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 – March 08, 2019

McLaren Senna GTR Unveiled: More Aggressive Than Ever Before

When the McLaren Senna was first revealed, it took so many by surprise. It's extremely aggressive appearance is an absolute showstopper and it's become a star at every car show that has one appearing. Now, the newly unveiled McLaren Senna GTR takes the ferocity of the model up by the nth degree. McLaren notes that the Senna GTR is their most extreme track car yet. Its power comes from a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces a staggering 813 bhp. With a lightest dry weight of just 2,619 lbs, the Senna GTR comes with a solid power-to-weight ratio. Because the Senna GTR is a track car, McLaren didn't have to worry about all of the road regulations like they did when designing the Senna. Without restraints, they created a car that's faster, lighter and more powerful than the Senna. “The McLaren Senna GTR is a perfect example of our determination to bring our customers the Ultimate expression of track driving performance and excitement," says Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. Only 75 examples of the new McLaren Senna GTR will be created, with deliveries starting later this year in September 2019. McLaren has price the track car at £1.1 million plus taxes, equating to roughly $1.43 million USD. If you're interested, I should let you know that all of the cars were allocated within weeks of the order book opening, which happened shortly after the unveiling of the Senna GTR Concept at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. see all mclarens for sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2019

Highly-Optioned McLaren Senna Sold by Miller Motorcars

The notion of a missed opportunity can be a cause for sadness...or you could be proactive by never letting it happen again. That's why, if given the chance to order a McLaren Senna you should go all-in. Our friends at Miller Motorcars had a few individuals waiting for this allotment, and the lucky new owner didn't skimp on the details. Starting with the standard equipment, every Senna arrives with 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The bold styling is meant as homage to Ayrton Senna, McLaren's master driver. You also have 1,763 lbs of downforce keeping the Pirelli tires glued to the track. Here is where this build gets juicy. Volcano Red looks great in any light, and we approve of the glossy carbon fiber. Satin 9-spoke wheels are the lightest McLaren offers, and the dark theme culminates in the exhaust heat shields. Instead of stainless, the interior details are galvanic grey. Bright red stitching on the carbon fiber seats includes the Senna logo. The clear section in the lower door is also optional, and it was ordered in Gorilla glass. It is the same tough composite that makes up the tops of the doors. Speaking of, when you are done scaring your passenger you will notice the door struts are Volcano Red. And so are the wheel center locks, and even smaller details that might take weeks to find. That's why car #259 will not be like any of its 499 siblings. view miller motorcars' inventory

By Edward Jones – January 04, 2019

This McLaren Senna Celebrates Its Name's Origin in the Mo...

Robbie Dickson's new McLaren Senna may just be one of the wildest examples of the new English supercar yet. Robbie Dickson (@robbie_dickson) grew up in England in a household full of engineers and has a family tree full of engineers. Naturally, he became an engineer himself. This profession would lead him from University to a job at Rolls-Royce. From there, he went on to work at BMW, Ford and Isuzu. As you can see, his entire life has revolved around the automobile. But his automotive lifestyle had really only begun at that point. Dickson eventually started his own company that was based around his own inventions. This led to further success in his like, which allowed him to truly live out his dream of owning all of the cars he desired and even an F1 size racetrack (Area-27), designed by the Canadian F1 Champion Jacques Vielleneuve. Over the years, he has owned many cars from many different makes. Lamborghini, McLaren, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Lotus; you name it, he's had it. His most recent acquisition, however, is one of his most unique cars yet. Dickson's new McLaren Senna is one for the ages. It revolves around commemorating the legendary Brazilian race car driver Ayrton Senna, who is the car's namesake. All around the supercar is a custom livery that has all of Senna's Formula One Grand Prix wins. Yes, all forty-one of the wins that happened across seventeen different circuits. Another homage to Senna is the brake calipers and wheel hardware that mirror the colors of the Brazilian flag. Dickson also opted for a couple of other notable options that should be mentioned. First is the gold-plated engine bay shield, which was one of the shining features of the McLaren F1 supercar and a whopping $30,000 option. Dickson also had his Senna fitted with the Track Telemetry Option, which was a must-have for him considering he owns a race track. Be sure to check out the gallery below of the car's unveiling, courtesy of Dickson himself, and learn more about him by visiting RobbieDickson.com.

By Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2018

McLaren Senna Crashes Hard: Rest In Pieces

Be happy that today is Friday and Christmas is coming soon. Be sad that the world has lost another McLaren Senna. Life isn't fair sometimes. McLaren have repeatedly stated they will only build 500 examples of this amazing supercar. Perhaps the recent news of other McLaren Senna crashes will prompt them to replace these before the line is shut down. Exotic Cars For Sale In the old days, a hit this hard would warp every panel of steel, leaving the car a total loss. But thanks to McLaren's modular construction, the carbon fiber Monocage III cockpit is likely salvageable. The front subframe is a toast but the factory might have a few extra pieces in their inventory. If you want the same screaming 4.0-liter engine in a more subdued body, our dealers have great offers on McLaren 720S for sale. Click the link below and stay with us for all your McLaren news. mclaren Senna for sale Related: How to Detail a McLaren Senna McLaren Newport Beach; The Senna In Detail

By Edward Jones – November 02, 2018

McLaren Senna GTR Details Announced

McLaren Senna GTR to generate 2,205 lbs of downforce 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine produces 814 bhp and 590 lb-ft of torque Only 75 examples being created, all sold for around $1.4 million (plus taxes) McLaren is getting the Senna GTR closer to production as they announce a few more specs for the upcoming model. The car is a track-only hypercar that they first debuted at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show back in March. Even though the Senna is already an aggressive car, McLaren took it a step further with the Senna GTR. Don't believe me? Check this. McLaren has announced that the Senna GTR will be capable of generating 2,205 lbs of downforce. That's almost like setting a Mazda Miata on top of the car. This amount of downforce is possible thanks in part to the large front splitter, rear diffuser, and repositioned rear wing. Powering the car is the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in the Senna. However, the Senna GTR will have an additional 25 bhp when compared to the base Senna. When you combine the aerodynamics, light weight, suspension, chassis and everything else in the car, you get one of the meanest track cars McLaren has ever created. McLarenw ill be created just 75 examples of the Senna GTR at around $1.4 million plus taxes. Unfortunately, all of them are already sold. See all mclarens for sale McLaren Senna GTR Concept

By Andrew Nabors – July 27, 2018

McLaren Senna #001 Takes An Epic Road Trip

Normal cars are bought and they are instantly stuck in traffic as transportation appliances. McLaren owners are passionate about performance, especially David Kyte, who purchased Senna #001. In a press release this morning, we get a glimpse of the delivery process. Mr. Kyte was presented with his keys and all the documents by McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt at their Technology Center. Michael Fux Delivered First McLaren Senna Finished in Anniversary White with Aurora Blue accents, the colors and their layout was handled by McLaren Special Operations. We can't be more happy for what happened next. Instead of driving the car home and keeping the world from seeing it, David and 5 other owners hit the road. After 870 miles (and a trip under the English Channel) they arrived at Paul Ricard racetrack in the south of France. The convoy consisted of three other McLaren Sennas, a new 2019 McLaren 720S, and the latest Sports Series: McLaren 600LT. Brand ambassador and racer Bruno Senna went along to show the owners just what their machines are capable of. This trip accomplished several goals. David experienced the camaraderie among McLaren owners, he allowed the public to see a convoy of horsepower and elegance that rarely happens. And finally, their journey allowed the engines to get a proper break-in. Buying a new car and parking it is the worst way to hurt the engine. It takes at least 500 miles for the rings and bearings to set, and a road trip is a perfect way to do this. I drove a low mileage Murcielago that was babied its entire life, and the dealer wonders why it smokes at startup. So click the link below to find your McLaren and follow the instructions for years of smooth running. Shop All McLarens for Sale

By Edward Jones – June 15, 2018

McLaren Senna Makes North America Debut at E3

The McLaren Senna had its North American debut at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), thanks to its starring role on the cover of "Forza Horizon 4." This comes after the McLaren P1TM made its debut at E3 2013 because of its appearance on the cover of "Forza Motorsport 5."“We are delighted to be working so closely with Microsoft on their Forza racing franchise," says Jolyon Nash, Executive Director of Global Sales & Marketing for McLaren Automotive."Videogames are now so realistic and our relationship with Forza has been a powerful tool both to grow brand awareness and show what makes McLaren cars so special.”Most of the world will not get a chance to sit behind the wheel of a Senna in real-life and take it for a spin, but thanks to Forza Horizon 4 you can do it virtually. This means you'll "virtually" drive the 789 bhp supercar around the British setting of the video game, racing it in various biomes, weather conditions and terrains. Heck, you could take it off-road if you wanted to, though you shouldn't expect to hold any traction in such an instance."Forza Horizon 4" will be released on October 2, 2018 for the Xbox One and Windows PC.Pre-Order Now

By Andrew Nabors – June 14, 2018

McLaren Puts The Senna On A Roof

If you have been behaving this year, you might hear a commotion on your rooftop come Christmas time. But our wish is not for Santa, we want Senna Claus. McLaren has a tradition of placing their creations above all others- literally. If you want everyone to take notice of the 720S, put it on the roof. Because the McLaren Senna only weighs 2,641 lbs, much less than many commercial A/C units. So they didn't need heavy equipment to get it in place. Shared on Instagram and their official Facebook page, it also mentions it is the most expensive car they have ever lifted. I understand their logic, I also shop for cars in unique situations, but my purchases are on blocks instead of hotels. 2018 McLaren Senna Specs, Price, Photos & Review If you are in the market for something unique, the Senna arrives with 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It reflects Ayrton Senna's dedication to performance and innovation, which allowed him to win 3 Drivers' Championships and four consecutive World Constructors' Championships, oh and 35 Grand Prix races for Team McLaren. If you want to experience a more sensible version, our dealers have great incentives on the McLaren 720S, on which the Senna is based. Click the link below and stay with us for all your McLaren updates. Browse McLaren 720S For Sale Continuing our tradition of cars on rooftops, this time it’s the McLaren Senna’s turn. It might be our smallest crane, but it’s the lightest and most expensive car we’ve ever put on a roof. #McLarenSenna #McLarenAutomotive #CarsOfInstagram A post shared by McLaren Automotive (@mclarenauto) on Jun 14, 2018 at 1:35am PDT

By Andrew Nabors – May 21, 2018

Bruno Senna Drives the McLaren Senna

Many of us will never have an opportunity to see the new McLaren Senna in person, but we are thankful that their video crew allows us to see it in action. The car speaks for itself as a fitting tribute to the best racer in modern history. Bruno Senna learned a thing or two watching his uncle Ayrton dominate the toughest tracks in Formula 1. He is also a talented driver in his own right, so there is no other logical person to show just how capable the new McLaren Supercar really is. 2018 McLaren Senna Specs, Price, Photos & Review A few things we didn't know is that it has solid motor mounts. At these power and performance levels, you don't want the engine block to move a millimeter. Plus, who wouldn't want to feel and hear that beast 24/7. It is also the first time we have seen the massive rear spoiler in airbrake mode. Hitting the left pedal has to be rewarding given that much stopping power. Tell us if you would choose this or the 720S in the comments below, and stay with us for all your McLaren updates. Browse McLaren 720S 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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