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 – 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

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 31, 2022

Gulf Formula Becomes McLaren Automotive's First Fill Lubr...

McLaren chooses Gulf lubricants as the forefront of its engine protection and performance. The partnership between the supercar specialists at McLaren Automotive and the technology team at Gulf started in 1968 with motorsport divisions such as Formula 1, Can-Am series, and Le Mans 24 Hours. As a leader in automotive lubrication, Gulf continues to work closely with McLaren to develop and test the perfect mixture to help protect the supercar manufacturer’s engine platforms. McLaren is proud to announce Gulf as the automotive brand’s first fill lubricant, meaning that each V6 and V8 that leaves Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, England will contain the appropriate lubricant to sustain peak performance. MUST-READ: The Best Gulf Livery Cars Gulf Formula Elite uses Thermoshield Technology to meet McLaren’s exacting performance and efficiency demands by forming a robust coating on all critical engine parts for enhanced wear defense. Gulf Formula Elite maintains optimum temperature by helping to dissipate heat, actively prevents oil deterioration, and helps to provide greater deposit control. The heritage of the two icons began on the circuit of Le Mans with the famous McLaren F1 GTR and is now continuing its legacy throughout the fleet of performance-focused supercars and hypercars. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle and supercar news. View All McLaren For Sale McLaren Source: McLaren

By Edward Jones – December 02, 2021

Meet Nicolas Brown, the New President of McLaren, The Ame...

McLaren, The Americas have announced that Nicolas Brown has been given the permanent appointment as President of the Americas region. Brown is a perfect pick for the position as he has spent many years within the automotive industry. “Nicolas has already proven himself to be a great asset to our business in the Americas,” said George Biggs, Global Commercial Executive Director. “We look forward to him leading the team in our biggest global market, as the company moves into its second decade and beyond.” Prior to joining McLaren back in May 2019, he had been with BMW Group for 16 years. This included time with the Rolls-Royce and BMW brands in both North America and Europe. With McLaren, The Americas, he joined as Vice President of Sales until he took over as the Interim President when Tony Joseph decided to step down from the position. Now, his interim position will be a permanent one and that spells great news for the McLaren brand in the Americas. "We are now readying ourselves for the biggest transition in product since we introduced the 12C back in December 2011, with the all-new McLaren Artura, which will be instrumental in setting our course in the Americas as we make the transition to electrified and hybrid powertrains," said Nicolas Brown. "In addition, we’ll be moving into our new Americas headquarters in Dallas, Texas, early next year, enabling us to support our retailers with even more comprehensive aftersales, training and technical support. There is a bright future to look forward to as we continue to grow both our brand and sales in this key market." View McLarens For Sale Source: McLaren Automotive

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 Jordan Aquistapace – November 03, 2021

McLaren Extreme E Announces First-Ever Female Driver And ...

Team McLaren is taking its performance off-road on a new adventure with the Extreme E Series. While McLaren is best known for crushing lap times on the Formula 1 circuit, the British supercar manufacturer is looking to take on new roads in the Extreme E series. McLaren is proud to unveil the Extreme E race car livery along with Emma Gilmour, the team's first-ever female driver. The announcement of McLaren’s newest driver is a historical moment for McLaren Racing made all the more poignant as Emma is a compatriot of the team’s founder, racing legend, engineer, and innovator, Bruce McLaren. Emma will be competing in the series alongside world-renowned American professional racing driver Tanner Foust. MUST-READ: Jenson Button Joins Team Lotus in Extreme E Championship The McLaren Extreme E launch livery was revealed for the first time during the engagement at Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow. The livery, hand-drawn by award-winning artist and illustrator, Vic Lee, represents the entire race calendar through the four biomes of the Arctic, Amazon, Desert, and Ocean. Illustrations on the livery focus on each landscape, drawing inspiration from the legacy left behind by the Extreme E series, teams, and staff while detailing some of the steps which can be taken to reduce the impact of climate change. The livery also reflects McLaren Racing’s commitment to the ‘Count Us In’ pledge. Count Us In is a global movement of people and organizations to inspire a billion people to take practical steps to reduce their carbon footprint by committing to one or more of 16 steps. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming news on team Mclaren’s journey into the Extreme E series. Click on the link below to view all of the current McLaren vehicles for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View All McLaren For Sale on duPont REGISTRY McLaren Source: McLaren

By Edward Jones – November 01, 2021

McLaren 765LT Spider Expected to Follow Coupe's Strong Va...

Presented by McLaren Automotive - When the 2020 McLaren 765LT first arrived, it quickly dominated road tests while simultaneously blurring the lines between a supercar and a hypercar. This tremendous performance came thanks to the 765LT's ultra-powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which develops 755 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the 765LT utilized carbon fiber extensively to reduce weight and improve overall aerodynamic efficiency. The result was a 0-60 mph time of under three seconds and a sub-10-second quarter-mile time. To put a 765LT Coupe in your driveway, you had to pay at least $363,500 to start without considering the model's seemingly endless options. As its name suggests, the 765LT was part of a limited run of just 765 cars worldwide. One quick look at the listings available on duPont REGISTRY reveals that all of the used examples currently have listed prices of well above $500,000, showcasing excellent value retention. Following up the monster machine that is the 765LT Coupe, the British carmaker introduced the 2022 McLaren 765 LT Spider. Since it shares its powertrain and power output with the Coupe, the Spider variant is the most powerful convertible ever produced by the brand. Additionally, the original chassis itself is so stiff that the Spider variant required no further strengthening. The only weight penalty comes as a result of the folding metal roof. Following in the footsteps of its mechanical sibling, there will only ever be 765 Spider variants. With a base price of around $382,500, the Spider commands a premium over the Coupe of just under $20,000. However, given the limited production numbers and the results we've seen with the Coupe, all signs indicate that the Spider should retain its value just as well. As it stands, VIP customers across the US have begun optioning their Spiders, with deliveries scheduled for the near future. All allocations of 765LT Spider are now spoken for, but to learn more about the McLaren 765LT Spider and maybe even configure your dream car, check out the link below. Visit McLaren.com " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 12, 2021

The McLaren F1 Releases The U.S. Grand Prix Collection

Show your team pride as team McLaren heads to Austin, Texas for this year's US GP. With the U.S. Grand Prix just around the corner, Formula 1 fans prep for the highly-anticipated race at The Circuits of America in Austin, TX. Alongside dedicated fans, the McLaren F1 team is also prepping for the event with its own 2021 US GP Collection. The new apparel and accessories collection steps away from the traditional formal style of polos seen in the paddock, and introducing American football-inspired McLaren driver jerseys. The vintage-style jersey is available with Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris’ driving numbers in McLaren’s iconic papaya orange colorway. Along with the commemorative jerseys, McLaren F1 also includes a new sports hat in the new collection that features a red, white, and blue colorway. Celebrate Mclaren F1’s journey to victory at the 2021 U.S. Grand Prix with the new apparel and accessories collection. Shop the new collection from the McLaren F1 team by clicking the link below. Shop The McLaren U.S. GP Collection Media/Info Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 12, 2021

TUMI x McLaren Add Key Travel Accessory Pieces To Its Col...

TUMI and McLaren have crafted nine additional pieces, extending the collaborative range to include small leather goods, outerwear, and sleeker silhouettes. Since its debut earlier this year, the TUMI x McLaren Collection continues to grow in popularity with automotive enthusiasts. The collection of premium travel accessories and luggage features lightweight designs crafted from carbon fiber. As the dynamic duo approaches its third year of collaborating, TUMI x McLaren is proud to announce two new additions to the collection. The M-Tech Soft Satchel is this collection’s travel solution. As weekend trips, staycations, and short breaks continue to trend, this satchel makes the perfect companion for those who prefer the ease of unstructured silhouettes. The duffel is fashioned with both an articulated papaya-accented padded shoulder strap and leather top carry handles to offer adaptability while keeping you on the move. MUST-READ: How To Buy: McLaren x TUMI Luggage Collection The Halo Backpack embodies luxury performance, featuring a molded front panel, a padded sleeve that can hold up to a 14-inch laptop, and a built-in USB port for on-the-go recharging. It is accented with carbon fiber, papaya highlights, a leather handle, and magnetic zippers featuring subtle TUMI and McLaren branding. Rounding out the collection’s smaller goods are the Global Double Billfold, Passport Cover, and Folding Card Case. Each is exquisitely fashioned in leather and highlighted with papaya-colored metal hardware, carbon fiber, and embossed branding, which make them perfect for holiday gifting. Shop the newest additions to the TUMI x McLaren Collection by clicking the link below. Shop TUMI x McLaren Media/Info Source: McLaren

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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By Edward Jones – September 15, 2021

Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris Rolled Up to McLaren Ce...

Well deserved. After taking first and second place at the Italian GP, Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris had a lot of celebrating to do once the race was finished. Now, they've brought their celebrations home to the McLaren Technology Center (MTC) where the company awaited their return. The two racers pulled up to the MTC in style, with Ricciardo behind the wheel of a Lantana Purple 720S Spider and Norris in a Curacao Blue 765LT. Once they hopped out of the cars, the celebration started, trophies included. Congratulations are in order for McLaren and their team, and especially Ricciardo who was long overdue for a victory. You can see all of the celebrations below and even more on the Mclaren F1 Twitter account. https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1438183222140100611 https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1438189675819192320 https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1438191662417727491 https://www.instagram.com/p/CT2aGwvofUx/

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