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 Edward Jones – June 29, 2015

Blade Silver 2015 McLaren 570S at McLaren Newport Beach

The first revealed model from McLaren's Sport Series was the 570S, a sports car that aims to compete with the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 Turbo.The car comes packing a M838TE twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 562 hp and 442 lb-ft. Its weight is considerably low at 2,895 lbs, thanks to the carbon fiber MonoCell II chassis. Combine that much power and that little weight, and the 570S can rush from 0-62 mph in 3.2 while topping out at 204 mph.(See Also: Satin Pearl White McLaren P1 Sold by McLaren Newport Beach)Recently, McLaren Newport Beach brought a new example of the 570S onto their showroom floor, finished in gorgeous "Blade Silver" paint. This finish is offered as a "Special" color when configurating your own 570S.Check out the gallery below to see just how beautiful this color looks on the 570S.Gallery

By Edward Jones – June 26, 2015

McLaren P1 "Alain Prost Edition"

At the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, there will be a special McLaren P1 honoring Alain Prost, a four-time Formula 1 champion.Detailed in a press release issued by McLaren June 24, this special model was customized by MSO, the automaker's subdivision dedicated to creating personalized vehicles for their customers.(Related: Satin Pearl White McLaren P1 Sold by McLaren Newport Beach)The shades used in the car's livery, white, blue and red, match the French livery of the helmet the famous driver wore.Alongside this P1 at Goodwood will be a number of McLaren models on display. This includes one of the rarest F1 GTs, chassis #58F1GT, which is one of only three examples crafted to homologate the F1 GTR 'Longtail' for GT racing.Gallery (Source: McLaren) More McLaren News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 25, 2015

McLaren Automotive Sees Record Profit Growth in 2014

McLaren Automotive hit the ground running when, in 2011, it first opened its doors as a production vehicle manufacturer, but their seemingly lofty goals have already more than paid off. McLaren's headquarters in Surrey, UKA press release from the marque issued today details the overall profit generated during 2014, which saw a reported 68 percent growth over 2013's operating profit. Year after year, they've increased both the number of models available and the number of cars sold, with a large majority of their sales leaving the United Kingdom.Around the world, 1,649 new McLarens were shipped in 2014, 1,401 of which were sold - an 18 percent increase over the number delivered in 2013. The increase in sales and popularity allowed for an increase in staffing and research and development as well, showing that every part of this manufacturer isn't just surviving, but thriving, in its first five years of existence.But particularly notable is the influence the P1 had in this growth - 2013 saw just 36 P1s ordered and delivered, but 248 made their way to owners in 2014. There will only be 375 created in total, meaning the P1 will likely hit the end of its production run before the end of fall 2015.The marque announced its intentions to remain an independent luxury manufacturer April 30. Though it may sound aggressively ambitious, the sales and growth records from the past few years make that plan all the more possible and likely.Stay with us for more updates from McLaren and other luxury manufacturers from around the world, and find your own piece of McLaren Automotive's impressive early history from our exclusive listings below.McLaren Listings Gallery (Source: McLaren) See More Industry Reports

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2015

Satin Pearl White McLaren P1 Sold by McLaren Newport Beach

McLaren Newport Beach have delivered yet another P1 to one of their clients. This time, it's a Satin Pearl White example with red trimming.The California dealership has had McLaren models go through their showroom left and right. Below are some of the new models we have covered that McLaren Newport Beach has had on their dealership floor. McLaren 650S “Le Mans Edition” at McLaren Newport Beach McLaren 675LT In Detail at McLaren Newport Beach Every Angle of the P1 GTR at McLaren Newport Beach Private Party Only Tarocco Orange Pearl P1 in US For Sale at McLaren Newport Beach McLaren 570S Unveiling at McLaren Newport Beach McLaren Newport Beach Delivers “Fire Black” McLaren P1 Two McLaren P1s For Sale at McLaren Newport Beach McLaren Newport Beach Delivers 8th McLaren P1 McLaren Newport Beach Receives Alaskan Diamond White P1 Azure Blue McLaren P1 Arrives at Newport McLaren McLaren P1s in Supernova Silver and Tarocco Orange Detail Galleries Azure Blue McLaren P1 Photoshoot That's a lot of McLarens. Be sure to check out the latest P1 to roll through the dealership by viewing the gallery below and stay with us for more from McLaren Newport Beach.Gallery

By Caitlin Duffy – June 16, 2015

Two McLaren 570S Prototypes at Dimmitt Automotive

It's the first model in McLaren's highly anticipated Sport Series, and while it hasn't been released for sale just yet, Dimmitt Automotive Group in St. Petersburg, Florida is anticipating a waiting list at least a year long.There are currently two prototypes of this powerful daily driver on display at Dimmitt Automotive Group, one in Blade Silver and the other in Ventura Orange. The Blade Silver example was first introduced to the dealership April 18, during their monthly Cars & Coffee After Party, and the Orange arrived just this past weekend. The two are both stunning, and it's difficult to compare one with the other.Of course, these are just the prototypes. Both were on display at the New York Auto Show, which served as the official unveiling of this model, meaning these both are another example of automotive history in Tampa Bay.Though based on the 650S, there are certainly some significant changes that make this model more attuned to daily use. The carbon fiber tub is 3 inches lower while the doors rise 30 percent higher, creating more space at the entry point. The engine, while still capable of 0-60 mph accelerations in 3.2 seconds, has been redesigned to be more resilient to regular use.But of course, there's still the track package option - three built in cameras come with that selection, with one in the front, one in the rear and one in the middle of driver and passenger, all to record your performance and reactions.(See Also: McLaren P1 & P1 GTR on SPA-Francorchamps)Starting prices have been set at $184,900, but Dimmitt Automotive anticipates selling out for at least a year. To learn about making one of these your own, be sure to contact their McLaren Sales Specialist, Matt Jones, or visit www.Dimmitt.com.Gallery (Source: Dimmitt Automotive) See More McLaren News

By Andrew Nabors – June 15, 2015

McLaren P1 & P1 GTR on SPA-Francorchamps

Since every street legal supercar needs a track-only variant, McLaren Automotive is almost ready to begin production on the P1 GTR. Final track testing is underway, and one fan with a keen eye has caught the prototype tearing up Spa with a few of their lesser models.Back on April 24, YouTube user yd222 filmed a camouflaged 675 LT along with the GTR at the SPA-Francorchamps track, and June 13 they shared another video from the same spot, where they caught two black P1s making hot laps along with the GTR.It has been twenty years since the last Mclaren GTR (the track version of the F1), and it dominated the 1995 running of LeMans. If you already own a P1, you can be one of only 35 individuals to order this new track terror, but if you aren’t eligible stay tuned to Autofluence for more Mclaren updates and video.P1s For Sale(Source: YouTube) See More McLaren News

By Edward Jones – June 11, 2015

McLaren 650S "Le Mans Edition" at McLaren Newport Beach

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is starting on Saturday, June 13, and running until June 14. For, you guessed it, 24 hours, cars of all shapes, sizes and power levels will be taking on the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France.Just in time for the race, we have an amazing gallery of a McLaren 650S "Le Mans Edition" at McLaren Newport Beach. The Le Mans Edition was only produced 50 times and is inspired by the McLaren F1 GTR No. 59 that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995.(Related: Lamborghini Newport Beach June 2015 Supercar Show)It has a Sarthe Grey exterior finish with exclusive lightweight wheels, a roof-mounted induction snorkel and louvres on the front wings. In the cabin is an interior covered in leather and Alcantara, with Le Mans logos stitched into the headrests.To see this car up close and like never before, check out the gallery below, and click the button for McLaren Newport Beach's amazing inventory.View Inventory Gallery

By Caitlin Duffy – June 09, 2015

McLaren P1: Giovanna Edition by Thomas Vont

It's a P1 already made famous by its appearance on the cover of our June 2015 issue, but there's nothing quite like seeing its carbon-fiber-filled beauty up close.Thomas Vont, the photographer behind the shot, shared a little information with us about his experience during the shoot, as well as a few angles of the car not seen on our cover.With a Nikon D5200 sporting an 18-105 mm lens, he captured the Giovanna Edition P1 in all its sleek, silver glory. As we described in the UnCOVERed article for the issue, Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions wrapped this particular P1 in their Giovanna Edition Supreme Wrapping Film™."They had asked me specifically for a photo that represents something worthy of a magazine cover which also puts a good amount of emphasis on the wheels," Vont told us about the shoot, and the final product does highlight those wheels quite beautifully. To see the final result and pick up a copy of this issue for yourself, hit the button below and order for yourself, a friend or family member today. To see more of Thomas Vont's photography, be sure to visit his Facebook page or Flickr page. Buy This Issue Now Gallery See More Photographer's Perspectives

By Caitlin Duffy – June 04, 2015

Black & Red McLaren P1 from MSO

Since the first introduction of its specs and performance figures in 2013, the McLaren P1 has inspired an entirely new type of supercar enthusiast.For two years, P1s have been appearing all over the globe with unique paint colors, interior details and more, none of which could have been completed without the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division.Take a moment to browse our selections of McLaren P1s for sale at the button below after taking a closer look at this particular example, and be sure to stay with us for more updates from the automotive world.P1s For Sale (Source: Facebook, McLaren Automotive) See More McLaren News

By Caitlin Duffy – May 27, 2015

Purple McLaren P1 is Third in Scotland

Though Scotland, by land mass, may not be one of the largest countries in the world, it certainly has a large demand for stunning vehicles and powerful supercars.McLaren Glasgow recently received delivery of the country's third P1, and as GT Scotland tells us in a May 25 post to their Facebook page, this particular example is finished in a stunning purple MSO paint with an orange pinstripe along the side.The calipers match the stripe detail, adding the impression of movement and heat even when this supercar is completely stopped and stable. But that's not the only touch that makes this particular P1 more unique than most."The signature on the engine cover is from Frank Stephenson, the lead designer on the P1 project," describes the gallery's caption. "I can't wait to see this out in the sunlight!"(See Also: Gulf Livery McLaren 12C Spider For Sale)Take a look at this stunning Scottish P1 in the photos below, then browse through our exclusive selection of P1s for sale to find the ultimate McLaren for your garage.P1s For SaleGallery (Source: Facebook) See More McLaren News

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