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 – September 28, 2023

This New Custom Guitar Is Inspired By The McLaren Speedtail

Discover how Dean Gordon Guitars crafted a one-of-a-kind guitar inspired by McLaren's Speedtail XP2 prototype. When the worlds of hypercars and bespoke musical instruments collide, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Take the McLaren Speedtail, a pinnacle of automotive engineering, for instance. Its ‘XP2’ prototype not only served as a key benchmark in the brand's history, but it also inspired Dean Gordon, a Miami-based luthier, to craft a custom guitar showcased at the 2023 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show. The McLaren Speedtail burst onto the scene in 2018 as McLaren's first Hyper-GT. With its perfect blend of groundbreaking technologies and breathtaking aesthetics, it’s a marvel in the automotive world. Its XP2 prototype underwent intense validation tests, hitting a top speed of 250 mph over 30 times at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds’ space shuttle landing runway. The vehicle's exterior is finished in Saragon Quartz, a champagne hue that is as sophisticated as it is elegant. Step inside, and you're greeted by an Oxblood Red cabin furnished with full aniline leather and aniline nubuck, enhanced by machined aluminum trim and visual carbon fiber elements. Gordon selected his Virtus guitar model to pay homage to the Speedtail's design ethos. This headless guitar boasts an ergonomic and lightweight body crafted from old stock lightweight alder wood. The neck is master-grade flamed maple, and its lower horn is carved from aircraft-grade aluminum. The fretboard is crafted in Luxurious ebony wood. The Virtus guitar doesn’t just mimic the Speedtail’s appearance; it embodies its spirit. For instance, the guitar features a carbon fiber backplate, a hand-stitched leather lower horn cover, and interior wiring cavities decked in the XP2's signature Oxblood Red leather. But the attention to detail doesn't end there. The guitar’s Saragon Quartz-inspired finish pairs seamlessly with a black satin neck, accented by a carbon fiber laminate on the back of the headstock. Even the pickups bear a distinct resemblance to the Speedtail’s engine cover and rear details, thanks to laser etching. Additional red accents further tie the guitar to the XP2's exquisite interior. Limited to just 106 units, the Speedtail is McLaren's fastest car to date. With a top speed of 250 mph and unparalleled aerodynamic efficiency, it follows McLaren's guiding philosophy: functional design that tells a visual story. Just like the Speedtail, the Virtus guitar melds form and function, boasting a design inspired by the teardrop shape of the car, optimized for aerodynamic performance. Dean Gordon sums it up best: “McLaren being synonymous with cutting-edge design and pushing boundaries made it a no-brainer choice for inspiration for my 'Automotive' inspired line of guitars." The Speedtail was, indeed, the perfect muse, and this collaboration stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when luxury cars and custom musical craftsmanship intersect. View All McLaren Speedtails For Sale Image Source: McLaren

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 20, 2023

McLaren GT by MSO: Exclusive New Editions for the UK Unve...

Only eight units will be produced, featuring unique color and material combinations. In a stunning reveal for the British supercar aficionados, McLaren has pulled back the curtain on the GT by MSO. This is not just another McLaren GT; it's a rare, UK-exclusive edition brought to you by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the bespoke arm of the iconic supercar manufacturer. The GT by MSO is draped in opulence and rarity, limited to a production run of just eight units—two for each of the four distinct color and material schemes. The whole package kicks off with McLaren's own in-house personalization service, MSO, unleashing a palette of exotic colors. The GT by MSO comes in four unique exterior colors: Cerulean Blue, XP Green, Sarigan Quartz, and an entirely new hue dubbed Cyber Yellow. Notably, these color choices are not just exclusive hues; they each have historical and technological relevance within McLaren's legacy. Cerulean Blue was developed for the McLaren P1™, and XP Green pays homage to the iconic McLaren F1. Sarigan Quartz is known for appearance on the jaw-dropping Speedtail, a car that has shattered speed records. As for Cyber Yellow, it's a modified version of the popular Volcano Yellow, shimmering with a pearlescent effect. Taking it up a notch, MSO introduces unique interior accents that serve as an elegant nod to the UK. Each GT by MSO features diamond-pattern quilted stitching in body color on the seat base and backrest, and a debossed ‘Union Jack’ flag design on the armrest and key fob. And let's not forget the MSO logo discreetly embroidered onto the seat headrests. This interior design is not just about aesthetics; it's an homage to McLaren’s 60-year legacy and British heritage. Now let’s talk about the wheels and exterior add-ons that complement these ravishing cars. The GT by MSO rolls out with the MSO Black Pack as standard, with a collection of Gloss Black elements that add a touch of elegance to the exterior. Included are Gloss Black Door Mirror Casings, Gloss Black Exterior Upper Window Surround, and Gloss Black Exhaust Finishers. The 10 Twin-Spoke Lightweight Forged Alloy wheels also receive the Gloss Black treatment, perfectly completing the exterior ensemble. Nick Crossley, Market Director – United Kingdom at McLaren Automotive, summed it up aptly: “The GT remains a milestone car for McLaren, and GT by MSO is the perfect way to pay tribute to its position as the everyday McLaren for the UK.” Indeed, the GT by MSO marries McLaren's long-standing reputation for high-performance, carbon fiber supercar design with the grand touring ethos, making it the ideal supercar for those who crave both luxury and performance. McLaren has once again pushed the boundaries of what's possible in the world of luxury supercars. With only eight of these UK-exclusive models set to hit the road, you'll want to move quickly. This is the epitome of what makes a McLaren, a McLaren—only rarer. View All McLaren GTs For Sale Image Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 13, 2023

McLaren F1 Teams Up With Reiss For Stylish F1 Travel Ward...

Iconic British brands McLaren Formula 1 Team and Reiss announce a partnership, introducing an exclusive line of travel outfits for team members. First shocking the motorsports world as the youngest U.K. Formula 1 racing driver at 17 years of age, Lando Norris continues his climb to the top of the podium behind the wheel of McLaren F1's race car. Alongside his winning attitude and competitive spirit, Lando brings a breath of fresh air to one of the world's most popular and watched sporting events in history. Lando Norris is hopping out of the cockpit as the face of a new collaboration that introduces the fashion experts at Reiss to be the Official Team Kit Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team. Functionality meets sophistication in the clothing selection, featuring Reiss staples like the men's Blackhall jumper, William gilet, and Melrose T-shirt. Dressed in a DNA palette of stone, Air Force blue, navy, and white, the team will undoubtedly turn heads on and off the tracks. For Reiss, this marks their inaugural venture into Formula 1, a sport as synonymous with innovation as it is with speed. The collaboration is more of a joint mission that continually evolves and pushes the boundary of performance and design. McLaren’s reputation precedes itself, entering the F1 world in 1966, They've since claimed 20 world championships and 183 Grands Prix. In a sport where milliseconds and millimeters matter, both brands understand the necessity of perfecting every detail. This collaboration promises to accelerate speed and fashion stakes, setting a new benchmark in the Formula 1 cultural landscape. Shop all luxury apparel and accessories currently available from Reiss by clicking the link below. Shop Reiss Apparel & Accessories Source: Reiss