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

By duPont Registry – April 28, 2023

Highly Modified 2019 McLaren 720S Listed For Sale

It wears a Midnight Purple exterior wrap.

By Gabriel Vega – April 25, 2023

A Final Send-Off Drive In the McLaren 720S

Being replaced by the recently unveiled 750S.

mclaren 720s spider with 765lt spider bodykit for sale.jpg

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 11, 2023

McLaren 720S Spider With 765LT Bodykit Listed For Sale

This supercar is complete with a special touch.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 16, 2023

Bespoke Chicane Grey Race-Ready 2019 McLaren 720S GT3X Fo...

Fit with state-of-the-art aero and performance, this McLaren 720S GT3X is ready to take on any circuit around the world.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 15, 2023

McLaren's New 720S GT3 EVO Adds Winning-Performance To Cu...

Built on the success of its past, present, and future in professional racing, McLaren Motorsports resumes its climb to the podium by evolving its race cars with upgrades and improvements. Using its staple supercar as the basis for the next customer racing pace-setter, McLaren is proud to reveal the all-new 720S GT3 EVO. The race-ready 720S GT3 EVO will officially make a grand debut in the 2023 International GT3 field, with homologation allowing it to become a new-build race car or as an update package to an existing platform. McLaren's GT program is designed to be accessible to customers and drivers of all abilities. MUST-READ: Bespoke Chicane Grey Race-Ready 2019 McLaren 720S GT3X For Sale The most noticeable change to the 720S GT3 EVO over its predecessor is a combination of improved aerodynamic performance and more efficient serviceability. The several key bodywork upgrades include a redesigned front bumper/splitter with quick-release fastenings, a new hood configuration for better vision, and an easily adjustable rear wing pylon mechanism. McLaren equips the 720S GT3 EVO with all-new TTX40 Ohlins 4-way adjustable dampers, which can be adjusted to cater to any track condition. The 720S GT3 EVO is available for order now through an authorized McLaren dealership. Existing 720S GT3 owners and teams can purchase a full update kit with the option to use existing cars. View all current McLaren 720S examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All McLaren 720S For Sale Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 03, 2023

Bespoke Widebody 2019 McLaren 720S SEMA Build For Sale

Enhancing styling and aerodynamics courtesy of Creative Bespoke, this McLaren 720S is unlike any other on the road. While McLaren Automotive is known to embody racing DNA into its lineup of desirable supercars and hypercars, visual and performance upgrades take the driving experience to a whole new level. Showcasing its talents of transforming everyday cars into modern masterpieces, the team at Creative Bespoke of Phoenix, AZ continues to grace the automotive world with one-of-a-kind builds. Creative Bespoke is proud to present this modified 2019 McLaren 720S as part of its growing inventory of custom supercars. The exterior of this McLaren 720S features a full Zacoe carbon fiber widebody package, using hints of exposed gloss carbon fiber to accentuate the bright yellow finish. Specially built for SEMA, the kit replaces the front bumper, fenders, rear bumper, side panels, hood, and rear wing. A set of MVForged Aero+ wheels sit perfectly on an aggressive ride height thanks to Novice lowering springs. MUST-READ: Grey Metallic Over Saddle Brown 2020 McLaren Speedtail For Sale Opening the butterfly-style doors reveals a completely custom-matched yellow interior package fit with newly designed sports bucket seats. The new owner will find added hints of Creative Bespoke branding throughout the yellow and black cabin, from the headrests to the floorboard entrance. The monochrome driver-oriented interior presents the perfect space for anyone looking to turn heads at the next car meet or rally. The 720S generates 710 horsepower and 568 ft-lbs of torque from McLaren’s 4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8, which has been modified with a one-of-one custom Race F1 exhaust. The 2019 McLaren 720S Carbon Edition from Creative Bespoke is currently available for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. VIEW PRICE AND LISTING

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 26, 2022

McLaren Designs 5 Unique 720s Exclusively For The 2022 Mi...

Miami welcomes five commemorative McLaren 720s examples. Anticipation for the upcoming 2022 Miami Grand Prix is beginning to set in for Formula 1 race fans, as sunny South Florida hosts the action-packed motorsport event for the first time ever. Alongside side the community of dedicated race enthusiasts, participating teams and drivers await in excitement to take on a completely new circuit with the chance of being the first winner in Miami. The team at McLaren F1 is kicking off the weekend by unveiling five personalized McLaren 720s supercars to support the inaugural race. Each McLaren 720s features a McLaren Racing-inspired livery wrap that combines the design of its Formula 1, Extreme E, and INDYCAR race teams. MUST-READ: Watch This Taco Bell-Themed McLaren 720S In Action The supercars will be used throughout the weekend in various activities that include Pirelli Hot Laps, a Celebrity Race, and a display at the McLaren Hospitality Suite. The McLaren 720s stands out as one of the most powerful platforms that the brand has to offer, blending track-like performance with the comfort of a casual convertible. The 720s generates over 710-horsepower and 5688-lb ft of torque from McLaren’s 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 engine, launching the British supercar from 0-60mph in only 2.8-seconds. Look out for Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo, and the five head-turning McLaren 720s during race weekend at the 2022 Miami Grand Prix. View all of the current McLaren 720s examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and supercar news. View All McLaren 720s For Sale Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 01, 2022

Watch This Taco Bell-Themed McLaren 720S In Action

The perfect supercar to hit the drive thru for a crunch wrap supreme. With vehicle customization at an all-time high for the automotive aftermarket industry, specific themes for supercars seem to be the trend of the year. Supercars of all kinds are able to feature one-of-a-kind vinyl liveries that highlight the creative vision of the owners and collectors. For jewelry designer and automotive YouTuber Patrick Adair, the vision is inspired by Taco Bell and the supercar of choice is the McLaren 720S. The McLaren features a vibrant matte purple vinyl wrap with bold Taco Bell logos that flow down each side of the vehicle. Paired with a set of pink sport wheels, the design includes yellow and pink highlights to accurately pull together the Taco Bell brand colors. MUST-READ: The Best McLarens You Can Buy Today Patrick took to his YouTube channel to unveil the Taco Bell McLaren in an incredible short film that showcases the 720S at the famous Mexican fast-food restaurant. The once-stock McLaren 720S now features a full DarwinPro aftermarket wide body kit that features an insanely pronounced rear wing system, which now reads Taco Bell’s ‘Live Mas’ motto down the center. After seeing the Taco Bell-inspired McLaren 720S in action, we are excited to see what ideas Patrick has for his next custom vinyl wrap. Check out the unveiling of Patrick Adair’s Taco Bell McLaren 720S by clicking the video link above. View all current McLaren 720S examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear releases and supercar news. View All McLaren 720S For Sale Source: Adair Auto YouTube

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 30, 2021

The McLaren 720S Daniel Ricciardo Edition Debuts Down Under

This special 720S sports some Formula One flair. McLaren has big things going on down under, and that’s because Australia is the home to their Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo. To celebrate him racing with McLaren, they have decided to release a special Daniel Ricciardo edition of the 720S, and it’s as exclusive as it gets. The car will only be sold in Australia, and there will only be three. MUST READ: Top 10 Fastest Cars in the World – Top Speeds The extremely limited run is justified by the fact that the number 3 is Ricciardo’s racing number, and on the dihedral doors, this number will be placed to remind whoever is lucky enough to own one of these cars. The car was created in partnership with McLaren’s Sydney and Perth retailers, and made its debut on the streets of Melbourne, where the Australian Grand Prix is held. Daniel Ricciardo himself calls the 720s the “absolute benchmark” of McLaren’s lineup, and in the Formula one color scheme of Papaya Spark and Burton Blue, it certainly looks the part. View all of the current McLaren 720S models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All McLaren 720S For Sale Source: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – September 27, 2021

McLaren Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S Revealed

Sadly, it's only meant for Australia. Daniel Ricciardo has been on a tear recently, having finished 1st at the Italian Grand Prix and 4th at the recent Russian Grand Prix. As of writing this, he sits in 8th place in the World Drivers' Championship with 95. If he continues on his current path, I'd expect him to most definitely be moving up in position. To celebrate Ricciardo and his ongoing success with the McLaren F1 Team, the automaker has unveiled the new Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S by MSO. This special edition 720S features carbon fiber sills that feature Ricciardo's signature, his race number '3' etched on the doors, an Australian flag above the front tires, and a dedication plate. Just three examples will be created and each will be finished in Papaya Spark and Burton Blue. The McLaren Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S by MSO will be available only to Australian customers. See All Mclarens For Sale Source: McLaren Automotive

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