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 Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2021

2021 McLaren MCL35M & Drivers Announced

This year's F1 season will be one for the record books now that the 2021 McLaren MCL35M & drivers have been announced. Daniel Ricciardo has seven wins to his credit at only 31 years old. A decade his junior is Lando Norris who is entering his 3rd year with Team McLaren. Their chariots for this year are an aerodynamic improvement that incorporates new mandates along with relentless winter testing. Mercedes-AMG has delivered an all-new M12 E, which we will hopefully experience in the upcoming Project ONE hypercar. A new budget cap has forced teams to be innovative without breaking the bank, so it will be interesting to see how the competition responds. The opening race will happen March 28th in Bahrain, and tomorrow we will share the first filmed running of the car from Silverstone. Would you drive this new F1 car or the new McLaren Artura? McLaren For Sale Images (C) McLaren

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2021

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

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

By Andrew Nabors – February 02, 2021

McLaren 765LT Dyno Testing By Hennessey Performance

Only 765 examples of the latest Long Tail are being offered, and this one is not like the others. To see what the car is capable of before digging in, let's watch the McLaren 765LT dyno testing by Hennessey Performance. To keep the beast on the rollers required every strap in the shop, and McLarens demand a unique procedure. The car is constantly thinking of your safety, so if the front tires are not at the same speed as the rear, the stability system locks the brakes. So the latest AWD model from Dynojet turns the front wheels while also placing a load on the powertrain. Locked in 5th gear and running VP Racing Fuel it made over 747 horsepower at the wheels. Once again, McLaren has sandbagged the world by making much more power than they advertise, and we've seen it across their lineup. What will it make once John and his team are done? You will see it here first! Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2021

2022 McLaren Artura Reveal Happening on February 16th

Until today all we had was a name. Before the Holidays we learned they are planning their first "High-Performance Hybrid Supercar", and the 2022 McLaren Artura will arrive February 16th. As we learned from their new microsite this morning, the augmented reality reveal will begin at 7 PM EST (4 PST). You can sign up for the reveal by clicking the button below to visit the Artura microsite. Lighter and faster, it will undoubtedly be among the Top 10 Quarter Mile times for production cars. Register Here Images (C) McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2021

McLaren 765LT vs 720S At Hennessey Performance

A sprawling facility west of Houston is where amazing cars are born. With their own private motorsports park, let's watch the McLaren 765LT vs McLaren 720S at Hennessey Performance cars. Chief Test Driver Alex Roys along with his wife Emma Hennessey Roys are responsible for videos and social media for the brand. Behind the wheel of a new 720S for sale, they experience what the final McLaren Super Series is capable of. Based on the 720S, the LongTail has closer ratios in the transmission and 45 more horsepower. Being 176 lbs less, the 765LT is the clear winner. However, only 765 examples were built. Click the button below to see what Hennessey Performance can do to your McLaren. McLaren 720S Horsepower & Specs Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 22, 2021

Watch Daniel Ricciardo Preview The McLaren x RHUDE Appare...

As the McLaren x RHUDE Collection release grows closer, the supercar manufacturer sent Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo to the design studio to preview the line. In the video uploaded to the McLaren YouTube channel, Daniel takes a bright blue 765LT to Downtown Los Angeles to the RHUDE Studio to meet founder Rhuigi Villaseñor. The duo goes through the new collection piece by piece discussing the inspiration and process behind each of their professions. The excitement on Daniel’s face throughout the impromptu fashion show has us anticipating more release information on the McLaren x RHUDE Collection. Check back in for a How To Buy special article on the collaboration release. For more Gear news, Check out The Top 10 High-End Running Shoes To Pack In Your Gym Bag Image Source: McLaren Instagram

By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2021

McLaren Celebrates 1,000 Cars Delivered In Canada

Although the weather is a bit on the cold side, McLaren is celebrating 1,000 cars delivered in Canada. Recorded as the last delivery of 2020, the savvy owner ordered a blacked-out 2021 McLaren 720S. The press release mentions it is almost the same specification as the first car delivered north of the border, a black 2012 12C coupe. With 710 horsepower a.nd less than 3,200 lbs, the 720S offers unchained acceleration. Also check out their latest collaboration with RHUDE. Browse McLaren 720S For Sale Images (C) McLaren North America

By Andrew Nabors – January 20, 2021

2021 McLaren 765LT New World Record By DragTimes

How fast can a production car run on Pirelli P-Zero (Non-Corsa) tires? We all thought the answer was around 11 seconds, but a new 2021 McLaren 765LT has set a new world record by DragTimes. Our friend Brooks just took delivery of the final McLaren Super Series. As the end of such a powerful lineup, all 765 examples offer 755 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Because weight hovers around 3,000 lbs, a 10-second timeslip is possible even on a bad day. With race rubber and perfect weather, you will run down the track's fastest cars. Click the button to find yours and stay with us for the latest DragTimes uploads. Browse McLaren For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 18, 2021

RM Sotheby's Offering 1st McLaren Speedtail To Ever Be Au...

RM Sotheby's upcoming Arizona auction at the OTTO Car Club in Scottsdale will be offering up the very first McLaren Speedtail to be auctioned. To give everyone a closer look at the groundbreaking hypercar, RM Sotheby’s Car Specialist Alexander Weaver and Sotheby’s Watches Specialist Jonathan Burford came together for a new video (found below). This specific Speedtail is #36 out of 106 and it's finished in a gorgeous MSO Heritage Atlantic Blue paint. The exterior also features Bespoke Exterior Painted Pin stripes that are color-matched to the lightweight allow wheels, an option that costs £39,711 (~$53,600 USD). In total, it boasts over $170,000 of bespoke and optional equipment. You can learn more about this car by clicking the button below. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 17, 2020

How To Buy: Period Correct x McLaren 765LT Apparel Collec...

Yesterday, Period Correct and McLaren Automotive announced the release of a limited-edition apparel collection inspired by the 765LT model. The small batch collection includes graphic t-shirts, a hoodie, hat, and long-sleeved shirt sporting the iconic McLaren logos and its infamous orange. The Period Correct x McLaren 765LT Collection is an in-store only release, which means the select dealerships will have inventory and will not restock the apparel once sold out. Celebrate the new 765LT Collection from Period Correct x McLaren by visiting one of your local dealerships listed below on release day. When: Available Now Where: Visit one of the following McLaren dealerships to shop the collection: Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, Charlotte, Greenwich, Philadelphia, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Atlanta, North Jersey, Long Island, Miami, and McLaren Florida. Price: Starting at $40

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