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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 Jordan Aquistapace – April 22, 2024

O’Gara Announces The Opening Of A Worldclass McLaren Show...

Car collectors and supercar enthusiasts are in for a real treat as O’Gara has unveiled its newest addition: a state-of-the-art McLaren showroom in Westlake Village, CA, expanding its renowned McLaren dealer network. With McLaren Beverly Hills leading the fleet, this upscale facility promises to redefine automotive retail standards, customer satisfaction, and post-sale service. Responding to demand, the showroom serves as a premier destination for McLaren enthusiasts in northern Los Angeles County and Montecito. Clients can now schedule their test drives and delivery experiences, with orders typically fulfilled within six to twelve months, adding a personalized touch to the McLaren buying journey. Step into the showroom and prepare to be impressed by the cutting-edge McLaren configurator, empowering clients to visualize their dream supercar or hypercar in exquisite detail. From colors to fabrics and unique options, every aspect can be tailored to perfection, enhancing the overall buying experience. Tom O’Gara, Founder of O’Gara, expressed his enthusiasm about expanding the brand’s presence and delivering an immersive McLaren experience. Partnering with McLaren, Nic Brown, President of McLaren, the Americas, highlighted the significance of McLaren Westlake Village in improving sales and service accessibility for clients. Conveniently situated, McLaren Westlake Village caters to clients from Fresno, Bakersfield, and northern and central Los Angeles, offering factory-certified technicians and white-glove vehicle services. Following the success of the McLaren Experience Center at Wynn, Powered by O’Gara, in Las Vegas, the new dealership showroom promises an avant-garde customer experience, setting new benchmarks in the luxury automotive space. View all O'Gara Coach x McLaren Beverly Hills inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All O'Gara Coach x McLaren Beverly Hills Inventory Source: O'Gara Coach

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By Jordan Aquistapace – January 25, 2024

The Collection Invites Clients To A Private McLaren Artur...

A day filled with thrilling McLaren track sessions. While supercar manufacturers are engineering new ways to make exotic cars more enjoyable to driving on a daily basis, its still important experience the performance capabilities in a safe and professional environment. This ensures customers are able to experience the true potentional of these race-inspired supercars for the road, gaining a whole new sense of respect for speed, aero, and braking. As McLaren rolls out a new chapter of hybrid performance with its electrified Artura, the passionate team of professionals at The Collection McLaren invited a select group of clients to a private track event to experience it first hand. The thrilling track day took place at The Concours Club in Miami, where the pristine 2+ mile circuit awaited some serious speed and cornering from a fleet of McLaren Arturas. Hitting the track, guests got a real taste of what this machine can do beyond the constraints of the open road. It's all about that feather-light build, the electrifying jolt of power, and the kind of agility that makes every turn a thrill. Participants dove into several exciting track sessions, guided by the pro McLaren Driving Instructors. These experts dished out insider tips and tricks, showing drivers how to really push the Artura to its limits and squeeze every ounce of performance out of this stunning ride. Although the day was filled with smiles and memories, the hands-on approach proves to be the best way to learn more about the next generation of McLaren supercars. View all The Collection inventory currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All The Collection Inventory Source: @thecollectionfl Instagram

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By Tyler Rampersaud – October 20, 2023

McLaren & O'Gara Unveil Revolutionary New Experience At W...

The unique brand experience center has attracted 17,000+ visitors in six weeks. McLaren Automotive is making waves in the supercar world by partnering with O’Gara, one of its largest global retailers, and Wynn Las Vegas, to open an unparalleled brand experience center. Situated near the high-end Wynn Plaza shops and the Awakening and Encore theaters, the McLaren Experience Center is a 2,500-square-foot space designed to immerse fans, enthusiasts, and potential buyers in the McLaren universe. In just six weeks since opening its doors, the experience center has already welcomed more than 17,000 guests. As a 'brand beacon,' the location shows a revolutionary new face for McLaren’s retail operations. This attraction features a rotating display of three McLaren supercars and frequently showcases hyper-exclusive models, including a one-of-a-kind McLaren Senna and one of only 149 McLaren Elvas globally produced. But it’s not all just eye candy for supercar fans. The McLaren Experience Center takes visitor engagement to a whole new level. Thanks to the world's largest McLaren showroom vehicle configurator, you can customize your dream ride down to the minutest detail, and make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience to do so. And for the racing aficionados, there’s a top-notch racing simulator—the same brand used by McLaren Formula 1 racer, Lando Norris. To ensure you get the most out of the experience, a professional driver coach is on hand to offer expert advice. For those looking to sport McLaren's wide range of lifestyle offerings, the store offers an extensive range of McLaren merchandise, from caps and limited-edition Las Vegas-themed t-shirts to the exquisite TUMI McLaren luggage range. Nicolas Brown, President of McLaren, The Americas, echoes the brand’s excitement about this novel venture. “Although our cars are exclusive, we want this to be an inclusive experience. There will always be something new to surprise and delight our most diehard fans and also welcome new ones into the fold," he said. Tom O’Gara, Founder of O’Gara, adds that the partnership taps into pent-up demand for high-performance vehicles in what is often dubbed the ‘entertainment capital of the world.’ Scheduled to be open through early spring 2024, the McLaren Experience Center at Wynn Las Vegas will give fans attending key events, like the highly anticipated upcoming Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix, in the city a chance to get up close and personal with their favorite supercar brand. And should you win big during your Wynn visit, the McLaren Experience Center doubles as an authorized retailer—and what better way to celebrate than driving out in a brand-new McLaren right from the center? With a state-of-the-art luxury automotive experience set near the backdrop of one of the world's most exciting cities, McLaren & O'Gara's Wynn Las Vagas brand experience center is revving up to be remarkable. View All Vehicles For Sale From O'Gara Coach McLaren Image Source: McLaren

By Edward Jones – September 13, 2021

McLaren Newport Beach Presents The Ultimate Series

McLaren's Ultimate Series is quite deserving of the name. Comprised of the McLaren P1, P1 GTR, Senna, Senna GTR, Speedtail, and Elva, this series is absolutely stacked with phenomenal hypercars. To celebrate the series, McLaren Newport Beach is currently publishing posts on their Instagram account that highlights each of the Ultimate Series models featured in the epic photo up above. One model is highlighted each week, starting off with the Speedtail. Be sure to check back each week as we will be updating this article. McLaren Speedtail This example of the Speedtail is finished in Satin Pearl White over a White leather interior. This white-on-white combination is perfectly matched with black and carbon fiber accents. Speaking of carbon fiber, this Speedtail has 1k carbon fiber throughout the entire exterior, while forged carbon fiber can be found in the interior. The cherry-on-top is the platinum badging. McLaren Elva Next up in McLaren Newport Beach's highlight of the Ultimate Series is the Elva, a roadster with power and grace. The example being highlighted by the dealership is a stunning one with Pure Black paint. Contrasting against the deep black paint are the red bespoke pinstripes, red Alcantara seats, red interior piping, and red brake calipers. Basically, the only two tones you'll find on its Elva are either black or red, and it looks perfect. Source: McLaren Newport Beach

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 20, 2021

Dimmitt Automotive Group Showcases The All-New 2022 McLar...

Since its recent introduction to the automotive world, the 2022 McLaren Artura is making its presence on the road as the brand’s newest hybrid supercar. We were able to get up-close and personal with the new McLaren Artura at McLaren Tampa Bay. The team at Dimmitt Automotive Group was excited to host the new Artura with showings by appointment to follow all regulated health guidelines. Walking through the showroom filled with other incredible McLaren specs, the eye-catching Flux Green paint immediately draws you towards the supercar. Exploring the new design allows for owners and enthusiasts to appreciate all of the traditional aspects of McLaren while discovering new additions from the McLaren Carbon Fiber Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). The versatility of the hybrid-supercar is further incorporated into the interior, with optional club sport or memory comfort seats and a user friendly infotainment system to help control the interior amenities. View All Dimmitt Automotive Group Inventory Standing behind the McLaren P1 as the second vehicle to receive a hybrid platform, the Artura is a product of the pursuit to achieve lightweight aerodynamics and high-performance using state-of-the-art technology. The engine itself offers 577 horsepower and 431 lb-ft of torque, and it is supplemented by the latest in hybrid assistance. A compact battery is rated at 7.4 kWh, and it allows the car to have a total output of 671 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. Cutting weight in every component allows this car to offer a curb weight of 3,303 lbs. This allows it to reach 60 mph in 3 seconds, 124 mph in 8.3 seconds, and 186 mph in under 22 seconds. Inside and out, the 2022 McLaren Artura is the most versatile hybrid supercar for any track day or daily commute. For more McLaren news, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: Style By McLaren

By Edward Jones – March 29, 2021

McLaren Speedtail Unboxing by McLaren Dallas

This is most definitely not your average unboxing video. Most unboxing videos typically deal with some kind of gadget or even a toy, but what McLaren Dallas | Avondale Premier Collection has just launched is not your typical unboxing video. In this video, you'll get a chance to see what it's like to unbox the new and absolutely breathtaking McLaren Speedtail. Arriving in a massive crate, the new hypercar was delicately unboxed and unwrapped by a whole team. From there, it was backed out of the box and into the parking lot where the onlookers could finally gaze upon this Speedtail and its magnificent spec. As for the Speedtail itself, this model has a top speed of 250 mph and can run from 0 to 186 mph in just 13 seconds. That kind of performance is made possible thanks to a hybrid powertrain that produces 1,036 horsepower and 848 lb-ft of torque. You can click play down below to see the unboxing event for yourself. Be sure to see everything McLaren Dallas and Avondale Premier Collection currently have for sale by clicking the button below. View Inventory Images by Source: Instagram / @one.20th & @therichardkelly

By Edward Jones – March 16, 2021

Insane Blue Carbon McLaren Speedtail Delivered By McLaren...

Now that McLaren Speedtails are starting to be delivered to their respective owners, we're seeing some incredible examples. One such example was delivered by McLaren Newport Beach and you have to check it out. This Speedtail was heavily personalized by McLaren Special Operations who turned it into a true one-of-a-kind hypercar. The exterior features a full blue-tinted carbon fiber body that has a special color fading effect. If you look in the pictures, you can see the fade being referred to. But it's not just the exterior that features this effect, as the dashboard also has a fading effect to match the outside. Acting as the cherry on top is a roof scoop that completes this Speedtail's overall look. This spec is an absolute home run, but that's expected when you're talking about MSO's capabilities. McLaren Newport Beach Inventory

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By Edward Jones – March 01, 2021

Insane Orange/Blue McLaren Sabre Delivered by McLaren Phi...

When the McLaren Sabre was first revealed, it took us all by surprise to say the least. Not only did we have no idea that the Sabre was going to be revealed, but we also had no idea that they would be making it U.S.-exclusive and that deliveries would be starting ASAP. One such delivery of the new Sabre was just completed by McLaren Philadelphia. The owner of this specific Sabre is none other than @sparky18888 who already has quite the collection of supercars and hypercars. His example is finished in orange paint with contrasting blue trim. Inspiration for the livery comes from the McLaren MCL33 Formula One race car. Sparky named his Sabre the "Storm," which is a fitting name considering this hypercar is lightning fast. Check out the images from the event, courtesy of @speedbooost. McLaren Philly Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2021

2021 McLaren Artura Arrives at Miller Motorcars

Nothing like this has ever graced their showroom, so we're happy to watch the 2021 McLaren Artura arrive at Miller Motorcars. McLaren Greenwich is their flagship store, and the first example in North America is placed front and center. Flux Green is the new color, and it represents the efficiency of the supercar. The world's first 120-degree V6 offers perfect internal balance without heavy counterweights or an odd firing order. Coupled to a 7.4 kW hybrid drive, this featherweight is conservatively rated at 671 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. At 3,300 lbs, the Artura specs offer the best power-to-weight ratio of any plug-in hybrid, so you should probably consider it for your new daily driver. Miller Motorcars offers the world's most exclusive inventory, so click the button to let the journey begin. Browse Inventory At Miller Motorcars Image (C) Miller Motorcars

By Edward Jones – February 19, 2021

The New McLaren Artura Will Be At McLaren Newport Beach T...

If you're as excited as I am to see the new McLaren Artura, you actually have the chance to view it in person this weekend. Our friends over at McLaren Newport Beach will be showing off the new hybrid supercar this weekend for all to see. They are, in fact, the first dealer in North America to receive the car (it showed up just a few hours after it was unveiled to the world). If you'd like to see the Artura for yourself, it will be on display in their showroom on February 21 (Sunday) which is located at 2540 W Coast Highway, Newport Beach, 92663. The showing time will be from 12 to 5 PM and it will be open to the public. If you like what you see, McLaren Newport Beach is currently taking deposits on the Artura. Be sure to stop by and say duPont REGISTRY sent you. View McLaren NB Inventory

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