Celebrity Cars

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 Edward Jones – November 29, 2017

Migos' Quavo Gets a New McLaren 720S

There is a 99% chance you've heard something from Migos before, especially the recent 'MotorSport' that they collaborated with Nicki Minaj and Cardi B for. That's a fitting song name considering Quavo of Migos just picked himself up a new McLaren 720S supercar. What's more, he calls all other rappers out in his Instagram post of the car, saying he's the only rapper with one. Swizz Beatz might have something to say about that. Anyways, congrats to Quavo on his new car. He's for sure a sport.Why You Should Buy A McLaren 720Shttps://www.instagram.com/p/BcF9NMUA2Uj/?taken-by=quavohuncho

By Edward Jones – August 24, 2017

Deadmau5 Buys a New McLaren 720S Supercar

Famous music producer Deadmau5 has unveiled on his Instagram page that he has purchased a new McLaren 720S for his garage in Canada. His 720S purchase doesn't come as a surprise when you consider that he's purchased a McLaren 650S and P1 in the past.In his revealing picture, Deadmau5 is standing next to a white 720S with the caption: "Mine!" It looks like this picture was taken at the McLaren headquarters. He also got to test drive an orange example of the car, saying that it's "quite a step up from the 650S."https://www.instagram.com/p/BYLLE3qnff4/?taken-by=deadmau5His new McLaren is 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 light weight, 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 stated to be 212 mph.https://www.instagram.com/p/BYLYlsDnd3Y/Buy an Exotic or Collector Car

By Edward Jones – August 18, 2017

Michael Fux's New McLaren 720S is a Gem

The man, the myth, the legend, Michael Fux, has ordered and taken delivery of a one-off McLaren 720S that is unlike any other. Ever. In fact, the paint that its wearing? That's even called "Fux Fuchsia." This paint was originally created for Fux by Rolls-Royce, and was developed by McLaren Special Operations. What's more? He will have exclusive rights to use Fux Fuchsia on any other McLaren.Michael Fux Gets His LaFerrari Aperta Challenging the art of the possible to meet the most demanding customer requirements and then delivering beyond expectations are integral to the service that McLaren Special Operations offers,” says Jolyon Nash, McLaren Automotive Executive Director, Global Sales and Marketing. “MSO provides McLaren owners with virtually limitless possibilities to tailor a car exactly to their needs and tastes; unique paint colours and finishes, custom leather and stitching and exotic materials are all available within a bespoke commission, while beyond this there are opportunities all the way up to complete vehicles designed to individual specification.”Fuchsia Fux can also be found on the wheels and inside the car. The cabin also features MSO Bespoke white leather, white stitching, and White Alcantara can be found.This 720S will join Fux's set of commissioned McLarens: 12C in McLaren Orange, 12C Spider in bespoke purple and P1 in bespoke green. This is without a doubt one of the coolest cars in the world.

By Edward Jones – July 24, 2017

Swizz Beatz Gets Hit New McLaren 720S

Legendary hip-hop artist Swizz Beatz has been producing tracks since he was 16, selling his first beat to DMX at an incredibly young age. Now, he's 38-years-old and is the proud owner of a new McLaren 720S.While examples of the 720S have been delivered before, Swizz Beatz says in his Instagram debut video of the car that he's the "first one with this one." In the video, he also expresses how surprised he was at how fast the car was delivered to McLaren of Greenwich | Miller Motorcars.Check Out: Floyd Mayweather's Car Collection in Las VegasSwizz Beatz's new McLaren is powered by a 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 light weight, 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 stated to be 212 mph.https://www.instagram.com/p/BW3bQltDKHw/https://www.instagram.com/p/BW8gIEXDZgj/?taken-by=therealswizzz

By Edward Jones – June 09, 2017

Drake Buys a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Almost a year ago exactly we covered Drake's brand-new Lamborghini Aventador Roadster. Now, we're talking about another car purchase of his, but this one is definitely more unique.Posted on his Instagram account was a picture of his an his new-to-him Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. This car was produced from 2003 to 2010, with multiple variants being produced over the course of its production run. The original SLR McLaren has a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine under its hood that produces 617 horsepower and 580 lb-ft of torque-- this car is an absolute rocket.I'm not saying Drake made a great choice in purchasing this car, I'm saying he made an absolutely fantastic choice and, boy, am I jealous. Check out the Instagram posts below to see Champagne Papi and his new car below. Also, you can ride like Drake and pick up a Mercedes-SLR McLaren of your own.https://www.instagram.com/p/BVGeXCsBg1K/https://www.instagram.com/p/BVGUg4HjtO8/https://www.instagram.com/p/BVGtl4MjMGD/

By Edward Jones – June 09, 2015

Deadmau5 Revs His McLaren P1 After Gumball 3000

Famous producer Deadmau5 has just finished taking his McLaren P1 on the Gumball 3000 rally, but that doesn't mean he's going to sit around and let the hypercar collect dust.(Related: Tesla P85D Insane Mode Coffee Run With Deadmau5)He posted a video to Instagram June 8 that shares a shot of his P1's engine revving to a high point. The video also gives us another look at one of the best license plates to grace McLaren's hypercar.Check out the video below to hear his call in all of its glory.https://instagram.com/p/3sIqbmuxzZ/ Buy This P1(Source: Instagram) Click Here For More Celebrity Cars

By Caitlin Duffy – June 09, 2015

Rowan Atkinson Sells Famed McLaren F1

With 41,000 miles on the odometer, two crashes and a 17 year life span, Rowan Atkinson's McLaren F1 has sold to an unnamed buyer from the United Kingdom.Though it's not clear precisely what the selling price of this car was, it was first listed for sale in January at approximately £8 million, or $12,245,520 USD at the current exchange rate. But, as The Sun reported June 10, it's estimated to be very close, if not more than, the asking price. Photo by: Tim ScottDavid Clark, a specialist car dealer who first sold the car to Atkinson, spoke with The Sun, saying, "It is one of the biggest ever deals in the UK. Rowan is pleased, but also maybe a bit sad as he did 40,000 miles in it."Atkinson was unabashedly open about his use of the F1 as a daily driver, and his preference for taking it slow - in a Jan. 23 article for the Telegraph Cars, he was quoted as saying, "To pootle is a pleasure." Photo by: Tim Scott"Of course I've gone to a track and done 200 mph in it, but for me it was always the vision of its designer Gordon Murray that made the F1 unique."(See Also: Chris Brown's "The Dark Knight" Matte Black Aventador)As there were quite a few offers made on the car, we can safely believe that the new owner will enjoy and car for this piece of McLaren history. As one of only 107 created, it's a rare car indeed, but thanks to its history, owner and time spent being loved, it has truly become unique.Take a moment to check out the photos of Atkinson and his car, courtesy of Tim Scott, then browse our exclusive listings of McLarens at the button below and find your own supercar to love.McLarens For SaleGallery (Image Source: Tim Scott | Instagram | Website) (Source: The Sun, Telegraph Cars) See More Celebrity Car News

By Caitlin Duffy – May 05, 2015

Deadmau5's P1 & 650S for Gumball Spotted Taking Off

Though he waited months for his vibrant blue P1 to arrive, Deadmau5 didn't spend much time with the original paint color. On March 31, the Canadian music producer accepted delivery of the McLaren P1 he ordered in October of last year, and just under a month later, it was sporting a very different look in preparation for the Gumball 3000 Rally. It became the "Ace of Spades" for Team Meowclaren with a new vinyl wrap, and it will be joining his 650S, which is sporting a "Queen of Hearts" wrap. From Stockholm, Sweden, to Las Vegas, Nevada, Deadmau5 and dozens of other celebrities and luxury car enthusiasts will be traveling in their decked out cars starting May 23, but for now, Team Meowclaren is still in Ontario, Canada, and YouTuber Ontario Supercars spotted them at a car event. (See Also: Andy Murray Receives i8 After 2015 BMW Open Victory) Uploaded to YouTube May 3, the video above shows us a quick walk around of the Ace of Spades P1, with the fitting license plate of "DATP1THO," with the Queen of Hearts 650S in the background. It then cuts to a rear-shot of the P1 launching down a straight, tree-lined clear roadway. Check out the video above to get a preview of what this year's Gumball 3000 has in store, and then find yourself the perfect P1 from our exclusive listings below, and start planning your team for Gumball 3000 2016. P1s For Sale (Source: YouTube via Carbuzz) See More Celebrity Car News

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