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 – December 28, 2023

McLaren Celebrates 60 Years With "My Favorite McLaren" Film

McLaren has released a social media film titled “My Favorite McLaren” to commemorate their 60th anniversary. This fuel-driven masterpiece showcases legendary figures from McLaren's storied past and successful future ahead, each sharing their personal favorite from the brand’s illustrious lineup. From the classic M6GT to the futuristic Speedtail and the track-focused 750S, the film offers an up-close glimpse into the supercars that have captivated these motorsport and automotive stars. The film features a renowned roster that includes current Formula 1 team driver Lando Norris, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, and former McLaren F1 driver Stefan Johansson. The Arrow McLaren IndyCar team's major figures also make appearances, with drivers Alexander Rossi, Pato O’Ward, and David Malukas, along with Sporting Director Tony Kanaan, sharing their top picks. Adding a touch of history are Derek Bell, known for his stints at Le Mans in a McLaren F1 GTR, and Amanda McLaren, the daughter of McLaren’s founder, Bruce McLaren. “My Favorite McLaren” goes beyond just simply listing the most powerful and expensive creations, diving into the personal stories and connections that these individuals have with their chosen cars. Showcasing an array of supercars from timeless classics to contemporary supercars, “My Favorite McLaren” honors the brand's evolution and its continued charm for those who thrive on speed and innovation. View all McLaren supercars and hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All McLaren For Sale Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 12, 2023

This California Homeowner Used Lando Norris' McLaren F1 M...

It's safe to say that we may have found McLaren F1's biggest fan. As Formula 1 racing continues its global takeover, captivating a whole new audience, passionate race fans show support for their favorite teams and drivers throughout the season. While most devoted fans invest in a team hat or t-shirt to wear on race day, one McLaren F1 fan decided to take their love for the renowned race team this holiday season with a special home decoration. Instead of flying a McLaren F1 Team flag on the property, the Newport Beach homeowner was able to pull some strings and have Lando Norris' McLaren MCL60 race car craned into the front yard. McLaren took to its Instagram to share a few photos and videos, taken by @z3photos and @gt3sonly, of how the multi-million dollar F1 race car was strategically maneuvered from the alley to the lawn. The McLaren MCL60 quckly went from a #6 ranking with 22 starts this season to the main attraction of a holiday home decoration, making it the ultimate F1 house this Christmas. Proudly displayed next to the sidewalk, overlooking the breathtaking gold coast, bystanders are able to catch a glimpse at Lando Norris' four-wheel office in quite the unfamiliar territory. With McLaren F1 Team's MCL60 racecar now proudly showcased as a holiday ornament, you have to wonder who is trying to call Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 to get Sir Lewis Hamilton's W14 E Performance race car shipped to their home. View all currently McLaren models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All McLaren For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by McLaren (@mclaren) Source: McLaren F1 Instagram (@mclaren)

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 26, 2023

McLaren F1 Driver Lando Norris Specs Out His Dream McLare...

The result speaks for itself: performance mindset meets hybrid supercar. As passionate Formula One racing fans, we’ve all witnessed the incredible driving abilities of McLaren F1 team driver Lando Norris. The 23-year-old Belgian-British racing driver stands out as one of the youngest drivers on the track, proving to be the ultimate job for a young automotive enthusiast. While Lando Norris has probably driven every McLaren model in existence, he recently sat down with the U.K.-based supercar manufacturer to configure a dream specification of the electrified McLaren Artura. The virtual build reflects the instinctive expression and vibrant personality of Lando Norris. MUST-READ: 2023 McLaren Artura First Drive Review: A New Era Of Performance Using McLaren Technology Center’s intuitive configurator tool, Lando specs the exterior of the performance trim McLaren Artura in Aurora Blue as an homage to his hero, Valentino Rossi. The Artura features tons of lightweight carbon fiber for enhanced aerodynamics and styling. Everything from the bright yellow brake calipers to the upgraded interior pack was born from personal inspiration. Powered by a 671-horsepower hybrid twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder, the Artura launches from 0-60mph in just 3 seconds. View all current McLaren Artura examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All McLaren Artura For Sale Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 27, 2022

Watch Jay Leno Drive The Electrified 671HP 2023 McLaren A...

Being a long-standing customer of McLaren since its start, Jay Leno is the perfect test driver for its newest hybrid supercar. With a world-renowned car collection that features a diverse lineup of vintage, classic, and modern vehicles, Jay Leno is definitely qualified to test and give insight into some of the automotive industry’s newest supercars. The team at McLaren recently paid a visit to Jay Leno’s garage to show off the newly electrified 2023 McLaren Artura. As his current McLaren fleet includes an F1, P1, 720S, and MP4-12C, Jay’s love for the brand starts and ends with its innovative approach as a modern-day supercar manufacturer. MUST-READ: Jay Leno’s Car Collection After a brief overview of the McLaren Artura from McLaren’s Director of Project Strategy, Jamie Corstorphine, the dynamic duo gets behind the wheel to experience the hybrid supercar on the open road. Comparing the Artura to his P1 hypercar, Jay believes that McLaren has completely revolutionized their hybrid powertrain at a fraction of the cost. The McLaren Artura generates over 671 horsepower and 531 ft-lbs of torque from its hybrid-assisted 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6 engine platform. Enjoying his time on the open road, there may be a new 2023 McLaren Artura in Jay Leno’s future. View all of the current McLaren Artura examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All McLaren Artura For Sale Source: Jay Leno's Garage

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 17, 2022

Watch Daniel Ricciardo Rip The McLaren 765LT Around Willo...

The only reason we stopped is because there were no tires left for the Honey Badger. While McLaren offers a track-like driving experience for its clientele of passionate supercar enthusiasts, its performance abilities are showcased when a true professional gets behind the wheel. Teaming up with the team at GoPro, McLaren F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo puts that thought to the test with a McLaren 765LT. Daniel and the team fit the 755-horsepower track beast with GoPro HERO11 Black Mini cameras to capture every intense corner of Willow Springs International Motorsport Park. MUST-READ: These Are The Top McLaren-Inspired Gifts That Should Be On Your Holiday Wish List Seemingly more tame than his lightweight and agile McLaren Formula 1 racecar, Daniel Ricciardo maneuvers the McLaren 765LT as if it was second nature to the Australian pro driver. Watch Daniel Ricciardo rip the McLaren 765LT around Willow Springs by clicking the video link above. The all-new GoPro HERO11 Black Mini is currently available through GoPro’s website starting at $299.98. View all McLaren 765LT examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All McLaren 765LT For Sale Source: GoPro YouTube

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 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 – May 19, 2021

Watch Daniel Ricciardo Prep For F1 Monaco In His McLaren ...

Daniel Ricciardo is more than ready for race weekend. As we approach the iconic Monaco F1 race, McLaren F1 team driver Daniel Ricciardo continues to study the urban track. In his most recent YouTube video in presented by GoPro, Daniel takes out his personal light blue McLaren 675LT to break down the circuit turn by turn. The excitement on Daniel’s face is priceless as he explains the secrecy behind the supercar while raced with a competing manufacturer. With Daniel’s new role as a driver for McLaren, he’s able to enjoy the milestone supercar without conflict. Throughout the video, race enthusiasts get a small taste of what goes through an F1 drivers’ mind while traveling at high speeds through the tight streets of Monaco. If the beginning of race week in Monaco begins with Daniel Ricciardo unveiling his personal McLaren 675LT, we cannot wait to see what the weekend has to offer. For more McLaren news, Check out This Winning Lewis Hamilton Race-Winning Car Is Set To Be Auctioned Off

By Andrew Nabors – November 16, 2020

Ken Block's Hoonicorn Mustang vs. McLaren Senna Merlin

Forza Motorsports is among the most popular racing games of all time. Seeking to show the public what you might encounter while playing, get ready to watch Ken Block's Hoonicorn Mustang take on a McLaren Senna Merlin. The brutal Ford is the star of a new series: Hoonicorn vs. The World. This AWD pony is a tube-frame race car built around a 1,400 horsepower twin-turbo V8. Hoonigan Reveals Travis Pastrana’s Subaru WRX Livery The English opponent is a McLaren Senna Merlin. The name is a reference to the wizard of King Arthur's court, and the color is Sourcerer's Black. Darren Townsend is renowned as the best painter at McLaren Special Operations, so the sticker price is $1.15 million. It is rear-wheel drive with half the horsepower, but the McLaren is also street legal and a bit more practical. This comparison comes down to launch technique and gear ratios, so tell us your thoughts in the comments below. Although only 500 Sennas were built, we have the largest offering of them anywhere on Earth. So click the button below to find yours and stay with us for more Hoonigan uploads. Browse McLaren Senna For Sale " width="680"> Featured Image Source: Hoonigan/Facebook

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