McLaren News

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

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By Andrew Nabors – July 30, 2020

Watch the McLaren 600LT Launch Control in Action

Do you ever wonder what slow cars see when they get left in the dust? Our local hero Matthew Jones has answered that question by mounting a rear-facing camera to a McLaren 600LT. This 2019 example was traded in with only 2,239 miles, so it needs a good home. Officially, McLaren rates the car at 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, but they are not ashamed to test their engines in the worst possible conditions. Therefore, the 600LT offers more power than cars twice its price, with a soundtrack that can't be beaten. " width="680"> View Listing He is also the General Manager of McLaren Tampa Bay at Dimmitt Luxury cars. This beast is for sale, or he can order you a new model built to your specification. Know full well that the tires he used for this film will be replaced with new rubber to keep you safe. You won't find a 600LT with these pricey options anywhere else, so stay with us for more great uploads from "Supercars in Seconds".

By Edward Jones – May 19, 2020

The Last McLaren 600LT Spiders Have Arrived in the US

McLaren Automotive has just announced that he last 12 examples of the 600LT Spider have arrived in North America. What's unique about these examples of the open-top sports car is that they're all inspired by Segestria Florentina, a venomous arachnid. These final 600LT Spiders are called the McLaren 600LT Spider Segestria Borealis by MSO and have been given the nickname of "Spider Spider." They come with a Napier Green stripes that mimic the green fangs of the spider and a black body, just like the spider. The black paint used is actually the Borealis black MSO Defined paint that has a deep green, purple and claret undertones that shine in the sun. There are also Napier Green brake calipers, 10-spoke lightweight forged wheels in gloss black, napier Green web motifs, MSO Clubsport Pack and a unique interior that matches the exterior. If you love the look of this 600LT Spider and want it for yourself, you're in luck! We currently have two of these McLaren's listed for sale by McLaren Boston and McLaren Charlotte. Click the button below to learn more. View Listings Source: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2020

McLaren 600LT Spider Price, Specs, Photos & Review

McLaren 600LT Spider Price Any McLaren 600LT Spider for sale is far from a cheap car, and it certainly makes sense why. This vehicle is fast, flashy, and fashionable for fans of British sports cars. A McLaren 600LT Spider can range pretty significantly in price. Currently, one can expect a McLaren 600LT Spider price to be around $256,500, which is the MSRP. The current as-tested price is around $310,390. Because the McLaren 600LT Spider is a limited edition car (the brand itself has announced they will only build the open-top LT for a single model year), one can expect the price of this soon-to-be rare vehicle to grow in price. McLaren 600LT Spider's predecessor, the McLaren 600LT, was released in June of 2018. Originally inspired by the 675LT and the F1 GTR Longtail, the body of this version of the 600LT has been notably altered to be longer. The current MSRP for the McLaren 600LT is around $240,000. McLaren 600LT Spider Review For our McLaren 600LT Spider review, we wanted to focus on the aspects of this vehicle that make it different from its predecessors. The biggest feature that sets it apart from other similar sports cars is speed-- the McLaren 600LT Spider is blindingly fast and can reach speeds of up to 62 miles per hour in just under three seconds and 124 miles per hour in just over eight seconds. At maximum, a McLaren 600LT Spider can achieve a top speed of 196 miles per hour with the roof retracted and 201 miles per hour with the roof intact. Complete with a carbon fiber monocoque MonoCell II chassis, drivers can take advantage of the core strength this vehicle provides for an ultra-dynamic and performance-heavy driving experience. The McLaren 600LT Spider is hailed by motorsports enthusiasts for handling accuracy as well as sharpness with relative ease. One may also notice significant noise reduction with this model-- the engine noise with the rear window is significantly lower than similar vehicles. McLaren 600LT Spider Specs Price: $260,000 Engine: 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8 Transmission: 7-speed Dual-Clutch Horsepower: 592 Torque: 457 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 5.0s 1/4 mile: 10.5s Top Speed: 201 mph Weight: 3,179 lbs Carlos Sainz Picks Up His McLaren 600LT Spider McLaren 600LT Spider Engine The McLaren 600LT Spider engine is quite a powerful one. It shares the exact sample 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the McLaren 600LT. The 600LT Spider acceleration starts at around 60 miles per hour in approximately 2.8 seconds. The maximum acceleration speed for a McLaren 600LT Spider is 201 miles per hour. The 600LT Spider horsepower sits at 592 hp @ 7500 rpm. McLaren 600LT Spider exhaust flames are possible with a handful of tips. With Manual Gear Shift enabled while in Active Mode, we recommend pressing and holding the throttle to between 4,500 to 5,000 rpm for about half a second. Then, quick release while in the third or fourth gear while driving. One can also do this while neutral at a stand-still for the ultimate expression of power McLaren 600LT Spider Transmission The McLaren 600LT Spider's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is bolted directly to the engine, which is common with most modern McLaren models. The transmission can also fire off electron-quick changes in gear without disrupting the balance of the car. The 600LT Spider's unique and powerful SSG automatic transmission was designed by Graziano. While automatic transmissions are not very common in similar models, the dual-clutch design is not wholly dissimilar to a manual transmission. Gear-switching is notably smooth with the McLaren 600LT Spider. McLaren 600LT Spider Interior The McLaren 600LT Spider interior is quite similar in design to the McLaren 600LT and the regular 570S with some key differences. At a glance, it features carbon black and graphite interiors. The housing for the infotainment system protrudes downwards from the middle of the dashboard, where it hovers above the center console. The center console itself is where one will find the starter button, roof controls (for the retractable roof model, obviously), and toggles for different drive modes. One will find a cupholder hidden away in that area as well, though it is difficult to get to. The cabin also features a number of storage compartments for smaller objects like phones and bags. In order to lighten the car up, McLaren did away with the glovebox and door compartments. The internal design also does not feature air conditioning or a sound system, though both elements can be added for free by the manufacturer. McLaren 600LT Spider Brakes The McLaren 600LT Spider brakes feature a firm pedal, which has much to do with the vehicle's standard carbon-ceramic brake discs. One will notice the advanced lightweight braking and suspension is the same as what would be found in the 720S-- ultra-responsive and great at communicating the smallest ground changes. McLaren 600LT Spider Pike’s Peak Collection Unveiled by MSO The McLaren 600LT Spider can take on quite a few repeated hard stops from extremely high speeds without the risk of a soft pedal. The steering for the McLaren 600LT Spider is also fantastically smooth and natural without a hint of artificial lightness. The Spider version of this McLaren series features rear-wheel drive and a middle engine. McLaren 600LT Spider Standout Features There are so many standout features to the addition to the McLaren sports family. The McLaren 600LT Spider's top speed is 196 mph with the top down and 201 mph with the top-up. Even with the top down, those are some seriously impressive top speeds. The 600LT Spider has a dry weight of 2,859 lb. Only about 109 pounds separate the Spider from its Coupe counterpart, and the Spider is the heavier of the two. It has a curb weight of 3,179 pounds and a torque of 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm. The torque weight for the McLaren 600LT Spider is 436 Nm (321 lb-ft). The MSO ClubSport package deletes the air-conditioning and radio, adds titanium lug nuts, and borrows the carbon fiber seats from their Ultimate Series. Browse McLaren 600LT Spider For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2019

2020 McLaren 600LT Hot Laps at COTA

Just outside of Austin's City Limits is the Circuit of the Americas. A World-Class motoring mecca that hosts Formula 1 and all lesser series. Everything is bigger in Texas, so the latest McLaren 600LT for sale has room to flex in front of the crowds. To show us what it is capable of, Lando Norris is about to take you on the ride of a lifetime. Let's watch him drive a 2020 McLaren 600LT hot lap at COTA. Related: McLaren 600LT Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2019

One-of-a-kind "Comet Fade" McLaren 600LT

A new, one-of-a-kind McLaren 600LT enhanced by McLaren Special Operation (MSO) has been unveiled after it's delivery. This supercar was commissioned by a long-time customer who picked the "Comet Fade" appearance for the exterior. The paint that creates the "Comet Fade" visual took MSO technicians 120 hours to complete. The paint used is "Coriolis Blend", which is actually Cerulean Blue that fades into "Burton Blue" and then into Atlantic Blue. All of the MSO Technician's efforts result in a visual that resembles the appearance of a comet flying by. A list of MSO components has also been equipped to the "Comet Fade" 600LT, including three different Carbon Fiber Upgrade packs, a bespoke carbon fiber roof scoop, MSO Clubsport Pack and more. see all mclaren 600lt's for sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 26, 2019

McLaren 600LT Spider Pike's Peak Collection Unveiled by MSO

Ascending 9,000 feet above the clouds is a great benchmark for automotive performance. With such a lack of oxygen, naturally aspirated cars are at a disadvantage. Having two computer-controlled turbochargers allows for amazing performance at any altitude, so the McLaren 600LT Spider Pike's Peak Collection was unveiled by MSO. Their Special Operations division chose to customize six of the latest Spiders with either MSO Bespoke, or MSO Heritage liveries. What is common across all six are gold and matte black graphics, and Satin Speedline Gold wheels. On the inside, the steering wheels have a Satin Gold stripe at Noon, and it is flanked by extended shift paddles in gold. The headrests are embroidered with the Pike's Peak logo, and the interior contrasts use the same gold stitching. For a finishing touch, they borrowed the carbon fiber seats from the Senna along with the MSO Club Sport Pack. It includes carbon-fiber cantrails, fender vents, and titanium lug bolts. Technology borrowed from the Super Series 720S is how the 600LT became the flagship of their Sports Series. They share the same upper and lower control arms (front and rear), along with the same suspension uprights. The brake booster was inspired by the Senna for the ultimate in stopping power, and it is needed on the road to the summit. The car is capable of 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, so the massive carbon rotors pull it from 124 mph to 0 in only 384 feet. You will have 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque at any altitude, so click the link below to find yours and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Find Your McLaren 600LT Here McLaren 600LT Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – July 22, 2019

duPont REGISTRY Vehicle Spotlight Series ||4|| 2020 McLar...

Nobody expected this one. Inspired by McLaren's other LongTail supercars, the 600LT was the first such design in their Sports Series. Think of it as a baby brother to the 675LT, the previous flagship of the Super Series. It comes down to personal preference, as the 600LT is more affordable and lighter than its larger siblings. For the 4th installment of our Vehicle Spotlight Series, our next-door neighbors at McLaren Tampa Bay (Dimmitt Automotive Group) allowed us to get up and personal with one of the final convertible examples. To build the best LongTail, McLaren used the 570S Spider as a starting point. Shaving 212 lbs even with the eponymous extended body was quite an achievement. With a dry weight of 2,859 lbs, it is one of the lightest production convertibles on the market. Their proven 3.8L V8 uses twin turbos to offer 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque between 5,500 to 6,500 rpm. https://www.instagram.com/p/B0OFdUunbIG/ It will safely rev to 8,500 rpm to transform into a flame-throwing beast. As far as horsepower and torque numbers are concerned, McLaren tests their engines in brutal conditions. The actual output has been proven to be higher by every measure. From the car's introduction, production of the 600LT Spider was capped at one model year. Only McLaren's most exclusive dealers were alotted the chance to order one, so we're lucky to be able to share this with you. View This McLaren's Price & Listing

By Edward Jones – July 18, 2019

One of the Final McLaren 600LT Coupes Built as a Celebration

The McLaren 600LT Coupe is nearing the end of its production run. It's sad to say but we will soon be seeing no more new 600LT Coupes rolling off of the production block and onto the streets. One of the final examples of the supercar was built as a celebration. More specifically, it's a car that celebrates the 1,000th car that's been sold by McLaren London. McLaren London was actually the first-ever McLaren Automotive retailer, opening up shop back in June 2011. Making this 600LT Coupe stand out from the crowd is a slew of upgrades completed by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The entire exterior and interior of the car have been enhanced with carbon fiber. On top of the 600LT is a roof snorkel finished in Gloss Visual Carbon Fiber. Oh, it also has air-conditioning, which comes as a no-cost option for the car. browse mclaren 600lt's for sale McLaren 600LT Price, Specs, Photos & Review "To be part of the McLaren Automotive network since June 21, 2011 – the official opening of McLaren London – has been a fantastic experience," says Barney Singh, General Manager, McLaren London and McLaren Ascot. "We have seen the brand and range growing over the last seven years and the popularity of the 600LT Coupé is clear evidence of McLaren going from strength to strength."

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By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2019

McLaren Automotive Celebrates 20,000 Cars

If you have dreamed of a carbon fiber supercar, McLaren has several examples to offer. What began in 2011 has far exceeded their expectations. So congratulations to everyone at McLaren Automotive as they celebrate 20,000 cars. In their latest press release, everyone at the McLaren Production Centre gathered around a Chicane Grey 600LT Spider. To keep up with increasing demand, the company employees over 2,300 skilled men & women. Last year saw 4,800 cars delivered, and they are on target for 5,000 for the 2019 model year. Street cars are now a majority of McLaren Group's profits, finally edging out their race technology division. What was 10 cars per day in 2016 is now 20 cars, and they are sold in 32 markets around the world. Chief Operating Officer Dr. Jens Ludmann said: “It’s testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment from our McLaren Production Centre employees that we’re now able to produce 20 cars a day across many different vehicle types and variants.” If you want to know what makes McLaren cars so popular, click the link below and stay with us for all your McLaren news. McLaren 600LT For Sale

McLaren 720S Spider and 600LT Spider Global Test Drive - Arizona - Jan-Feb 2019

By Andrew Nabors – May 09, 2019

McLaren 600LT Spider Has Arrived in the U.S.

George Carlin described the flamethrower as a purely American invention. "I really want to set that guy on fire, but I am too lazy to walk over there". There is something entrancing about them, so we also enjoy the latest English flamethrower: the McLaren 600LT Coupe. The top-mounted exhaust provides a brilliant afterburner during hard accelerations, so it must be a riot with the top down. We don't have to guess any longer since the McLaren 600LT Spider has arrived. McLaren dealers in the U.S. have already allocated every 600LT Coupe, so the Spider is your next logical choice. However, unlike other McLaren Spiders, production will be very limited. Based on the strong MonoCell2 chassis, losing the roof didn't require extra bracing. For a staring price of $256,500 you will have a 3.8L V8 and twin turbos. It sends 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. You will reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, and the large rear wing will offer 220 lbs of downforce at 155 mph. Click the link below to find our dealer near you, because a Long Tail Spider won't happen again in the near future. Stay with us for all your McLaren news. Find Your McLaren 600LT HEre Related: Justin Bell Tests the McLaren 600LT Spider McLaren 600LT Spider Hot Laps With Kenny Brack

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