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 – May 29, 2021

Kid-Genius Mike Wimmer Celebrates Graduation With Epic Su...

A surprise photoshoot for a grand celebration. On May 28th, 12-year-old Mike Wimmer graduated from Concord Academy High School as Valedictorian with a 5.45 GPA. Just a week earlier on May 21st, he graduated with a 4.0 GPA from Rowan-Cabarrus Community Collection. Mike managed to complete both his Junior and Senior years of high school alongside and a two-year college associate degree all in the span of 12 months. To celebrate his graduation, McLaren Charlotte surprised him with an epic photoshoot alongside two Mclaren 720S supercars. Mike has had a passion for cars from a very early age with the movie "Cars" being the main source of it. At the age of 4, he could identify any exotic car put in front of him. And his favorite vacation is to go to IMSA Sportscar endurance races and hang out in the paddock and garage with the teams. As you can see, he's a die-hard automotive enthusiast who most definitely deserved this photoshoot. While he may not be able to drive the McLarens, he plans on taking his driver's license test in a supercar. With plenty of practice from SIM racing, he will most certainly ace the test. He plans on purchasing his first car with cash and is looking at either a Corvette ZR1, McLaren 720S or 765LT. We definitely think he'll do just that. To help pay for those purchases, Mike is already underway creating new businesses. One of them is Reflect Social, which seeks to combine "popular social media platforms with Internet of Things (IoT) devices, providing a new dynamic social experience." Be sure to follow Mike on Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date on his incredible journey. Photo Credit: Mitch Harwood

By Edward Jones – April 28, 2021

Mecum Indy 2021: Midnight Purple McLaren Senna from Marsh...

Presented by Mecum Auctions - For sheer electrifying performance, this 2019 McLaren Senna is absolutely without peer, a completely bespoke automobile of uncanny capability. The Senna lives up to both its revered namesake and its lofty position as the crown jewel in McLaren’s Ultimate Series portfolio of exclusive hyper-performance automobiles. The Senna’s magic begins with its featherweight carbon fiber MonoCage III chassis, enveloped in carbon fiber body structures designed to optimize passive aerodynamics in concert with such active devices as the massive articulated rear wing and dual aeroblades within the front fenders that are designed to apply balancing front downforce as speeds climb. And climb they do; the Senna’s midmounted powerplant is an untethered wonder. Designated M840TR 90, it’s an all-aluminum DOHC 4.0L V-8 with dual twin-scroll turbochargers and dry-sump oiling delivering 789 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque through a 7-speed dual-clutch SSG automatic transmission that together rocket the Senna to 60 MPH in a scant 2.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 211 MPH. Electrohydraulic rack-and-pinion steering, carbon ceramic disc brakes with forged monobloc 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers, and an all-encompassing active suspension system are influenced by the driver’s choice of three powertrain modes affecting ride height and spring rates, braking and cornering, an astounding developmental breakthrough in driver/machine integration. More advanced technology is seen in the Senna’s twin-hinge dihedral doors, Gorilla Glass windows, Bowers and Wilkins seven-speaker audio system, front and rear parking sensors, back-up camera and McLaren track telemetry system. Presenting in impeccable as-new condition with just 186 miles, this 2019 McLaren Senna is loaded with special custom appointments and finishes courtesy of McLaren’s Special Operations department, where McLaren customers’ dreams are fulfilled. In this case, it’s a marriage of special one-off Midnight Purple paint with matching Mauvine Purple Visible Carbon Fiber (VCF) interior surfaces, Mauvine Blue brake calipers, satin-finish carbon fiber aeroblades and door sills, Carbon Black Alcantara steering wheel, Dark Stealth exhaust heat shield and 19- and 20-inch Matte Dark Stealth center-lock ultra-lightweight wheels with Midnight Purple centers. This is a truly remarkable machine of unmatched pedigree and performance. This McLaren Senna will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions' Indy 2021 event, which runs May 14-22. View Listing

By Edward Jones – April 26, 2021

Mecum Indy 2021: McLaren P1 from Marshall Goldman Collect...

Presented by Mecum Auctions - Just as the McLaren F1 road car redefined cutting-edge performance in the 1990s, so has the 2014 P1 offered here set new standards, having been boldly described in company literature as “the most exciting, capable, technologically advanced and dynamically accomplished super sports car ever made.” That is as unequivocal a statement as has ever been made by any automobile manufacturer since Errett Lobban Cord introduced the Duesenberg Model J, but the 2014 P1 offered here at no reserve from the Marshall Goldman Collection more than lives up to that promise. Constructed around an intricately woven one-piece carbon fiber MonoCage, the P1 comprises a bundle of interconnected systems following modern Formula 1 practice. Its aerodynamics generate the highest downforce of any production road car to its time, complementing that with RaceActive chassis control to modulate the all-independent wishbone suspension and an adjustable rear wing to maintain dynamic balance under any conditions. Its hybrid twin-turbocharged DOHC 3.8L V-8 generates 727 HP, with a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor within the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission adding 177 HP for a sum of 903 HP and more than 700 lb-ft of torque. At the other end of the performance spectrum are F1-grade silicon-carbide-coated carbon ceramic disc brakes capable of stopping the P1 from 120 MPH in just 380 feet. Chassis No. 325 of 375 P1s produced, this 2014 McLaren P1 received the full treatment from McLaren Special Operations, who handcrafted its bespoke interior and exterior finishings. Its Brodger Fire Brown paint, specially developed by MSO, is contrasted by the car’s semi-gloss carbon fiber bodywork and orange accents on the brake calipers, rear wing struts and “P1” rear badge; the same satin body finish appears on the mirror arms and the lightweight aluminum wheels. The theme repeats inside with Highland Hare Brown leather and Alcantara upholstery on the dash, steering wheel and touring seats contrasted by orange stitching and satin-finish orange control dials. This exquisitely tailored McLaren hypercar comes complete with a battery charger, car cover, books, original paint and leather samples, P1 book and service records. This McLaren P1 will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions' Indy 2021 event, which runs May 14-22. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2021

2022 McLaren Artura Is The Beginning Of A New Era

Hybrid and EV technology is watching gasoline ride off into the sunset. The new 2022 McLaren Artura is the beginning of a new era, as we watch V6 engines have now made the V8 look obsolete. If you watched the reveal with us, you are likely smiling at the notions of an all-new chassis. Using the 600LT as a benchmark, the new carbon fiber monocoque is lighter and stronger while also accommodating a battery pack. Another incredible leap forward is the V6 engine. Instead of firing the cylinders at 60 or 90 degrees, the cylinder heads are 120 degrees apart. This wide-angle offers perfect balance without needing heavy counterweights on the crankshaft. The engine itself offers 577 horsepower and 431 lb-ft of torque, and it is supplemented by the latest in hybrid assistance. A compact battery is rated at 7.4 kWh, and it allows the car to have a total output of 671 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. Cutting weight in every component allows this car to offer a curb weight of 3,303 lbs. This allows it to reach 60 mph in 3 seconds, 124 mph in 8.3 seconds, and 186 mph in under 22 ticks. The electric motor offers a range of 19 miles, and swapping the polarity allowed engineers to build a new dual-clutch transmission without a reverse gear. Nothing about the Artura is shared with its predecessors except for the brand's logo. Every car will arrive with a host of other performance-minded goodies that don't add weight. From an electronic differential to Pirelli Cyber Tyre technology, you will truly be amazed it can all be offered at a starting price of $225,000. This car will undoubtedly be the beginning of a new series, so stay with us for all your McLaren news. Images (C) McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2021

McLaren Senna GTR Can-Am #3 of 3 For Sale

Undefeated is how the world remembers Bruce McLaren. Winning every race in the Canadian-American Challenge is how the 1969 season immortalized him and his team. To pay homage to their efforts, McLaren Special Operations built three examples of the Senna in exacting detail. They represent three examples of the McLaren M8D, a supercar ahead of its time. Being the last of this trio, Car #3 represents the full potential of MSO. They are the only street-legal McLaren Senna GTRs ever built, and cars #1 and #2 are at home in exquisite collections. Saving the best for last, this is the only car to have a hand-painted 50th-anniversary logo. It signifies how far the brand has evolved in a half-century. The carbon fiber body is covered in McLaren Orange and emblazoned with the Speedy Kiwi in prominent and hidden areas. Vinyl decals are ok for lesser machines, so the Kiwis and the Canadian Flag were also painted by hand. Zircon was used for the brightwork along with Liquid Silver in all the right places. Nothing was overlooked, as the exhaust, heat extractors, wheels, and even the gas pedal are unique to this car. Before leaving the factory they bestowed it with the 25 horsepower upgrade. Since then it has only accrued 44 miles, and Bruce would not approve of such a machine sitting idle. Perhaps for a perfect finishing touch, the rear spoiler has the same color scheme as the M8D, with etched Can-Am logos through the white endplates. View Price & Listing

By Edward Jones – September 18, 2020

5 Custom McLaren Senna GTR LMs Honor F1 GTR Race Cars

McLaren has just unveiled five stunning examples of the Senna GTR that honor the five F1 GTRs that finished 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 13th in the 1995 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each of these Sennas were commissioned by customers and feature hand-painted liveries that took more than 800 hours each. In order to ensure each livery was faithful, McLaren received special permissions from brand owners and by Le Mans organizer the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). The results are absolutely stunning. But it's not just the liveries that make these Senna GTR LMs so special. Each of these race cars has new features and technical enhancements that allow it to sit above the Senna GTR they are based on. For example, McLaren's engineers re-calibrated the powertrain to increase its power output by 20 horsepower. There are also the new special LM twin-exit exhaust pipes, bespoke five-spoke wheels by OZ Racing, gold accents and more. Ansar Ali, Managing Director of McLaren Special Operations, said: “The McLaren Senna GTR LM project has been a labor of love for nearly two years; we have gone to great lengths not only to perfect the engineering aspects of the cars, but also to gain co-operation from brand holders and partners to maximize authenticity.” You can view each of these McLaren Senna GTR LMs in the galleries down below. See All McLaren Sennas for Sale McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/1 - The Ueno Clinic car McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/6 - The Harrods car McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/2 - The Gulf car McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/7 - The Jacadi Car McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/5 - The Cesar car

By Edward Jones – May 19, 2020

The Last McLaren 600LT Spiders Have Arrived in the US

McLaren Automotive has just announced that he last 12 examples of the 600LT Spider have arrived in North America. What's unique about these examples of the open-top sports car is that they're all inspired by Segestria Florentina, a venomous arachnid. These final 600LT Spiders are called the McLaren 600LT Spider Segestria Borealis by MSO and have been given the nickname of "Spider Spider." They come with a Napier Green stripes that mimic the green fangs of the spider and a black body, just like the spider. The black paint used is actually the Borealis black MSO Defined paint that has a deep green, purple and claret undertones that shine in the sun. There are also Napier Green brake calipers, 10-spoke lightweight forged wheels in gloss black, napier Green web motifs, MSO Clubsport Pack and a unique interior that matches the exterior. If you love the look of this 600LT Spider and want it for yourself, you're in luck! We currently have two of these McLaren's listed for sale by McLaren Boston and McLaren Charlotte. Click the button below to learn more. View Listings Source: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – April 01, 2020

McLaren Shows Off Two Very Special Elvas by MSO

The new McLaren Elva is quite the car, boasting some of the most incredible aerodynamics we've seen in a car and a design that screams "instant legend." With the speedster design that calls upon the race cars of old, McLaren Special Operations has created some very special editions of the hypercar that pay homage to iconic cars. See All McLarens for Sale Elva M6A Theme by MSO This theme pays homage to to the M6A car that took on the Can-Am series in 1967. It comes finished in Anniversary Orange and is loaded with special touches like the McLaren Cars decal, Bruce McLaren's signature and his number 4 in gumball style. Elva M1A Theme by MSO The Elva M1A honors Bruce McLaren's M1A that set multiple lap records at Mosport Park at the Canadian Sports Car Grand Prix in 1964. It's exterior is primarily black with a Magnesium Silver stripe topped by a Accent Red pinstripe. It also features Bruce McLaren's number 4.

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 Edward Jones – January 02, 2020

McLaren Speedtail Finishes Top Speed Testing at Kennedy S...

McLaren Automotive has announced that the high-speed validation program for the new Hyper-GT prototype 'XP2' (Speedtail) has officially ended. The high-speed tests took place at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds, located at Kennedy Space Center. Kenny Brack, McLaren's chief test driver, managed to take the Speedtail up to its top speed of 250 mph more than 30 times. This kind of speed in a straight line was only possible because of the Proving Grounds' 3-mile long, 100-yard wide runway. “It’s fitting that the Speedtail’s high-speed test program concluded with multiple maximum-speed runs at a location so strongly associated with pushing the boundaries of extreme performance and engineering excellence,” commented McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt. “The Speedtail is a truly extraordinary car that epitomizes McLaren’s pioneering spirit and perfectly illustrates our determination to continue to set new benchmarks for supercar and hypercar performance.” SEE ALL MCLAREN SPEEDTAIL FOR SALE

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