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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 Edward Jones – January 06, 2021

McLaren Philadelphia Delivers Insane New McLaren Sabre

McLaren Philadelphia of RDS Automotive Group recently delivered a stunning example of the new McLaren Sabre to @thetriplefcollection. This specific Sabre features an exterior with glossy bare carbon fiber and what appears to be a dark blue paint finish, both of which are contrasted by electric blue stripes. The combination of tones is stunning and the blue striping really brings out the body panels that make the Sabre so aggressive. Porsche of the Main Line, part of RDS Automotive Group, also delivered two cars alongside the Sabre: a Porsche Cayman GT4 and 911 Turbo S. Imagine having all three of these cars delivered in one single day by one truck. Now that's a day to remember. Congratulations are in order for both RDS Automotive Group and the owner. View McLaren Philadelphia Inventory https://www.instagram.com/p/CJqx0lGFiXu/?igshid=1n33ne7rt4fj0 Featured Image Source: @mclarenphl/Instagram

By Edward Jones – December 16, 2020

Graphite Grey McLaren Speedtail Delivered to McLaren San ...

McLaren San Diego has just taken delivery of their first McLaren Speedtail hypercar. To share the experience with everyone, their Creative Director and in-house photographer Robert Grubbs was given a couple of hours to capture the Speedtail before delivering it to its new owner. In the images, we see the Graphite Grey McLaren staged at the O'Gara motorsport facility before being shipped to COTA for delivery. Inside, this Speedtail has a Havana Tan interior that contrasts perfectly with the dark shades of the exterior. The person in charge of this spec was Bugatti San Diego Brand Manager and Motorsport Director, Parris Mullins. Bravo. Be sure to check back with us for the delivery footage at COTA. MUST READ: MCLAREN PRICE & SPECS View McLaren San Diego's Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – September 08, 2020

McLaren Orlando & McLaren North Jersey Unveil Spectacular...

Twenty-five years ago, the iconic McLaren F1 GTR challenged other racing veterans at the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans for the very first time. McLaren not only qualified but crushed the competition to bring home five finishes leading to the most successful debut in the race’s history. McLaren Orlando is Officially Open for Business To celebrate the original victory back in 1995, and honor Bruce McLaren’s memory, a limited-run of 5 GTR-style McLaren F1 cars were built for the road. These very special cars were not typical McLaren F1s; they were enhanced to create a tribute true to Bruce McLaren’s dream – to create a genuine race car experience on the road. Redesigned cam covers, and an engine tune provided more horsepower, while weight was reduced, and aerodynamics were improved, through the use of GTR-style bodywork. The cars were painted in Papaya Orange – to pay homage to the Can-Am sports cars of the 60s and the McLaren racing colors. The F1 LM cars are considered to be the fastest iteration of an already record-breaking McLaren, and with so few made they have become a highly coveted collectors’ car in the past quarter of a century. Now, to commemorate the Silver Anniversary of this historic win, and these iconic cars, McLaren Orlando and McLaren North Jersey proudly present the Senna LM – specially commissioned for the US market. Inspired by the original F1 LMs, this 5 limited-edition, bespoke Senna’s – painted in McLaren Orange – have had several factory upgrades to represent the epitome of the McLaren Senna’s true road capability. The most track-focused road car McLaren has ever built, the Senna has consistently set the fastest lap times of any McLaren to date. The new McLaren Senna LMs, commissioned by McLaren Orlando and McLaren North Jersey from McLaren Special Operations (MSO) in Woking, England, have the same power as the pure, track-only Senna GTR at 814hp. These exclusive Senna’s are more than just a bespoke paint livery, to pay homage to the original F1 LM cars these tributes feature upgrades such as: new polished ports and cylinder heads for the (more powerful) engine, OZ aluminum wheels, quad exhausts tipped in satin gold, bespoke aerodynamically-enhanced bodywork, a 24k gold heatshield, fully bespoke interior including Titanium Nitride foot pedals, racing centre locks, and bespoke LM branding for both the interior and exterior. McLaren Orlando and McLaren North Jersey are solely McLaren Retailers and offer some very exclusive vehicles – including these 5 Senna LM’s for the North American market. As Retailers, they are committed to bringing breathtaking performance and unparalleled experiences to McLaren owners, McLaren lovers, and their local communities. Browse Inventory at McLaren Orlando

By Edward Jones – August 31, 2020

1st Mclaren 765LT in USA Lands in O'Gara's Showroom

It was in March of this year that the new McLaren 765LT was unveiled as the British automaker's latest longtail supercar. This new addition to McLaren's Super Series lineup is an absolute stunner that's lighter, quicker and faster than the 720S. With 15 percent quicker in-gear acceleration than the 720S, the 765LT is set to be where many who are interested in a McLaren supercar will look. If you'd like to see one for yourself, you're in luck because the first example of the new 765LT in the United States has officially landed in the showroom of O'Gara Coach Beverly Hills. Below are some detail shots of the new supercar to feast on. Now, the supercar is at O'Gara Coach San Diego so be sure to contact them if you'd like to see it for yourself. If you're looking for a new McLaren for yourself, they can help you with that as well. Click the buttons below for more info. View Inventory Contact Now

By Andrew Nabors – August 26, 2020

Watch the 2021 McLaren GT Hits Route 66 Thanks to O'Gara ...

The Mother Road starts in Chicago and ends in L.A., and it was the path taken for millions to move west. Although it was officially replaced by interstate highways in 1985, the remaining sections are a perfect backdrop for a supercar film. That is why a new 2021 McLaren GT hit Route 66 thanks to our friends at O'gara Coach and McLaren San Diego. Browse Inventory If you haven't experienced McLaren's Grand Tourer, you are truly missing out. The GT was designed from the ground-up to provide comfort on long trips. With ample space for luggage and unmatched ergonomics, it is quite a departure from their previous supercars. Although rated at 612 horsepower, dyno numbers and quarter-mile time suggest much more. McLaren tests their engines in extreme ways that would never happen on the road. That is why the only maintenance you will need is a regular oil change. " width="680"> In a quote from their Instagram page: "Never let tradition hold you back. The new GT is living proof that craftsmanship evolves. It embraces innovation, new materials and technology. What remains is sheer quality." O'Gara Coach Blasting across this desolate highway with 465 lb-ft of torque must have been the ride of a lifetime. That's why you should visit O'Gara's CDC-compliant showrooms. With locations in Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and San Diego, their inventory is unmatched by any other dealer. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for more intriguing O'Gara films. About O'Gara Coach O'Gara Coach, established in 1976, has served Southern California for more than 44 years. When drivers want exotic and luxury vehicles, our selection is a great place to find the perfect fit. Whether you've had your eye on a particular brand or you want to come to our Beverly Hills dealership with fresh eyes, trust in our team here at O'Gara Coach. We help our Los Angeles exotic car and luxury brand enthusiasts discover so much more than simply a new car; we introduce you to a way of life that you can enjoy. We've helped our neighbors and friends with everything related to your automotive experience, and when you visit us, we'll make you our next success story. Browse Inventory.

By Edward Jones – August 17, 2020

McLaren Orlando is Officially Open for Business

We are happy to announce that McLaren Orlando is officially open. This announcement comes after they moved to a new and state-of-the-art showroom in Titusville, Florida. After prepping for the opening, McLaren Orlando will now take appointments. It should be noted that all visitors to the new location must make appointments before coming into the showroom. Their current hours are as follows: Sales/Showroom Monday: 9am to 6pm Tuesday: 9am to 6pm Wednesday: 9am to 6pm Thursday: 9am to 6pm Friday: 9am to 6pm Saturday: 9am to 6pm Sunday: Closed Service/Parts Monday: 8am to 5pm Tuesday: 8am to 5pm Wednesday: 8am to 5pm Thursday: 8am to 5pm Friday: 8am to 5pm Saturday: By Appointment Only Sunday: Closed If you'd like to make an appointment, be sure to click the button below. Schedule an Appointment

By Edward Jones – August 07, 2020

The McLaren Elva Makes an Appearance at McLaren Philadelphia

The McLaren Elva has made a stunning appearance at McLaren Philadelphia. The Elva that showed up for a six-day stay was finished in a beautiful Nerello Red paint and was actually a pre-production show car. Although it had a short stay, they created a video to remember it by. You can click play down below to see it for yourself. In regards to the car itself, it's an honest-to-goodness piece of art. McLaren designed it to pay homage to the roadsters and speedsters that came before it, like the original 1967 Elva M1C. Unlike that classic car, the new Elva benefits from a wide array of technological advancements, like it's insane Active Air Management system. We'll most definitely be seeing more of the McLaren Elva when they start being delivered in 2021. See McLaren Philadelphia's Inventory

By Edward Jones – July 16, 2020

McLaren Beverly Hills Holds Private Viewing for the Gorge...

When McLaren unveiled the new Elva, we were taken aback by its beauty. With a body that's both elegant and modern, the Elva is a sight to behold. But seeing this new model on an electronic device is much different than seeing it in person. That's why we're jealous of those that attended McLaren Beverly Hills' private viewing of the Elva. What I admire about the dealership's take on the viewing is that it wasn't held at a fancy location, nor were there tons of fanfare. All that was needed was a simple area where the guests could take in all of the Elva's beauty. While a vast majority of us weren't able to attend the event, they did release a video of the showing for everyone to enjoy. You can check it out for yourself by clicking play below. View McLaren Beverly Hills Inventory " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2020

McLaren Boston: Leading the Way!

We are approaching our 35th year helping exotic car dealers find their customers, and vice-versa. In my decade here, I have seen dozens of dealer groups overextend themselves or build grandious palaces that scare off potential sales. But it has given me a 6th sense when it comes to when a dealer has the recipe for success. McLaren Boston was awarded Premier Dealer awards in 2016 and 2017. Factors like MSO inventory, customer retention and service after the sale speak for themselves. Their MSO build center is unlike any other, and it has a hotline to the artisans in England. Perpaps more exciting than those awards is their new location in Charlotte, N.C. It will be the first of McLaren's new dealer architecture in the Western Hemisphere. Also under the same roof will be Koenigsegg and Karma, providing a complete hypercar experience. Visit McLarenBoston.com " width="680"> McLaren Boston is honored to be a part of the McLaren team. Their goal is to provide discerning customers with a personalized buying experience, where they exceed expectations and offer only the highest level of customer service. They are passionate about McLaren and inspired by the drive. Browse McLaren Boston Inventory Here Contact McLaren Boston Website: mclarenboston.comEmail: Contact FormPhone: (855)777-1607Address: 22 Pond St. Norwell, MA 02061

By Edward Jones – December 16, 2019

McLaren Tampa Bay Offering Lease Specials On 600LT, 720S ...

Presented by McLaren Tampa Bay - Are you looking to get yourself into a new Mclaren but don't want to drop six-figures in one day? McLaren Tampa Bay has a few incredible lease specials that will get you right into the driver's seat of a McLaren 600LT Coupe, 720S Coupe and 570S Spider. Here's a breakdown of just a couple McLaren lease specials that McLaren Tampa Bay is currently offering. VIEW ALL LEASE SPECIALS 2019 Mclaren 600LT Coupe 2019 McLaren 600LT Coupe lease starting at $2,995 plus tax per month with 47 month lease. Includes MSO carbon roof scope. Papaya Spark, stock #KW008441, 2500 miles per year, 10% down plus start ups. MSRP $322,309. MORE INFO 2019 McLaren 720S Coupe 2019 McLaren 720S Coupe lease starting at $2,599 plus tax per month with 47 month lease. Onyx Black, stock #KW002641, 2500 miles per year, $29,000 down plus start ups. MSRP $321,360. MORE INFO 2019 McLaren 570S Spider 2019 McLaren 570S Spider lease starting at $2,067 plus tax per month with 47 month lease. Mauvine Blue, stock #KW006338, 2500 miles per year, 10% down plus start ups. MSRP $251,370. MORE INFO Presented by Dimmitt Automotive Group Dimmitt Automotive is proud to serve the automotive needs of the Tampa Bay area. With dealerships located in Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus and Sarasota counties we are an easy drive from almost anywhere in the central west coast of Florida.

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