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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 – September 19, 2019

Pair of Striking MSO McLaren 600LTs For Sale at McLaren S...

Not all 600LTs are created equal. The carbon roof scoop or snorkel has been an iconic feature on McLarens, dating back to the original McLaren F1. Functionally, the roof scoop provides increased cooling to the 592hp mid-engine V8. There is also an added sense of aural drama when you drive a car with a roof scoop. As you run through the gears on the 7sp dual-clutch transmission, you can hear the air “whooshing” directly over your head into the engine bay. It’s truly a sound you’ll never get tired of hearing. Did we mention that it looks freaking awesome?! You’ll be the envy of any track day or car show when you show up with a roof scoop McLaren. Very few 600LTs were specced with this ultra-desirable option, and both of these cars are currently available for sale at McLaren San Diego. view this car's price and listing Finished in Silica White with red-tinted exterior carbon fiber. MSO bespoke interior with Senna seats and red Alcantara inserts. Headrests with bespoke MSO embroidery. Color-matched keys. view this car's price and listing Exterior finished in Fistral Blue. MSO bespoke interior with Senna seats and McLaren Orange leather seat inserts. Headrests with bespoke MSO embroidery. Bespoke painted switches in McLaren Orange. Color-matched keys.

By Edward Jones – August 05, 2019

McLaren Newport Beach Puts on Debut Party for "Hobbs & Shaw"

McLaren Newport Beach does a fantastic job at putting on private events for their family of customers. That's a fact. Their most recent event was a private early screening of the new "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" film. This exclusive event took place at the Regal Edwards Big Newport & RPX where guests were presented with a night filled with everything McLaren. A new 2020 McLaren720S Spider was on display that was spec'd out in the same configuration as the 720S Coupe in "Hobbs & Shaw": Saros with Black Interior. Of course, the guests brought their own McLarens turning the theater parking lot into a mini McLaren show. Inside, the guests received their movie passes and some lite bites before the film started. Pietro Frigerio, the Dealer Principal, welcomed the guests inside the screening room, thanking them for their love for the McLaren brand and for taking time to experience the new film with then. When the lights came down and it was time to enjoy the show, the guests sat back and enjoyed while munching on M&M's that featured McLaren logo on each one. Now that's flawless execution when it comes to details. Looking to join the McLaren Newport Beach family? Be sure to click the button below to pick out your next supercar! view mclaren newport beach's inventory

By Edward Jones – June 19, 2019

McLaren GT Now Available for Order at McLaren Beverly Hills

The new McLaren GT is the English automaker's true Grand Touring automobile. With power, elegance and plenty of room, it checks off all of the boxes. Since it was revealed, many have been chomping at the bit to get their hands on the new GT. For that, we can now say that McLaren Beverly Hills is currently taking orders on the new McLaren GT and they even have one on their showroom floor. To announce the opening of their order book for the McLaren Grand Tourer, McLaren Beverly Hills released a new video, found below. In the video, we see the driver/owner of a McLaren GT getting back into his car only to find a note. On the note, the mystery person (Jenny) remarks on how much they love the car (McLaren GT) and leaves a number. He then throws the note on top of a pile of similar notes. I can imagine the McLaren GT will definitely get a lot of complements when deliveries start. For more information on how you can get your McLaren GT, click the button below. visit mclaren beverly hills' website

By Edward Jones – April 24, 2019

The McLaren 600LT: Your Next Daily Driver

Supercars can be more than just fun to drive. In fact, some of them can be the perfect daily driver. Case in point, the McLaren 600LT. While it may look like a rocket, and it is, don't get me wrong, but it's also impeccable when it comes to daily driving. Beau Rogers of McLaren Beverly Hills knows this fact first hand, especially after his most recent outing around the streets of Beverly Hills. book a 600lt test drive today " width="680"> "The bumper to bumper dread is the reality for most Angelinos," wrote Rogers in his write-up on OGaraCoach.com. "Stoplight to stoplight, constant change of lands, bridge a gap - repeat." These kinds of daily annoyances add up, especially when they're a daily occurrence. Thankfully, drivers of the 600LT can drive easily. Rogers notes that it's "nice to know that the 600LT handles that aspect with the best of them." Naturally, most owners of the 600LT know that the new McLaren truly shines when on the track. For that, Rogers took the supercar over to The Thermal Club, a private race track out in the California desert. When Rogers first put the 600LT's pedal to the floor, he was met with a joyous response. "I laughed out loud as I took a few pulls of the right paddle," exclaimed Rogers. He also notes that the 600LT is a rarity in that it's the first road car he's driven where its "cornering limitations are beyond belief. "With the handling mode set to Track, the 600LT is pancake-flat through the sweeping turns." Interested in a McLaren 600LT for yourself? Be sure to contact McLaren Beverly Hills to find out about their current selection of 600LTs. contact mclaren beverly hills

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2019

McLaren Beverly Hills is McLaren Special Operations Retai...

McLaren Beverly Hills, part of the O'Gara Group, has just been named McLaren Special Operations Retailer of the Year 2018. This award comes after McLaren recognized their exemplary sales and engagement with MSO. What's more, McLaren Beverly Hills was also named McLaren Automotive's Global Retailer of the Year in 2018. “Since taking over the franchise in December 2017, it’s been astonishing what McLaren Beverly Hills has accomplished,”said Tony Joseph, President of McLaren North America. “They have become the largest global retailer in their first year of business, and their focus and passion for McLaren brand has been paramount to their achievements. They have successfully engaged MSO commissions and world-class events for customers and prospects alike. We look forward to their continued momentum and performance in 2019.” To determine the MSO Retailer of the Year, McLaren created a points system that includes MSO revenue, marketing efforts and more. The revenue can come from retailer-specific commissions and MSO Defined and Bespoke content. One of McLaren Beverly Hills' fantastic MSO commissions was their "Racing Through the Ages" collection (seen above). This MSO collection celebrates McLaren's racing heritage through three different themes. Congratulations to McLaren Beverly Hills for the award! Click the button below to see just how incredible their inventory of McLarens is. view mclare beverly hills' inventory

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2019

Take Part in the McLaren Thermal Track Experience 2019

Want to take part in an exclusive automotive event filled with English supercars? Of course you do! For that, we'd like to introduce you to McLaren Beverly Hills upcoming McLaren Thermal Track Experience. On February 18, 2019, from 8am-4:30pm, the dealership will be taking over the track for a high-speed event. The Thermal Club is a private world-class motorsports resort in California that many manufacturers use to test their automobiles. For this one day, guests will take it over and get a chance to test the limits of their McLaren. To RSVP, click the button below. rsvp now " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 06, 2018

O'Gara Announces First McLaren Dealership in San Diego

O'Gara La Jolla has just announced the first McLaren dealership in San Diego.McLaren San Diego is opening up as the O'Gara Coach Co. continues to expand. Just last year, McLaren Beverly Hills was opened up and quickly became the highest volume McLaren dealership in the world. O'Gara Coach Co. is looking to repeat their success with the new San Diego location. "We are very excited to represent McLaren in San Diego," says Tom O’Gara, co-founder of the O’Gara Group. "McLaren ownership takes it a step further through their bespoke division, McLaren Special Operations (MSO). MSO is driven by a passion for perfection and allows owners to create ultra-exclusive, limited edition or one-off models." "We are very excited to represent McLaren in San Diego," says Tom O’Gara, co-founder of the O’Gara Group. "McLaren ownership takes it a step further through their bespoke division, McLaren Special Operations (MSO). MSO is driven by a passion for perfection and allows owners to create ultra-exclusive, limited edition or one-off models." McLaren San Diego's clients will be able to partake in a number of exclusive events, clubs and experiences. The O'Gara Owner's Club, for example, provides its members with exclusive access to events and track days. There's also a driving program that O'Gara will base out of The Thermal Club. O'Gara is actually the only dealership that offers private charter flights to McLaren owners that will take them to the members-only private track. If you're in the San Diego area, you can check out their showroom by making an appointment or by attending one of their events like San Diego GT - Cars & Coffee Reinvented. Related: Dark Blue Metallic Porsche 918 Spyder for Sale at O’Gara La Jolla Lamborghini Urus and Rolls-Royce Cullinan Compared Lamborghini Urus Delivered in California to O’Gara Coach La Jolla

By Andrew Nabors – July 19, 2018

McLaren Newport Beach: Your Senna Has Arrived

If you want McLaren's latest supercars, you will have to wait in line. As we told you earlier this week, each example requires more attention and 300 hours to build. You will spend close to $1,000,000 without any options. But who would go without the limitless talents of McLaren Special Operations? A little bird told us Senna buyers are taking their builds beyond what we thought was possible. It is likely that no two Sennas will be alike, and McLaren Newport Beach has just received their first example. We can't reveal all the details just yet, but one of the most obvious features is on the rear spoiler. Bruce McLaren was from New Zealand, so the media called him a "Speedy Kiwi". The Kiwi bird can be found on McLaren's famous race cars and the MSO division can put it wherever your heart desires. The spoiler is appropriate because you will see it as the Senna passes you like you are standing still. Under the protective transport cover lies a 4.0L V8. It is bolted to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and two turbos. This combination sends 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque to the rear tires. Without the driver and fuel, it only weighs 2,641 lbs. You will have a better power-weight ratio than an ACME rocket. For more information please click the link below to contact McLaren Newport Beach. View Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – June 21, 2018

McLaren Announces New Dealer in Troy, Michigan

If you thought McLaren's comeback would just be a flash in the pan, think again. In a press release yesterday, we have learned the details of their 24th US dealership. The 4,000 square-foot showroom will be located at 1755 Maplelawn Drive. President of McLaren North America Tony Joseph said "“The state of Michigan is a key area in the United States that we have not yet been able to properly service. With a deep base of both existing clients and potential customers in the region, we felt that Detroit and the surrounding areas needed a more localized point of sales and service, and we are delighted to partner with Suburban, who have a 70-year history of outstanding customer service in the region.” It will offer everything from the 570 and the Sports Series to the 720S in the Super Series. The Senna is actually in a class of its own, the Ultimate Series. Customers will also have the opportunity to see the HyperGT (codenamed BP23) that will begin production later this year. If you are in the area, the official launch of McLaren Troy will be at the M1 Concourse Cars & Coffee. Head to 164 South Blvd. W, in Pontiac on the morning of June 30th to be part of the action. In the meantime, if you are looking for the ultimate daily driver, check out the 720S in the link below, and stay with us for all your McLaren updates. Your McLaren 720S Is Waiting For You

By Andrew Nabors – February 02, 2018

McLaren Newport Beach Presents: MSO X

Last week we told you about a top-secret program by McLaren's most successful dealer. Working with McLaren Special Operations, Newport Beach has delivered ten highly customized versions of the 570S. It was a perfect way to reward their most valued customers, along with showing off the limitless abilities of MSO.McLaren Special Operations Delivers 10 Wild 570S CoupesMcLaren's Top Brass along with their clients were treated to a weekend of festivities in Las Vegas. It culminated at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch. Owners were treated to hot laps with driving instructors and their cars were signed by McLaren officials. We assumed the GT4 inspired hoods were merely for aesthetics, but a closer look will show you the functional air ducts under the "bonnet".Every aspect of this program is amazing, and every one of the ten cars was a unique build. What would you have to pay for such an experience? Well if you have to ask...click the link below to view McLaren of Newport Beach's inventory and stay with us for all your McLaren news.View Inventory

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