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 Jordan Aquistapace – December 17, 2020

How To Buy: Period Correct x McLaren 765LT Apparel Collec...

Yesterday, Period Correct and McLaren Automotive announced the release of a limited-edition apparel collection inspired by the 765LT model. The small batch collection includes graphic t-shirts, a hoodie, hat, and long-sleeved shirt sporting the iconic McLaren logos and its infamous orange. The Period Correct x McLaren 765LT Collection is an in-store only release, which means the select dealerships will have inventory and will not restock the apparel once sold out. Celebrate the new 765LT Collection from Period Correct x McLaren by visiting one of your local dealerships listed below on release day. When: Available Now Where: Visit one of the following McLaren dealerships to shop the collection: Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, Charlotte, Greenwich, Philadelphia, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Atlanta, North Jersey, Long Island, Miami, and McLaren Florida. Price: Starting at $40

By Edward Jones – November 19, 2020

McLaren Senna GTR Lego Technic Set Revealed

If there's is one thing that being stuck inside has taught me is that building model kits is such a relaxing way to spend time. From cars to jets and even robots, it's been a blast creating something out of what appears to be random pieces. If you're looking for something to build during your downtime, I ought to suggest the new LEGO Technic Senna GTR set. This new set is loaded with unique features that are incredibly detailed, allowing the builder to really build this supercar from the ground up. Some examples of the intricate details include the V8 engine with moving pistons, functional dihedral doors, and an imposing rear wing. If you're a fan of McLaren, the Senna GTR, or just building models, this is a perfect pick. What's even more inviting is its price of just $49.99. Expect this new set to be available from January 1, 2021, on LEGO.com, LEGO store, and retailers worldwide. If you can't wait, click the button below to see the other incredible LEGO Technic set available, including the Lamborghini Sian and Bugatti Chiron. Shop LEGO.com

By Edward Jones – October 10, 2019

New OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition Smartphone Announced

Just announced is the new OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition smartphone. This happens to be the second collaborative effort between McLaren and OnePlus. So, while the 7T Pro is a powerhouse in terms of specs (256 GB of storage, 12GB LPDDR4X RAM, and Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 855 Plus Mobile Platform), there are quite a few touches that make is a true "McLaren Edition" smartphone. See McLaren 570S for Sale The casing of the phone features Alcantara, which provides grips and style. For the color, they went with the iconic Papaya Orange paint that can be seen on both McLaren supercars and Formula 1 cars. Within the phone's operating system are a few other touches, like the clock inspired by a McLaren's dashboard, and exclusive animations, themes, icons and wallpapers. This phone comes with a starting price of £799 in UK, which is about $1,000 USD. see all mclarens for sale

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 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

By Edward Jones – April 11, 2019

McLaren Senna Model is $13,000, Has Remote for Lights and...

Many people out there may not be able to buy a McLaren Senna due to price and availability. However, there is the impeccable 1:8 McLaren Senna model from Amalgam Collection. If you read the title, you know that this is model is quite pricey, coming in with a price tag of $13,444. For this price, though, you get the finest model you'll find of the Senna supercar. The team at Amalgam Collection spent hundreds of hours designing this model and their efforts were not in vain. Every detail of this model mirrors its full-size counterpart, it's as if they just took a shrink ray to the real Senna. In fact, this model comes with a remote that activates the various light functions on the model and even open or close the electronic doors. That's some serious detail. For more information, click here. Source

By Edward Jones – December 11, 2018

OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition is the Supercar of Phones

Technology is advancing every single day, and with these new advancements come faster speed in sleeker forms. The new OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition phone is a great example of just how far along we've come in terms of mobile phones. OnePlus and McLaren teamed up to create this phone, which is the mobile phone company's fastest yet. I'll break down just how fast this phone really is. First, a full charge can come in just 20 minutes, thanks to OnePlus' Warp Charge 30 charging standard. Also adding speed is the massive amount of memory: 10 GB of RAM. And all that memory will be needed because this phone is capable of high-end gaming and filming 4K at 60 fps. The OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition phone comes with a primarily black appearance that has Papaya Orange trim around the bottom edge. That's right, it has trim like a 720S supercar would! On the backside, you'll see that McLaren added their touch of carbon fiber. Nice. Interested? This phone will be available in the USA on December 13 with a price of $699. shop oneplus.com

By Edward Jones – December 07, 2018

McLaren 570S is Now in Rocket League

So this is what it's like when worlds collide, huh? No, I'm not referencing the song by Powerman 5000. What I'm trying to say is that I love when my love of cars and video games collide and it just happened thanks to a new DLC from Rocket League called the McLaren 570S Car Pack. This pack includes the 570S Battle-Car, as well as two Player Banners. Now, Rocket League players will get the chance to rocket a true English sportscar from each end of the arenas. The pack can be purchased now in-game for just $1.99. If you've never played Rocket League and you happen to enjoy cars, it's worth a try. The premise of the game is that you're in control of a car that races across a field to hit a ball into a goal. It sounds simple, but as soon as you start seeing other cars flip into the air for precise goals, you know there's a lot to learn. Still, it's an incredibly fun game to play if you're looking for something either competitive or casual. And it doesn't matter what console you have because it's available on the Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and PC. buy rocket league " width="680">

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