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 – March 26, 2020

McLaren Elva Active Air Management Explained

Although the windshield is optional, you won't need goggles to drive the new McLaren Roadster. In their latest Facebook upload, we've learned how driver and passenger can be comfortable at high speeds. It is almost like Lamborghini's ALA system in reverse, so let's watch the McLaren Elva Active Air Management explained. Essentially redirecting high-pressure air from the nose, a duct in the hood aims it into the slipspstream. The result is an area of low pressure inside the cockpit. Free of wind noise and turbulence, the system is pure genius. Of course there is a switch to turn if off for a true motoring experience. For al the details click the button below to find our dealer near you. " width="680"> Browse All McLaren For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 24, 2020

New Mclaren Elva M6A Pays Homage to a Legend

Bruce McLaren, along with several other designers, put their minds together to create the legendary M6A race car. Raced in the Can-Am series, this race car allowed Bruce and his team to win their first of many championships in this series. It was this car that kicked off an era of McLaren domination where they won the title and five consecutive championships. To celebrate this car, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has created the Elva M6A. Donning an orange paint finish like the M6A, this special hypercar pays homage to one of the most important cars in the automaker's history of racing. It features the gumball numbers. as well as the classic McLaren Cars logo and Bruce McLaren's signature. See All McLaren for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 13, 2020

MSO Builds Heritage Inspired Elva Roadster

You can't deny the genius that was Bruce McLaren. In order to dominate the 1964 Grand Prix season, he built the M1A. It was a tube-frame chassis wrapped around a 4.5L Oldsmobile V8. It allowed McLaren drivers to win the Can-Am series championship in five consecutive years ('67-71). Demand for the car was unprecedented, so he outsourced production to Elva Cars Ltd. Our friends at Road & Track tested the car in 1966 and had this to say " the fastest car we’ve ever tested (and) an example of the latest thinking in sports/racing cars.” Now that McLaren is building a modern Elva, the team at MSO decided to honor the original car. Sporting a classic livery, the new car offers 804 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It leaps to 62 mph in under 3 seconds. Reaching 124 mph in 6.7 seconds, it will blow the doors off of a Senna in a drag race. Our dealers have all the resources to recreate this car for you, so click the button below and stay with us for all your McLaren updates. Browse All McLaren For Sale Related: McLaren Elva Roadster Revealed as Street Legal Featherweight

By Edward Jones – March 13, 2020

McLaren 570S Price, Specs, Review & Photos

When we learned the McLaren 570S specs, we were awestruck at the first model in their Sports Series. We have driven and sold many examples of this proper British supercar, so here is all you need to know about it. McLaren 570S Engine The 570S is powered by the M838TE twin-turbo V8 engine, which now has 30% new components. Power received from the engine is rated at 562 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the car's mid-engine rear-wheel drive layout and it will rocket from 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and 0-100 mph in 6.0 seconds. The 570S will top out at 204 mph, making many of us wonder if their power ratings are a bit conservative. Because an engine so powerful in such a light car is a recipe for calamity, the McLaren 570S specs include a complex torque management system. Torque is progressive by RPM, MPH, and which gear the transmission is in. The wastegates are fully electronic, and they have precise control over boost pressure. If you need more, the aftermarket has proven the engine capable of more boost and higher RPM. Starting with a muffler delete, you will be able to unlock the true potential of your McLaren 570S. McLaren 570S Review McLaren has also redesigned the Monocell II chassis to have a more "day-to-day" focus. Entering and exiting the 570S is much easier with this new chassis, as opposed to its hypercar relative, which has a large door sill. Overall, the car weighs in at a total of 2,895 lbs, which is 330 lbs lighter than its closest competitor. As the flagship of their Sports Series, the McLaren 570S specs do not include the complex hydraulic suspension of their upper-level cars. Because it has traditional coil springs with A-arms, the car is very predictable at the limit. We have had dozens of opportunities behind the wheel of a McLaren 570S. It nearly unanimous that it can be used as a perfect daily driver. It has armrests, cup holders and great visibility thanks to the vertical rear glass. Turning off all the traction and stability controls transforms it into a drift machine. At the expense of your rear tires, the McLaren 570S will perform a smoke show of unprecedented magnitude. McLaren 570S For Sale McLaren 570S Design On the outside, the 570S has the signature 'McLaren' face found on the 650S and P1. This face is comprised of a sweeping front fascia and the large LED headlights. Along the sides, the dihedral doors direct airflow into the side intakes and underneath the flying buttresses. The vertical rear glass offers great visibility and none of the claustrophobia of other brands. Go around to the back, and the 570S is clean and very uncluttered. The LED light blade rear lights follow the form of the body panels and are similar to the ones found on the P1. A dual exhaust system is found below the rear bumper, on either side of the rear diffuser. Solid color is standard, but the optional 2-tone finish has a black roof. Up front is a large cargo hold that is perfect for a long trip. McLaren 570S Interior The cabin of the McLaren 570S specs are focused on day-to-day life with plenty of space and lush leather. Leather upholstered seats come standard while racing seats are optional. Storage space in the front luggage bay is plentiful thanks to the intelligently designed cabin.The door sill is much lower than the Super Series cars, making the 570S a perfect choice for a daily driver. A full infotainment center includes an all-new TFT digital instrument cluster and a seven-inch IRIS touchscreen that drivers can use to control driving modes, climate control, SIRIUS satellite radio and more. Careful attention was paid to ergonomics, with the center console and control panels within perfect distance. McLaren 570S Specs: Horsepower: 562 hpTorque: 442 lb-ft0-60 mph: 2.7 seconds0-100 mph: 6.0 seconds1/4 Mile: 10.33 @ 134 mphTop Speed: 204 mphWeight: 2,895 lbs McLaren 570S Price If you are interested in McLaren's latest Sports Series, the baseMclaren 570S price is $188,600. Of course, this doesn't include any of the wild customizations offered by McLaren Special Operations. Most McLaren 570S specs include at least one or two options, and the more popular options include: body-color seatbelts, painted calipers, car cover, carbon interior accents, luxury pack, Nappa leather, stealth exhaust tips, and 10-spoke forged wheels. A combination like this would be around $224,000. The beauty of the deal is that you can order it exactly to your liking, and no special request will be denied. Thanks to economies of scale, dealers have more room to negotiate on the McLaren 570S price. The car has been in constant production since December of 2015, and it has become the backbone of their lineup. This also offers peace of mind, since any potential bugs or flaws have long since been corrected. McLaren 570S Brakes Stopping is a major consideration in a car this fast, so the McLaren 570S specs include six-piston calipers up front and 4-pistons on the rear. The rotors are carbon ceramic, with no option for cast iron. The aftermarket has made a retrofit kit for those who want to race, and it includes 4 iron rotors with aluminum hats. The best feature of the 570S brakes is their ability to rotate the car through a corner. Depending on which driving mode you are in, the system slows the inside wheels when cornering. Not only does it improve safety, it is another seamless system at work for you. McLaren 570S Transmission Because the mid-mounted V8 is in a north-south position, a unique transaxle was required to send power to the rear wheels. Graziano in Italy stepped up and delivered a Seamless Shift 7-Speed Dual Clutch automatic. You will hear the shift but you won't feel it when cruising. Select one of the active performance modes, and this gearbox gets brutal. It's almost like they race in Formula1 every weekend... The compact gearbox was designed in cooperation with Graziano. As a major supplier of transmissions for all brands, they have since updated the internals for the newer models based on the McLaren 570S. These are backwards compatible should you desire quicker shifts. McLaren 570S Standout Features McLaren is putting a lot on the shoulders of the 570S. Instead of the supermodel automobiles, they have been known for, the English automaker is entering the sports car market with this new model. No other coupe in this category offers a 12-speaker 1,280 watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system. No less than 13 colors for interior leather. The McLaren 570S Specs also include a one-piece cockpit is named MonoCell2, and it only weighs 176 lbs. This is just one of the ways it is able to achieve 25 miles per gallon. The instrument display offers several display modes to keep the essential information in view. For those who truly want their McLaren 570S to standout, the coachbuilders at McLaren Special Operations are up to the task. They treat each car as a blank canvas. Taking inspiration from the customer's wildest dreams, a McLaren 570S by MSO can range from custom paint to exposed carbon fiber. It also unlocks an interior of your choosing. Allowing MSO to build your car will get you invited to McLaren's most exclusive events and opportunities only offered to their most valuable customers. Browse McLaren 570S For Sale Gallery (Source: McLaren) See More McLaren News " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 10, 2020

2021 McLaren 765LT Proves Less is More

Ordering a car with every option is a life goal for many. However, if you demand the ultimate performance from your car, how much luxury do you really need? That is the question being answered here, as the 2021 McLaren 765LT proves less is more. McLaren 765LT Revealed: The Latest Longtail is Here Starting with the solid foundations of the 720S, engineers sculpted a longer and wider body to offer 25% more downforce. Then it was time for a diet. Starting with carpet, the new 765LT can be ordered without audio, air conditioning, and power seats. We saw the prototype on Sunday at the Amelia Island Concours, and it is the epitome of analog motoring. Tipping the scales at 2,709 lbs when dry, it has an incredible 622 horsepower per ton. The latest LongTail will arrive this fall, so click the link below to find our dealer near you. Browse All McLaren For Sale " width="680"> Related: McLaren 720S Spider Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2020

McLaren 765LT Revealed: The Latest Longtail is Here

Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (M840T)Horsepower: 755 bhpTorque: 590 lb-ft0 to 60 mph: 2.7 seconds0 to 124 mph: 7.2 secondsTop Speed: 205 mph The next longtail is here in the form of the new McLaren 765LT. Joining the Mclaren Super Series lineup, this new model is lighter, quicker and faster than the 720S model. The 765LT relies on a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (McLaren M840T) for power. In total, it pushed out 755 bhp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Such power can propel the 765LT from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and 0 to 124 mph in 7.2 seconds. McLaren notes that the 765LT has 15 percent quicker in-gear acceleration than the 720S, as well as the fastest lap times of any Super Series model. This kind of speed is helped out by the 765LT weight of just 2,952 lbs (DIN weight), 176 lbs less than the 720S Coupe. McLaren accomplished this weight through the application of advanced carbon fiber technologies for body components, a titanium exhaust system and more. Now, onto its style, which is impeccable. There's no better place to start than the rear of the 765LT-- it's a longtail after all. A menacing quad-exhaust exhaust system rests in the rear of the 765LT in a straight line. Above the exhaust is the larger "Longtail" active rear wing while the lengthened rear diffuser is below. Upfront is longer front splitter, as well as a new front bumper. All of these body components were crafted out of carbon fiber, saving weight and adding strength to the body. McLaren is set to create 765 examples of the 765LT. Pricing is set to be announced shortly. See All McLarens for Sale

By Edward Jones – March 02, 2020

Verdant Theme GT by McLaren Special Operations is A Green...

On March 3, McLaren Automotive will be holding their livestream where a new supercar and unique GT will be unveiled. However, McLaren has gone ahead and showed the world Verdant Theme GT by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) ahead of tomorrow's unveiling. This new 2020 McLaren GT for sale has a beautiful satin tri-tone paint scheme. The colors go from light to dark, nose to tail, in the following shades: Horsell Green, Arbor and Steppe Green. MSO spent 430 hours creating this stunning visual on the GT. To finish off the exterior, there are Napier Green pinstripe accents on the body and front splitter, as well as Napier Green brake calipers. Inside, the cabin has a Dark Green, Jet Black and Laurel Green leather interior with Lauren Gren micropiping. Contrasting against these verdant colors is charcoal grey cashmere. It took MSO 18 months to develop an automotive application for cashmere and it's on full display with this splendid GT. "The McLaren Verdant Theme GT by MSO is the perfect showcase for us in the way it takes modern-luxury to the next level by incorporating so much innovation," says Ansar Ali, Managing Director, McLaren Special Operations. "The Grand Tourer of McLaren’s range provides a sophisticated and elegant canvas for our artistry, but also I hope the spark that will inspire every McLaren owner as they seek ever more ways to personalize their car, whether it is GT, sports convertible, track supercar, or the ultimate uncompromised road car such as our new McLaren Elva." See All McLaren GTs For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 28, 2020

McLaren Will Reveal a New Supercar on March 3

After the cancellation of the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, automakers have been left wondering how they will unveil the cars meant to be shown off during the event. For McLaren, they will be holding what they call the "McLaren Motor Show 2020." This event will happen on March 3, at 8:30 GMT (3:30 AM EST) and it will be streamed live at this link: https://cars.mclaren.com/en/mclaren-motor-show-2020. The conference will be led by McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt. He will be unveiling a new McLaren supercar and giving additional product news and a business update. Stay tuned! Related Video: " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 28, 2020

McLaren Philadelphia Named 2019 Retailer of the Year - No...

The McLaren Automotive 2019 Retailer of the Year - North America has been crowned and it's none other than McLaren Philadelphia. They were recognized for having the highest standard of business operation while also growing the McLaren brand in North America. One interesting fact about this award-winning dealership is the fact that they're theonly F1 Certified Service Center outside of McLaren Special Operations in Woking, United Kingdom. “McLaren Philadelphia has been a valuable member of McLaren North America’s retailer network since we launched the brand in this region, and their expertise is unmatched. In 2019, they saw a 39 percent year-over-year increase in sales, and were the largest McLaren Certified Pre-owned dealer in North America. McLaren Philadelphia continues to be a top performer, and I’m proud to award them as Retailer of the Year- North America,” said Tony Joseph, President, McLaren North America. VIEW MCLAREN PHILADELPHIA INVENTORY

By Edward Jones – February 13, 2020

See the McLaren Senna's Standing-Mile Top Speed Run

The McLaren Senna supercar recently visited the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds which uses the Space Florida shuttle landing facility runway at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It was here that the Senna was pushed to the limit for a standing mile run. For the test, the weather was perfect for a Florida winter. And by that, we mean it was in the 80s in the afternoon and humidity wasn't over 80 percent. You can see the run down below for yourself. It's quite the sprint and the video shows you just how quickly the Senna can accelerate. ALL MCLAREN SENNA FOR SALE " width="680">

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