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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 Andrew Nabors – April 12, 2017

McLaren Premieres New Special Edition Models

China's auto industry doesn't like foreign competition, but McLaren have made record sales in only three years. The 3rd anniversary is also taking place with the launch of the new 720S along with a special edition of the 570GT. Although it won't be available for order until July, the 720S is creating quite a buzz. A new 4.0 liter V8 and twin turbos deliver 720 metric horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. The dihedral doors and other styling cues are taken from the original F1. With a dry weight of 2,829 lbs, it will be incredibly fast on the track and street.The 720S show car is finished in Saros exterior with black/yellow leather interior. It will share the stage with a Commemorative Edition of the 570GT, of which only three examples are planned. Painted in Pacific Blue, the side hinged rear glass offers an additional 220 liters of storage space on the leather lined package tray. The interior is a mix of black and cream Nappa leather with carbon black seat belts. Not missing any options, all three with have 12 speaker audio by Bowers & Wilkins along with front nose lift and rear view cameras. McLaren Special Operations worked their magic and delivered rocker panels and other exterior trim in carbon fiber. If you find yourself in Shangai between April 19-28, stop by Hall 8.1 and look for booth 8A25. As always, if you are looking for a McLaren for sale be sure to check our dealers first and stay with us for more McLaren updates and news.View All McLaren News, Pics and Videos

By Edward Jones – April 11, 2017

McLaren Has Officially Begun Production on the 720S

Get ready to celebrate, because McLaren have announced full-scale production of the new 720S. A press release this morning signals the end of the first generation "Super Series". What began as the 12C and evolved into the 675 LT. The 720S is the first in a new generation that is destined to raise the bar for everyone else. McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt said: “The new McLaren 720S entering volume production is a momentous occasion for McLaren Automotive, marking the first time since the company was formed in 2010 that we have replaced a model family with an all-new generation" Also included in the release are three photos contrasting the differences between the 720S and its predecessors.A corporate plan known as Track22 seeks to introduce 15 new McLaren models by 2022, which seems daunting for any automaker. A new engine was needed for the new series, so the 3.8 was bored and stroked to 4.0 liters to make 720 horsepower. It allows the coupe to reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and 124 mph in only 7.8 seconds. Top speed is a blistering 212 mph thanks to a new carbon fiber monocell. The composite one-piece monocoque that underpinned the previous generation was given a clean sheet redesign for the new cars. McLaren has a lot riding on the success of the new series, so they built a dedicated microsite for more information. If you would like to experience what sets McLaren apart from all the rest, contact our dealers and see for yourself. Stay with us for all your McLaren updates. The McLaren 720S Super Series

By Edward Jones – March 16, 2017

Spend Some Time Configuring a McLaren 720S

If you ever find yourself bored during the day, one of the best ways to be unproductive and pass time is to hop on a car configurator. Unfortunately, if you're like me, you've exhausted your options of new configurators. Luckily, the McLaren 720S configurator is now live for the world to use.This new configurator gives us all a chance to kit out a 720S to our liking. There are 34 different exterior paint options available, as well as option packs and individual options.I spent some time configuring my own McLaren 720S and ended up with what may be my dream car. I finished it in the MSO Defined paint called Fistral Blue and covered the exterior in every carbon fiber options, except for the hood. For wheels, I went with the Five Twin-Spoke Lightweight option, finished in Satin Diamond Cut. Inside, I chose the Scoria Grey with McLaren Orange. I picked this because I've always thought teal and orange go so well together (honestly, this color combo all started back in Halo 2 when I could customize armor).On top of all of these choices, there was a myriad of practical, safety and other options that I had the chance to pick from. The entire process was enjoyable and I even got a neat little PDF to go along with my finished McLaren 720S.You can configure your own McLaren 720S by clicking the button below.Configure Your McLaren 720S

By Edward Jones – March 08, 2017

McLaren Has Already Created a Bespoke 720S Called "Velocity"

The new McLaren 720S was only released on March 7, and we already have a bespoke MSO version of the car. Being called "Velocity," this one-off car shows just what McLaren is capable of when it comes to customizing the new entry in the Super Series.“The MSO mission is to fulfill customer desire for exclusivity in their choice of McLaren,” said Ansar Ali, Managing Director of McLaren Special Operations. “The lean, sculpted beauty of the new 720S provides the perfect starting point for owners to be creative and the specification of this MSO 720S ‘Velocity’ showcases a taste of the customization options that are possible.”On the outside, MSO has finished Velocity in a deep Nerello Red paint that fades into Volcano Red towards the rear. Contrasting these red tones is a naked carbon fiber hood. Complimenting the finish are a set of wheels in metallic bronze and carbon fiber trim options from MSO. Inside the cabin, heaps of Carbon Black Alcantara trim, and Harissa Red leather can be found throughout.All McLaren For SaleThe total cost of this car is around $410,000 after all options were picked out. Below is the full list of options. MSO Exterior Paint Theme (Nerello Red/Volcano Red) MSO Bronze Wheel Finish MSO Carbon Fiber Bonnet (red tinted gloss finish) MSO Carbon Rear Deck Vent (gloss finish) MSO Carbon Service Cover (gloss finish) MSO Carbon Fiber Rear Aero Bridge (gloss finish) MSO Carbon Full Length Sill Cover (satin finish) MSO Carbon Face Vents (satin finish) Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Facia with Harissa Red Leather IP Topper Center and IP Topper Driver Side (Harissa Red contrast stitch on all stitch lines) Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Tunnel and Door Bin Lid with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch (including Black TPE Cup Holder and Key Fob Holder) Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Steering Wheel with Harissa Red Leather Center Band (Harissa Red contrast stitch on upper and grips) Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Door Casings with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch and Harissa Red Leather Door Speaker Surround Inner Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Seats with Carbon Black Leather Large Insert Panels (cushion/seatback) and Harissa Red Leather Minor Insert Accent Panels. Harissa Red Contrast Stitch on all stitch lines Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Headlining with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Quarter Panel Rear and Bulkhead Finisher (Harissa Red contrast stitch on decorative stitch lines) Carbon Black Carpet Rear Shelf and Bulkhead (Harissa Red contrast stitch on decorative stitch lines) Carbon Black Alcantara® B Pillar Lower with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch

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