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 – August 24, 2018

McLaren 720S GT3 is Now Ready to Race: Price and Pics

Wait, stop planning on transforming your McLaren 720S into a race car. If you want to go racing, they have just released a GT3 version of the 720S. The engineers must have been delighted to take their 4.0L twin turbo V8 to its fullest potential. Without intake or exhaust restrictions it will be a fire-spitting monster. While the normal 720S reduces torque-by-gear to keep you safe on the street, the GT3 is tuned for maximum output.Stealth Grey McLaren 600LT Heading to Pebble BeachOnboard air-jacks and center-lock wheels will make for quick pit stops, and the rear differential is adjustable for weather and track conditions. In keeping with 2019 GT3 specs, the carbon fiber seat is ready for your HANS device, and the traction control system is within easy reach. The McLaren MonoCageII one-piece cockpit is shared with the street version of the 720S, but the doors and hood are much thinner to save weight.Several prototypes were tested by their tire supplier, with Pirelli recording over 18,500 miles in several 36-hour endurance runs. They are legal to race in several FIA classes, but they are not street-legal in any sense. If you're interested, they come with a £440,000 price tag, which is about $565,000 USD.To see if you can handle it, click the link below to find a 720S near you, and stay with us for all your McLaren updates.Browse McLaren 720S For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2018

McLaren 720S Models Unveiled in Pacific and Track Theme

McLaren and their McLaren Special Operations (MSO) branch have unveiled two bespoke examples of the 720S supercar. The two themes unveiled are the Pacific and Track Themes, which are included in the same portfolio as the 720S Velocity Theme.Each of the themes has their own specific colorways and trim. The Track Theme was commissioned by McLaren Manchester. They went for the Anniversary White finish, a paint that was inspired by the championship-winning F1 cars in the 1980's. Joining the white paint is handpainted details in Carbon Black and Tarroco Orange. The Pacific Theme was picked out by McLaren Glasgow, who opted for the Cerulean Blue paint, the same paint found on the current McLaren F1 car. To deepen things up against the bright blue paint, MSO tinted the carbon fiber in Cobalt Blue.McLaren 720S Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – August 01, 2018

McLaren Special Operations Heading to Salon Privé

One of the most exclusive auto events in Europe is coming soon. Salon Privé Concours is a precursor to the Blenheim Palace Classic & Supercar show. To show off the unlimited abilities to fulfill their customer's wishes, McLaren Special Operations has built two bespoke cars for these back-to-back events.McLaren 720S vs 675LT on the AutobahnThe Salon opens August 30th and ends on September 1st. Then the modest estate of Blenheim Castle will host over 1,000 cars in the Concours on September 2nd. Pack your bags for Oxfordshire if you want to see the latest in custom McLarens. The first is a gorgeous 570GT MSO Black Collection. Only 100 examples will be produced, each one with Carbon Black paint, MSO SuperSports Titanium exhaust, Sport Pack Dynamic Handling, and, of course, a unique set of Gloss Black wheels. Inside you will find Jet Black leather and Alcantara with MSO embroidery.It will be parked next to the star of the show. The McLaren 720S 'Velocity' features accents of Nerello Red along with Volcano Red on the sides and rear. Forged one-piece wheels are finished in Metallic Bronze, which provides a perfect contrast to the carbon fiber bits from the MSO Defined collection. Both cars were built with input from McLaren Bristol and McLaren Birmingham, so be sure to check them out if you are in the area. Stay with us for complete coverage of the show and click on the link below to find your McLaren.McLaren 570GT For SaleMcLaren 720S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 27, 2018

McLaren Senna #001 Takes An Epic Road Trip

Normal cars are bought and they are instantly stuck in traffic as transportation appliances. McLaren owners are passionate about performance, especially David Kyte, who purchased Senna #001. In a press release this morning, we get a glimpse of the delivery process. Mr. Kyte was presented with his keys and all the documents by McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt at their Technology Center. Michael Fux Delivered First McLaren Senna Finished in Anniversary White with Aurora Blue accents, the colors and their layout was handled by McLaren Special Operations. We can't be more happy for what happened next. Instead of driving the car home and keeping the world from seeing it, David and 5 other owners hit the road. After 870 miles (and a trip under the English Channel) they arrived at Paul Ricard racetrack in the south of France. The convoy consisted of three other McLaren Sennas, a new 2019 McLaren 720S, and the latest Sports Series: McLaren 600LT. Brand ambassador and racer Bruno Senna went along to show the owners just what their machines are capable of. This trip accomplished several goals. David experienced the camaraderie among McLaren owners, he allowed the public to see a convoy of horsepower and elegance that rarely happens. And finally, their journey allowed the engines to get a proper break-in. Buying a new car and parking it is the worst way to hurt the engine. It takes at least 500 miles for the rings and bearings to set, and a road trip is a perfect way to do this. I drove a low mileage Murcielago that was babied its entire life, and the dealer wonders why it smokes at startup. So click the link below to find your McLaren and follow the instructions for years of smooth running. Shop All McLarens for Sale

By Edward Jones – July 25, 2018

McLaren Speedtail Will Be the World's First Hyper-GT

Up until now, we've called the upcoming McLaren Hyper-GT model "BP23." This was just a codename. Now, we know what the next model in the Ultimate Series will be called: McLaren Speedtail.McLaren says that they have informed all 106 clients that reserved the hybrid model when it was BP23 that it will be called Speedtail. Each of the 106 Speedtail created will be personalized to the customer's liking through MSO's abilities, meaning no two will be the same.Official: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ AnnouncedThe Speedtail is being touted as the fastest McLaren yet, being able to break the 243 mph barrier set by the F1. McLaren also says that the Speedtail will be the most luxurious model they've created as well.The Speedtail is designed with a three-seat cockpit design, with the driver being centrally located. Sound familiar? Yup, that's the same layout that we saw in the legendary F1.McLaren notes that the entire allocation of Speedtails was spoken for before the car was even officially announced back in November 2016. Those who reserved one have had to wait a while, but production is set to begin by the end of next year and the car will get a public reveal before 2018's end.

By Andrew Nabors – July 17, 2018

Why You Should Buy a McLaren P1

Hybrid supercars are state of the art, and McLaren beat everyone else to the punch. Their P1 began production in 2013 and literally shocked the world with its potent power. They were the first to realize that electric power can be more than just a means to save gasoline.Normal hybrids have electric motors and batteries that are better suited to golf carts than automobiles, but McLaren paired their 3.8L V8 with twin turbochargers to make 727 hp along with enough voltage to add another 176 hp. This potent combination allows the supercar to beat the best cars in the world while burning less fuel than the competition. Since the electric drive makes almost 200 lb-ft of torque, the P1 can be driven on battery alone if you require a stealthy exit.After a full day of electric cruising, you could potentially use the V8 to charge the system. The batteries reach a full charge in 2 hours--- just in time to swap the street tires for a set of race slicks and hit the track. Like all their predecessors, the P1 has no sway bars. The computer takes care of roll control, keeping you flat in the corners in order to lap your competition. The MP4 and 650S also use this system so if you haven’t driven a recent McLaren, you will be amazed at how each corner of the car stays planted to the pavement. Documentaries from the 50’s told us that this technology was coming, but once again McLaren did it first.McLaren P1 SpecsThere's always a price to be paid by early adopters, but the only real problem was the limited production. Only 375 cars were built, so if you take yours out on the weekend you probably won’t see another one. The supercar has a standard EV charging port so if you stay out of the accelerator you won’t need to awaken the V8. Should you need to overtake the fastest production cars ever made, the P1 is the most sensible choice. You'll be at 60 mph in well under 3 seconds and on your way to a top speed of 220 mph. You don’t need to be Italian or German to have this much fun. Building world dominating race car is still McLaren’s top priority, but we're glad they chose to share some of that technology in their street-legal cars.These cars may be rare, but selling exotic cars is what we love to do. Take a look at these McLarens and tell us which one you would buy. As always, stay tuned to Autofluence for your next car.View All McLaren P1s For Sale Volcano Yellow McLaren P1 View Price and Details White McLaren P1 View Price and Details Carbon Black McLaren P1 View Price and Details Volcano Orange McLaren P1 View Price and Details Satin Ice Silver McLaren P1 View Price and Details Dark Palladium Grey McLaren P1 View Price and Details Tell us which one you want in the comments below, and stay with us for all your McLaren news.

By Andrew Nabors – July 13, 2018

How To Configure Your McLaren 600LT

Configurators are the best computer software since the Oregon Trail. You chart your own course, and you are rewarded at the end. Around here, each one of us likes to build their ideal car and this time it was my turn. Staying true to our corporate colors, it was time to see just how attractive McLaren's new 600LT can be.Starting with a body of Vermillion Red, the stock silver 5-spoke wheels had to go. I chose 10-spoke forged rollers in a 2-tone black and machined finish. Then it was an easy choice between the "normal" Pirelli P-Zero, or their new P-Zero Trofeo R. The new design was created exclusively for the 600LT. It has a softer sidewall and stronger steel belts that are tuned to the car's suspension.Next, it was time for carbon fiber wonderland. The ultimate package is level 3. It includes the mirrors,. rocker panels, front and rear bumpers, spoilers, fender vents and the giant rear diffuser.Composites are addicting, so we splurged a few thousand dollars more for the roof, engine cover, and fixed rear spoiler. The exhaust tips are anodized black for a nice contrast against the flames it will spew under wide-open throttle.All McLaren cars are built as convertibles before the roof is added. The interior configurator page looks to be a wild roadster version that would look incredible, but it is only used to mock up our choices. I may be getting old, but microfiber is just another name for cloth interior. I am not a vegetarian, so I prefer my cars to have all-natural hides. Microfiber doesn't age well and I would prefer to be held in place by bolsters instead of fabric. I went without the extra carbon interior pieces because of gloss interior parts create a disco effect at night. Any way you choose to spec your 600LT, it will be capable of blistering performance. So stay with us for all your McLaren updates.Find Your McLaren Here

By Andrew Nabors – July 11, 2018

McLaren 600LT Price and Details Revealed, Debut at Goodwood

We can think of no better place to launch a new McLaren. Tomorrow at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the world will see the 600LT in all its glory. In a press release this morning we've learned it is lighter, faster and arrives with more downforce than the 570 Series. Over 25% of the parts are new, and it even borrows the forged upper & lower control arms from the Super Series.McLaren Unveils the 600LT: Faster and LighterStiffer sway bars and a 0.3" drop in ride height are just a few of the juicy details. Pirelli developed unique P Zero Trofeo R tires to offer a higher cornering speed than the 675LT. Carbon ceramic brakes and the brake booster from the Senna allow it to stop from 124 mph to 0 in 383.9'. You will reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and 124 mph in only 8.2s. Pricing for the US is to start at $240,000 which includes a Pure McLaren Track Day Experience.CEO Mike Flewitt said: "The new McLaren 600LT is our most extreme road-legal Sports Series model and possesses the optimised aerodynamics, increased power, reduced weight, track-focused dynamics and enhanced driver engagement that are the hallmarks of any McLaren ‘’LT’. Only the fourth McLaren in more than two decades to be designated a ‘Longtail’, the 600LT redefines expectations of super-sportscar performance, delivering astonishing acceleration and outstanding track cornering speeds with a truly extraordinary dynamic connection between driver and car.”With 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, it will be a speedy run up the driveway to Goodwood House. Production will be by order only, so go drive a 570S and see if you could handle a hardcore version. Stay with us for all your Goodwood news.Browse McLaren 570S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 28, 2018

McLaren Unveils the 600LT: Faster and Lighter

The wait is over, and the weight is under. McLaren's new Long Tail is the lightest sports series to-date. After declaring war on obesity the 600LT is 211 lbs lighter than the DIN weight of the 570S Coupe. Inspired by the F1 GTR Longtail and the 675LT, the longer rear bodywork helps to control the low-pressure area that forms behind all cars.Deadmau5 is Getting a McLaren SennaAlmost 23% of the parts are new compared to the 570S. The engine has been dialed up to 592 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, but everyone knows those numbers are very conservative. A confidential source tells us they flog their engines in the worst conditions possible to simulate hot laps and endurance racing, then they are strapped to the dyno for a real-world test. Top-exit exhaust saves weight by simply aiming the catalytic converters at the sky. McLaren Special Operations has optional vented fenders and a unique roof panel. All of their optional featherweight panels offer a dry weight of 2,749 lbs. Incredible considering it still has all the creature comforts of a daily driver. Sure the interior is a bit spartan, but just like General Kalashnikov said: "All that is complex is useless". So this Alcantara and carbon fiber interior is the AK47 of supercars. The press release from McLaren says it will be a limited run, and US pricing will be confirmed at a later date. So stay with us for all your McLaren updates and check out these great deals on the 570S.Find Your McLaren 570S Here!

By Edward Jones – June 18, 2018

New McLaren's Launch Date Revealed

There is a new McLaren on its way and many are starting to speculate on what it is. Because of the teases that we've been given, it's been deduced that it will be a 570S variant. Furthermore, we've seen that the exhaust system's tailpipes aren't where they would typically be on a 570S. This has led many to believe that it will be a Longtail version of the 570S, like the 675LT.We've been in the dark on when we'd be seeing the car in its entirety, but McLaren has shed light on the car's release date.So, on June 28 we'll be seeing what McLaren has been hiding behind closed doors. Of course, stay with duPont REGISTRY and Autofluence for all of the news on the latest McLaren as it's released.Deadmau5 is Getting a McLaren Senna

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