf Livery MSO 720S That Took 20 Days to...

Honoring the legendary Gulf-GTC team McLaren F1 GTR race cars. McLaren Automotive has just revealed an incredible 720S that has given an iconic appearance thanks to McLaren Special Operations (MSO). This example was given a hand-painted livery that honors the legendary Gulf-GTC team McLaren F1 GTR race cars. MSO was prompted to create the car after Gulf and McLaren joined forces in 2020 after a storied history between the two. It took the team 20 days of work to complete the livery you see on the 720S. That timeframe does not include the several iterations that MSO had to create in order to create the perfect finish. Joining the livery are matching key shells, brake calipers and a bespoke interior. McLaren has also announced that they're offering a limited number of customers the ability to commission a Gulf livery through MSO. If you'd like to pick up a McLaren 720S for yourself, be sure to click the button below. See All McLaren 720S For Sale Source: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – March 17, 2021

McLaren 720S GT3X Production Begins

Put your old track car out to pasture, because McLaren has commenced production of the new 720S GT3X. We broke the news of this purpose-built race car a few weeks back, and now our dealers have confirmed it is available for order. Dyno charts and time slips prove the 720S makes much more than 710 horsepower. Because the GT3X doesn't need to adhere to noise or emissions laws, the first aspect you will notice is an impressive exhaust note. When needed, the passing button unlocks 30 extra horsepower thanks to overboost. Losing 440 lbs of non-essentials allows for a curb weight of 2,668 lbs. Dual-clutch transmissions can be porky, so a six-speed sequential is loaded with straight-cut gears. The FIA's Balance Of Performance rules are incredibly dumb because whoever pays the most gets to run the fastest. When the 720S GT3 arrived, the sanctioning body forced the car to be detuned well under what it makes on the street. Much like Team Corvette being forced to run a 37mm intake restrictor, McLaren vowed to work around the regulations. Now with proper power and less weight, you will be unstoppable. See All McLaren 720S For Sale Images (C) McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – June 19, 2020

McLaren 720S Le Mans Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Their...

Winning the world's most famous race as a new automaker was unthinkable. It is comparable to a rookie pitcher throwing a no-hitter at his first Major League game. June of 1995 was the last time a street-legal car won a podium finish, and the McLaren F1 GTR # 59 still inspires their employees to strive for excellence. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the win, the 720S Le Mans will be limited to 50 coupes. McLaren 720S Specs, Price, Photos & Review Only 16 cars are reserved for Europe, so our dealers will be able to secure your allocation. Choose between McLaren Orange or Sarthe Grey. The rockers and bumpers are finished in Ueno Grey, and MSO provides the louvered carbon fiber fenders. A 25th Anniversary logo features prominently on the quarter panels, as does the gloss black roof scoop. The 5-spoke LM wheels evoke the design from 1995, with gold brake calipers providing a brilliant contrast. The VIN of each car wil start with 298- the number of laps completed by the winning car. Owners will also have full access to MSO Defined and MSO Bespoke customizations. Examples include two distinct satin finish carbon fiber interiors, and a 6-point racing harness. What is not optional is the twin-turbo 4-liter V8. It sends 720 horsepower to the rear wheels in order to reach 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. You will be at 124 mph in 7.8 seconds while on your way to 212 mph. Nothing we have encountered compares the civility and brutal performance offered by McLaren's flagship, so click the button below to find one for yourself. Browse McLaren 720S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 27, 2018

Novitec Unveils the N-Largo McLaren 720S

If you have been good all year, Santa might leave you a wild upgrade package for your McLaren 720S. Our friends at Novitec are never first to market when a new car arrives. That's because they take time to style and engineer each of their N-Largo series to perfection. Because the McLaren is such a unique car to begin with, they turned to Vittorio Strossek for a striking design. This is not a dry-carbon DIY kit. Each Novitec panel has OEM quality fit and finish. They have to be so in order to withstand the incredible power. If you opt for Stage 2 power, it comes with all-new exhaust and a proprietary engine tune. The twin 95mm pipes are available in polished stainless or matte black. But if you need the ultimate in weight savings they will fabricate it from Inconel. Sports Cars For Sale Your car will be 2.3" wider up front and 5.1" on the rear. It allows the massive MC2 forged wheels to fit inside the body. Vossen developed them for Novitec with the rears measuring 21"x 12"! They will have to deal with 806 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque. You will reach 62 mph in 2.7 seconds and 124 mph arrives in only 7.5 ticks. You will need a McLaren 720S to start with, so click the link below and stay with us for all your Novitec news. View All mcLaren 720S For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 14, 2018

McLaren 720S Specs, Price, Photos & Review

Well, it's finally happened after multiple leaks: the McLaren 720S specs have been revealed. The McLaren 720S comes in as the second-generation Super Series supercar that outperforms the 650S and 650S Spider in just about every facet. First off, I'll get right to the engine. It's powered by a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 710 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. With this much power, along with a dry weight of just 2,828 lbs, the 720S has a power-to-weight ratio of 0.251 horsepower per 1 lbs. With this power and lightweight, the 720S will rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and 0-124 mph in 7.8 seconds. Top speed is also set at 212 mph. “Super Series is the core of the McLaren business and personifies the blend of extreme performance, crafted luxury and unparalleled driver involvement that is the McLaren heartland. This is the first time we have replaced a product family and the new 720S is absolutely true to McLaren’s pioneering spirit in being a revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment.” - Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive Helping with the light properties of the new 720S supercar is the McLaren Monocage II. This carbon fiber "tub" and upper structure provide superior rigidity without sacrificing in the weight department. Additionally, McLaren also uses aluminum alloys in the chassis and some body panels for weight reduction purposes as well. " width="680"> One of my personal favorite aspects of the car has to be the Folding Driver Display, which can transform in order to provide the driver with two different instrument displays. The standard display shows what you'd expect, giving a full readout of instruments, while the "streamlined version" only provides the necessities in a slim strip. " width="680"> The new McLaren 720S will be available in three different specs: Standard, Performance, and Luxury. The start price is set at £208,600 (~ $254,000 USD) and deliveries started in May 2017. All McLaren For Sale McLaren 720S Specs 0 to 60 mph: 2.8 seconds0-124 mph: 7.8 secondsWeight: 2,828 lbsEngin: twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 Horsepower: 710 hpTorque: 568 lb-ft torqueTop speed: 212 mph

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2018

Bespoke Atlantic Blue McLaren 720S Lands in Geneva

McLaren brought one of their finest examples to Geneva, an Atlantic Blue 720S created by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). This car comes a year after McLaren introduced the 720S Velocity, a deep red take on the supercar. For 2018, McLaren seems to be going through a blue period.The finish chosen for Geneva's special 720S is Atlantic Blue, a paint that is most definitely not standard. Saddle Tan leather was chosen for the interior, creating a harmonious blend between the vibrant blue and soft cabin tones.McLaren Senna GTR Concept Revealed: Track-Only Madness Check out the blue accent lighting. Gorgeous!“Every 720S produced by MSO is elegant and distinctive and a large part of that is because they are different in some way from all the others, with each car a unique expression of the owner’s taste,” says Ansar Ali, Managing Director of McLaren Special Operations. “At MSO, we celebrate that difference by showing cars like the Atlantic Blue 720S – a world of McLaren possibilities made stunningly real.”

By Andrew Nabors – December 11, 2017

Last McLaren Senna Auctioned for $2.67 Million

It takes a wild ride to be worthy of Ayrton Senna's legacy. McLaren shocked the world this weekend by dropping a wild version of their 720S for us to wait for. As we reported yesterday, the Senna is a race car that is technically street legal. All unnecessary weight was removed, and even the doors were hollowed out in the process. The end result is a dry weight of only 2,641 lbs. Motivated by a twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8, the 500 lucky owners will have 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It takes a significant investment in time and engineering costs for such a limited run, and perhaps that is why the final allocation was auctioned for a mere $2.67 Million. The numbers speak for themselves, as the Senna will probably be capable of surpassing the P1 in terms of track dominance. The project is known internally as P15, so it leaves almost no speculation for the car's performance benchmarks. The McLaren Senna is hotter than a sawed-off shotgun, so stay with us for all your McLaren updates!

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2017

Help McLaren Build a Full-Size 720S Supercar Out of LEGOs

One of the first thing you want to do when sitting down in a McLaren 720S supercar is to step on the pedal. But...what if that pedal is made of LEGOs? It's like a nightmare...At Goodwood this year, McLaren will be unveiling a 1:1 full-size LEGO replica of their new 720S model. This replica took a lot of preparation to get ready. McLaren Automotive worked with Speed Champions LEGO team to put together the instructions for the brick replica.The process to initially build the replica took over 2,000 hours and a team of six. When completed, the 720S replica used over 267,300 LEGO bricks and weighed 3,200 lbs. For comparison's sake, the real 720S takes 12 working days to complete and weighs 2,828 lbs.McLaren does note that the LEGO 720S will arrive at Goodwood with a twist: it won't be complete. Instead of delivering a completed model, McLaren is having visitors build the replica piece by piece.

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe