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 Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2021

McLaren Celebrates 1,000 Cars Delivered In Canada

Although the weather is a bit on the cold side, McLaren is celebrating 1,000 cars delivered in Canada. Recorded as the last delivery of 2020, the savvy owner ordered a blacked-out 2021 McLaren 720S. The press release mentions it is almost the same specification as the first car delivered north of the border, a black 2012 12C coupe. With 710 horsepower a.nd less than 3,200 lbs, the 720S offers unchained acceleration. Also check out their latest collaboration with RHUDE. Browse McLaren 720S For Sale Images (C) McLaren North America

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By Andrew Nabors – October 06, 2020

2021 McLaren High-Performance Hybrid Supercar Enters Fina...

Yesterday we shared a Ferrari prototype that has been testing V6 power with the latest in hybrid assistance. Over the next model year we will see V6 hybrids replace the V8 thanks to major leaps in battery technology. That is why the 2021 high performance hybrid supercar has entered final testing. In a press release this morning, they offered a few details of the new model. Is This a Hybrid Ferrari V6 Spotted on the Streets? First, it wont be a successor to the P1. Their new V6 engine is optimized to be a generator for the hybrid system, giving it the EV range of a current-generation electric car. The new carbon fiber structure replaces the monocell and monocage with the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture. It is optimized for future developents in propulsion along with being stronger than its predecessors. Speaking of them, this new high-performance hybrid (HPH) will replace the Sports Series (570S, 570GT, etc). It will be placed between the McLaren GT and the 720S in their lineup. The Sports Series has been their bread & butter over the years, so it will be given a proper farewell with a limited run. Based on the 570S GT4, the 620R will be the end of the line. 2015 McLaren P1 Price, Specs, Photos & Review The HPH has been envisioned, developed, and it will be produced at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in Sheffield. CEO Mike Flewitt says: This all-new McLaren supercar is the distillation of everything we have done to date; all that we have learned and achieved, This is a new kind of McLaren for a new era, an extraordinary drivers’ car that offers blistering performance as well as an all-electric range capable of covering most urban journeys. We see this new McLaren as a true ‘next generation’ supercar and cannot wait to show it to customers.” Browse McLaren For Sale Twin-turbo V6 engines with massive electrical capacity are about to eclipse the "Holy Trinity" of 5 years ago. Considering the Koenigsegg 2-liter making 600 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, get ready for another hypercar battle royale. In the meantime we have several Sennas and P1 to choose from, so click the button to find yours.

By Edward Jones – September 11, 2020

See 10-year-old's Winning McLaren Design

Mclaren Automotive and CBBC's Blue Peter have awarded 10-year-old Alex as the winner of their recent 'Supercar of the Future' competition. For his supercar's design, Alex drew his inspiration from nature and used advanced materials that could be grown on a tree. The judges loved his future-focused, sustainable design elements and crowned him the winner. After his win, McLaren's Design Director Rob Melville and his team worked with Alex to turn his sketches into a large-scale model along with virtual renders. On top of this winning the orange Blue Peter badge and getting to work with McLaren's design team, he received a VIP trip to the McLaren Production Center in Woking. It was here that brand ambassador Amanda McLaren welcomed him and showed him around the facility. But it doesn't stop there. Alex also was taken around the Top Gear track by The Stig himself in a McLaren 720S. But wait, there's more! There's also a new paint called 'Alex Leaf Green' that McLaren customers can choose from when ordering cars. Alex definitely had an incredible time and deserved the win! "I hope the supercar of the future competition inspires others to be creative and to really push the boundaries of what we think is possible. Supercars are a very tangible expression of how art and science combine and produce innovation so some of the ideas we’re working on – and that Alex has come up with – will help create breakthroughs and future transport solutions that we can all benefit from in the future." - Rob Melville, Design Director, McLaren Automotive See All McLarens for Sale

By Edward Jones – December 20, 2019

Ruslan Pelykh Directs McLaren 720S Spider Video for McLar...

Press Release - Up and coming multi-hyphenate filmmaker, Ruslan Pelykh has been commissioned by luxury dealership McLaren Beverly Hills to direct a one-of-a-kind video featuring the McLaren 720S Spider. The 720S Spider has the best of both worlds as it combines the adrenaline pumping rush of a supercar while sporting a retractable roof allowing the driver to enjoy its smooth ride under the sun to fully embrace the Los Angeles lifestyle. The video features a captivating Helios Orange 720S Spider and models Michael Yerger, Ari Welkom, and Brittany Phillips, and was produced by Adam Maffei. Similar to the McLaren designers, Pelykh is inspired by the human form and captures close-ups of the models’ body parts in movement, illustrating the correlation to different components of the vehicle. To Pelykh, a woman’s curves mirror the ergonomically designed outer shell, a shoulder morphs into the hood of a car, and a spinal cord resembles the spoiler. Pelykh masters the art of creating powerful yet graceful imagery by contributing an innovative and cutting edge perspective, unlikely to be seen by supercar connoisseurs. As such, this production marks Pelykh’s first supercar-focused project. The video also accentuates the intricacies of the car as well as the unique interiors and views of the dashboard from the driver’s seat. The glossy exteriors are beautifully highlighted and the distinctive details that are exclusive to the McLaren design are brought to the spotlight. The video comes to an end with a sensual display of the power of touch, concluding with an invitation to the viewer to climb into the driver’s seat. Ukranian born, New York City-based Pelykh is known for his artistic vision and handheld camera usage. He has worked with brands such as Alexander Wang, British Vogue, L’Officiel Italia, Rag & Bone and models including Alexina Graham, Doutzen Kroes, Elsa Hosk, and Hailey Bieber amongst others. The McLaren 720S Spider performs like no other as it is exceptionally fast yet still boasts a phenomenal driver engagement. At the heart of the 720S Spider is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that generates 720PS and 770Nm allowing the speed to go from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds and 0 124mph in just 7.9 seconds. The Retractable Hard Top is a new design by McLaren with a one-piece carbon fibre roof panel as standard. For open-air driving, the roof can be lowered in just 11 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. The McLaren 720S Spider is available for purchase at McLaren Beverly Hills ( price upon request ) VIEW MCLAREN BEVERLY HILLS' INVENTORY " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – September 27, 2019

McLaren 720S Apex Collection by MSO

You can't deny that the McLaren 720S is a beast on the streets and on the track. The dual-purpose supercar has seen action on Europe's historic Grand Prix circuits, so a celebration is in order. The McLaren 720S Apex Collection by MSO pays homage to 5 famous tracks. The 15 cars consist of: Apex Great Britain: 2 right-hand drive, and one left-hand drive celebrating Silverstone Apex Germany: 1 RHD and 2 LHD celebrating Hockenheimring. Apex France: 1 RHD and 2 LHD celebrating Circuit Paul Richard Apex Belgium: 1 RHD and 2 LHD celebrating Spa Francorchamps Apex Italy: 1 RHD and 2 LHD celebrating Monza Browse all McLaren 720S For Sale All 15 cars will receive an F1 Paddock Pass, and they are eligible to run in the Pirelli Hot Laps experience. Each example will hopefully find its way to a collector in the country it represents, and sadly none are slated to reach the U.S. Our dealers have several examples of 720S Coupes and Spiders to choose from, and they can have MSO customize it to your heart's content. That's why you should stay with us for all your McLaren news. " width="680"> Related: McLaren 720S Price, Specs, Photos & Review McLaren 720S Coupe & Spider Receive MSO Longtail Spoiler

By Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2019

McLaren 720S Coupe & Spider Receive MSO Longtail Spoiler

We like big spoilers and we can not lie. They are the most critical part of the car at high speeds, forcing the car into the pavement and giving the driver confidence. McLaren's Longtail models utilize massive carbon fiber spoilers, and the 720S crowd must have felt left out. Rejoice, my friends, because the McLaren 720S Coupe and Spider have received the MSO Longtail spoiler. While it has been an MSO option, some buyers omit diving into the MSO program because once you start adding options, it is hard to stop. That is why MSO is offering this spoiler as a retrofit to all 720S Coupes and Spiders. The ratio between downforce and drag is known as aerodynamic efficiency and this one part is twice as efficient as the entire McLaren 650S. When deployed, the spoiler moves between 70% and 80% depending on speed and braking. Drag reduction mode backs it off to 30% for straight-line acceleration. Tap the brake pedal and it goes 100% vertical to add 20% more stopping power. Our dealers have all the information on this upgrade, and if you haven't experienced the perfection of the 720S, click the link below and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Browse McLaren 720S For Sale " width="680"> Related: McLaren 720S Specs, Price, Photos & Review McLaren 720S Scorches the 'Ring

By Edward Jones – August 08, 2019

This Custom LEGO Technic McLaren 720S is a Creative Mast...

Just about every department store in the world has one aisle that's dedicated to the global phenomenon known as LEGO. In these aisles are boxes of LEGO bricks that can be put together to match the creation on the outside of the box. This is all done with the help of an instruction booklet, of course. Building these kits is both satisfying and an incredibly fun task that people of all ages can partake in. However, the real beauty of the LEGO brick comes to the surface when builders use their creativity and ingenuity to construct a creation born of their own imagination. If you need an example of what an expert LEGO builder can do, check out the video up above by the YouTube Channel "Charbel's LEGO TECHNIC Creations." His creation is a 1:8 McLaren 720S model that's loaded with genius features. If you're not in the mood to build your own creation, LEGO has plenty of kits that can help spark your creativity. There are kits of the Bugatti Chiron, James Bond Aston Martin DB5, Ford Mustang and many others. Click here to check them all out. SEE ALL MCLAREN 720S FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2019

How McLaren Transformed a Steel City Into a Carbon Fiber ...

Much of our modern society wouldn't exist without steel. The process of making steel from iron was patented by Sir Henry Bessemer of Sheffield, England. His patent made possible the first large-scale steel plants, and after 1856 Sheffield transformed from a small town into the U.K.'s version of Pittsburgh. Over 200 steel plants flourished here during the industrial revolution, with peak production of 3.5 million tons in 1969. The area was hit hard in the 1970s, as Asian steel flooded the market. But Sheffield will rise again thanks to another critical material. This is how McLaren transformed a Steel City into a carbon fiber capital. In their latest press release, we learn that metalworking employed a quarter of the population in the year 1379. An engineer named Harry Brearley patented Stainless Steel there in 1912. Innovation is nothing new to the workforce here, and that is why McLaren chose the site for their new Composite Technology Centre. Expansion is necessary when you build amazing cars, and the new facility will produce the light & stiff carbon fiber chassis on a grand scale. The Monocage and Monocell chassis are works of art, and they require a skilled workforce along with many hours to produce each one. Their existing plant in Woking has been struggling to keep up with demand, and by relocating chassis production it will allow them to expand and improve their lineup. CEO Mike Flewitt said ‘The region has a long association with advanced materials; first with steel, and now a future to look forward to with carbon fibre innovation and production for McLaren". Sheffield will once again lead the nation in producing the materials needed for the future. Research into graphene has been rumored, and it would make an unbeatable car. Kudos to McLaren for putting Sheffield back to work. Their first creation underpins the McLaren 720S Coupe and Spider, so click the link below to find one near you. Find Your McLaren 720S Here! Related: McLaren Senna Spins Donuts in new Building

By Andrew Nabors – July 17, 2019

duPont REGISTRY Vehicle Spotlight Series ||3|| 2020 McLar...

Our friend Fernando Sustaeta is the Brand Manager at McLaren San Diego. You all have read our thoughts on this amazing car, so now its time for a few insights from one of McLaren's most prolific dealers. dR: What is your favorite model? FS: 720S …is the best of both world…they are so different…” it is all around the best car” for performance and comfort. And now that McLaren offers the 720S Spider, it is the perfect McLaren for San Diego with the hardtop comfortable. dR: What aspect of the 720S Spider do you enjoy the most? FS: “The way the car pulls, regardless of what gear you are in or the way you drive. You are connecting with the car, & connecting with the road. McLaren is one of the only cars that still offers a sense of driving while not removing the human element. The way you connect with the car is unlike any other supercar out there.” https://www.instagram.com/p/B0BlFyaFY1z/ dR: In closing, I would like to add that the 4.0L V8 that was introduced on the 720S is an engineering marvel. All previous McLaren models since the 12C (and including the P1) have used variations of a 3.8L engine. While the change in displacement doesn't seem like much, the 720S Spider has more power across a wider rpm range than its predecessors. If that doesn't speak to your desires, check out the list of optional content: That is why you should experience the 720S Spider with Fernando at McLaren San Diego and discover what the best of both worlds in McLaren feels like! view this mclaren's price and listing

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2019

New McLaren 720S for Kids - The Doors Even Go Up!

Do you own a McLaren 720S? Do you ever get upset that your child doesn't get to experience what it's like to drive such a fine supercar? Don't worry, because McLaren has just unveiled the new 720S "Ride-On," a new model built specifically for kids. The new 720S Ride-On follows in the footsteps of the P1 Ride-On, which debuted back in 2016. Imagine you're a kid, walking up to this car, getting in and feeling like an absolute legend. I mean, the doors even go "up" like the real deal 720S. The 720S Ride-On is powered by an electric motor and can be operated via the pedals or remote control. That R/C is for when your kid is getting out of hand, trying to see how bad it would hurt if they ran it into your legs. McLaren also notes that the accelerator pedal also adds engine sounds and the brake pedal has real brake lights that work in unison. Were the doors and brake lights not enough for you? Well, how about a dashboard display screen. This screen can display key information about the car and even play movies and music via a USB or SD card. If this thing was a little bit bigger, I'd get one to cruise around downtown sidewalks... McLaren Unveils Stylish New Eyewear McLaren is pricing the 720s Ride-On at £315, which equates to roughly $400. The British automaker says it would take nearly seven hundred of these Ride-On to equal the cost of a real 720S Coupe. Papaya Spark is the exclusive launch color for McLaren dealers. There's also a long list of other colors, including Azores Orange, Belize Blue, Lantana Purple, Onyx Black, Mauvine Blue, Silica White, and Saros Grey. Need to find a McLaren retailer? Click the link below! See All McLarens For Sale

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