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 – March 03, 2021

McLaren Hires New Licensing Agency to Expand Collaborations

Co-branding can make or break an automaker, ask AMC about Levi's edition interiors...It takes a keen eye to spot potential partnerships, so McLaren has hired a new licensing agency to expand collaborations. Cherry London delivered an enticing presentation, and their history of working with Jaguar, Land Rover, Visa, and Malibu rum is loaded with success. McLaren's existing partners include such brands as Lego, Tumi, Richard Mille, and Gulf oil, and they are looking forward to expanding the lineup. Tell us the best and worst co-branded cars in the comments below and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Shop McLaren Image (C) McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2021

2021 McLaren MCL35M & Drivers Announced

This year's F1 season will be one for the record books now that the 2021 McLaren MCL35M & drivers have been announced. Daniel Ricciardo has seven wins to his credit at only 31 years old. A decade his junior is Lando Norris who is entering his 3rd year with Team McLaren. Their chariots for this year are an aerodynamic improvement that incorporates new mandates along with relentless winter testing. Mercedes-AMG has delivered an all-new M12 E, which we will hopefully experience in the upcoming Project ONE hypercar. A new budget cap has forced teams to be innovative without breaking the bank, so it will be interesting to see how the competition responds. The opening race will happen March 28th in Bahrain, and tomorrow we will share the first filmed running of the car from Silverstone. Would you drive this new F1 car or the new McLaren Artura? McLaren For Sale Images (C) McLaren

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

By Andrew Nabors – October 01, 2020

2021 McLaren 765LT Arrives With Unique Pirelli Rubber

You can incredible power and sophistication, but your car is only as good as the tires allow it to be. With 765 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, the latest English supercar needs straight-line traction along with the flexibility to hold a corner. So that is why the 2021 McLaren 765LT will arrive with unique Pirelli rubber. See How Fast the McLaren 765LT Hits 150 MPH Early on in the car's development, McLaren engineers reached out to Pirelli to see if their best could be improved upon. After extensive simulations, they developed a unique tread pattern to optimize the contact patch. These unique P Zero Trofeo R are distinguished by the "MC" on the sidewall. They allow the 765LT to go faster around a test track than any previous McLaren. For drivers who don't race their cars, normal P Zeros are also an option. All incorporate PNCS- Pirelli Noise Cancelling System that negates much of the road noise associated with high-performance tires. Click the button to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Browse McLaren For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 23, 2020

2021 McLaren 765LT Production & Performance Specs Unveiled

For those of us lucky to secure an allocation, this car is going to destroy all preconceived notions of what the brand is capable of. That's because the 2021 McLaren 765LT production and performance specs were in our inbox this morning. Their latest press release starts by confirming that all 765 cars have been sold, and production will be starting in a few days. While it has all the trademark aspects of its LongTail predecessors, this car will be the first to be comprised of body panels from the McLaren Composites Technology Center. It is there that the future of McLaren will be in lighter and stronger carbon fiber. Of course the 765LT is longer and a little wider due to the aerodynamic enhancements, and yet it is 77 lbs lighter than the 720S. Having 765 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque allow it to reach 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. You will be at 124 mph in 7 seconds and blasting through the quarter-mile in 9.9 ticks. Those numbers speak for themselves, and the 765LT will command respect from all enthusiasts. As soon as we get our hands on one we will have a proper review for you. Until then, click the button for great offers from our dealers and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Browse McLaren For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 25, 2020

McLaren Unveils Lighter & Stronger Hybrid Chassis

Engineers in Sheffield have been burning the candle at both ends. Because McLaren is transforming to a hybrid and electric lineup, CEO Mike Flewitt asked them for no compromises. So a logical starting point is their renowned carbon fiber chassis. Reducing weight was a major concern as their upcoming models will have several times more battery capacity as the 2015 McLaren P1 for sale. It will be capable of hybrid or EV power, and it has a modular layout to fit rear or AWD cars. Here is what Mr. Flewitt had to say:“The new ground-breaking vehicle architecture is every bit as revolutionary as the MonoCell chassis we introduced with the company’s first car, the 12C, when we first embarked on making production vehicles a decade ago.“This new, ultra-lightweight carbon fibre chassis boasts greater structural integrity and higher levels of quality than ever before with our new MCTC facility quickly becoming recognized as a global center of excellence in composite materials science and manufacturing. You Can Buy an Electric McLaren Senna for Your Kid “Our advanced expertize in lightweight composites processes and manufacturing combined with our experience in cutting-edge battery technology and high-performance hybrid propulsion systems means we are ideally placed to deliver to customers levels of electrified high-performance motoring that until now have simply been unattainable.”The first car on this chassis is well into development and we will see it early next year. Until then, check out great incentives on 2020 models from our dealers and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Browse McLaren For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 28, 2020

Gulf & McLaren Announce new Partnership

Gulf Oil's historic colors have graced the world's most significant cars. In 1968 they took a chance on a "Speedy Kiwi" sponsoring McLaren until the end of the '73 season. This allowed Bruce and his team to build cars that dominated Formula 1 and Can-Am, winning over 40 races along the way. Fast forward to the late 90s, with the Gulf McLaren F1 GTR leaving everyone in the rear view. Now its time to renew that collaboration, announced in a press release this morning. Every McLaren Race Car from 2021 onward will use Gulf oil, fuel, and lubricants. Chevrolet Teases Gulf Livery for 2021 Corvette To celebrate these old friends reuniting, McLaren's F1 cars and team members will sport Gulf colors at the British Grand Prix this weekend. McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt said: It’s great to be able to welcome back Gulf after a long historical association which has seen the name adorn many McLaren road cars and race cars over the years. McLaren has a rich history of working with class-leading partners and we’re delighted to continue this trend via our renewed partnership with Gulf. Like McLaren, the Gulf name is synonymous around the world with technical excellence and innovation and the excitement of going racing and motoring. “Every supercar will have Gulf fuel and lubricants when it leaves the McLaren Production Centre and I know our customers will be thrilled to be able to work with our in-house bespoke team on the option of being one of the few to be able to personalise their McLaren supercar in the iconic Gulf livery.” Tell us your favorite Gulf branded car in the comments below and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Browse McLaren For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 22, 2020

McLaren San Diego Hosts Coffee & Parris With Dan Lanzante

Zoom has made social distancing easy, especially for people like us who enjoy car meets. To show the world how McLaren keeps in touch with customers and dealers, the O'Gara Collective has uploaded an informative call between racer & brand ambassodor Parris Mullins and McLaren F1 legend Dan Lanzante. He is the only authorized person to convert McLaren's P1 GTR and other racing models to be street legal. Needless to say, both celebrities have stories to tell, so sit back and enjoy this meeting of McLaren masters. O'Gara has all the new & pre-owned McLarens you need in your life, so click the button below and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Browse Inventory " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2020

McLaren Group Joins VentilatorChallengeUK

Even while distancing, cooperation is the only way we're going to beat this. That is why all 3 divisions of McLaren now have a common goal. The automotive, racing and applied technology teams have joined forces to support VentilatorChallengeUK. The automotive team has designed and crash-tested the carbon fiber chassis of their ventilators. While not a traditional crash, these tests were meant to simulate the harsh conditions of a triage center. The machine tools at McLaren racing are now turning out the complex internals of the ventilator. Finally, McLaren Applied is building the electronics and conducting final testing on each unit.

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2020

McLaren Tech Club Unveils Intricate Details of Each Model

This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13. When the service module exploded, NASA didn't ask for help from governments or universities. They pulled every engineer who built the machine together, and saved the lives of our Astronauts. Most exotic car owners don't bother with the tiny details of their cars. Every McLaren is born from countless hours of sweat, simulation, trial, and relentless testing. That is how they make sure you get more than you paid for. It is clearly evident in each car, so we're thankful the new McLaren Tech Club unveils intricate details of each model. In a new video series, you will learn from the engineers themselves. Instead of a dry lecture from a white-collar professor, the wizards from Woking are proud to answer your questions. Tell us what you would like to know in the questions below, and click the button for great offers from our dealers. Browse All McLaren For Sale " width="680">

McLaren News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe