McLaren News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

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

By Edward Jones – July 01, 2019

McLaren Speedtail Takes "Best of Show" at Chantilly Arts ...

On the grounds of Chateau de Chantilly, the historic building in Chantilly, France, the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille was held on June 30, 2019. This event gave the public the first time to see the McLaren Speedtail since its unveiling. McLaren managed to also take home the "Best of Show" for this year's event, thanks to the Speedtail they presented. This example was finished in a Saragon Quartz body with an Oxblood aniline leather and nubuck interior. McLaren also brought out an example of their new GT model, finished in Burnished Copper with Gloss Black diamond-cut alloy wheels. The event last for just one day, but that entire day was filled with supercars, hypercars, classic cars and more. While the cars were a sight to see, the scenery added to the lavishness of the event. See All McLarens For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2019

New McLaren 720S for Kids - The Doors Even Go Up!

Do you own a McLaren 720S? Do you ever get upset that your child doesn't get to experience what it's like to drive such a fine supercar? Don't worry, because McLaren has just unveiled the new 720S "Ride-On," a new model built specifically for kids. The new 720S Ride-On follows in the footsteps of the P1 Ride-On, which debuted back in 2016. Imagine you're a kid, walking up to this car, getting in and feeling like an absolute legend. I mean, the doors even go "up" like the real deal 720S. The 720S Ride-On is powered by an electric motor and can be operated via the pedals or remote control. That R/C is for when your kid is getting out of hand, trying to see how bad it would hurt if they ran it into your legs. McLaren also notes that the accelerator pedal also adds engine sounds and the brake pedal has real brake lights that work in unison. Were the doors and brake lights not enough for you? Well, how about a dashboard display screen. This screen can display key information about the car and even play movies and music via a USB or SD card. If this thing was a little bit bigger, I'd get one to cruise around downtown sidewalks... McLaren Unveils Stylish New Eyewear McLaren is pricing the 720s Ride-On at £315, which equates to roughly $400. The British automaker says it would take nearly seven hundred of these Ride-On to equal the cost of a real 720S Coupe. Papaya Spark is the exclusive launch color for McLaren dealers. There's also a long list of other colors, including Azores Orange, Belize Blue, Lantana Purple, Onyx Black, Mauvine Blue, Silica White, and Saros Grey. Need to find a McLaren retailer? Click the link below! See All McLarens For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2019

Jet Black McLaren Senna for Sale

The McLaren Senna was revealed all the way back on December 10, 2017, but we're now able to write about a used one that's up for sale. This particular Senna for sale comes from McLaren Philadelphia, who is offering it with just 231 miles on its odometer. It comes with a Jet Black exterior finished with a yellow trim found on the aerodynamic components. Inside is a black interior that's filled with carbon fiber. McLaren Philadelphia notes that this particular Senna is full of options. This includes the six-point harness, Bowers & Wilkins 7-speaker audio system, McLaren Track Telemetry, bespoke floor mats, bespoke brake caliper color and much more. Seriously, there are a ton of options. As for what kind of power you're getting when you buy this Senna, you're getting a lot. Powering the Senna is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. That's enough power for sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.8 seconds. Better yet, this car will perform like a surgical knife around a track. It's precision handling and 1,764 lbs of downforce at 155 mph make it a track monster. If you're looking for the ultimate McLaren for the track, you've found it. For more information, like price and more images, click the button below. view this car's price and more info

By Edward Jones – June 12, 2019

McLarens, Assemble: $60+ Million Lineup of McLarens Toget...

McLaren has "reunited" an insane lineup of their cars for the first time. The reason? To help celebrate McLaren's employee, friends and family open day. Imagine visiting the McLaren Technology Center and seeing this lineup. You'd want to work there too. A total of 23 cars were included in the lineup, each of which is special in their own way. Altogether, this lineup is estimated to be worth around £50 million, or around $63 million USD. What kind of cars could possibly cost that much? I'm glad you asked. Here's the list: 570S570S Spider 570GT570S GT4 675 LT Spider 675 LT 600LT600LT Spider McLaren GT Speedtail F1 XP5P1TMP1 TM GTR McLaren Senna 720S GT3 MSO 720S Spider 720S MSO 688HS 650S Spider 650S CoupeMSO 12C 50th anniversary Spider 650S Can Am12C (Job #1) "Seeing our famous line-up of cars assembled here for the first time today is a reminder to everyone of how far we’ve come as a company in such a short space of time and the ambition and innovation of our people who have helped create that success," said Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. McLaren Automotive really has come so far in such a short amount of time. It feels like it was just yesterday that the MP4-12C was unveiled, but here we are with multiple ranges of McLarens (Sports, Super, Ultimate and GT). See All McLarens For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 04, 2019

New McLaren MSO High Downforce Kit for 570S

The McLaren 570S has been out for just a bit now and I'm sure that owners are looking for ways to spruce up their already formidable sports car. For that, McLaren has introduced the new MSO High Downforce Kit for their Sports Series models. Read More: McLaren 570 Specs, Prices This kit's main attraction is the rear carbon wing, which McLaren says adds an additional 75 kg (176 lbs) of downforce. Finished in Gloss Visual Carbon Fiber with Palladium Grey end panels, the rear wing would be a great addition to any McLaren Sports Series model. McLaren also integrated a stoplight into the wing, blending the wing's functionality with the rear of the car. Not only will this new wing add downforce, but it will also aid in handling. Altogether, the MSO High Downforce Kit will build on the performance and style of the 570S. See All McLarens For Sale Also Check Out: McLaren Beverly Hills Offering Incredible New Lease Options Meet the New McLaren GT Why You Should Buy A McLaren 600LT

By Andrew Nabors – May 16, 2019

New McLaren GT in Detail by Carfection

Yesterday McLaren unveiled their latest model. The GT does not fall into their Sports or Super Series because it is truly unique. Comfort and civility were their goals, and it is safe to say this car is about to change the world. To see what makes it so unique, here is the new McLaren GT in detail by Carfection. First, they needed ample cargo space. This was achieved by developing a new intake and exhaust for the 4.0L V8. By using a flat intake and moving the turbos outboard, it is almost 5" lower than the Senna. This allows for a set of golf clubs and a soft bag. Up front is the spacious trunk that can hold even more. Inside, every switch and button is machined from billet alloy. Leather is found almost everywhere, and it is Semi- Aniline from Bridge of Weir. You have a real cup holder and your drink will not be spilled. That's because the Proactive Damping Control is a learning system. It adjusts for different road types in milliseconds. Because it is over 15 feet long, only the Speedtail casts a longer shadow. Tell us what you think of the latest McLaren in the comments below, and click the link to find a dealer near you. Browse McLaren For Sale Related: Meet the new McLaren GT McLaren Automotive Celebrates 20,000 Cars

By Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2019

Meet the New McLaren GT

Carbon fiber supercars are fun, but only a few enthusiasts would consider them for a road trip. McLaren made waves when they added a hatchback version of the 570 series, and customers responded with open arms. Seeing a need for a more practical model, work began on a true luxury Grand Tourer. After years in development, meet the new McLaren GT for sale. Starting with a clean sheet, their goals were to improve comfort and offer world-class cargo space. A new chassis was based on the MonoCell II. Adapting it for travel required a new roofline and structure to support the hatch. MonoCell II-T sets it apart from all other models. To make sure it offers a plush interior, the GT borrows the same high-quality materials found in the upcoming Speedtail. Innovations Because the chassis is incredibly strong, engineers were able to dial back the suspension stiffness. Sensors scan the road ahead, and adjust the shocks accordingly. The new Proactive Damping Control has three levels, Comfort, Sport and Track. It is also their highest vehicle to-date, giving ample room for speed bumps and heinous driveway connectors. With the front suspension raised, the approach angle is 13 degrees, far better than American muscle cars. A focus on low-speed maneuvering prompted the brake response and hydraulic power steering to have a more traditional feel. Under the rear hatch is a whopping 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Enough for plenty of groceries, golf clubs, or luggage for your journey. It is complimented by an additional 5.3 cubic feet under the hood for a total of 20.1 How? In order to make this possible, a de-tuned version of the Senna's 4.0L twin turbo V8 was mounted very low. You will hardly believe that 612 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque are hidden beneath the package tray. Taking more inspiration from the Speedtail, the roof is electrochromatic and the rear pillars are glazed Gorilla glass. Nappa leather is standard, and Alcantara is an optional upgrade. Cashmere will be available later this year, for a small surcharge. Insulation abounds inside and out, and it starts with softer motor mounts. In addition to routing the exhaust under the car, low frequency sounds have been eliminated. The audio you want comes from a 12-speaker system by Bowers & Wilkins. They have adopted carbon fiber for the subs, and Kevlar for the mids and tweeters. Invoking the accelerator will drown them out as you reach 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and 124 mph in 9.0. With a top speed of 203 mph, it is a perfect contender for a Cannonball Run. When? Has McLaren gone soft? We don't think so, this is just a great opportunity to build something for everyone. Your McLaren dealer is taking orders, and deliveries are slated for the end of the year. The price you pay to have the best of both worlds is only $210,000, and it is a bargain for what you will experience. This one truly intrigues us, so stay with us for all your McLaren GT updates. Browse All McLaren For Sale P.S. The GT must be aimed at Americans because it has a center console, arm rest and even a cup holder- what an age to be alive!

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2019

McLaren Automotive Celebrates 20,000 Cars

If you have dreamed of a carbon fiber supercar, McLaren has several examples to offer. What began in 2011 has far exceeded their expectations. So congratulations to everyone at McLaren Automotive as they celebrate 20,000 cars. In their latest press release, everyone at the McLaren Production Centre gathered around a Chicane Grey 600LT Spider. To keep up with increasing demand, the company employees over 2,300 skilled men & women. Last year saw 4,800 cars delivered, and they are on target for 5,000 for the 2019 model year. Street cars are now a majority of McLaren Group's profits, finally edging out their race technology division. What was 10 cars per day in 2016 is now 20 cars, and they are sold in 32 markets around the world. Chief Operating Officer Dr. Jens Ludmann said: “It’s testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment from our McLaren Production Centre employees that we’re now able to produce 20 cars a day across many different vehicle types and variants.” If you want to know what makes McLaren cars so popular, click the link below and stay with us for all your McLaren news. McLaren 600LT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 09, 2019

McLaren 600LT Spider Has Arrived in the U.S.

George Carlin described the flamethrower as a purely American invention. "I really want to set that guy on fire, but I am too lazy to walk over there". There is something entrancing about them, so we also enjoy the latest English flamethrower: the McLaren 600LT Coupe. The top-mounted exhaust provides a brilliant afterburner during hard accelerations, so it must be a riot with the top down. We don't have to guess any longer since the McLaren 600LT Spider has arrived. McLaren dealers in the U.S. have already allocated every 600LT Coupe, so the Spider is your next logical choice. However, unlike other McLaren Spiders, production will be very limited. Based on the strong MonoCell2 chassis, losing the roof didn't require extra bracing. For a staring price of $256,500 you will have a 3.8L V8 and twin turbos. It sends 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. You will reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, and the large rear wing will offer 220 lbs of downforce at 155 mph. Click the link below to find our dealer near you, because a Long Tail Spider won't happen again in the near future. Stay with us for all your McLaren news. Find Your McLaren 600LT HEre Related: Justin Bell Tests the McLaren 600LT Spider McLaren 600LT Spider Hot Laps With Kenny Brack

By Andrew Nabors – May 07, 2019

McLaren 720S GT3 Unveiled as 570S GT4 Continues to Dominate

This might surprise you, but McLaren isn't a car company that races. They are leaders in the racing world who also build street legal cars. This can't be more evident than last weekend's races. The new McLaren 720S GT3 was unveiled as the 570S GT4 continued to dominate. Compass Racing was at Mid-Ohio for the inaugural round of the IMSA WeatherTech Sprint Cup. After qualifying in 8th place, the car took a hard hit and was forced to retire. Before the big race, team "Motorsports In Action" had a great day at the Michelin PILOT Challenge. They pushed their 570S GT4 started on the front row and stayed ahead of the field for most of the race. Their 7th place finish earned enough points to keep them ahead of the competition. Across the pond, team Equipe Verschuur fielded their 570S GT4 in two races, scoring 3rd and 7th place. This puts them 14 points ahead of their competitors, along with proving the reliability of the car in back-to-back races. Finally, the 2019 China GT Championship race in Ningbo saw "The Winning Team" finish all three of their 570S GT4 in the top 10. McLaren Philadelphia allowed me to drive a 570S GT4 at the Nashville Auto Show last year, and I enjoyed all 10 minutes of it! If you see a Podium Finish in your future, click the link below to find a McLaren dealer near you. Find Your McLaren Here Related: New McLaren GT's Release Date Announced McLaren Senna Dyno Testing From Hennessey Performance

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