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 – April 23, 2018

McLaren Unveils Titanium SuperSports Exhaust

If you are reading this, you probably enjoy a healthy exhaust system. Not only does it help your car make more power, but you may also shave some weight in the upgrade. Nobody knows your car like the folks who built it, and that is why McLaren Special Operations developed an upgrade for the 570 series.The Sports Series McLarens are comprised of the 570S, 570S Spider, and the 570GT. Making big power from a 3.8 liter V8 requires the latest in turbo technology. Because the twin turbos are so efficient, they cancel out most of the exhaust sound. After the turbos, all cars must have catalytic converters which kill the sound even more. Because they are so quiet, MSO ditched the mufflers for the SuperSports system. The converters are built in a gorgeous X-pipe, and the entire system is made of titanium. This is as close to running open headers as you will get, legally at least. So if your 570 could use more character, click the link below to find our dealer nearest you.

By Andrew Nabors – April 19, 2018

McLaren Unveils 570S Spider Design Editions

If McLaren is guilty of anything, it is offering their customers too many choices. McLaren Special Operations will build your car to order, without any limit to color or materials. Now that the 570S Spider has built in many flavors, the factory has compiled the top 5 most popular orders.The new "Design Editions" program first appeared on the 570S Coupe, and it was a smashing success. So the process was altered slightly to favor the needs of convertible buyers. Each of them is based on a special body color. They range from Silica White, Storm Grey, Vermillion Red, Onyx Black, to Vega Blue. They have unique interiors and 10-spoke forged wheels.McLaren Releases Track Pack For 570S SpiderEach edition is cheaper than asking MSO to combine the options separately so it will make the Sports Series an appealing choice for those considering a competitor. The press release earlier this morning also mentions the recently released Track Pack for the 570S Spider, which offers the ultimate in grip. To find out more about ordering yours, click the link below and stay with us for all your McLaren news.Browse McLaren 570S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2018

McLaren Senna Unleashed At Silverstone

When his teammate Tim Mayer died, Bruce McLaren told his team that life is short. "It should be measured in achievements, not years." The automotive genius who left us at only 32 years old started a fire that won't be soon extinguished. McLaren Automotive has never stopped pushing the limits. That's why we're excited to see the new McLaren Senna attack the historic Silverstone circuit. In a tweet early this morning, the Senna looks ready to race.McLaren Senna in Full Carbon to Make Waves in GenevaAs a tribute to another racer who left us too early, the Senna evokes memories of Ayrton's dominance behind the wheel. Officially, the car is rated at 659 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Everyone knows McLaren is very conservative when it comes to published numbers, it could probably do that running on 7 cylinders. Even at that level, it has a better power-to-weight ratio than the P1 GTR. They promised updates throughout the week, so stay with us for all your McLaren news.Browse McLaren For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2018

McLaren Unveils 570S Spider Canada Commission

Our neighbors to the north love cars just as much as we do. Canadians might not have the ideal driving weather for much of the year, but that doesn't mean they should miss out on amazing cars. The former British colony is still part of the Commonwealth, so English supercars receive a warm welcome. Pfaff Automotive Partners are McLaren's importer for Canada, and they asked McLaren Special Operations for something unique.If you have the means, MSO will customize your McLaren to your heart's content. So they announced in a press release this morning that they are building 5 unique examples of the 2019 570S Spider to celebrate the brand's success in Canada. These Silica White Spiders have red exposed carbon fiber. White and red accents throughout the car play tribute to the Candian flag, and we hope maple syrup was somehow incorporated.McLaren Special Operations Delivers 10 Wild 570S CoupesBruce McLaren brought home several podium finishes from Canadian races in the 60's, so we think he would be proud of this collection. If you are interested, three examples are heading to McLaren Toronto, and the other two are heading to McLaren Vancouver and McLaren Montreal. If you spend your winters here in the states, our dealers will be happy to replicate this build, so click on the link below and have a great weekend.Browse McLaren 570S Spider For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2018

WATCH: McLaren 720S vs BMW S100RR

What happens when a two-wheeler challenges a McLaren 720S? In the normal world, any motorcycle has a better power-to-weight ratio than a car. But what if both contestants are not from a normal world? If you have never been on a BMW motorcycle, you are truly missing out. These finely tuned machines have none of the quirks associated with every other liter-bike, and their low center of gravity is a nice for height-impaired riders (like yours truly). It makes 199 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque. It only weighs 403 lbs with a full tank, so the performance potential is easy to see.Clash Of Titans: McLaren 720S vs. Kawasaki Ninja H2To see if it can compete against the latest from England, our friend Brooks from DragTimes decided to see if his 720S was a worthy opponent. Once they arrived in Mexico, a series of six races shows what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Launch control and horsepower are great for drag racing, but after 100 mph, the battle comes down to torque vs. air. Horsepower will get you to top speed, but its torque that keeps you there. The issue with the McLaren 720S is that the factory claims it makes 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. While these are respectable numbers, everyone seems to know they are sandbagging.McLaren 720S vs. 675LT on the AutobahnMy own seat time in the McLaren 720S is limited, but be warned, it accelerates like an ACME rocket. Give us your thoughts on the races in the comments below, and keep your racing at the track. Stay with us for all the latest uploads from DragTimes.Find Your McLaren 720S

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2018

Three McLaren P1s Attack Alpine Airfield

To us, a McLaren P1 is a bit useless if it never goes outside. That's why we applaud the attendees of this year's SupercarOwnersCircle for gathering together for some high-speed fun. Uploaded to YouTube by Niklas97, this event was one for the record books.Why You Should Buy a McLaren P1Not only were there numerous Porsches & German attendees, but it was also a rare moment to have three examples of the McLaren P1 at the same location. Only 375 examples of the English hypercar were produced, so seeing one in public is next to impossible. Powered by a 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8, the P1 makes use of a hybrid drive to achieve 903 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. These figures represent total output of the engine and the battery, so the latter must be fully charged to achieve this.Ferrari FXX K vs. McLaren P1 GTR at MonzaTo see who had the most voltage available, the three cars lined up for a top speed run. With fluids and a driver, the weight approaches 3,500 lbs. Even so, it is able to reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, and by 6.8 seconds you will smash 124 mph. Four seconds is all it takes to double your ground speed. It would be neat to see if the SR-71 is capable of this because the numbers are simply stunning, that is until you reach 217 mph and the party is over. Tell us which car you would drive in the comments below and stay with us for all your McLaren updates.Browse McLaren P1 For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 05, 2018

See & Hear the McLaren 570S Spider Run 0-62 MPH

Unveiled back in 2017 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Mclaren 570S Spider has been one of the English automaker's hottest cars. This model takes the DNA of the 570S, including its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, and removes the top from it. Since its unveiling, the 570S has been incredibly popular, as most convertible variants are once they're released.Being a McLaren, the 570S Spider is as quick as the rest even without a top. To prove this point, PDriveTV took one example of the car out for some sprints and recorded it for all of YouTube to see. In the video, we get to see just how quickly the car can run from 0 to 62 mph, which is obviously impressive.Top Speed Shootout: 750 HP M5 vs McLaren 570SEven though the 570S Spider may weigh just 101 lbs more than its coupe brethren, it's still one heck of a quick sprinter. In the video below, they recorded a litany of feats. During the tests, the 570S Spider ran 0-62 mph in 3.25 seconds and completed a 1/4-mile in 10.99 @ 132 mph. PDriveTV recorded these results and many more by testing the car on a smooth, flat and drive private road, and the numbers are the result of at least three attempts. Each attempt was recorded via a VBOX Sport GPS timing tool. Check out the test for yourself in the video below!

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2018

McLaren Creating Sculpture Only Meant for Select Few

Have you already put your down payment on the new McLaren Hyper-GT car, codename BP23? If you have, then you're definitely in for a treat and a few extras to go along with your new hypercar. While it's been quiet regarding all of the details about the car and what will be coming along with its delivery, McLaren has at least shown us an exclusive sculpture that will be coming along with the car.McLaren 570S for SaleDubbed the "Speed Form" sculpture, McLaren says that this is a piece that "money-can't-buy." Why? Well, that's because this sculpture is only meant for the 106 confirmed buyers of the new BP23. The sculpture itself measures in at 400mm x 205mm x 80mm and weighs only 3.6 kg. It's created through a CNC cutting process and the touch of craftsmen, a process that takes more than 100 hours. For the hand-polishing alone, it's a 30 hours task. McLaren 720S for SaleAs for its design, McLaren says it "provides an early hint of the luxury and imagination that extends under the skin of the vehicle to its icon-eclipsing interior, which is arranged in the same three-seat, central driving position layout as the McLaren F1 that inspired it." So, in all seriousness, this sculpture is our best look yet at the unrevealed BP23.

By Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2018

McLaren Releases Track Pack For 570S Spider

Late last year, McLaren decided to offer a comprehensive upgrade kit for the 570S Coupe. Owners responded quickly to the hardcore upgrades. Adding the same level of precision to the Spider proved to be a bit more involved, but Good Friday is a good day to be an owner of a 570S Spider.In a press release this morning, we've learned the new kit includes more carbon fiber than you have seen before. Starting with the race seats, owners can choose from six interior sport design themes. These are six distinct design packages, something unheard of from other manufacturers. The Sports Exhaust has less internal baffling, and it allows the true sound of the mighty 3.8 liter V8 to be heard.McLaren Special Operations Delivers 10 Wild 570S CoupesAlso included are the forged monoblock Super-Lightweight 10 spokes. The lightest McLaren production wheel, they are only offered in stealth finish. The final upgrade is McLaren Track Telemetry, which will help you shave time off of each lap. The Track Pack is available for order, so click the link below to find our dealer nearest you. Happy Easter and have a great weekend!Browse McLaren 570S Spiders For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 29, 2018

McLaren Senna in Action in New Video

The new McLaren Senna is about as aggressive and extreme as you can get when it comes to the manufacturer's models. McLaren has said explicitly that the Senna is their most "extreme McLaren road car yet." Even though the Senna is a road car, it was designed to perform exceptionally on every circuit. McLaren Senna GTR Sold Out McLaren's senior test driver Gareth Howell explains in a new video just how well the Senna can adapt to any track's situation. Howell also shows off the Senna capabilities in motion on the Kyalami circuit in South Africa. One of the most interesting visuals in the video, found below, is the active aero in action. Both the rear wing and front aero components adjust themselves to provide the best possible downforce in any given situation. Check it out for yourself in the video down below.

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