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 – July 26, 2019

McLaren 600LT Spider Pike's Peak Collection Unveiled by MSO

Ascending 9,000 feet above the clouds is a great benchmark for automotive performance. With such a lack of oxygen, naturally aspirated cars are at a disadvantage. Having two computer-controlled turbochargers allows for amazing performance at any altitude, so the McLaren 600LT Spider Pike's Peak Collection was unveiled by MSO. Their Special Operations division chose to customize six of the latest Spiders with either MSO Bespoke, or MSO Heritage liveries. What is common across all six are gold and matte black graphics, and Satin Speedline Gold wheels. On the inside, the steering wheels have a Satin Gold stripe at Noon, and it is flanked by extended shift paddles in gold. The headrests are embroidered with the Pike's Peak logo, and the interior contrasts use the same gold stitching. For a finishing touch, they borrowed the carbon fiber seats from the Senna along with the MSO Club Sport Pack. It includes carbon-fiber cantrails, fender vents, and titanium lug bolts. Technology borrowed from the Super Series 720S is how the 600LT became the flagship of their Sports Series. They share the same upper and lower control arms (front and rear), along with the same suspension uprights. The brake booster was inspired by the Senna for the ultimate in stopping power, and it is needed on the road to the summit. The car is capable of 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, so the massive carbon rotors pull it from 124 mph to 0 in only 384 feet. You will have 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque at any altitude, so click the link below to find yours and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Find Your McLaren 600LT Here McLaren 600LT Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – July 24, 2019

Black Diamond 2019 McLaren Senna For Sale

We were sad to learn that McLaren was only building 500 examples of the 2019 Senna. This gorgeous and powerful car is an homage to Ayrton Senna, a racing legend whose life was cut short by tragedy on the track. It is worthy of the name since it outperforms the P1 Hypercar without the hybrid technology. This beast uses twin-turbos and a 4.0L V8 to offer 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. With a curb weight of 3,030 lbs, you will reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds. If you want to scare your passenger, 124 mph arrives in 6.8 seconds. If you have a set of drag radials, you will enjoy consistent quarter-mile times in the high 9's. Bold styling was needed to offer more downforce than any other street-legal McLaren. Each car was pre-sold to McLaren's best customers, and no two cars are alike. That is thanks to the team at McLaren Special Operations. Their goal is to transform your dreams into reality, and they put a tremendous amount of time and effort into this car. View this car's Listing It all starts with an MSO bespoke Black Diamond paint for the body, while the calipers, center-lock nuts, and the door struts are red. This supercar has every option checked off. This includes the car cover, battery charger, fire extinguisher, and a two-tone interior. Inside, you'll be immersed in a Carbon Black Alcantara and Red perforated leather interior. Even the seatbelts are red, which you can see through the Gorilla Glass portholes in the doors. Other options the many Senna owners didn't opt for include the Telemetry System, ultra-light 9-spoke forged wheels, and the 7-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The car was treated to a full vinyl clear bra when it arrived, and it has only been driven 68 miles since it was assembled. The tires, interior, and exterior have no signs of wear. Drake Beaudry is the owner of Lupo Motors, and he specializes in the collector quality inventory. One-owner cars are what they do, so you deserve to give this Senna a proper home. We only ask that you drive it, Ayrton wouldn't want this car hidden from the world. Click the link below for all the details, and stay with us for more amazing cars from Lupo Motors. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2019

How McLaren Transformed a Steel City Into a Carbon Fiber ...

Much of our modern society wouldn't exist without steel. The process of making steel from iron was patented by Sir Henry Bessemer of Sheffield, England. His patent made possible the first large-scale steel plants, and after 1856 Sheffield transformed from a small town into the U.K.'s version of Pittsburgh. Over 200 steel plants flourished here during the industrial revolution, with peak production of 3.5 million tons in 1969. The area was hit hard in the 1970s, as Asian steel flooded the market. But Sheffield will rise again thanks to another critical material. This is how McLaren transformed a Steel City into a carbon fiber capital. In their latest press release, we learn that metalworking employed a quarter of the population in the year 1379. An engineer named Harry Brearley patented Stainless Steel there in 1912. Innovation is nothing new to the workforce here, and that is why McLaren chose the site for their new Composite Technology Centre. Expansion is necessary when you build amazing cars, and the new facility will produce the light & stiff carbon fiber chassis on a grand scale. The Monocage and Monocell chassis are works of art, and they require a skilled workforce along with many hours to produce each one. Their existing plant in Woking has been struggling to keep up with demand, and by relocating chassis production it will allow them to expand and improve their lineup. CEO Mike Flewitt said ‘The region has a long association with advanced materials; first with steel, and now a future to look forward to with carbon fibre innovation and production for McLaren". Sheffield will once again lead the nation in producing the materials needed for the future. Research into graphene has been rumored, and it would make an unbeatable car. Kudos to McLaren for putting Sheffield back to work. Their first creation underpins the McLaren 720S Coupe and Spider, so click the link below to find one near you. Find Your McLaren 720S Here! Related: McLaren Senna Spins Donuts in new Building

By Andrew Nabors – July 22, 2019

duPont REGISTRY Vehicle Spotlight Series ||4|| 2020 McLar...

Nobody expected this one. Inspired by McLaren's other LongTail supercars, the 600LT was the first such design in their Sports Series. Think of it as a baby brother to the 675LT, the previous flagship of the Super Series. It comes down to personal preference, as the 600LT is more affordable and lighter than its larger siblings. For the 4th installment of our Vehicle Spotlight Series, our next-door neighbors at McLaren Tampa Bay (Dimmitt Automotive Group) allowed us to get up and personal with one of the final convertible examples. To build the best LongTail, McLaren used the 570S Spider as a starting point. Shaving 212 lbs even with the eponymous extended body was quite an achievement. With a dry weight of 2,859 lbs, it is one of the lightest production convertibles on the market. Their proven 3.8L V8 uses twin turbos to offer 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque between 5,500 to 6,500 rpm. https://www.instagram.com/p/B0OFdUunbIG/ It will safely rev to 8,500 rpm to transform into a flame-throwing beast. As far as horsepower and torque numbers are concerned, McLaren tests their engines in brutal conditions. The actual output has been proven to be higher by every measure. From the car's introduction, production of the 600LT Spider was capped at one model year. Only McLaren's most exclusive dealers were alotted the chance to order one, so we're lucky to be able to share this with you. View This McLaren's Price & Listing

By Edward Jones – July 18, 2019

One of the Final McLaren 600LT Coupes Built as a Celebration

The McLaren 600LT Coupe is nearing the end of its production run. It's sad to say but we will soon be seeing no more new 600LT Coupes rolling off of the production block and onto the streets. One of the final examples of the supercar was built as a celebration. More specifically, it's a car that celebrates the 1,000th car that's been sold by McLaren London. McLaren London was actually the first-ever McLaren Automotive retailer, opening up shop back in June 2011. Making this 600LT Coupe stand out from the crowd is a slew of upgrades completed by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The entire exterior and interior of the car have been enhanced with carbon fiber. On top of the 600LT is a roof snorkel finished in Gloss Visual Carbon Fiber. Oh, it also has air-conditioning, which comes as a no-cost option for the car. browse mclaren 600lt's for sale McLaren 600LT Price, Specs, Photos & Review "To be part of the McLaren Automotive network since June 21, 2011 – the official opening of McLaren London – has been a fantastic experience," says Barney Singh, General Manager, McLaren London and McLaren Ascot. "We have seen the brand and range growing over the last seven years and the popularity of the 600LT Coupé is clear evidence of McLaren going from strength to strength."

By Andrew Nabors – July 17, 2019

duPont REGISTRY Vehicle Spotlight Series ||3|| 2020 McLar...

Our friend Fernando Sustaeta is the Brand Manager at McLaren San Diego. You all have read our thoughts on this amazing car, so now its time for a few insights from one of McLaren's most prolific dealers. dR: What is your favorite model? FS: 720S …is the best of both world…they are so different…” it is all around the best car” for performance and comfort. And now that McLaren offers the 720S Spider, it is the perfect McLaren for San Diego with the hardtop comfortable. dR: What aspect of the 720S Spider do you enjoy the most? FS: “The way the car pulls, regardless of what gear you are in or the way you drive. You are connecting with the car, & connecting with the road. McLaren is one of the only cars that still offers a sense of driving while not removing the human element. The way you connect with the car is unlike any other supercar out there.” https://www.instagram.com/p/B0BlFyaFY1z/ dR: In closing, I would like to add that the 4.0L V8 that was introduced on the 720S is an engineering marvel. All previous McLaren models since the 12C (and including the P1) have used variations of a 3.8L engine. While the change in displacement doesn't seem like much, the 720S Spider has more power across a wider rpm range than its predecessors. If that doesn't speak to your desires, check out the list of optional content: That is why you should experience the 720S Spider with Fernando at McLaren San Diego and discover what the best of both worlds in McLaren feels like! view this mclaren's price and listing

By Edward Jones – July 01, 2019

McLaren Speedtail Takes "Best of Show" at Chantilly Arts ...

On the grounds of Chateau de Chantilly, the historic building in Chantilly, France, the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille was held on June 30, 2019. This event gave the public the first time to see the McLaren Speedtail since its unveiling. McLaren managed to also take home the "Best of Show" for this year's event, thanks to the Speedtail they presented. This example was finished in a Saragon Quartz body with an Oxblood aniline leather and nubuck interior. McLaren also brought out an example of their new GT model, finished in Burnished Copper with Gloss Black diamond-cut alloy wheels. The event last for just one day, but that entire day was filled with supercars, hypercars, classic cars and more. While the cars were a sight to see, the scenery added to the lavishness of the event. See All McLarens For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2019

New McLaren 720S for Kids - The Doors Even Go Up!

Do you own a McLaren 720S? Do you ever get upset that your child doesn't get to experience what it's like to drive such a fine supercar? Don't worry, because McLaren has just unveiled the new 720S "Ride-On," a new model built specifically for kids. The new 720S Ride-On follows in the footsteps of the P1 Ride-On, which debuted back in 2016. Imagine you're a kid, walking up to this car, getting in and feeling like an absolute legend. I mean, the doors even go "up" like the real deal 720S. The 720S Ride-On is powered by an electric motor and can be operated via the pedals or remote control. That R/C is for when your kid is getting out of hand, trying to see how bad it would hurt if they ran it into your legs. McLaren also notes that the accelerator pedal also adds engine sounds and the brake pedal has real brake lights that work in unison. Were the doors and brake lights not enough for you? Well, how about a dashboard display screen. This screen can display key information about the car and even play movies and music via a USB or SD card. If this thing was a little bit bigger, I'd get one to cruise around downtown sidewalks... McLaren Unveils Stylish New Eyewear McLaren is pricing the 720s Ride-On at £315, which equates to roughly $400. The British automaker says it would take nearly seven hundred of these Ride-On to equal the cost of a real 720S Coupe. Papaya Spark is the exclusive launch color for McLaren dealers. There's also a long list of other colors, including Azores Orange, Belize Blue, Lantana Purple, Onyx Black, Mauvine Blue, Silica White, and Saros Grey. Need to find a McLaren retailer? Click the link below! See All McLarens For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2019

Jet Black McLaren Senna for Sale

The McLaren Senna was revealed all the way back on December 10, 2017, but we're now able to write about a used one that's up for sale. This particular Senna for sale comes from McLaren Philadelphia, who is offering it with just 231 miles on its odometer. It comes with a Jet Black exterior finished with a yellow trim found on the aerodynamic components. Inside is a black interior that's filled with carbon fiber. McLaren Philadelphia notes that this particular Senna is full of options. This includes the six-point harness, Bowers & Wilkins 7-speaker audio system, McLaren Track Telemetry, bespoke floor mats, bespoke brake caliper color and much more. Seriously, there are a ton of options. As for what kind of power you're getting when you buy this Senna, you're getting a lot. Powering the Senna is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. That's enough power for sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.8 seconds. Better yet, this car will perform like a surgical knife around a track. It's precision handling and 1,764 lbs of downforce at 155 mph make it a track monster. If you're looking for the ultimate McLaren for the track, you've found it. For more information, like price and more images, click the button below. view this car's price and more info

By Edward Jones – June 12, 2019

McLarens, Assemble: $60+ Million Lineup of McLarens Toget...

McLaren has "reunited" an insane lineup of their cars for the first time. The reason? To help celebrate McLaren's employee, friends and family open day. Imagine visiting the McLaren Technology Center and seeing this lineup. You'd want to work there too. A total of 23 cars were included in the lineup, each of which is special in their own way. Altogether, this lineup is estimated to be worth around £50 million, or around $63 million USD. What kind of cars could possibly cost that much? I'm glad you asked. Here's the list: 570S570S Spider 570GT570S GT4 675 LT Spider 675 LT 600LT600LT Spider McLaren GT Speedtail F1 XP5P1TMP1 TM GTR McLaren Senna 720S GT3 MSO 720S Spider 720S MSO 688HS 650S Spider 650S CoupeMSO 12C 50th anniversary Spider 650S Can Am12C (Job #1) "Seeing our famous line-up of cars assembled here for the first time today is a reminder to everyone of how far we’ve come as a company in such a short space of time and the ambition and innovation of our people who have helped create that success," said Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. McLaren Automotive really has come so far in such a short amount of time. It feels like it was just yesterday that the MP4-12C was unveiled, but here we are with multiple ranges of McLarens (Sports, Super, Ultimate and GT). See All McLarens For Sale

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