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 Tyler Rampersaud – July 08, 2024

McLaren Partners With Divergent Technologies For Next-Gen...

McLaren’s new partner promises to take its supercars to the next level. McLaren is known for its portfolio of lightweight, powerful supercars that boast head-turning style, luxurious appointments, and impressive on-track abilities. With a history of over 60 years that began on the circuit and with a legacy in racing that includes having the coveted “Triple Crown” of motorsport to its name, McLaren has earned a well-respected name in the automotive world. However, a new partnership is set to take McLaren and its cars to the next level. That partnership is with California-based digital manufacturing firm Divergent Technologies, Inc. Through the new collaboration, McLaren will unlock access to additive manufacturing that will bolster sustainability, production efficiency, and the performance of McLaren’s supercars. To start the partnership, McLaren will use Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS™) to create chassis components for its next generation of supercars towards even better lightweight construction and dynamics. With their new partnership, McLaren and Divergent are set to revolutionize the supercar world. Their improved manufacturing ability will add even more excellence to what makes McLaren’s supercars great: lightweight construction, agile dynamics, and robust power. With Divergent’s help, the next generation of McLaren supercars will be better than ever. View All McLarens For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 02, 2024

How To Buy: Pure Electric x McLaren's New Papaya Edition ...

World-class racing meets world-class riding. Already debuting its partnership during the anniversary of legendary F1 racing driver Ayrton Senna with a special edition e-scooter sporting colors of the Brazilian flag, Pure Electric x McLaren continue its automotive-inspired collaboration with yet another electrifying release for urban mobility. The all-new Pure x McLaren Papaya Edition e-scooter features both a new format and a vibrant orange paint job, further cementing its status as a game changer in the industry. A new, ergonomic riding position enables the rider to take a natural, forward-facing stance for a more stable and comfortable experience, complemented by folding handlebars, footpads, and steering tube for a slimline look. Along with a bright Papaya Orange paint job that celebrates McLaren's most coveted color, the e-scooter comes fitted with a luminous headlight and rear brake light to help riders navigate through the night safely. Pure x McLaren branding is proudly displayed throughout its design, matching supercar icons like the 720S, Artura, and 765LT. While it's not powered by a monstrous 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 like McLaren's current lineup, Pure's newest release guarantees longer rides with an improved battery that delivers a 31-mile range on a single charge. Improved hill climbing and more responsive acceleration are also to be noted with the upgraded 710w motor. With a stamp of approval from McLaren F1 team driver Lando Norris, the all-new Pure Electric x McLaren Papaya Edition E-Scooter is now available by clicking the link below. Shop Pure Electric x McLaren Source: Pure Electric

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 11, 2024

McLaren Returns To Le Mans After 26 Years With The New GT...

McLaren makes a glorious return to the most prestigious racing stage. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is undoubtedly one of the world’s most respected and feared racing venues, with 100 years of history forging legends and serving as the setting for unforgettable motorsport stories. One of the most prominent is that of McLaren’s victories, when in its debut at the 1995 Le Mans race, McLaren achieved the legendary ‘Triple Crown,’ winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Monaco Grand Prix, and Indianapolis 500, all in the same season. McLaren would continue to be a force of nature at the 24 Hours of Le Mans until 1998, and 26 years later, the celebrated British name in the motorsport world has returned to the revered challenge with its GT3 EVO race cars. Based on the 750S and sharing the new McLaren supercar’s design, the GT3 EVO takes after the McLaren F1 GTR, which wasn’t designed as a race car but, with McLaren’s racing heritage, needed very little modification to dominate the Le Mans grid. The same goes for the GT3 EVO, which takes after the McLaren 750S’s racing-derived technology and engineering to fight for victory at Le Mans. The same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that powers the 750S powers the GT3 EVO, and the power is restricted to meet the GT3 class requirements. Three McLaren GT3 EVO cars will be racing at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, ending a 26-year hiatus and bringing the legendary legacy of McLaren’s 24 Hours of Le Mans performance to the modern era. The race is set to take place June 15 and 16, and anticipation builds to a fever pitch as the countdown winds down. View All McLarens For Sale Image Source: McLaren

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 05, 2024

McLaren Celebrates 1995 Le Mans Victory With Justin Bell ...

McLaren celebrates its incredible motorsport legacy with Jay Leno. With over 60 years of history, McLaren is known for its track-ready supercars and a celebrated pedigree of motorsport success. The latest milestone in McLaren’s supercar history is the new 750S, one of the British manufacturer's most innovative, powerful, and formidable lightweight creations. Ahead of this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans race, McLaren created a film starring the 750S reflecting on one of its greatest racing milestones, achieved nearly 30 years ago, with the 750S’s co-star, the McLaren F1 GTR, which won the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans being driven by Justin Bell, Derek Bell, and Andy Wallace. The new film features Justin Bell, and prolific celebrity car enthusiast and collector Jay Leno, who reflect on how McLaren’s new 750S builds on the celebrated legacy of the F1 GTR, and it also showcases Jay Leno’s personal McLaren F1, a rare example of one of automotive history’s most impactful and groundbreaking supercars. Both Justin Bell and Jay Leno comment on how McLaren continues to innovate and evolve, pushing the boundaries of automotive performance and engineering, and how the driving experience of McLaren’s supercars is unforgettable regarding performance and dynamics. The end of the film serves as a teaser for something special that will come from Justin and Derek Bell, which will be revealed during the 24 Hours of Le Mans race weekend on the anniversary of their incredible victory and McLaren’s explosive Le Mans debut. View All McLarens For Sale Image Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 23, 2024

How To Buy: McLaren's All-New 2024 Season Teamwear Collec...

Look the part with the newest styles from the McLaren F1 Team. Born directly from the racetrack back in 1965, McLaren first hit the Formula 1 scene after founder, Bruce McLaren set off to develop his own racecar for the first season of the new 3-liter engine regulation. Today, McLaren has not only evolved into one of the most successful teams in F1 but also a leader in supercar and hypercar manufacturing. With all its fame and stardom both on and off the race grid, the McLaren F1 Team has created a community full of passionate fans that continue to show support by sporting the brand's famous Papaya Orange team wear throughout the global season. In preparation to take on one of the most anticipated seasons in Formula 1 history, McLaren F1 is proud to introduce its all-new 2024 Formula 1 Teamwear Collection. The apparel and accessories lineup aims to style fans just like Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and the rest of the support team in the paddock. Using the legendary Papaya Orange shade as the base layer for each piece, the collection includes team jackets, hoodies, t-shirts, polos, and hats for everyone in the family. From driver-specific NewEra hats for sunny track days to longlined jackets for chilling test laps, the 2024 Teamwear Collection is sure to have you looking the part as McLaren F1 sprints to the finish line for another victorious season. Shop all the newest styles from McLaren F1 and the McLaren Store by clicking the link below for more information. Shop The 2024 McLaren Teamwear Collection Official Teamwear Set Up T-Shirt Formula 1 McLaren Store Shop Now Official Teamwear Polo Shirt Formula 1 McLaren Store Shop Now Official Teamwear Longline Padded Jacket Formula 1 McLaren Store Shop Now Official Teamwear Lightweight Rain Jacket Formula 1 McLaren Store Shop Now Official Teamwear Soft Shell Jacket Formula 1 McLaren Store Shop Now Mens Official Teamwear Quarter Zip Top Formula 1 McLaren Store Shop Now Womens Official Teamwear Quarter Zip Top Formula 1 McLaren Store Shop Now McLaren Oscar Piastri Replica 9Fifty® Cap - New Era McLaren Store Shop Now Mclaren Lando Norris Official Teamwear 9Fifty® Cap - New Era McLaren Store Shop Now McLaren Official Teamwear 9Forty® Cap - New Era McLaren Store Shop Now

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 22, 2024

McLaren Creates A Special 750S For Johnny Rutherford's 19...

McLaren honors a triumphant moment in its racing history. May sets Indianapolis abuzz with excitement every year, with the Indianapolis 500 race coming each year with intense competition and performance excellence. A tradition in the motorsport world for decades, the Indianapolis 500 has forged legacies, and one of those is of Johnny Rutherford, who won the race in 1974, 50 years ago. It was with McLaren that he achieved that incredible victory, and being his first Indianapolis 500 victory, it was not only a milestone moment in his career but in racing history. The 1974 race was won from the 25th starting position, where Rutherford drove an average of 158 mph behind the wheel of a McLaren M16C/D with an iconic McLaren Orange livery and an F1-style cockpit. 50 years later, ahead of this year’s Indianapolis 500 race, McLaren is honoring the incredible victory that happened half a century ago with a special one-off McLaren 750S that features a livery that echoes the original race-winning car. Alongside it, two other McLaren road cars sported the Rutherford-inspired livery, and all three are drumming up excitement for this year’s Indianapolis 500 race, driving around the city by Arrow Mclaren IndyCar team members. This new special McLaren 750S features McLaren’s latest supercar with high-tech performance innovation, celebrating a milestone moment in motorsport history that took place 50 years ago, celebrating Johnny Rutherford’s diving ability and McLaren’s rich motorsport pedigree. View All McLarens For Sale Image Source: McLaren

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 21, 2024

McLaren Honors Ayrton Senna With The New One-Off Senna Se...

McLaren honors a late racing legend. Ayrton Senna is one of the most revered names in motorsport. The late racing superstar won three Formula 1 World Championships during his illustrious, albeit tragically short career. His three championship titles were earned with the McLaren F1 team, including six victories at the legendary, renowned, and historic Monaco Grand Prix. Ahead of this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren has revealed special one-off liveries honoring Ayrton Senna, his home country of Brazil, and his incredible racing achievements with McLaren. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s McLaren MCL38 race cars will sport one-off Senna Sempre liveries at the Monaco Grand Prix this year, bearing the bold colors of Brazil. Also, McLaren has created a one-of-one version of its own Ultimate Series Senna hypercar, which is named after Ayrton Senna, with a special Senna Sempre livery. The McLaren Senna Sempre is a transformation of an existing pre-production McLaren Senna used for the Senna’s launch campaign and retained in McLaren’s heritage collection. The stunning bespoke paintwork depicts Senna’s face, beautifully vibrant color gradients, and incredible hand-painted details. Ayrton Senna’s impact on the motorsport world, Formula 1, and the history of the Monaco Grand Prix are undeniable and unforgettable, thanks to his incredible success and talent as a racing driver. Honoring that legacy over 30 years later at the Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren is celebrating its achievements with Ayrton Senna in the form of the new Senna Sempre and the one-off liveries its F1 cars will wear at the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix. View All McLaren Sennas For Sale Image Source: McLaren

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 20, 2024

Watch Novitec's Modified McLaren 750S Spit Flames

Novitec elevates supercar excellence. McLaren is known for its innovative, lightweight, powerful supercars with racing pedigree and on-track excellence, and the new 750S is one of the latest examples of its supercar specialty. Lighter and faster than the 720S that it succeeds, the new McLaren 750S is the manufacturer’s flagship offering in its supercar lineup. However, Novitec is a firm that specializes in elevating supercars even further. Various customizations alter the appearance, aerodynamics, and performance of supercars from all over the world, and the McLaren 750S is one of the newest to receive that treatment. With a suit of modifications from Novitec, the firm was able to increase the 750S’s horsepower to 840 hp. One of the most prominent modifications Novitec gave the McLaren 750S was the exhaust system. In a new YouTube video on Novitec Group’s channel, the McLaren 750s’s custom exhaust system is shown off with incredible sights and sounds, revving and accelerating throughout the engine’s wide RPM range and showing off spitting flames in the dark coming from the exhaust. With Novitec’s modifications, the McLaren 750S’s incredible performance and wow factor are taken to the next level, and you can watch it all in Novitec’s new video. View All McLarens For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 16, 2024

McLaren Launches A New Supercar-Inspired E-Bike Collection

Experience McLaren's iconic design and performance in the world's most powerful street-legal electric bikes. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, McLaren Automotive introduces a groundbreaking addition to its lineup: the McLaren e-bike range. Inspired by the U.K. automaker's legendary supercars, these electric bikes redefine extreme performance on two wheels. Engineered by the same masterminds behind McLaren's iconic supercars and hypercars, the e-bikes feature hand-laid carbon-fiber frames and cutting-edge EV technology. With four new models – Extreme 600, Extreme 250, Sport 600, and Sport 250 – riders can expect exceptional performance whether tackling city streets or mountain trails. The flagship McLaren 600 models set new standards for street-legal electric mountain bikes, with Race mode delivering up to 852W of peak power. Engineered for a maximum power-to-weight ratio, just like McLaren's 765LT Spider and electrified Artura, these e-bikes embody the same high-performance DNA. Each e-bike features five power settings – Off, Eco, Trail, Sport, and Race – allowing riders to tailor their power output to the terrain. Inspired by McLaren's driver displays, an innovative digital display provides real-time telemetry data for maximum engagement and usability. The availability of McLaren e-bikes is limited, so customers are encouraged to secure their own piece of automotive history by visiting www.mclarenbikes.com. Shop all McLaren Automotive and F1 gear from the McLaren Store by clicking the link below. Shop The McLaren Store Source: McLaren

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 13, 2024

McLaren Beverly Hills Shows Off 1-of-16 Lanzante P1 GTR-18

This masterpiece has even more exclusivity than the already-amazing McLaren P1. The McLaren P1 is one fo the greatest automotive creation in modern history, as a revolutionary third of the hybrid hypercar “Holy Trinity,” which was integral to creating the high-performance automotive world that we know today. However, the McLaren P1 GTR took it a step further, honing its performance for the purpose of dominating the track, and the ultra-exclusive creation remains today an incredible hypercar machine. Known for its design expertise inspired by racing history and specialty in the McLaren P1, Lanzante Limited took the McLaren P1 GTR a step further, with the P1 GTR-18, inspired by the McLaren F1 GTR with its long tail, a staple in McLaren’s racing history. Only 16 examples of the stunning and ultra-exclusive P1 GTR-18 exist, and McLaren Beverly Hills showed one off on Instagram before it went to its new home with a client. With its racing-focused design, the P1 GTR-18 features a low, wide stance, with dramatic aerodynamic features like a fixed spoiler, airways throughout, and more, and adding to its intimidating look is its sleek black paintwork with sliver 5-spoke wheels, as well as an interior that pairs black upholstery with red accents. With just 16 examples like it in existence, this close look at the McLaren P1 GTR-18 is a stunning sight to see. View All Vehicles For Sale From McLaren Beverly Hills View this post on Instagram A post shared by McLaren Beverly Hills (@mclarenbeverlyhills)

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