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 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 – 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 – February 14, 2019

McLaren 570S Art Car by Spencer Couture for Sale

O'Gara La Jolla is known for putting on amazing local events in order to connect with their community and their latest one is a perfect example of just how good they are at it. Don't believe me? Check out the story of this McLaren 570S Art Car by Spencer Couture that's for sale now. The dealership recently teamed up with local San Diego artist Spencer Couture to create a very unique work of art. It all started with a simple idea of creating a piece of work for the dealership. They stepped back on this idea because it seemed too simple and went big. After going back to the drawing board, they came up with an incredible idea: putting on a pop-up art show for Spencer Couture at the Omnia Night Club. What's more, it would feature a very special piece of work. Knowing that the McLaren brand is fairly new to the San Diego area, they chose a very special canvas for Spencer to use when creating a piece of art for the art show: a McLaren 570S from McLaren San Diego. By doing this, the McLaren automobile would truly be making a colorful splash in the area and catching the eyes of just about everyone. To create the visual, O'Gara La Jolla's partners at Modern Image were put to the task. They took an art piece of Spencer's and turned it into a seamless wrap for the car. If you look closely, you'll see that the artwork continues from panel to panel, transforming the car into a rolling piece of art. As for the event, it was a complete success. Over 300 guests were in attendance and each of them was surely picking up their jaws when they saw the incredible McLaren 570S Art Car by Spencer Couture. What's more, this car is currently for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. Check out the incredible pictures of the car and it's price by clicking the button below. view listing and price Source

By Edward Jones – June 05, 2017

2015 McLaren P1 in “Volcano Yellow” - Chassis #318

McLaren Newport Beach is known around the world for providing our clients with the most exclusive and well-sorted vehicles in the United States. Shown to the public for the first time is this ultra-low mileage 2015 McLaren P1 painted in stunning Volcano Yellow. This P1 came to them from a collector who kept this P1 hypercar in the original plastic since taking delivery back in 2015. The vehicle has never been titled, nor registered, and will be delivered on original MCO which means the next owner will officially be the first owner on paper. This may very well be the lowest mileage P1 currently in the United States! The remaining balance of the manufacturer's unlimited mileage warranty remains on chassis #318 until May of 2018. The optional equipment includes: carbon fiber front bumper, carbon fiber LTR ducts, carbon fiber exterior mirrors, carbon fiber door inserts, carbon fiber rocker panels, carbon fiber roof snorkel, carbon fiber rear clam insert, carbon fiber rear bumper, carbon fiber rear wing, stealth package, Yellow brake calipers, stealth finish on wheels, parking sensors, & Meridian sound system. This P1 is as new as they come! Purchase will include: all the original books, tools, keys, and accessories. McLaren Newport Beach accepts trade-in vehicles of all makes and models, and has custom lease programs available to qualified buyers. Please call them at 949-574-5200, or stop by their world famous showroom located on Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach, California. View Price and Listing

By Caitlin Duffy – August 06, 2015

McLaren P1 in Alaskan Diamond White at McLaren Newport Beach

Currently, at McLaren Newport Beach, there is a rare opportunity worth taking advantage of. With only 920 miles on its odometer is a McLaren P1 in Alaskan Diamond White, covered in carbon fiber and waiting for a new owner.A creation from McLaren's Special Operations (MSO) division, this P1 features black Alcantara and leather with red contrast stitching in the interior, with the P1 logo stitched boldly into the headrest of each seat. The exterior is clean, sleek and stunning, with red brake calipers tying the interior's red accents to the exterior's display.Of course, it isn't just the appeal of a visually stunning car that makes this offer so special. Under the hood is McLaren's potent twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 combined with an electric motor creates a total of 903 hp, making a limited top speed of 217 mph and a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 2.8 seconds possible.Tie in the fact that this is one of the 375 examples created, all of which have already been sold, and that the odometer lists a scant 902 miles, and this listing is declared rare, indeed.(See Also: Iconic 1997 Lamborghini Diablo SV)Take a moment to browse the photos of this P1 below, and when you're finished, hit the button to visit the listing and see how you can make it yours.Buy NowGallery (Source: McLaren Newport Beach) See More Listings For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – May 07, 2015

Only Tarocco Orange Pearl P1 in US For Sale at McLaren Ne...

Though McLaren Automotive has released a nearly unprecedented number of new exotics this year, broadening their model range further than ever anticipated, there is still one that sits supreme at the top: the P1.Its power and styling are unparalleled by anything short of the P1 GTR, yet its driving style and interior are comfortable enough for daily use. With a quick visit to our website or to McLaren Newport Beach's storefront, you can bring one of these supercars home with you.In a stunning Tarocco Orange Pearl paint color, this particular P1 is chassis number 225 of 375 in existence world-wide. Currently, its the only P1 in the United States sporting this color, and it comes with a healthy dose of carbon fiber accents. The front and rear bumpers, LTR vents, roof snorkel, door inserts, stealth wheels, brake calipers and more all feature the beautiful material, and an upgraded Meridien sound system completes the experience. McLaren is a manufacturer that offers more than just beauty and power in their vehicles; through remaining an independent manufacturer, they are able to test and produce new technologies at rates unmatched by other marques. A look into their headquarters May 6 gives us a peek at that rate of innovation and explains where much of their expertise is derived from. (See Also: Deadmau5's P1 & 650S for Gumball Spotted Taking Off)Take a look at the full detail gallery below and imagine yourself sitting in the driver's seat of this stunning vehicle, then hit the button to visit the listing and find out more about making this car yours. Pricing is available from the sales experts at McLaren Newport Beach upon request.View Listing Gallery See More McLaren News

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