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 Jordan Aquistapace – May 13, 2024

Lando Norris Returns To McLaren Headquarters With The 202...

Showing up in style, Lando secures the winning trophy in the front seat of a McLaren Artura Spider! Making his debut as the youngest-ever British F1 driver at 19 years old back in 2019 at the Australian Grand Prix, the spotlight has always been on Lando Norris and his frontman position on the McLaren F1 Team. While Lando has always used his top-tier driving skills and competitive nature to place himself on the podium alongside drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, the now 24-year-old had yet to finish in the number one spot, until now. The 2024 Miami Grand Prix proved to be the perfect occasion for Lando Norris and McLaren F1 to clinch his very first win in Formula 1, even breaking the record as the most-watched Formula 1 race in U.S. television history with an average of 3.1 million viewers. And while celebrations on South Beach painted a perfect ending to the grueling week of racing, the most memorable moment was Lando Norris returning to the McLaren Headquarters with the Miami GP trophy. McLaren Automotive documented the victory lap on its YouTube channel, welcoming the F1 star's arrival in the electrified McLaren Artura Spider with a huge crowd of employees, team members, and fans. In a few words, Lando shared the influx of feelings and emotions he was experiencing while leading and completing the race in the top spot. As much as he is happy with one, he expresses his eagerness to win by saying, "Two sounds even better!" The amped-up crowd sees Lando Norris off as he drives the Artura Spider into the McLaren Museum to hand-deliver the 2024 Miami GP trophy to the F1 team's extensive trophy case. As we congratulate Lando Norris on his first Formula 1 victory, we can't wait to see him replicate it throughout the season. Shop all McLaren F1 Team x Lando Norris fan gear by clicking the link below. Shop All McLaren F1 Team x Lando Norris Fan Gear Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 09, 2024

Triple F Collection Completes The Ultimate McLaren Series...

With a supercar and hypercar collection that's worthy of going head-to-head against any other on the planet, Triple F Collection continues to stockpile exclusive examples at its car compound in Ohio. And while the family-run collection features automotive icons from brands like Bugatti, Rimac, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, it's clear that McLaren holds a special place in the hearts of the Freckas. Triple F Collection is excited to celebrate a monumental milestone in its most recent YouTube video as the guys complete the ultimate McLaren series by welcoming a $2M McLaren Elva to the garage fleet. The Elva first made waves in the industry when it debuted as McLaren's lightest road car in 2019, showcasing an open-cabin design that came available with or without a windshield. Already owning McLaren marvels like the Solus GT, P1, Saber, Senna, 765LT, and MP4-12C, the $2M Elva stands out as the final piece to the McLaren puzzle. Finished in a color-shifting Pacific Color Stream paint, courtesy of McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the Elva made its trip to Ohio where the guys would finally get an up-close look and first drive. Jason and Jordan's first drive in the Elva showcases just how user-friendly it is, highlighting features like a hood block plate that helps divert wind out of the driver's and passenger's faces. The Elva is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 delivering 804 horsepower and 590 foot-pounds of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends all that power to the rear wheels, resulting in a dash of 62 mph in under three seconds. Today, the Elva remains one of the rarest and wildest cars McLaren has ever produced. Only 399 examples rolled off the production line with a base price of nearly $1.7 Million. Now that the McLaren Elva has happily joined the Triple F Collection's fleet, definitely expect more open-top supercar content from the guys. Check out all the McLaren Elva examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All McLaren Elvas For Sale " width="680"> Source: Triple F Collection

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 11, 2024

O'Gara Coach x Lanzante Show Off McLaren P1 HDK Spec

This stunning spec shows off coachbuilding excellence. The McLaren P1, along with the other two members of the 2010s “Holy Trinity” ushered in a new era of hypercars and made for a turning point in automotive history, proving the full potential of hybrid power and the future of performance. However, a decade after it was first introduced, the McLaren P1 has been given a new look through the coachbuilder Lanzante. The result is the McLaren P1 HDK, with “HDK” standing for “High Downforce Kit.”The HDK version of the McLaren P1 is inspired by the McLaren F1’s available High Downforce Kit, and it not only adds a historical homage and a unique look to the legendary hybrid hypercar, but also better prepares it for on-track excellence. This McLaren P1 HDK is the result of a collaboration between Lanzante and O’Gara Coach, and it features a unique two-tone spec, which was chosen by Paris Mullins, and it’s been shown off in a new Instagram post by Lanzante and O’Gara Coach. The exterior highlights the kit with a two-tone spec, combining satin-finish Supernova Silver paintwork with other parts being finished in exposed carbon fiber. Inside, the interior features another interesting spec, with Hermes Orange leather against black Alcantara. With this spec and its coachbuilt kit, this McLaren P1 HDK shows that a decade-old hypercar still can impress with coachbuilding excellence. View All McLaren P1s For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by McLaren Beverly Hills (@mclarenbeverlyhills) Source: O'Gara Coach & Lanzante via Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 07, 2024

How To Buy: The New Reiss x McLaren Formula 1 Team Collec...

Discover how Reiss is revving up the style of McLaren F1 Team with an exclusive partnership. Aside from dominating both the race circuit and production line, McLaren has continued to create a lifestyle built around its lineup of high-performance supercars and hypercars. In pursuit of redefining the fashion runway with automotive-inspired apparel collections, McLaren's diverse portfolio features partnerships from industry leaders like RHUDE, K-Swiss, APL, and many more. Reiss and the McLaren Formula 1 Team are steering into a fashionable future together, embarking on a journey that blends high-speed racing with high-end fashion. The partnership announces Reiss as the official travel kit partner for the McLaren team, ensuring the team's global travels are as stylish as they are fast. At the heart of this collaboration are two iconic British brands, each renowned for their dedication to innovation, quality, and design. As the McLaren team travels around the world, they'll sport Reiss' core collection, which showcases modern, versatile outfits perfect for the racing season. From the sleek Blackhall jumper to the practical William gilet for men, the collection is the perfect example of timeless style and functionality. It's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible, whether on the race track or in fashion design. As McLaren continues to dominate the racing world, Reiss will be right there with them, making every journey is as stylish as it is successful. Shop all the new styles from the Reiss x McLaren Formula 1 Team Collection by clicking the link below. Shop The Reiss x McLaren Collection Source: Reiss

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 27, 2024

McLaren Sets The Stage For Next-Gen Supercar & Hypercar D...

McLaren reveals its innovative design approach, blending 60 years of racing heritage with fresh principles for futuristic supercars. From its first 1964 M1A race car to the legendary F1 supercar, McLaren has always been at the forefront of automotive excellence with the perfect blend of design, performance, and technology. And while the blistering lap time of the hybrid-assisted P1 showcases the future of performance and technology, design is an area where McLaren takes a look back at past creations for the next generation of supercars and hypercars. McLaren is charting a new path with five fundamental design principles, where supercars are lighter, faster, and more breathtaking than ever before. The design philosophy revolves around five core principles: Epic, Athletic, Functional, Focused, and Intelligent. These are the DNA of future McLarens, promising a lineup where every curve, line, and detail is there for a reason. From aerodynamics inspired by Formula 1 legends to innovative materials that push the boundaries of what's possible. Looking ahead, McLaren's future models will feature iconic design cues inspired by some of the greatest, like the McLaren F1 and P1. It's about creating a driving experience that's unrivaled, with interiors designed to make you feel like you're at the heart of the racetrack, without compromising on comfort or space. This blend of heritage and innovation marks a thrilling new chapter for McLaren, setting new benchmarks for what a supercar can achieve. View all McLaren supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All McLarens For Sale Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 25, 2024

Lanzante x Mad Mike Transform A McLaren P1 GTR Into The W...

With hypercar engineering and performance at an all-time high, it's becoming easier to live out your wildest dreams within the ever-growing automotive world. For New Zealand Red Bull drifting racer Michael "Mad Mike" Whiddett, those dreams take shape as rally-ready trophy trucks and high-performance drift car builds. Mad Mike and the U.K.-based bespoke hypercar specialists at Lanzante are joining forces on what seems to be the most ambitious automotive project ever alongside the team at O'Gara Coach. Set to be debuted as the wildest drift car on earth at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024, Lanzante x Mad Mike x O'Gara Coach are proud to unveil its one-of-a-kind McLaren P1 GTR as Project: 'MADMAC'. When automotive brilliance meets drift culture, magic happens. Enter MADMAC, the latest brainchild born from the collaboration of Lanzante, an authority in McLaren transformations, and 'Mad Mike' Whiddett, a drifting virtuoso. The project revolves around the superior McLaren P1 GTR, transforming the multi-million dollar hypercar into drift-spec under the team of experts at Lanzante. MADMAC is currently in New Zealand receiving the final touches at Mad Mike’s 'Mad Lab', before being showcased on a global stage. The McLaren P1 GTR's aero-focused widebody features a pristine gloss white finish with tons of lightweight, exposed carbon fiber accents. In addition to its aggressive new looks, the McLaren includes an upgraded, hybrid-assisted 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 that churns out more than 986 horsepower to its rear wheels. While specifics have yet to be shared, we believe both the power output and suspension have been dialed in to make this build a true tire shredder. Await more revelations on this groundbreaking build through updates from Lanzante, O’Gara Coach, and Mad Mike as the McLaren P1 GTR 'MADMAC' gears up for a grand unveiling at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. View all O'Gara Coach inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All O'Gara Coach Inventory Source: Lanzante

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 22, 2024

McLaren Group Announces Completion Of Its Capital Reorgan...

McLaren prepares for the future with a new business structure. Automotive enthusiasts know and celebrate McLaren for its innovative, lightweight, powerful, and blisteringly-quick supercars, but also for having over 60 years of racing heritage and rich history behind it. However, McLaren is opening a new chapter, and has reached an important milestone with the reorganization of its business, and with its revised structure, the British supercar manufacturer is ready to embrace the future with new technology, new products, and technical partnerships. Mumtalakat Holding Company, the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is taking full ownership of the share capital of McLaren Group Limited, stepping up from previously being a long-term strategic investor in the business. With the reorganization, McLaren Group Executive Chairman Paul Walsh says that Mumtalakat will be able to help McLaren “focus on long-term business plan, including investment in new products and technologies, whilst continuing to explore potential technical partnerships with industry partners.” Mumtalakat’s CEO, His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, seconds Paul Walsh’s sentiments by saying, “This reorganization and new simplified structure positions McLaren for success and opens up strategic avenues, which include exploring new partnerships to enhance the company’s growth over the coming years.” With a lineup consisting of the new GTS, 750S, and a new Artura Spider joining a refreshed Artura, McLaren prepares to not only continue delivering excellent supercars and hypercars to the automotive world, but introduce bolder innovation, performance, luxury, and exclusivity with its strengthened business. View All McLarens For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 18, 2024

Watch World-Record Skier Simon Billy Talk Pushing Boundar...

Racing innovation relates with sporting skill. It’s quite the understatement to call professional skier Simon Billy a downhill dynamo. Continuing the legacy that his father set into motion with his speed record, achieved in 1997, Simon became the world’s fastest human on skis last year, with an incredible top speed of nearly 160 miles per hour achieved. However, his achievement was the result of much more than just skiing skill. It took years of training for Billy to be able to accomplish the record-breaking ski, and on top of that, every aspect of his equipment was painstakingly tested and optimized, and no corners were cut when it came to opting for lightweight materials, with the extensive use of materials like carbon fiber and titanium contributing to his world-record run. McLaren and the new 750S, its latest supercar model, share much of this dedication in common with Simon Billy, and in a new video, Billy’s groundbreaking ski is compared with the racing-focused innovation that makes the 750S an incredible supercar. In addition, like Simon Billy did with his father’s record, McLaren sought to build on its existing racing legacy and impressive supercar portfolio with the 750S. With his record ski, and McLaren making one of its best supercars yet, the McLaren 750S and Simon Billy share a similar dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance. View all McLarens For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 06, 2024

McLaren Automotive Announces Dynisma As Its Official Moti...

McLaren partners with Dynisma, revolutionizing supercar development with advanced motion simulators. The leap in gaming technology has transformed racing simulators, offering an experience that's incredibly close to real-life racing. With advancements in graphics and physics, combined with immersive feedback systems, these simulators are a game-changer for racing enthusiasts and professionals looking to sharpen their skills off the track. McLaren Automotive is on quest for innovation by partnering with Dynisma, a frontrunner in motion simulator technology from the UK. This collaboration positions McLaren at the forefront of virtual automotive development with the introduction of a state-of-the-art Dynisma driving simulator into its development program. Dynisma's Motion Generators (DMGs) technology is revolutionary, promising to redefine the standards of realistic and responsive driving simulations. As McLaren's Official Motion Simulator Partner, Dynisma will work hand-in-hand with the automotive giant, leveraging its groundbreaking simulator as a tool to help improve supercar and hypercar technology. This strategic move by McLaren and Dynisma highlights their dedication to cutting-edge technology while also setting the standard for the automotive industry, where virtual development becomes a key driver in manufacturing. View all McLaren supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All McLarens For Sale Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 04, 2024

Triple F Collection Reveals Its New $4M Track-Only McLare...

This only further proves that the Triple F Collection are #1 fans of McLaren! With exclusive customer race programs on the rise, manufacturers are able to give their top-tier clientele the experience of competitive, on-track driving with non-road-legal race cars. Mclaren shocked the automotive scene two years ago with the announcement of its Solus GT, a futuristic hyper-GT with only 25 examples offered to specially selected owners who bleed Papaya Orange. The Triple F Collection is one of those lucky owners, adding the Solus GT to an extensive garage fleet that already includes icons like the Speedtail, P1, Senna, 765LT, 675LT, and MP4-12C. This past weekend, the Triple F Collection headed to sunny South Florida to unveil their all-new McLaren Solus GT during ModaMiami at The Biltmore Hotel. The fuel-driven Frecka family lifted back the covers to reveal a Gulf Oil Racing-inspired livery that marries the history of motorsports with the future of McLaren. Designed in collaboration with the creative team at McLaren Special Operations, the Solus GT's vibrant styling highlights all the aerodynamic features that make it a force to be reckoned with on any circuit. The most notable characteristic of the Solus GT is its sliding roof, which safely secures the driver inside the cabin's F1-inspired center seat position. The McLaren Solus GT packs a punch with its ferocious V10 engine that's all about high revs and the kind of ear-pleasing roar that gets your heart racing. Now with the Solus GT in the Triple F Collection's hands, we cannot wait to see more McLaren content uploaded to their YouTube channel. View all McLaren supercars and hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All McLarens For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by MODAMIAMI (@modaevents_official) Source: Triple F Collection

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