Gear

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 09, 2021

McLaren Releases the Daniel Ricciardo Pink Collection

Support the Honey Badger with this vibrant new collection. McLaren's store has been updated with a new collection that's all focused around Daniel Ricciardo and the color pink. The name of this collection? Well, the Daniel Riccardo Pink Collection, of course. Within this collection are pieces for both men and women, and include a unisex hoodie, a men's t-shirt, a women's t-shirt, and a hat. Each piece comes in a pastel pink tone and sports Ricciardo's number, 3. For the hat and t-shirts, the price is set at $42.50, while the hoodie comes in with a price tag of $97.50. You can shop the collection by clicking the button below. Shop Now Source: McLarenStore.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 02, 2021

The New McLaren F1 x RHUDE Collection Is Available Now

Celebrate McLaren's successful history in motorsports with the new RHUDE collection. The collaboration efforts between automotive manufacturers and luxury streetwear brands are becoming more popular in the fashion world, with exclusive collections selling out instantly. The McLaren Formula 1 Racing Team is proud to announce its second apparel and accessory line with RHUDE. After an extremely successful first drop, the duo is teaming up to highlight McLaren’s successful history in motorsports. The high-quality collection features jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters, polos, t-shirts, pants, shorts, and accessories for all enthusiasts of the two brands. Alongside the apparel side of the release, McLaren F1 x RHUDE features a vintage-style racing helmet. The all-new McLaren F1 x RHUDE Drop 2 is currently available to shop by clicking the link below. Shop McLaren F1 x RHUDE Drop 2 Media/Info Source: RHUDE

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 01, 2021

Shop The McLaren F1 x Gulf Racing Apparel & Accessory Col...

Style yourself in the iconic colors of Gulf Racing branded with Team McLaren F1. The motorsport relationship between McLaren and Gulf Racing expands much further than iconic liveries displayed on racecars. The dynamic duo shifts its efforts towards the lifestyle sector with various apparel and accessory collection. Team McLaren F1and Gulf Racing is proud to restock its newest additions to McLaren Store. Styled in the iconic Gulf blue and orange colors, the collection features jackets, polos, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and wall art for fans and enthusiasts. Made from premium materials, the McLaren F1x Gulf Racing collection is set to style you like Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. Shop the collection restock release by clicking the link below. Shop McLaren F1 x Gulf Racing Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 08, 2021

McLaren F1 Releases The 2021 British Grand Prix Collection

Celebrate McLaren F1's road to victory this weekend at the British Grand Prix. As the Formula 1 drivers continuously change locations around the world to compete at the most iconic circuits, so do their styles. McLaren F1 is celebrating the 2021 British Grand Prix with a commemorative apparel and accessories collection. Announced through an Instagram posted by McLaren F1, team drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris model the new pieces displayed in vibrant colors to match the personality of each. The new McLaren F1 British Grand Prix apparel collection is now available starting at $42.50. Shop and support Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris this weekend by clicking the link below. Shop McLaren F1 2021 British Grand Prix Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/CRBghZ7nmDR/ For more Gear news, Check out The GearBox: The Mercedes-AMG G63 Style

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 15, 2021

The New McLaren x Castore Summer '21 Sportswear Collectio...

Match the performance-focused McLaren with the perfect Castore activewear. McLaren is known as a brand built on the pursuit to become a leader in performance through its line of supercars and hypercars. The focus is always set on performance, whether it’s fine-tuning the new McLaren 765LT or picking out the correct attire for a track day. McLaren is proud to announce its newest release with British performance sportswear brand Castore, presenting an all-new summer apparel collection. Following a successful autumn/winter collection in 2020, the collaboration between the two performance brands introduces a new line of technical clothing suited to performance amid the rigors of everyday life. The McLaren x Castore Collection features lightweight performance tops and bottoms made from premium materials that will go the distance. The minimalistic design incorporates both brand’s logos, while the line-up is made up of sweatshirts, zip-ups, polos, t-shirts, pants, and shorts. The McLaren x Castore Collection is currently available by clicking the link below for more information. Shop McLaren x Castore Summer Collection For more Gear news, Check out Shop The Father’s Day Luxury Gift Guide Media Source: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – June 01, 2021

LEGO McLaren Elva Set Revealed

It even has its own little Active Air Management System (AAMS) vents. Looking to kill some time? Maybe it's time you picked up the new LEGO Speed Champions McLaren Set and spent some time clicking bricks. This new 263-piece set measures 1.5-inches tall, 6-inches long, and 3-inches wide, making it a perfect fit for any desk or shelf. Just like the real Elva, it features two seats, no windshield, and even a little vent area for the Active Air Management System (AAMS). Coming with the Elva is a minifigure that was inspired by Rachel Brown, McLaren Automotive's Principal Development Engineer for the Ultimate Series. Rachel has worked on the Elva, Senna GTR and even helped support the creation of the LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR set. You can purchase the McLaren Elva set right now online for just $19.99. Shop it now by clicking the button below. Shop On LEGO.com Source: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 17, 2021

The New McLaren x Gulf Apparel Collection Is Available Now

Two infamous motorsport brands come together as one. With the iconic 2021 Monaco Grand Prix right around the corner, the team at McLaren F1 recently unveiled its new look featuring its historic partnership with Gulf Oil International. We continue to see the cars and drivers decked out in the infamous Gulf livery colors through posts on Instagram. The one question all fans and enthusiasts had was when the same gear would be offered to the public? McLaren x Gulf Oil International is proud to announce the release of the 2021 Collection featuring apparel and accessories to show support during one of the most iconic races in F1 history. The lineup includes outerwear, polos, t-shirts, and hats all sporting a combination of logos from the leaders in motorsports. The styles commonly seen on drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris are now available for fans to cheer on both McLaren race cars to victory. Made from premium materials, the performance-focused products add comfort and functionality to ensure the perfect wear during all races. The new Mclaren x Gulf Oil International apparel collection is currently available by clicking the link below for more information. View the Best Gulf Livery Cars Shop Now Media/Information Source: McLaren For more Gear news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Apocalypse 6×6 Accessories

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 12, 2021

The New McLaren x Le Col Cycling Apparel Collection Is Av...

No matter the race, McLaren will compete No matter which way you look at it, racing is racing. Whatever you behind the wheel of, it still takes the same principles and understanding of weight savings that will ultimately decide if success is a possibility. It’s the same forward-thinking that goes into both McLaren race cars, as well as performance apparel and gear from bicycle specialists at Le Col. McLaren x Le Col are proud to announce Project Aero, a collection of high-performance cycling apparel co-developed with McLaren’s aerodynamicists in order to deliver a kit that outperforms the competition. Implementing McLaren’s aero research on boundary layers, the McLaren x Le Col Project Aero Collection’s detailed approach to mapping every millimeter has driven advances in aerodynamic performance and broken new ground in cycling. Inside the McLaren x Le Col website, an array of apparel for men and women can be found proudly displaying both brands’ logos. Shop the McLaren x Le Col cycling apparel collection by clicking on the link below. Shop Now Media/Information Source: Le Col For more Gear news, Check out The GearBox: Lamborghini Super SUV Style

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 14, 2021

Wheels X Wardrobe: Electrified Artura Attire

In recent news, McLaren Automotive announced the release of the new Artura model, a hybrid supercar that owns performance while using EV technology to add to the already track-focused vehicle. A wardrobe should reflect the same aspects as the hybrid supercar, combining state-of-the-art performance with premium quality materials to provide a one-of-a-kind experience. This week’s Wheels x Wardrobe focuses on McLaren’s push to the world of hybrid supercars while providing you with a compiled list of the top luxury watches, apparel, and accessories on the market. Shop all of the products featured in this special by clicking on the link below. Vehicle McLaren Automotive 2022 McLaren Artura MSRP $229,500 View All McLaren Artura For Sale Watch Wilbur Watches Wilbur Automatic Launch Edition-JWB $2,700 Buy From Wilbur Watches Top The F1 Store McLaren Softshell Jacket $170 Buy From The F1 Store Nordstrom MCQ by Alexander McQueen Relaxed Organic Cotton T-Shirt $160 Buy From Nordstrom Bottom Nudies Nudies Lean Dean Dry Cold Black $185 Buy From Nudies Footwear On-Running On-Running Cloudflyer $159.99 Buy From On-Running Accessories Persol Persol 714SM Steve McQueen Sunglasses $790 Buy From Persol Wolf & Badger Rome - Men's Leather Driving Gloves $193 Buy From Wolf & Badger Bose Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 $379 Buy From Bose Nordstrom Ridge Topographic Wallet $105 Buy From Ridge TUMI TUMI X McLaren Velocity Backpack $950 Buy From TUMI The Electrified Artura Breakdown 2022 McLaren Artura MSRP $229,500 Wilbur Automatic Launch Edition-JWB $2,700 McLaren Softshell Jacket $170 MCQ by Alexander McQueen Relaxed Organic Cotton T-Shirt $160 Nudies Lean Dean Dry Cold Black $185 On-Running Clouflyer $159.99 Persol 714SM Steve McQueen Sunglasses $790 Rome - Men's Leather Driving Gloves $193 Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 $379 Ridge Topographic Wallet $105 TUMI x McLaren Velocity Backpack $950 For more Wheels x Wardrobe, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: The RS Performance Ensemble

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 31, 2021

Wheels X Wardrobe: Style By McLaren

The 2021 McLaren 765LT is the new benchmark for the supercar manufacturer, continuing to not only push the boundaries of performance but also design. Alongside the impressive 755-horsepower track monster, the manufacturer also features a collection of apparel and accessories to compliment the vehicle. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe features a compiled list of all the products that go hand-in-hand with the tire-slaying McLaren 765LT. Shop all of the products and accessories featured in this special by clicking the links below. Vehicle McLaren Automotive 2021 McLaren 765LT MSRP $358,000 View All McLaren 765LT For Sale Watch Watches of Switzerland Rolex Cosmograph Daytona White Gold $31,650 Buy From Watches of Switzerland Top F1 Store McLaren Softshell Jacket $170 Buy From The Formula 1 Store Nordstrom Nike NRG Heavyweight T-Shirt $65 Buy From Nordstrom Bottom Rag & Bone Rag & Bone Skinny Fit Black Aero Stretch Jean $195 Buy From Rag & Bone Footwear Puma Puma Speedcat OG+ Sparco Motorsport Shoes $100 Buy From Puma Accessories Sunglass Hut Gucci GG0010S Sunglasses $390 Buy From Sunglass Hut F1 Store McLaren 2021 New Era 9FIFTY Stretch Snap Team Cap $40 Buy From The Formula 1 Store Best Buy Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Sport McLaren Edition In-Ear Headphones $249 Buy From Best Buy TUMI TUMI x McLaren Aero International Expandable 4 Wheel Carry-On $1,550 Buy From TUMI TUMI TUMI x McLaren Velocity Backpack $995 Buy From TUMI The McLaren Style Breakdown 2021 McLaren 765LT MSRP $358,000 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona White Gold $31,650 McLaren Softshell Jacket $170 Nike NRG Heavyweight T-Shirt $65 Rag & Bone Skinny Fit Black Aero Stretch Jean $195 Puma Speedcat OG+ Sparco Motorsport Shoes $100 Gucci GG0010S Sunglasses $390 McLaren 2021 New Era 9FIFTY Stretch Snap Team Cap $40 Klipsch - T5 II True Wireless Sport McLaren Edition In-Ear Headphones $249 TUMI x McLaren Aero International Expandable 4 Wheel Carry-On $1,550 TUMI x McLaren Velocity Backpack $995 For more Wheels x Wardrobe, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: Outfitted TRX

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