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 – June 01, 2018

McLaren Reveals Gulf Livery MSO 675LT of your Dreams

It has been almost two decades since the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR was fielded by Gulf-Davidoff. Wearing the iconic Gulf colors, it was burned into the memories of many McLaren fans.One of them has now worked hard to afford the car of his dreams. So he commissioned McLaren Special Operations to recreate that car on a new 675LT. Starting with the cockpit, they used colors and materials found on the predecessor. Then it took a few days in a CNC mill to create vintage looking 20 spoke wheels.Why You Should Buy A McLaren 720SThe customer received full endorsement from Gulf Oil, but that was just the beginning. Many components inside and out were built to his specifications. As such, MSO spent over 1,000 hours on this car. We don't have an idea of their labor rate, but it is not inexpensive.DragTimes: McLaren 720S vs Ferrari 488GTBAnsar Ali is the director of MSO, and he had this to say: "Creating a car like this unique McLaren 675LT, crafted to individual customer specification, is exactly the type of demanding commission that MSO Bespoke was formed to embrace. Transforming the existing car from its original single colour paintwork to a tribute to the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ in Gulf Racing livery was incredibly demanding in its own right, but was only part of the brief; we also replaced numerous standard 675LT components with MSO parts and further personalised the car to clearly identify it with its owner, a service that an increasing number of MSO customers request.”Our McLaren dealers have a hotline to MSO, so if you dream it, they can build it. Have a great weekend!Browse McLaren 675LT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 31, 2018

Download the McLaren App ASAP

Managing multiple social media platforms have been known to cause anxiety. The big automakers spend big money on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and the algorithms change almost daily. Wouldn't it be easier to see it all in the same place? McLaren thinks so!Why You Should Buy A McLaren 720SBruce McLaren always thought outside the box, and his company still does so. That is why the McLaren App has combined all of their media channels. News, history, wild MSO builds, and race results are now featured together. Even if you don't own a McLaren, their content is better than 99% of the automotive world.If your fingers have become Tinder from browsing boring car stories, the McLaren App is now available from Google Play or the App Store. Now you have a legitimate reason to check your phone at 3 am, so tell us what you think of it in the comments below.Great Incentives on 2018 McLarens For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 21, 2018

Bruno Senna Drives the McLaren Senna

Many of us will never have an opportunity to see the new McLaren Senna in person, but we are thankful that their video crew allows us to see it in action. The car speaks for itself as a fitting tribute to the best racer in modern history. Bruno Senna learned a thing or two watching his uncle Ayrton dominate the toughest tracks in Formula 1. He is also a talented driver in his own right, so there is no other logical person to show just how capable the new McLaren Supercar really is. 2018 McLaren Senna Specs, Price, Photos & Review A few things we didn't know is that it has solid motor mounts. At these power and performance levels, you don't want the engine block to move a millimeter. Plus, who wouldn't want to feel and hear that beast 24/7. It is also the first time we have seen the massive rear spoiler in airbrake mode. Hitting the left pedal has to be rewarding given that much stopping power. Tell us if you would choose this or the 720S in the comments below, and stay with us for all your McLaren updates. Browse McLaren 720S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 01, 2018

McLaren Milestone: 5,000 Cars Delivered

If you thought McLaren would make a comeback and then fade away, you were dead wrong. With constant innovations and a growing lineup, McLaren North America has seen incredible sales. In a tweet early this morning, they proudly show the 5,000th car delivered. McLaren North America is just Canada and the US, so that is quite the achievement.Sultan of Brunei And His 5,000 CarsDr. Gary Leach is the proud owner of a Silica White 570S Spider. As the flagship of their Sports Series, it is capable of reaching 60 mph in 3.1 seconds thanks to a twin turbo 3.8 liter V8. With the folding hardtop in place, it has a top speed of 204 mph, but it is limited to 196 with the top down. It is rated at 562 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The good doctor chose a perfect way to get to work in a hurry, so if you need a new daily driver click the link below and stay with us for all your McLaren news.Browse McLaren 570S Spider For Sale McLaren Automotive North America delivered its 5000th car, a 570S Spider in Silica White, to its happy new owner Dr. Gary Leach in California this week. pic.twitter.com/wjzhU8B0Fd — McLaren Automotive (@McLarenAuto) May 1, 2018

By Edward Jones – April 25, 2018

McLaren 570GT MSO Cabbeen Collection, Complete With Dragons

Chinese fashion designer Mr. Cabbeen and McLaren Automotive have teamed up to create a new collection of five McLaren 570GT sports cars. Unveiled in Beijing at the Auto China 2018 show, these new cars are meant to demonstrate a specific philosophy: "Designed in China, made in the UK."Each of the cars within the Cabbeen Collection come finished in MSO Bespoke Obsidian Black paint. Contrasting against this dark paint is a hand-painted dragon that was created out of Gloss Speedline Gold paint on each door panel. One other exterior modification is the addition of new 15-spoke GT wheels that sit in front of Gloss Speedline Gold brake calipers.Inside, Mr. Cabbeen had dragons embroidered in gold on the Alcantara Center Front Tunnel and Rear Luggage Deck. Kang Huifang, the Director of the Professional Embroidery Committee of China's Arts and Crafts Institute, was responsible for sewing each of these dragons.Everything You Need to Know About McLaren Cars “McLaren Special Operations is dedicated to providing customers with tailored choices that offer them almost endless personalization alternatives,” commented, Ansar Ali, Managing Director, McLaren Special Operations. “As a fusion of contemporary British design style and Chinese classic art elements, the 570GT MSO Cabbeen Collection was created to satisfy Chinese customers' desire for individualization and is further evidence of the growing interest in MSO services in the China market.”

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2018

McLaren Unveils Titanium SuperSports Exhaust

If you are reading this, you probably enjoy a healthy exhaust system. Not only does it help your car make more power, but you may also shave some weight in the upgrade. Nobody knows your car like the folks who built it, and that is why McLaren Special Operations developed an upgrade for the 570 series.The Sports Series McLarens are comprised of the 570S, 570S Spider, and the 570GT. Making big power from a 3.8 liter V8 requires the latest in turbo technology. Because the twin turbos are so efficient, they cancel out most of the exhaust sound. After the turbos, all cars must have catalytic converters which kill the sound even more. Because they are so quiet, MSO ditched the mufflers for the SuperSports system. The converters are built in a gorgeous X-pipe, and the entire system is made of titanium. This is as close to running open headers as you will get, legally at least. So if your 570 could use more character, click the link below to find our dealer nearest you.

By Andrew Nabors – April 19, 2018

McLaren Unveils 570S Spider Design Editions

If McLaren is guilty of anything, it is offering their customers too many choices. McLaren Special Operations will build your car to order, without any limit to color or materials. Now that the 570S Spider has built in many flavors, the factory has compiled the top 5 most popular orders.The new "Design Editions" program first appeared on the 570S Coupe, and it was a smashing success. So the process was altered slightly to favor the needs of convertible buyers. Each of them is based on a special body color. They range from Silica White, Storm Grey, Vermillion Red, Onyx Black, to Vega Blue. They have unique interiors and 10-spoke forged wheels.McLaren Releases Track Pack For 570S SpiderEach edition is cheaper than asking MSO to combine the options separately so it will make the Sports Series an appealing choice for those considering a competitor. The press release earlier this morning also mentions the recently released Track Pack for the 570S Spider, which offers the ultimate in grip. To find out more about ordering yours, click the link below and stay with us for all your McLaren news.Browse McLaren 570S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2018

McLaren Senna Unleashed At Silverstone

When his teammate Tim Mayer died, Bruce McLaren told his team that life is short. "It should be measured in achievements, not years." The automotive genius who left us at only 32 years old started a fire that won't be soon extinguished. McLaren Automotive has never stopped pushing the limits. That's why we're excited to see the new McLaren Senna attack the historic Silverstone circuit. In a tweet early this morning, the Senna looks ready to race.McLaren Senna in Full Carbon to Make Waves in GenevaAs a tribute to another racer who left us too early, the Senna evokes memories of Ayrton's dominance behind the wheel. Officially, the car is rated at 659 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Everyone knows McLaren is very conservative when it comes to published numbers, it could probably do that running on 7 cylinders. Even at that level, it has a better power-to-weight ratio than the P1 GTR. They promised updates throughout the week, so stay with us for all your McLaren news.Browse McLaren For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2018

McLaren Unveils 570S Spider Canada Commission

Our neighbors to the north love cars just as much as we do. Canadians might not have the ideal driving weather for much of the year, but that doesn't mean they should miss out on amazing cars. The former British colony is still part of the Commonwealth, so English supercars receive a warm welcome. Pfaff Automotive Partners are McLaren's importer for Canada, and they asked McLaren Special Operations for something unique.If you have the means, MSO will customize your McLaren to your heart's content. So they announced in a press release this morning that they are building 5 unique examples of the 2019 570S Spider to celebrate the brand's success in Canada. These Silica White Spiders have red exposed carbon fiber. White and red accents throughout the car play tribute to the Candian flag, and we hope maple syrup was somehow incorporated.McLaren Special Operations Delivers 10 Wild 570S CoupesBruce McLaren brought home several podium finishes from Canadian races in the 60's, so we think he would be proud of this collection. If you are interested, three examples are heading to McLaren Toronto, and the other two are heading to McLaren Vancouver and McLaren Montreal. If you spend your winters here in the states, our dealers will be happy to replicate this build, so click on the link below and have a great weekend.Browse McLaren 570S Spider For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2018

WATCH: McLaren 720S vs BMW S100RR

What happens when a two-wheeler challenges a McLaren 720S? In the normal world, any motorcycle has a better power-to-weight ratio than a car. But what if both contestants are not from a normal world? If you have never been on a BMW motorcycle, you are truly missing out. These finely tuned machines have none of the quirks associated with every other liter-bike, and their low center of gravity is a nice for height-impaired riders (like yours truly). It makes 199 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque. It only weighs 403 lbs with a full tank, so the performance potential is easy to see.Clash Of Titans: McLaren 720S vs. Kawasaki Ninja H2To see if it can compete against the latest from England, our friend Brooks from DragTimes decided to see if his 720S was a worthy opponent. Once they arrived in Mexico, a series of six races shows what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Launch control and horsepower are great for drag racing, but after 100 mph, the battle comes down to torque vs. air. Horsepower will get you to top speed, but its torque that keeps you there. The issue with the McLaren 720S is that the factory claims it makes 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. While these are respectable numbers, everyone seems to know they are sandbagging.McLaren 720S vs. 675LT on the AutobahnMy own seat time in the McLaren 720S is limited, but be warned, it accelerates like an ACME rocket. Give us your thoughts on the races in the comments below, and keep your racing at the track. Stay with us for all the latest uploads from DragTimes.Find Your McLaren 720S

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