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 – October 12, 2021

The McLaren F1 Releases The U.S. Grand Prix Collection

Show your team pride as team McLaren heads to Austin, Texas for this year's US GP. With the U.S. Grand Prix just around the corner, Formula 1 fans prep for the highly-anticipated race at The Circuits of America in Austin, TX. Alongside dedicated fans, the McLaren F1 team is also prepping for the event with its own 2021 US GP Collection. The new apparel and accessories collection steps away from the traditional formal style of polos seen in the paddock, and introducing American football-inspired McLaren driver jerseys. The vintage-style jersey is available with Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris’ driving numbers in McLaren’s iconic papaya orange colorway. Along with the commemorative jerseys, McLaren F1 also includes a new sports hat in the new collection that features a red, white, and blue colorway. Celebrate Mclaren F1’s journey to victory at the 2021 U.S. Grand Prix with the new apparel and accessories collection. Shop the new collection from the McLaren F1 team by clicking the link below. Shop The McLaren U.S. GP Collection Media/Info Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 12, 2021

TUMI x McLaren Add Key Travel Accessory Pieces To Its Col...

TUMI and McLaren have crafted nine additional pieces, extending the collaborative range to include small leather goods, outerwear, and sleeker silhouettes. Since its debut earlier this year, the TUMI x McLaren Collection continues to grow in popularity with automotive enthusiasts. The collection of premium travel accessories and luggage features lightweight designs crafted from carbon fiber. As the dynamic duo approaches its third year of collaborating, TUMI x McLaren is proud to announce two new additions to the collection. The M-Tech Soft Satchel is this collection’s travel solution. As weekend trips, staycations, and short breaks continue to trend, this satchel makes the perfect companion for those who prefer the ease of unstructured silhouettes. The duffel is fashioned with both an articulated papaya-accented padded shoulder strap and leather top carry handles to offer adaptability while keeping you on the move. MUST-READ: How To Buy: McLaren x TUMI Luggage Collection The Halo Backpack embodies luxury performance, featuring a molded front panel, a padded sleeve that can hold up to a 14-inch laptop, and a built-in USB port for on-the-go recharging. It is accented with carbon fiber, papaya highlights, a leather handle, and magnetic zippers featuring subtle TUMI and McLaren branding. Rounding out the collection’s smaller goods are the Global Double Billfold, Passport Cover, and Folding Card Case. Each is exquisitely fashioned in leather and highlighted with papaya-colored metal hardware, carbon fiber, and embossed branding, which make them perfect for holiday gifting. Shop the newest additions to the TUMI x McLaren Collection by clicking the link below. Shop TUMI x McLaren Media/Info Source: McLaren

By Edward Jones – September 27, 2021

McLaren Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S Revealed

Sadly, it's only meant for Australia. Daniel Ricciardo has been on a tear recently, having finished 1st at the Italian Grand Prix and 4th at the recent Russian Grand Prix. As of writing this, he sits in 8th place in the World Drivers' Championship with 95. If he continues on his current path, I'd expect him to most definitely be moving up in position. To celebrate Ricciardo and his ongoing success with the McLaren F1 Team, the automaker has unveiled the new Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S by MSO. This special edition 720S features carbon fiber sills that feature Ricciardo's signature, his race number '3' etched on the doors, an Australian flag above the front tires, and a dedication plate. Just three examples will be created and each will be finished in Papaya Spark and Burton Blue. The McLaren Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S by MSO will be available only to Australian customers. See All Mclarens For Sale Source: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – September 15, 2021

Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris Rolled Up to McLaren Ce...

Well deserved. After taking first and second place at the Italian GP, Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris had a lot of celebrating to do once the race was finished. Now, they've brought their celebrations home to the McLaren Technology Center (MTC) where the company awaited their return. The two racers pulled up to the MTC in style, with Ricciardo behind the wheel of a Lantana Purple 720S Spider and Norris in a Curacao Blue 765LT. Once they hopped out of the cars, the celebration started, trophies included. Congratulations are in order for McLaren and their team, and especially Ricciardo who was long overdue for a victory. You can see all of the celebrations below and even more on the Mclaren F1 Twitter account. https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1438183222140100611 https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1438189675819192320 https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1438191662417727491 https://www.instagram.com/p/CT2aGwvofUx/

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 30, 2021

Watch McLaren Automotive Go Skateboarding With Leticia Bu...

McLaren takes on another four-wheel extreme sport with skateboard professional Leticia Bufoni. It seems that lately, exclusive supercars and skateboards are going hand-in-hand with viral videos releasing on the internet daily. In the past, we saw Nyjah Houston skate on top of Alex Choi’s rally-ready Lamborghini Huracán, but today we are taking the action straight to McLaren headquarters. In a new video released by McLaren Automotive, six-time X-Games Gold Medalist Skateboarder Leticia Bufoni was invited to the McLaren Technology Centre for what’s best described as a private tour. MUST-READ: Watch Nyjah Huston Skate On Alex Choi’s Rally-Ready Lamborghini Huracán Throughout the short film, Leticia is seen skating beside some of the rarest and iconic McLaren examples, including the priceless F1 GTR Longtail. While the tour was comprised of kickflips and stair set ollies, the true highlight was Leticia leaving the facility to take off in a new McLaren GT. McLaren Automotive surrounds itself with successful and passionate individuals that share the same values, making automotive inspiration within different industries much more common. View all McLaren GT examples for sale through duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All McLaren GT For Sale https://www.facebook.com/371554081716/videos/829657844413479

By Edward Jones – August 26, 2021

How To Design Your McLaren Artura

The McLaren Artura configurator is a powerful thing. Not only are there so many options to go through, but it's also a stunning piece of technology. Instead of having static images to look at, you can zoom in and out, rotate the car and even change camera angles. If you've played a video game and customized a car in it, this experience is a lot like that. Below is a breakdown of how the configurator operates but if you're like to check it out for yourself, be sure to click the button below. Configure Your McLaren Artura Specification The start of the configurator will have you picking out your specification. The choices are Standard, Performance, TechLux and Vision. Each one changes various aspects of the car, like the cabin surfaces, leather interior and even the gearshift paddles. Paint The most important and hardest part of configuring a vehicle is what color you'll paint it in. Thankfully, McLaren offers a wide variety of paints thanks to McLaren Special Operations. Wheels & Brakes For the Wheels & Brakes section, there are multiple tabs available. These tabs include Wheels, Brakes & Calipers and Tires. There are multiple wheel types available, as well as calipers colors and two types of Pirelli P Zero tires. Exterior Having already picked out the paint color, now it's time to finish the exterior. This section offers a wide range of options that will give each Artura's exterior a personalized appearance. Interior Since owners of the McLaren Artura will be spending most of their time with their car in the interior, picking the right cabin spec is important. Thankfully, there are plenty of interior options available through the configurator. Entertainment The Entertainment section offers just two options, but they're quite important. First up is the McLaren Track Telemetry feature that allows customers to add the Laptime Function by itself, or along with cameras. Then there is the Audio option that will already be checked off depending on the Specification. This options is for the Bowers & Wilkins Audio System. Options With plenty of options available in the Options Packages and Options sections, there is a lot of time to be spent here. Finished! The final section is a summary of what you've selected. From here, each customer can either save their spec as a PDF, find their local retailer for more information or inquire online for more information. Discover the McLaren Artura

By Edward Jones – August 18, 2021

Learn Why the McLaren Elva is Such an Important Automobile

McLaren Beverly Hills has created an evocative video that celebrates the Elva and its heritage. There's no denying the fact that the McLaren Elva was inspired by classic race cars from the automaker. Its speedster design, silhouette, and extreme power output (804 horsepower) are all aspects you would expect from a race but the Elva puts it all together in a street-legal package. McLaren Beverly Hills has just published a video that celebrates the link between the Elva and McLaren's storied history. In the video, found above, you'll hear from F1 CEO, Zak Brown, McLaren Indy 500 winner, Jonny Rutherford, and former McLaren F1 driver, JP Montoya. ‘’Everything about McLaren is authenticity, Elva represents that in the purest and most perfect sense from both the driving dynamics and design to the technology that’s in it.’’ - Ansar Ali, Managing Director, McLaren Special Operations

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 17, 2021

The McLaren x RHUDE Fall/Winter '21 Collection Is Set To ...

McLaren is taking over the streetwear game with RHUDE in the front seat. While automotive manufacturers create apparel lines to complement the styling of their luxury and performance line of vehicles, McLaren Automotive partners with icon streetwear brands like RHUDE. After a highly successful launch of the McLaren x RHUDE Drop 1 Collection, the performance pair is proud to announce its second drop featuring new styles sporting iconic branding and colors. MUST-READ: McLaren x RHUDE Announce A Summer Apparel Collection For 2021 As seen on the RHUDE Instagram page, the McLaren-inspired collection features all the best apparel and accessories to compliment the styling of McLaren Automotive and the McLaren F1 racing team. The McLaren x RHUDE Drop 2 is set to release on September 1st, 2021. Click the link below to shop the McLaren x RHUDE Drop 1 and to preview the new collection release. Shop McLaren x RHUDE

By Edward Jones – August 16, 2021

McLaren F1 Sells for Astonishing $20.5 Million At Auction

A time capsule supercar. During Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach auction, there was a very special McLaren F1 that crossed the block. With just 390 km (243 miles) recorded on its odometer, this F1 is a time capsule supercar as it was sold in its "as delivered" state. When the winning bid was placed, McLaren F1 Chassis 029 sold for $20,465,000. With that price, this example became the most expensive McLaren F1 ever sold. beating out the previous record of $15.62 million set in 2017. As for where it came from, it was part of a private Japanese collection and was rarely seen. It was the 25th F1 road car built and is finished in Creighton Brown, a one-off paint. Inside is a Light Tan and Dark Brown leather interior. Coming along with the F1 is a list of original accessories, like the FACOM tool chest, luggage, tool kit, 'Driving Ambition' book, TAG Heuer watch and even the original Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. See All McLarens For Sale Source: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – August 11, 2021

New McLaren P1 HDK Debuted by O'Gara Coach and Lanzante A...

The two brands are starting the partnership off with a brilliant reveal. O'Gara Coach and Lanzante have both announced an exciting partnership between the two brands. This partnership will allow O'Gara Coach to offer their clientele with Lanzante's incredible bespoke projects. The partnership also gives O'Gara Coach the ability to take care of servicing and after-sales in regards to commissions from Lanzante, which will make owning one of their creations in the U.S. easier than before. Alongside this announcement, the two brands also unveiled a new McLaren P1 HDK (High Downforce Kit), the second of its kind created. The HDK was inspired by the original High Downforce Kit that McLaren F1 owners would add to their car in order to give their supercars an appearance similar to that of an F1 GTR. This particular P1 HDK started life off as a road-going P1 hypercar and was commissioned for Tom O'Gara, owner of O'Gara Coach. Its design is completely bespoke, featuring metallic green paint, saddle tan leather seats, and 24kt gold electroformed badges. As you can plainly see, the green, gold, and tan color combination work brilliantly on this P1 HDK. If you would like to see it for yourself, this example will make its debut at Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on Friday, August 13 from 10am to 4pm. If O'Gara Coach and Lanzante were looking to start their partnership off with a bang, they most definitely succeeded. We're more than excited to see more Lanzante commissions in the United States, especially knowing they'll look this good. “We are very excited to partner with Lanzante Limited,” said Tom O’Gara. “Having just completed our fifth project together, which happens to be my own personal car, we are thrilled to be able to introduce our existing clientele as well as potential new clients to the extremely special bespoke projects Lanzante produces. With this partnership not only can we assist clients with the commission and acquisition portion, but the servicing and after-sales portion as well, which we all know is the most important part.” If you'd like to learn how to order your bespoke McLaren from Lanzante, be sure to contact either McLaren Beverly Hills or McLaren San Diego. Source: O'Gara CoachPhotos by Harry Rudd

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