McLaren News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2021

McLaren Celebrates 1,000 Cars Delivered In Canada

Although the weather is a bit on the cold side, McLaren is celebrating 1,000 cars delivered in Canada. Recorded as the last delivery of 2020, the savvy owner ordered a blacked-out 2021 McLaren 720S. The press release mentions it is almost the same specification as the first car delivered north of the border, a black 2012 12C coupe. With 710 horsepower a.nd less than 3,200 lbs, the 720S offers unchained acceleration. Also check out their latest collaboration with RHUDE. Browse McLaren 720S For Sale Images (C) McLaren North America

By Andrew Nabors – 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 Edward Jones – January 18, 2021

RM Sotheby's Offering 1st McLaren Speedtail To Ever Be Au...

RM Sotheby's upcoming Arizona auction at the OTTO Car Club in Scottsdale will be offering up the very first McLaren Speedtail to be auctioned. To give everyone a closer look at the groundbreaking hypercar, RM Sotheby’s Car Specialist Alexander Weaver and Sotheby’s Watches Specialist Jonathan Burford came together for a new video (found below). This specific Speedtail is #36 out of 106 and it's finished in a gorgeous MSO Heritage Atlantic Blue paint. The exterior also features Bespoke Exterior Painted Pin stripes that are color-matched to the lightweight allow wheels, an option that costs £39,711 (~$53,600 USD). In total, it boasts over $170,000 of bespoke and optional equipment. You can learn more about this car by clicking the button below. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 17, 2020

How To Buy: Period Correct x McLaren 765LT Apparel Collec...

Yesterday, Period Correct and McLaren Automotive announced the release of a limited-edition apparel collection inspired by the 765LT model. The small batch collection includes graphic t-shirts, a hoodie, hat, and long-sleeved shirt sporting the iconic McLaren logos and its infamous orange. The Period Correct x McLaren 765LT Collection is an in-store only release, which means the select dealerships will have inventory and will not restock the apparel once sold out. Celebrate the new 765LT Collection from Period Correct x McLaren by visiting one of your local dealerships listed below on release day. When: Available Now Where: Visit one of the following McLaren dealerships to shop the collection: Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, Charlotte, Greenwich, Philadelphia, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Atlanta, North Jersey, Long Island, Miami, and McLaren Florida. Price: Starting at $40

By Edward Jones – December 10, 2020

Finding the El Chapo McLaren F1 in Mexico

McLaren F1, chassis #39, has been missing for quite some time. With a Brazilian Brown exterior, this F1 was built for the CEO of McLaren at the time but his wife detested the spec he ordered. From there, the car was sold to a local buyer. After a couple of years, it's rumored that the F1 was then sold to a buyer in Mexico. Who that buyer was is still up in the air but it's assumed that it was sold to someone very close to El Chapo who had passed away. From the late 90s on, this F1's location has been unknown, but Ed Bolian of VINwiki was tasked with finding its whereabouts. You can learn all about his adventure with the El Chapo McLaren F1 in the VINwiki video down below. It's 100% worth the watch because it's an insane story. See All McLarens 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">

By Edward Jones – November 23, 2020

See the McLaren Speedtail's Unboxing and In-Depth Pre-Del...

The delivery of a vehicle like the McLaren Speedtail is less of a task and more so an event in and of itself. To get an idea of what I'm talking about, you have to watch the video up above from Nue Vue. He was on-hand to witness the delivery of a Speedtail by Mclaren Tampa Bay. From the true unboxing to its first spin around the block, you get to see how momentous this happening truly was. What's more, Nue Vue also uploaded a video of the Speedtail's pre-delivery inspection. This is a rare look at what it takes to ensure that a car as magnificent as the Speedtail is ready for delivery. The exterior, brakes, wheels, interior, electronic functions, engine, and more are all given a close look during this inspection and you get to see how it all goes down in the video below. McLaren Speedtail Price, Specs, Photos & Review See McLaren Tampa Bay's Inventory " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 19, 2020

McLaren Senna GTR Lego Technic Set Revealed

If there's is one thing that being stuck inside has taught me is that building model kits is such a relaxing way to spend time. From cars to jets and even robots, it's been a blast creating something out of what appears to be random pieces. If you're looking for something to build during your downtime, I ought to suggest the new LEGO Technic Senna GTR set. This new set is loaded with unique features that are incredibly detailed, allowing the builder to really build this supercar from the ground up. Some examples of the intricate details include the V8 engine with moving pistons, functional dihedral doors, and an imposing rear wing. If you're a fan of McLaren, the Senna GTR, or just building models, this is a perfect pick. What's even more inviting is its price of just $49.99. Expect this new set to be available from January 1, 2021, on LEGO.com, LEGO store, and retailers worldwide. If you can't wait, click the button below to see the other incredible LEGO Technic set available, including the Lamborghini Sian and Bugatti Chiron. Shop LEGO.com

By Andrew Nabors – November 17, 2020

2021 McLaren 620R By Novitec Is Unchained Aggression

No matter where we have been in the past few years, a McLaren 570 was part of our display. The perfect blend of composites and practicality has allowed it to develop into a Spider, GT, and a LongTail. Now that the program is coming to an end, our friends in Germany have transformed it into a beast for the streets. If you can handle it, the 2021 McLaren 620R by NOVITEC is unchained aggression. 2021 McLaren 620R Represents The End Of An Era Starting with a new soundtrack, the turbos sing a song of power for all to hear. Along with their intake revisions, you will have 711 horsepower. Where this car really shines is how much torque is offered at any rpm. Even at moderate boost, you will have 524 lb-ft while cruising. Not only will you have brutal launches, with a curb weight under 3,100 lbs you will have incredible passing power above triple-digit speeds. Forged MC3 (Vossen) wheels have center-locks in 20" & 21", and they are wider (315/30) than the factory rollers. Of course, their suspension and aerodynamics are optional, so click the button below to find your 620R and then allow Novitec to see it to fruition. Browse McLaren 620R For Sale

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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