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 – November 03, 2020

McLaren X Castore Sportswear Collection Debuted

McLaren Automotive and Castore, the British premium sportswear brand, have teamed up for a special sportswear collection for men. this new collection takes inspiration from McLaren's design language and their use of lightweight materials. With bonded seams, ergonomic fits, heat-reducing fabric and fantastic airflow, the collection will keep the wearer comfortable and at perfect temperature... kind of like a McLaren cabin. Within the collection are training and lifestyle pieces like t-shirts, performance tops and outerwear. "Castore is delighted to be collaborating with luxury supercar maker McLaren, one of the most respected luxury and technology brands in the world, known for pushing the boundaries of innovation," says Tom Beahon, co-founder of Castore. "McLaren Automotive and Castore share a deep commitment to technical and product excellence and our first exclusive capsule collection reflects both brands shared ethos." The new collection can be shopped at Castore.com by clicking the button below. Visit Castore.com

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2020

McLaren x Klipsch Wireless Earphones Now Available

McLaren and Klipsch have teamed up to create a new and sporty way to listen to your tunes or podcasts. Introducing the new Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Sport McLaren edition earphones. Both the earphones and case are dust and water-tight, so they're able to be worn in the elements. Even the case they come in has a moisture removal system to keep the earphones dry. And you'll want to keep these earphones clean and dry so they last a while because they look absolutely great. The Papaya Orange and carbon fiber accents give them a sporty appearance that's befitting of a McLaren sports car. When it comes to features, these are jampacked, with the case offering up to 32 hours of charge, earphones hold 8 hours of charge, best-in-class acoustic performance, anodized metal sign-boost exterior antenna, and six pairs of patented Klipsch ear tips. The Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Sport McLaren edition earphones come with a $249.99 price tag and are available for pre-order now. They are estimated to be shipped around August 10, 2020. Shop Now Source: Klipsch.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 07, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: Gold, Cold & Gucci

The shift in the way the world works has eliminated all stereotypes of supercar owners. The idea that an individual stepping out of a McLaren is always wearing a fine three-piece suit has been put to rest. Individuality drives the inspiration behind not only fashion but also the automotive lifestyle. Supercar manufacturers like McLaren have adapted to this with the implementation of the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division, giving customers the ability to think outside the box. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe focuses on not only the seasonal change but also the blank canvas for fashion as a supercar owner. The choice of wheels is the uniquely designed 2020 McLaren GT, a modern take on the daily drivable supercar. The Gold, Cold & Gucci Breakdown 2020 McLaren GT MSRP $210,000 Ulysse Nardin Blast Automatic Tourbillon Skeleton $54,000 Gucci Alpaca Blend Coat $3,500 Gucci Plaid Logo Leather Patch Button-Down Shirt $980 Gucci Ripped Eco Washed Organic Cotton Jeans $790 Gucci Ultrapace R Sneakers $890 Gucci Gold Evolution Oversized Sunglasses $520 Gucci Grey & Brown Wool GG Scarf $430 Gucci Off-White Crochet Gloves $430 Gucci Gold Interlocking G Keychain $230 Gucci Brown GG Weekender Tote $2,130 Vehicle The McLaren GT reimagines the spirit of traditional Grand Touring, offering the engaging drive McLaren is known for, as well as the space, comfort and usability expected of a GT. Though comfort, space and usability are hallmarks of Grand Touring, no McLaren would be complete without abundant performance. The McLaren GT features a 620PS 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 mated to a 7-speed SSG transmission that delivers linear, seamless and relentless acceleration. The performance statistics speak for themselves: 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 3.2 seconds, while 0-200km/h (0-124mph) is dispatched in 9.0 seconds. One of the most defining elements of the new McLaren GT – and arguably what will cement its position as the new segment leader – is its dynamic prowess. The suspension, steering and brakes are all bespoke to the car and are optimized to provide an outstanding Grand Touring drive experience with inherent balance, responsiveness and precision, and with ride comfort setting new McLaren standards. View All McLaren GT For Sale Watch Supercharged with classic Ulysse Nardin savoir-faire, The Blast is an avatar of its time, a potent force of nature. This technological wonder made with rock-hard, masculine lines has ignited a flame that will send seismic shockwaves through the watchmaking world to its core. Shop Now Top A standout from the fall 2020 menswear show, this oversized alpaca-blend coat has a plush, furry finish that feels just as cozy as it looks. The hem and lining are both left raw and fraying for a vintage-like quality. Shop Now Rugged yet refined, this Gucci checked cotton-flannel button-down is branded with a leather patch embossed with the interlocking-G logo. Shop Now Bottoms A sustainable spin on '90s grunge, these Gucci tattered jeans are made from nonstretch organic-cotton denim and washed using a water-conserving method. More eco-friendly efforts: leftovers from the cutting process are upcycled into new materials under the Gucci Up program. Shop Now Footwear The Gucci Ultrapace R is a futuristic take on the running shoe replaces traditional laces with an innovative wired twist dial sporting the interlocking-G logo. Rubberized caging, reflective trim and a clear, color-pop sole make it stand out even more. Shop Now Accessories The Gucci Gold Evolution Oversized sunglasses feature a hexagonal metal-frame sunglasses in gold-tone. Grey lens with 100% UV protection. Transparent rubber nose pads. Logo engraved at temples. Logo engraved and eyewear chain opening at temple tips. Shop Now The Gucci GG Scarf is a rectangular jacquard woven wool and silk-blend scarf in grey and brown featuring logo pattern throughout. Grosgrain logo patch at back face. Fringed detailing at ends. Tonal stitching. Approx. 76" length x 15.5" width. Shop Now Gucci open knit cotton crochet gloves in off-white with logo hardware in gold-tone at cuffs. Shop Now Gucci Gold Interlocking G Keychain features logo-engraved keyring and lanyard clasp fastenings. Sculpted logo hardware at drop. Approximately 4" drop. Shop Now Baggage Gucci's coated canvas tote featuring logo pattern in beige and brown throughout. Chrome-free leather trim in brown throughout. Twin adjustable carry handles at top with pin-buckle fastening. Bumper studs at base. Two-way zip closure. Zippered pocket and patch pockets at interior. Cotton lining in red. Silver-tone hardware. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 01, 2020

McLaren Releases We Race As One Team U-Mask

If you are a fan of Formula One racing and Team McLaren, then you have seen the orange face-masks worn by all team members every Sunday. The McLaren orange mask design includes the campaign “We Race As One” which is the slogan during the 2020 season. McLaren has released the We Race As One Team U-Masks for pre-order on The Official McLaren Store. The masks are developed by U-Earth, with extra layering for added protection and breathability. McLaren has stated that 100% of the proceeds will go towards the We Race As One Charity. Pre-order the McLaren Team U-Mask by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – August 17, 2020

You Can Buy an Electric McLaren Senna for Your Kid

Is your child an aspiring race car driver? Then you need to check out the new McLaren Senna 'Ride-On', the latest toy that's perfect for young motorsports fanatics. This new Senna Ride-On comes with working dihedral doors, a push-start button, McLaren Senna engine sounds, an infotainment system that can access files from a USB device or SD card, and working brakes with brake lights. It's available in five different colors: black, white, Mira orange, Vega blue and Memphis red. There's also a sixth special edition color that's exclusive to McLaren retailers. This one is yellow with green accents, similar to Ayrton Senna's racing helmet. If you're interested, the Senna Ride-On is for sale in the UK market with a price of £375, which equates to roughly $490 USD. Be sure to check with your local McLaren North America for more information. And if you're wondering, yes, it can fit an adult. Just check out the pics of Lando Norris ripping one of these around McLaren's headquarters. See Al McLaren Sennas for Sale

By Edward Jones – August 03, 2020

Puma and Race Service Launch New RS-Fast Sneakers With Mc...

Puma has just launched their new RS-Fast sneakers, and Race Service has joined them to celebrate the new drop. At the Puma store in NYC, Race Service pulled up in their custom-wrapped McLaren 570S that matches the white, peach and blue RS-Fast colorway. If you want to promote a shoe with the word "fast" in it, there's no better way than to do it with a McLaren. As for the shoes, they are available in two colors ways, the aforementioned one and Red/Black. They follow the same silhouette as the previous sneakers in the RS collection but have new designs on the upper. The RS-Fast sneaker is available for sale now at $110 and comes with a signed autograph card by Gunna while supplies last. Shop on PUMA.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CDZmyXHHoHK/

By Edward Jones – July 20, 2020

McLaren Launches Lando Norris Neon Gear Collection

If you've missed the 2020 Formula 1 season, you're missing out big time. Each race has been exciting and filled with drama to say the very least. During one of these races, the Austrian Grand Prix to be exact, Lando Norris found himself on the podium. If you want to support McLaren's young race driver, you can shop from the new Land Norris Neon collection. This collection includes various items like hats, shirts and a jacket, all of which include Norris' own logo. Each of the items also features a bright neon green color. McLaren launched this new collection to celebrate the upcoming 2020 Silverstone British GP on August 2. You can shop the collection by clicking the button below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – January 08, 2020

OnePlus Concept One Phone Revealed: Inspired by McLaren

OnePlus has just unveiled their very first concept phone, the new Concept One. This new concept phone was unveiled at CES 2020 and it boasts some groundbreaking technology. The most innovative tech in the OnePlus Concept One is its color-shifting glass, making it the first phone to use this kind of technology. OnePlus used this glass tech because it allows them to "hide" the camera behind the opaque black glass when not in use. When the camera is being used, the glass will turn completely clear. This allows OnePlus to include a camera without breaking the surface of the camera. Helping OnePlus with the design of the Concept One was their partner McLaren. The companies drew their inspiration for the concept from the McLaren 720S Spider. OnePlus even used the same leather that's used inside the 720S supercar. Papaya Orange was also picked for the color, a nod to McLaren Racing's history. SHOP ONEPLUS.COM " width="680"> Source: PRNewswire.com

By Edward Jones – November 27, 2019

TUMI is Now McLaren's Official Luggage Partner

McLaren and TUMI have juts announced a new partnership, making the luggage brand the official luggage partner of the famous English automaker. Tumi will be creating business and travel essentials for the McLaren brand. They say the first luggage collection will be released in late 2020. "McLaren supercar owners the world-over value the experience of travel with a clear emphasis on performance, luxury and style," says Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. "We see that echoed by TUMI who, like McLaren, pursue a like-minded focus on the innovative use of lightweight materials and optimized performance all brought together by a holistic design-led approach." SEE ALL MCLARENS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – November 05, 2019

Learn More About the OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition

The OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition smartphone was announced a few weeks ago. Now we're getting a deeper look at the extraordinary phone. For starters, OnePlus uploaded a video to YouTube that goes into the design process of the phone and why they designed it in the fashion that they did. This includes the color, case and more. You can check this video out up above. There was also a video uploaded by McLaren of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, the McLaren Formula 1 drivers, unboxing the new phone. The best part is Sainz fawning over the selfie camera that pops up from the top of the phone. You can watch this video down below. This phone comes with a starting price of £799 in UK, which is about $1,000 USD. SEE ALL MCLARENS FOR SALE " width="680">

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe