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 Tyler Rampersaud – February 22, 2024

2021 McLaren 765LT For Sale In Unique "MSO Light Pistachi...

This stunning spec is nuts (no pun intended). McLaren is known for its lightweight, powerful, dynamic, and beautiful supercars, and its MSO (McLaren Special Operations) program allows customers to add bespoke style and unique touches to their machine that already boasts track and back road prowess. One of MSO’s most interesting creations is this 2021 McLaren 765LT, and it’s listed for sale. Its exterior color is undoubtedly the biggest eye catcher: it’s a pale green called MSO Light Pistachio. The exterior also features a roof scoop and carbon fiber aerodynamic elements. However, it doesn’t stop at the exterior. Yellow brake calipers hint at the equally unique interior, which is finished in yellow leather, with accents in navy blue Alcantara, hints of burgundy Alcantara, and blue-tinted carbon fiber. With a beautiful and unique exterior color, and loads of optional extras, this is one of the best and most intriguing McLarens for sale. View the listing of this 2021 McLaren 765LT for sale by clicking below. View Listing Image Source: Carrio Motor Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 03, 2024

Two-Tone MSO 2022 McLaren 765LT Spider Listed For Sale

This bespoke creation is sure to turn heads. McLaren is known for a lineup full of lightweight, agile, and powerful supercars with a driver-focused character, racing pedigree and heritage, and a proud 60-year history. However, its aptitude for delivering style and luxury in its supercars has elevated since the introduction of the MSO (McLaren Special Operations) bespoke program. With MSO, clients are able to configure McLarens with special paintwork and liveries, as well as bespoke interiors, and this 2022 McLaren 765LT Spider for sale, available at McLaren Philadelphia, features some of MSO’s most ambitious offerings. Immediately noticeable is the two-tone livery, combining Tokyo Cyan with Tarmac Black, transitioning in the middle with a hexagon-patterned gradient. The same vibrant Tokyo Cyan hue decorates the brake calipers, as well as in accents throughout the black interior. Along with the MSO details, the car features a long list of optional equipment as well, making for a supercar that is simultaneously powerful, agile, track-focused, lightweight, stylish, and luxurious. For any McLaren enthusiast who wants a supercar that delivers exhilarating open-top performance and turns heads with unique, bespoke style, view the price and listing of this 2022 McLaren 765LT Spider for sale by clicking below. View Price And Listing Image Source: McLaren Philadelphia

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By Jordan Aquistapace – August 11, 2023

McLaren Beverly Hills Shows Off An MSO Metallic Cocoa McL...

With a configuration unlike any other on the planet, this McLaren 765LT Spider stands out as a top tier spec!

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 23, 2023

NBA Star's Former MSO Satin Chicane 2022 McLaren 765LT Fo...

Built in collaboration with McLaren's bespoke service, this MSO 765LT Spider is unlike any other on the road.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 23, 2023

Triple F Collection's New McLaren 765LT Spider Has A $100...

After the next four upcoming deliveries, The Triple F Collection will house 12 insane McLaren models. With one of the most impressive car collections on the planet, Triple F Collection continues to take up garage space with more exclusive supercars and hypercars. Although the fleet is filled with examples from Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, and many more, the family can certainly agree that the McLaren brand stands out as their favorite. In their newest video, Jason and Jordan of the Triple F Collection take delivery of a McLaren 765LT Spider with an extremely special factory finish. The first of the two McLaren 746LT configurations ordered by Triple F is Jordan’s convertible, which features a jaw-dropping blue fade finish courtesy of the creative team at McLaren Special Operations. MUST-READ: The Best McLaren 765LTs You Can Buy Today The all-blue spec presents a gorgeous fade effect that starts as dark blue from the front end and transitions into Serilium Blue starting at the door. The one-of-a-kind paint job from McLaren adds an extra $100,000 to the sticker price. Along with Jordan’s McLaren 765LT Spider, Jason also took delivery of his new Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. Giving up the initial allocation to his brother, Jason will also be receiving his full carbon McLaren 765LT Spider spec in the near future. Watch the Triple F Collection debut the $100,000 McLaren 765LT Spider paint job on the video above. View all current McLaren 765LT Spider examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All McLaren 765LT Spiders For Sale Source: Triple F Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 17, 2022

Watch Daniel Ricciardo Rip The McLaren 765LT Around Willo...

The only reason we stopped is because there were no tires left for the Honey Badger. While McLaren offers a track-like driving experience for its clientele of passionate supercar enthusiasts, its performance abilities are showcased when a true professional gets behind the wheel. Teaming up with the team at GoPro, McLaren F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo puts that thought to the test with a McLaren 765LT. Daniel and the team fit the 755-horsepower track beast with GoPro HERO11 Black Mini cameras to capture every intense corner of Willow Springs International Motorsport Park. MUST-READ: These Are The Top McLaren-Inspired Gifts That Should Be On Your Holiday Wish List Seemingly more tame than his lightweight and agile McLaren Formula 1 racecar, Daniel Ricciardo maneuvers the McLaren 765LT as if it was second nature to the Australian pro driver. Watch Daniel Ricciardo rip the McLaren 765LT around Willow Springs by clicking the video link above. The all-new GoPro HERO11 Black Mini is currently available through GoPro’s website starting at $299.98. View all McLaren 765LT examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All McLaren 765LT For Sale Source: GoPro YouTube

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By Tyler Rampersaud – August 08, 2022

McLaren Houston Created This Incredible New MSO Black And...

When it comes to bespoke beauty, MSO means business. MSO, short for McLaren Special Operations, is where McLaren makes a real car out of its clients’ wildest dreams, and this MSO-customized McLaren 765LT created by a customer with McLaren Houston is absolutely a car with looks that are unique, stunning, and definitely bespoke. The color seen throughout is black interrupted with deep blue, and it is seen throughout both the bodywork and the interior in different forms. Paired with black throughout, the midnight blue color is even seen in the exposed carbon fiber of the door sills. MUST READ: Check The Spec: 2022 McLaren 720S Spider Performance Finished In Onyx Black Over Yellow Leather The exterior color is mainly black with midnight blue accents highlighting vents and other panels. Once you open the door, you’ll see the incredible blue carbon fiber in the door sills, along with black seats that are perforated to reveal midnight blue underneath. The black interior is decorated with other blue accents throughout. With gorgeous bespoke finishes making it a truly unique statement, this Midnight McLaren 765LT is truly a dream come true. View All McLarens For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by McLaren Houston (@mclarenhou) Source: McLaren Houston

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 18, 2022

NOVITEC Upgrades the McLaren 765LT Spider For Mind-Blowin...

The McLaren 765LT Spider gets an extra dose of the things that make it great. The McLaren 765LT Spider begs the question: What’s not to want about an open-top, high-performance supercar? Built with McLaren’s knowledge of the track and the legacy of its long-tailed racing machines, the 765LT Spider is ready to deliver quite the unforgettable open-air driving experience, and while it’s an incredible supercar as it is, NOVITEC is known for creating performance cars that are the best of the best with its signature upgrades, tweaks, and cosmetic additions. MUST READ: McLaren Financial Services Launches To Make Buying Or Leasing A New McLaren Easier With NOVITEC’s upgraded electronics and exhaust system, the 765LT Spider’s power grows to an impressive 855 horsepower and 662 lb/ft of torque. As a bonus, the exhaust system makes the sound of the McLaren 765LT Spider even more sonorous. NOVITEC also adds aerodynamics components throughout the car with exposed carbon fiber for an edgy, sporty look as well as an upgraded suspension system for additional dynamic performance. The wheels NOVITEC provides for the 765LT Spider were developed in collaboration with aftermarket wheel manufacturer Vossen. In continuation with the unique, track-ready look the NOVITEC McLaren 765LT Spider boasts, the wheels sport 20-inch diameters at the front and 21-inch diameters at the back and are wrapped in high-performance tires. With a 0-60 time of fewer than 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of over 205 mph, the McLaren 765LT Spider delivers once-in-a-lifetime levels of performance with NOVITEC’s help. View All McLaren 765LT Spiders For Sale Source: NOVITEC

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By Tyler Rampersaud – June 30, 2022

Check Out This New Two-Tone McLaren 765LT Spider Customiz...

A Mclaren customized by MSO Bespoke is art on wheels. MSO Bespoke is McLaren’s division that specializes in making the wildest dreams of McLaren clients come true. What you’re able to specify on an MSO Bespoke-customized car is virtually limitless, and it means that you’re able to have a stunning supercar that’s truly yours in every way. From paint colors to graphics, from stitching to upholstery, MSO Bespoke is dedicated to realizing your vision for a unique McLaren. At McLaren Houston, a customer recently took delivery of an incredible MSO Bespoke-customized 765LT Spider, which features a unique two-tone paint job. MUST READ: The GearBox: A Hybrid Hypercar Look Split down the middle with a hexagonal honeycomb pattern, the car’s right side is finished in McLaren’s classic Papaya Spark color, while the left side is finished in Cosmos Black. The two-tone scheme with the honeycomb split is called the MSO Bespoke Dyad theme, and it makes for quite the striking look on what is already an incredibly gorgeous supercar. Combine that with the McLaren 765LT Spider’s 755 horsepower, 590 lb/ft of torque, sub-3-second 0-60 time, and 205-mph top speed, and you have a car that’s showstopping standing still, let alone in motion. View All McLaren 765LTs For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by McLaren Houston (@mclarenhou) Source: Instagram/McLaren Houston

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 07, 2022

Check The Spec: Jeffree Star's New 'Pink Magic' McLaren 7...

The McLaren 765LT takes on a new head-turning appearance. While supercar manufacturing continues to grow with advancements in design and technology, owners become the artists behind creating one-of-a-kind examples for their personal collections. The team at McLaren Newport Beach is proud to be a part of the configuration process for celebrity Jeffree Star’s new McLaren 765LT. The American Youtuber, entrepreneur, makeup artist, and former songwriter is a known car enthusiast with a growing collection of highly-desirable supercars that incorporate an artistic vision. The McLaren 765LT presents itself in a bespoke ‘Pink Magic’ exterior finish that highlights the light-weight aerodynamic body style, with pink accents featured on the sport-style 10-spoke wheels. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: A One-Of-A-Kind 2019 Bugatti Chiron On the interior, the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division completely reimagined the traditional 765LT cabin layout with a matching ‘Pink Magic’ and carbon fiber design that complements the colorful style of Jeffree Star. The top to bottom custom McLaren 765LT build for Jeffree Star is a product of the creative abilities of the professionals at McLaren Newport Beach and McLaren MSO. View all current McLaren 765LT inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more celebrity car news and luxury gear releases. View All McLaren 765LT For Sale Source: @mclarennewportbeach

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