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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 – October 29, 2018

Stunning Senna Delivered at McLaren Newport Beach!

If you are still waiting on your new McLaren Senna, it seems that customers with the most options are being served first. Our friends at McLaren Newport Beach had this one in the works for almost a year. Working directly with McLaren Special Operations, the owner's dreams came to fruition last night. Even if you are not a fan of the University of Florida, orange and blue make for a gorgeous combination. An ordinary blue wouldn't do, so the body is made of blue exposed carbon fiber. "McLaren Racing Orange" has been reserved for many of the "Speedy Kiwis", back to when Bruce was building them by hand. It can be found on the air inlets, brake calipers, and a few other areas. Before delivery, the entire body was treated to a protective film because the owner is planning to hit the road. The interior is almost entirely carbon fiber, with the racing buckets ready for a 5-point harness. McLaren Newport Beach can apply this to your McLaren, so click the link below to view their inventory and stay with us for all your Senna updates. Click Here To View Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – August 22, 2018

Stealth Grey McLaren 600LT Heading to Pebble Beach

We honestly didn't believe McLaren would introduce 15 new cars by 2022. Their Track-22 plan has seen the debut of the 570 S coupe and convertible, 570GT, and the 540C which is not sold in the US. These Sports Series models will have a new boss when the 600LT arrives. To show us what McLaren Special Operations can do to your 600LT, they have built an amazing example for Pebble Beach. The press release mentions every aspect in detail, but we will be filming it for you on Sunday.How To Configure Your McLaren 600LTWhat sets them apart from the Super Series is not just horsepower, the Sports Series is not available with the hydraulic active suspension that shocked the world on the 12C. Instead, the Sports Series has traditional coil springs and sway bars. This actually a selling point for those who prefer the feedback from the car along with adjustable shocks.That doesn't mean MSO will withhold any of their creativity from the entry-level cars. So the spent countless hours building a 600LT with MSO Bespoke and MSO Defined upgrades. Stealth Grey and is a special order finish, and they used orange accents on the aerodynamic pieces. The ram air intake has an HD camera which is linked to the telemetry system. You can playback your laps with data to make the best use of the 592 horsepower. Ansar Ali is director of MSO and he says their only limit is your imagination. Be sure to stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages as our team will be streaming at multiple locations over the next four days.Browse McLarens For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 20, 2018

Win a ride in a McLaren 600LT

If you have been contemplating a new McLaren for sale, they are offering an unprecedented experience. The latest model in their Sports Series lineup is the 600LT. It is the first Long Tail in the Sports Series, and it is the culmination of lessons learned on the 570S and 570GT. To experience it in person, McLaren have hidden a numeric code in 4 YouTube uploads.2018 McLaren 570S Spider: Price, Specs, & ReviewThe introduction of the car in North America is spearheaded by a campaign entitled "The Edge Is Calling". If you can decode the meaning of the code, you might win a chance of a lifetime. McLaren will provide airfare and dining for you to drive the 600LT across California's most scenic landscapes.From Joshua Tree National Monument, you will follow the San Andreas fault between September 27-30th. It is open to residents of the UK, Japan, Germany, and 48 states (except New York and Florida). Watch these films below and tell us what the numbers mean, and stay with us for all your McLaren updates.Browse McLaren For Sale Here

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2018

Six Lucky McLaren Fans Ride With Bruno Senna

If you are going to ride shotgun, why not do it in the world's most anticipated supercar? Yesterday McLaren uploaded photos of six fans who got the ride of a lifetime. They were able to experience the new McLaren Senna with Bruno Senna behind the wheel. Surely no one would pass up such an opportunity, and perhaps they are prospective buyers. McLaren Senna in Full Carbon to Make Waves in Geneva Looking at the photos, the angle of the rear spoiler is a dead giveaway at how fast the car is going. Not only does it allow the fans to feel 789 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque; it gives McLaren engineers the opportunity to set the car's suspension with a passenger onboard. The car doesn't pretend to play nice and it makes no apologies. And that is why our dealers already have deposits for the first batch. If you don't need something quite that wild, check out these great incentives on the 720S below and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Button Text

By Andrew Nabors – April 26, 2018

McLaren Announces 3 Track Events For North America

If you thought McLaren only raced in Europe, get ready to experience them closer to home. As the latest part of the Pure Mclaren program, three exclusive events were announced in a press release last night. It is the first time Pure McLaren has done three events in one year, and they are the best way to fine tune your driving skills. This year's events are: Le Circuit Mont Tremblant, Canada: June 2-4, 2018 The Thermal Club, California: October4-6, 2018 Circuit of the Americas, Texas: November 7-11, 2018 Pure McLaren Silverstone March 2018World Copyright: Patrick Gosling / BeadyeyeRef: Pure McLaren Silverstone-March2018-5594.CR2For the novice drivers, you will spend a half-day with an instructor in a new 570S. Veterans of Pure McLaren will be able to spend a full day behind the wheel of their own car, with feedback from the instructors. They will have video and telemetry playback along with a pit crew who can address any technical issues. Pure McLaren Silverstone March 2018World Copyright: Patrick Gosling / BeadyeyeVIP hospitality from start to finish includes a stay in a swanky hotel along with private transportation to and from the track. If you want the ultimate experience, a two and a half day session behind the wheel of a McLaren 570S GT4 race car will qualify you for a full IMSA GT racing license. Pricing and details can be found in the link below, so stay with us for all your McLaren news.View Details

By Andrew Nabors – March 15, 2018

McLaren Unveils 570GT Black Collection

If you are looking for something unique for your collection, McLaren Special Operations has created a dark 570GT. In a limited run of 100 cars, the 570GT MSO Black Edition is a truly murdered-out McLaren. Carbon black paint is named for the ancient process of using candle soot to black-out shiny objects. MSO's attention to detail doesn't stop with the paint. Everything from seats, carpet and even the ignition key are blacked out.One-Off MSO McLaren 720S Raises Big Money for CharityNormally the front and rear splitters are finished in dark Palladium, but the new MSO black pack overrides them and adds 5 spoke black diamond wheels. The panoramic roof panel is either black tinted glass or electrochromic for an additional $6,600. All cars will arrive with titanium sports exhaust and the dynamic handling package. The press release says pricing will start at just over $251,000, with deliveries slated for the summer. If you want a sinister McLaren 570GT, click the link below to find a dealer near you and stay with us for all your McLaren news.Browse McLaren 570GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 09, 2018

McLaren's New "Hyper-GT" to be McLaren's Fastest Ever

When McLaren announced that there would be a true successor to the F1, it was understood that it would be much quicker than the iconic car. Since the F1 came around in the early 1990's, a lot has changed in the automotive world. Hybrid powertrains are commonplace, some of the world's quickest cars are electric and many automakers are moving away from engine's that are just naturally-aspirated.Reaffirming this assessment is McLaren's latest announcement that the new "Hyper-GT" car, codenamed BP23, will have the highest top speed of any McLaren car, ever. The car will exceed the F1's top speed of 243 mph, a rate of speed that was unheard of back in the 90's.How the McLaren F1 Became the World's Fastest Car List Your Exotic Car For Sale

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 Edward Jones – March 06, 2018

McLaren Senna GTR Concept Revealed: Track-Only Madness

The McLaren Senna was originally introduced as the most extreme car that the automaker has ever created. Well, apparently that wasn't enough because McLaren has just revealed the new Senna GTR Concept, an even more extreme car that's meant for track-only purposes.McLaren says that the Senna GTR has more power and torque than the standard Senna. For right now the only figure announced is horsepower which is set at 812 hp (24 hp increase). What's more important than the power increase is the amount of downforce the Senna GTR provides. With up to 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs) of downforce, this supercar is absolutely ready for track use.As far as its design goes, the Senna GTR definitely has a more aggressive appearance but it's all done for the sake of function. In the front is a massive splitter that joins the rear diffuser in a mission to extend the car and provide optimal downforce. There's also the massive wing in the rear that gives the low car a bit more height.Supercars for Sale

By Edward Jones – February 28, 2018

McLaren Senna in Full Carbon to Make Waves in Geneva

McLaren is bringing a special take on their Senna model to the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. This 'Carbon Theme' Senna was created by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) and is one of five different themes developed by MSO for the Senna. This new theme consists of a gloss-covered body made of visual carbon fiber, combined with black Alcantara in the cabin. You may be looking at the body and wondering why they chose the yellow and green accents, but there's a very specific reason for that. McLaren chose those colors were chosen to honor the great Ayrton Senna. The Solar Yellow and Laurel Green detail echo the livery on the helmet that the three-time World Champion Formula One driver wore. The visual carbon fiber consists of 67 different parts and it took almost 1,000 hours to produce. For 250 of those hours, the specialists at MSO were working on the Solar Yellow detailing. Complete McLaren Senna Specs & Price With this example of the Senna, McLaren is also showing off a new wheel option for the car. While standard wheels can come in three different finishes, the new MSO 7-Spoke, Hybrid Carbon Fiber Wheel has a center-lock setup with an aluminum/carbon fiber rim. This wheel comes in at 10% lighter than the standard wheel. Stay tuned for more news from the upcoming 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Advertise with duPont REGISTRY

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