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

Three orange McLaren sports cars drive side by side on a multi-lane highway under a clear sky, embodying the spirit of a States of Endurance road trip.

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 26, 2025

McLaren Recaps Its 'States of Endurance' Road Trip In New...

McLaren crosses the country to celebrate its endurance racing legacy. 30 years ago, McLaren achieved an incredible motorsport feat, winning the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans at its first attempt at the daunting endurance race. One of the most challenging, anticipated, and celebrated races of all time, McLaren’s dramatic Le Mans victory was one of the most important milestones in the manufacturer’s rich motorsport legacy. To celebrate the victory in 2025, McLaren took its current lineup of supercars on an incredible journey, driving from Monterey to Miami on a 3,867-mile cross-country road trip called ‘States of Endurance,’ with the 750S Coupe, 750S Spider, and Artura Spider showcased in special liveries representing the dawn, day, and night phases of the 24-hour race. McLaren pro and Trophy racing drivers Paul Rees, Jack Barlow and Oliver Webb were behind the wheels of the cars on the trip, with various pit stops along the route in Newport Beach, Scottsdale, Dallas, Atlanta, and Orlando taking place in collaboration with McLaren retailers, with displays that offered the public the opportunity to see the cars on their journey. TUMI provided luggage for the journey with pieces from the McLaren x TUMI Spring 2025 collection. As a manufacturer that was born in the world of motorsport, which still passionately participates in Formula 1, endurance racing, and more today, the 30th anniversary of McLaren’s first 24 Hours of Le Mans attempt and win is an important milestone, especially as McLaren has recently unveiled its ambitions to take on the FIA WEC with a new Le Mans hypercar in 2027. The ‘States of Endurance’ road trip, and the short film that accompanies it, is a worthy celebration of an epic motorsport legacy. View All McLaren For Sale " width="680"> Image Source: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2021

McLaren Artura Engineering & Design Q&A With Superfans

This is what makes the Artura unlike anything else All great cars should be explained by the people who build them. While some supercars are the product of enigmatic personalities, McLaren's talented team is very approachable. Therefore the brains responsible for the new Artura took time to answer questions from fans around the world. The styling is distinctly McLaren while looking forward to a new generation. Perhaps the most enticing feature of the McLaren Artura is the lower rear deck. Because the engine fires at 120 degrees, it allows the rear profile to be much lower than the 90-degree V8. You might also notice the controls for aerodynamics and suspension have moved from the center console to the instrument cluster. This binnacle allows for instant changes to most systems without distractions. It is the most driver-focused car to-date, and also among the lightest. At 3,303 lbs it is lighter than the P1 while offering a more competent hybrid system. You will have 19 miles of battery range along with 671 horsepower. Of course, these facts and figures aren't worth as much as the reasoning behind them, so tell us your favorite aspect of the new Artura in the comments below. Browse McLaren For Sale Image (C) McLaren Cars

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2021

Final Mclaren 620R Deliveries Mark the End of The Sports ...

All good things must come to an end, so the McLaren Sports Series is going out on top We have lived, laughed, and loved together with the McLaren Sports Series, and the final 620R deliveries mark the end of their sports series. It's hard to believe the 570S arrived six years ago. Since then, their entry-level lineup has enticed many new owners who had never considered owning a supercar. The 570GT added practicality and the 600LT was a Long Tail that could also be a daily driver. The carbon fiber chassis that underpinned them all had a great run. It is still years ahead of the competition, but McLaren strives for excellence in every detail. Therefore, the 620R arrives with a whopping 611 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. This is also the end of the line for their bulletproof 3.8-liter V8, so it was endowed with the same hardcore parts as the 570S GT4. All cars are loaded with MSO content inside and out. It is lower, wider, and louder than any of its Sports Series predecessors, and each car has exposed carbon for the roof scoop, cantrails, and aerodynamics that generate 408 lbs of downforce. Only 225 cars were built for the world, with 70 in the U.S. specification. It deserves a place in your collection so click the button below. Shop McLaren 620R Images (C) McLaren Automotive

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By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2021

2021 McLaren GT Defies All Limits

Choosing the perfect supercar is now much easier because the 2021 McLaren GT defies all limits. Before it arrived, prospective McLaren owners had to choose between the Sports Series or the Super Series. Cars like the 570S and the 600LT opened doors to the brand while the 675 and 720 remained atop the lineup. They made use of different chassis and suspension technology to offer something for everyone, as engineers sought to utilize the best of both series. What you see is the result. The McLaren GT offers more luxury and livability than any predecessor. Starting with an all-new chassis, the suspension of the 720S was tuned to be more forgiving in real-world situations. Also borrowing the engine, the 4-liter twin-turbo was tuned for more torque at lower speeds. Trading the high-strung screamer for low-speed grunt is always fun in my opinion. You will have 20 cubic feet of cargo space with the ability to reach 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. If you need room for a weekend trip along with the ability to cruise at 203 mph, the McLaren GT is for you. McLaren GT For Sale Image (C) McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2021

McLaren Racing 2021: All Systems Go

With the unveiling of the MCL35M and its drivers, McLaren Racing 2021 announces all systems go. Their latest upload is a new episode of McLaren Unboxed, and it takes us behind the scenes of last week's events. Lando and Daniel are ready to take on the world, and their interview was interactive with fans around the world. It looks as if both drivers have McLaren GTs as daily drivers. While the new car was meant to be an evolution of the 2020 model, switching to a Mercedes engine required significant changes. The car's first public outing at Silverstone looks and sounds promising, so tell us who you want to see on the podium this year. If you can't afford a new race car, check out the McLaren GT price and specs here. McLaren GT For Sale Image (C) McLaren

By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2021

2022 McLaren Artura Is The Beginning Of A New Era

Hybrid and EV technology is watching gasoline ride off into the sunset. The new 2022 McLaren Artura is the beginning of a new era, as we watch V6 engines have now made the V8 look obsolete. If you watched the reveal with us, you are likely smiling at the notions of an all-new chassis. Using the 600LT as a benchmark, the new carbon fiber monocoque is lighter and stronger while also accommodating a battery pack. Another incredible leap forward is the V6 engine. Instead of firing the cylinders at 60 or 90 degrees, the cylinder heads are 120 degrees apart. This wide-angle offers perfect balance without needing heavy counterweights on the crankshaft. The engine itself offers 577 horsepower and 431 lb-ft of torque, and it is supplemented by the latest in hybrid assistance. A compact battery is rated at 7.4 kWh, and it allows the car to have a total output of 671 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. Cutting weight in every component allows this car to offer a curb weight of 3,303 lbs. This allows it to reach 60 mph in 3 seconds, 124 mph in 8.3 seconds, and 186 mph in under 22 ticks. The electric motor offers a range of 19 miles, and swapping the polarity allowed engineers to build a new dual-clutch transmission without a reverse gear. Nothing about the Artura is shared with its predecessors except for the brand's logo. Every car will arrive with a host of other performance-minded goodies that don't add weight. From an electronic differential to Pirelli Cyber Tyre technology, you will truly be amazed it can all be offered at a starting price of $225,000. This car will undoubtedly be the beginning of a new series, so stay with us for all your McLaren news. Images (C) McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2021

2021 McLaren 765LT vs. 1,250 HP Shelby GT500 By Dragtimes

Engine ratings for production cars are usually chosen for the car's target audience. We know the latest Long Tail delivers much more than advertised, so let's watch a 2021 McLaren 765LT versus a 1,250 horsepower Shelby GT500 by DragTimes. Brooks is back at it pushing the new hypercar into uncharted territory. The team at Palm Beach Dyno saw the shakedown runs when the car was new, and it motivated them to push their GT500 into uncharted territory. Limited to 765 examples, the final Super Series coupe weighs in at 2,963 lbs. The American tips the scales at 4,225 lbs, so it is only fair to let them run on race fuel. Given the incredible Shelby GT500 price and specs, we offer you the world's only McLaren 765LT for sale in the button below. McLaren 765LT For Sale Image (C) Dragtimes.com

MCL35M launch Website Gallery Image 1600x620 72 3

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 20, 2021

2021 McLaren 765LT New World Record By DragTimes

How fast can a production car run on Pirelli P-Zero (Non-Corsa) tires? We all thought the answer was around 11 seconds, but a new 2021 McLaren 765LT has set a new world record by DragTimes. Our friend Brooks just took delivery of the final McLaren Super Series. As the end of such a powerful lineup, all 765 examples offer 755 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Because weight hovers around 3,000 lbs, a 10-second timeslip is possible even on a bad day. With race rubber and perfect weather, you will run down the track's fastest cars. Click the button to find yours and stay with us for the latest DragTimes uploads. Browse McLaren For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2020

McLaren 765LT Street Testing by DragTimes

Roast turkey was all the rage last week, but we prefer roasted tires for any celebration. That's why our friend Brooks decided to dive into the latest Long Tail over the weekend. If you have wondered how the Super Series would conclude, let's watch a McLaren 765LT street test by DragTimes. 2021 McLaren 765LT Delivered To The Collection By DragTimes Last month the car arrived in South Florida and he began the break-in procedures. The hand-built masterpiece is loaded with forged internals and the same 3-layer head gaskets found in the Senna. With revised turbos and more boost, McLaren conservatively rates the car at 765 metric horsepower and 590 lb-ft of boost. Made as light as possible by McLaren Special Operations, this car bends our perceptions of street-legal performance. Only 765 cars are in production, so act fast by clicking the button below. As always, stay with us for the latest DragTimes footage. Browse McLaren For Sale " width="680">

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