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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 – February 21, 2017

McLaren's P1 Is Simply Amazing

McLaren built the P1 to change the supercar world. If it feels as though you are suffering from déjà vu, you are not alone. We saw this, in the early ‘90s, with McLaren’s mighty F1. Back then, such companies as Jaguar and Bugatti were vying for supercar supremacy through the title of the world’s fastest production car. With that title currently held by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, McLaren has the much loftier ambition of becoming the world’s best driver’s car. Taking the reins where the F1 left off, the P1 utilizes an advanced combination of twin turbochargers and electric motor muscle. It starts with 12C’s 3.8-liter forced-induction V-8, an engine designed entirely in-house with dry-sump lubrication and a low-positioned flat-plane crankshaft. The turbochargers make 20 psi compared to 17 psi in the 12C. With a few other tweaks for cooling and durability, the already amazing output of 616 horsepower has been raised even further, creating an astonishing 727 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. But wait; there’s more. To drive the car on battery for up to six miles, it draws on the power of a single electric motor. The extra 176 horsepower and 192 foot-pounds of torque are used to fill in the torque gaps during shifts, or for an explosion of power by way of the Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) button. The amount of power provided by IPAS really depends on how much electrical energy is left in the battery pack. Located just behind the passenger cabin are six modules, composed of 324 battery cells. Unlike so many hybrids, the P1 does not use kinetic energy from the braking system to recharge the battery. Instead, it captures energy normally wasted as the engine decelerates, say when lifting off the throttle, or it can be recharged directly by the V-8 engine with the press of the Charge button when the car is at a standstill. At its best, a full 903 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque are at the driver’s disposal. This power transfers through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission to the rear wheels and performance is nothing short of immense: 0-62 mph in less than three seconds, 0-124 in less than seven seconds, and 0- 186 in less than 17 seconds. For comparison, the F1 takes 3.2 seconds, 9.4 seconds, and 22 seconds, respectively, for the same jaunts. The one place the F1 still rules supreme is top speed, where the P1 is limited to 217 miles per hour, the F1 can reach 231. The one place we hope the P1 and F1 really diverge is in the number of units sold. McLaren had hoped to sell 300 F1s until the supercar market took a plunge, leaving it with just 64 road-going cars before production stopped. Only 375 examples of the P1 were produced, which makes them among the most coveted automobiles on earth. And that is why our McLaren dealers entrust us to find them forever homes. Stay with us for all your McLaren updates.

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2017

McLaren Excites Us About the New 720S With a New Engine

We've seen McLaren's M838T engine over and over again, and that's probably because it's a superb piece of machinery. However, it seems that McLaren is ready to move on as far as powerhouses go for their upcoming 720S Super Series model.In a new press release from the English automaker, McLaren Automotive announced that the new M840T engine will be powering the new 720S. This 4.0-liter V8 engine comes with two turbochargers attached. They say that this engine will take the car from 0-124 mph in just 7.8 seconds and also allow it to run a quarter-mile in 10.3 seconds.(McLaren 650S Predecessor Teased in New Photo)“The new 4.0-litre M840T is an outstanding engine powering an exceptional supercar capable of covering a standing quarter-mile in 10.3 seconds,” commented McLaren Super Series Vehicle Line Director, Haydn Baker. “Power, torque and throttle response are all significantly enhanced compared to the first-generation Super Series, yet with fuel efficiency and emissions also notably improved.”Additionally, McLaren also stated that this new engine will be attached to a new exhaust system. This new exhaust system is said to "match the extreme performance of the engine, with the further options of a sports exhaust."The McLaren 720S will be unveiled in its entirety on March 7 at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show.McLaren For Sale Related Video:

By Edward Jones – January 18, 2017

McLaren 650S Predecessor Teased in New Photo

The McLaren 650S is on its way out thanks to a new model that will be taking its place. While facts and specs regarding the car have been lean, McLaren has just released a teaser photo of the rear of the car, along with some details. Aside from the photo, McLaren notes that the new model will be revealed on March 7th at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show (Happy Birthday to me!). They also tout the fact that this new car will be twice as aerodynamically efficient as the current 650S model. (Also Check Out - McLaren P1 GTR Actually For Sale in USA) “The second-generation McLaren Super Series will be as aerodynamically impressive as it is visually beautiful,” commented Mark Vinnels, Executive Director of Product Development at McLaren Automotive, in the press release. “A range of advanced aerodynamic technologies contributes to maximum generated downforce over 50% greater than that of the McLaren 650S and ensures truly outstanding levels of grip and stability. We have also markedly improved cooling efficiency, with a 15% gain overall and a particular focus on airflow to the engine’s high temperature radiators through a unique new design of dihedral door.” All McLaren 675LT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 04, 2017

McLaren Previews 2nd Generation Super Series

Something revolutionary is in the works for the Geneva International Motor Show. What began with the 12C Spider has reached its zenith with the 675 LT. A new generation of McLaren's Super Series is in development, and it will serve as the basis for up to 15 new models. Since 2011 the one piece carbon fiber chassis, or "Monocage", has seen continual evolution. But supercar technology has a tendency to change at a rapid pace, so the 2nd generation Super Series will be the first clean sheet build in McLaren history.McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt explained: “This is the first time we have replaced a product family and the new Super Series will be absolutely true to McLaren’s pioneering spirit in being a revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment.” The new chassis is "Monocage II" and it has some welcomed upgrades. A lower sill will make for easy entry, and a lower center of gravity. It will allow the new car to be 40 lbs lighter than the outgoing 650S with more comfort and rigidity. A new option will be the visible monocage, which deletes the A-pillar interior trim in order to see the structure. It will be formally unveiled on March 7th, so stay with us for all your McLaren news.All McLaren For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 03, 2017

How To Load A McLaren P1 LM

At the end of a fun track day, the time must come to put toys away. Loading cars into transport trailers can be a nerve-wracking experience, but one lucky McLaren owner makes it look easy. The P1 LM is the final iteration of the English Hypercar and a street legal version of the GTR. Gone are the air jacks and Lexan windows, and sadly the exhaust has to breathe through catalytic converters. Boost pressure has been increased to make up for the restrictions in order to keep horsepower at 986. Also included is a tablet with engine tuning software, battery charger, and a 1:8 scale model.Veteran racer and Indy 500 winner Kenny Brack was behind the wheel for the record-breaking run at Goodwood last year, so it has been rumored that he was chosen to finalize the suspension tuning of the LM at the 'Ring. Filmed by Supercarsfromeu, we get to see the engineers in action and the battered belly pan of the car. It looks like the front end doesn't have a lifting system, but nothing beats pushing a race car for a great leg workout. With a dry weight of 3,075 lbs, the double stack trailer has no problem lifting the car, but it might be hard to open the doors once inside. Various contortions must be learned for entry and egress, and they are not glamorous in the slightest. Since only a few examples will be built, turn up your volume and stay with us for more McLaren footage.All McLaren For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 12, 2016

McLaren 720S Will Debut at Geneva

To say that McLaren has perfected the internal combustion engine would be an understatement. Every recent model has been powered by a version of their 3.8-liter V8 with twin turbochargers. In terms of displacement, bigger is always better, so something new is in the works for the Geneva Auto Show. An all new 4.0-liter successor in Project P14 will be formally released as the McLaren 720S, according to AutoGespot. Spy shots and speculation have sent enthusiasts into a frenzy at the notion of more power, and AutoGespot notes that it will have 720 hp.(Related - Five Things Not to Hate About the McLaren 650S)As the flagship of the Super Series, it will arrive with several innovations for track and street. In full race configuration, the dash will lower for an unobstructed view of the pavement, according to the article. A true successor to the F1 is also in the works, and it will probably use a version of this new engine as its basis. You might be wondering how much more power can be added by an increase of 0.2 liters, but forced induction will make exponentially more boost from the increased exhaust flow. A series of private events aimed at courting potential owners is in the works, but get ready to wait. The rumor is that the initial build run has already been spoken for, so as soon as our dealers get their allotment, you will see them here on Autofluence.McLaren For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 02, 2016

McLarens Now Covered Up to 12 Years

Have a McLaren that you want to protect for over a decade? The English automaker has your back. Announced in a press release issued today, December 2, McLaren will now allow for their Extended Warranty to be renewed up until the car's 12th birthday. This announcement comes after the fact that more than 3,000 McLaren vehicles have passed their third birthday. This change to the policy used to only cover the car up until its 7th birthday.(Related - McLaren P14 Spied on the Road)The McLaren Extended Warranty will cover a majority of factory-fitted components, giving customers peace of mind when daily driver their supercar. This warranty also comes with unlimited mileage cover, roadside assistance in certain markets and, " in the event of claim, guaranteed use of McLaren Genuine Parts fitted by fully trained McLaren technicians."Carl Whipp, Aftersales Director at McLaren Automotive commented in the press release: “Owners want the reassurance that their car will still be looked after to the same standards with which it was built. And they want to continue to enjoy their McLaren without worry. Sometimes daily. It’s for them that we launched the Extended Warranty and now with this further enhancement to the coverage period, it will continue to give complete peace of mind … right up to the car’s 12th birthday.”This is what items are specifically excluded from the McLaren Extended Warranty: General maintenance, scheduled servicing, and routine adjustments required by normal wear and tear and/or recommended by McLaren Automotive Limited, including any replacement parts and assemblies or other materials (including but not limited to, spark plugs, wiper blades, bulbs, filters, belts, coolant hoses, brake pads, lubricants, fluids, and filters) used in such services and adjustments Batteries, tires, wheels, wheel balancing or alignment Paintwork, trim and upholstery or the deterioration of any other part, assembly or component as a consequence of wear and tear or exposure to the elements After market accessories or non-original equipment, components and systems not installed by a McLaren Retailer are specifically excluded from the coverage Any damage caused to any components by the use of incorrect or contaminated fuel The renewal of any clutch component due to incorrect adjustment, misuse or general wear and tear Water Ingress Software upgrades (unless part of a valid repair). All McLaren For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2016

Is This the World's Most Expensive Paint Job?

After owning a car for a while, some owners find themselves wondering if they should paint their car. Some skimp on the paint job due to the price, while some go all out. But, what about those who spend five figures for an optional paint job? In a video uploaded by Vehicle Virgins, we get the chance to see one of the world's most expensive paint jobs. His friend had purhcased a McLaren 675LT Spider, but instead of going with a normal factory finish, he opted for something a little different. Costliest Cars in the World When viewed from different angles this McLaren changes its color, turning the car into a rolling chameleon. How much did it cost to get such a finish? $60,000. That means the paint on his car cost as much as the base price of a new Porsche Cayenne. Insane? Yes. Unheard of? No. This isn't the first time we've seen a finish like this on a McLaren (C.J. Wilson's P1). Also, according to Jalopnik, the price of the Porsche 918 Spyder's Liquid Metal Chrome Blue Paint costs $63,000. McLaren 675LT Spider For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 29, 2016

McLaren Unveils Track Pack for 570S

To many manufacturers, support of racing can be a nightmare for the bean counters and attorneys. But McLaren has had a history of listening to customer feedback in order to build the ultimate supercars. As the premier model of their Sports Series, the 570S is powered by a 3.8-liter twin turbo V8. Sharing the same architecture as engines in the other models, the turbos are tuned to deliver torque progressively to entice the driver to wind it out to a screaming 8,400 rpm red line.(Related - Battle of the McLarens: 675LT vs 650S Spider)Torque management, as it is known in racing is the act of limiting the engine's power in order to keep the tires on the track. The stability control system known as active dynamics combines this along with braking and shocks to make the 570S a dominant force on the track. But for those who demand the ultimate from their investment, a new Track Pack has been released. In a press release this morning, McLaren highlights the advancements included in the package. Leather doesn't seem too heavy, but Alcantara is definitely lighter. Hides are dispensed for synthetic suede and power seats are swapped for carbon racing buckets. Pulling on recent wins in GT3 and GT4 classes, new wheel forgings are super light to reduce un-sprung mass. A subtle extended rear spoiler and Dark Palladium roof panel are dead giveaways of the Track Pack. Available for order now, it carries a premium of $20,600 to the window sticker. Considering the relative bargain price of the 570S, we can't wait to see the Track Pack in action. Stay with us for all your McLaren news.570S For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2016

Clash of the Titans: McLaren F1 vs Bugatti Veyron

First off, the video included in this article by Kidston.TV is quite possibly one of the most gorgeous automotive videos I've ever seen. Not only are the subjects of the video, the Bugatti Veyron and McLaren F1, iconic in their own right, the videography is quite stunning.Each of these cars were once kings of the road. Back in the 1990's, everyone knew that the McLaren F1 was THE car. It was expensive, insanely fast and just gorgeous. In fact, Andy Wallace drove the F1 XP5 prototype car to a top speed of 240.1 mph back in 1998. That kind of speed in a road car was unheard of at the time.(Also Read - The First Bugatti Chiron Crash Has Happened)Fast forward to the early 2000's when the Bugatti Veyron entered the scene. Packing a massive W16 engine equipped with four turbos, the Veyron immediately became the king of cars. However, it wasn't until 2010 when the Veyron Super Sport became the world's fastest production car, hitting an average maximum speed of 267.856 mph.It's these incredible accolades resting behind each of these cars that makes the comparison between the two so interesting. Sure, they are from different decades and one is naturally aspirated, while the other has four turbos, but they are both equally special.In the video below, you'll see the two cars racing around beautiful scenery and even get a chance to see Andy Wallace drive both- not only did he hit the top speed in the F1, but he was also a test driver for the Veyron. Check it out by clicking play below.All McLaren For Sale | All Bugatti For Salehttps://vimeo.com/190857938

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