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 – March 16, 2023

Bespoke Chicane Grey Race-Ready 2019 McLaren 720S GT3X Fo...

Fit with state-of-the-art aero and performance, this McLaren 720S GT3X is ready to take on any circuit around the world.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 24, 2023

Grey Metallic Over Saddle Brown 2020 McLaren Speedtail Fo...

This is a McLaren owner's dream of acquiring one of the most exclusive hypercar releases from the U.K.-based automotive manufacturer.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 22, 2023

The GearBox: Elva Edition

The McLaren Elva elevates the meaning of an open cockpit design to a whole new level, with the ability to choose an optional winds...

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 15, 2023

McLaren's New 720S GT3 EVO Adds Winning-Performance To Cu...

Built on the success of its past, present, and future in professional racing, McLaren Motorsports resumes its climb to the podium by evolving its race cars with upgrades and improvements. Using its staple supercar as the basis for the next customer racing pace-setter, McLaren is proud to reveal the all-new 720S GT3 EVO. The race-ready 720S GT3 EVO will officially make a grand debut in the 2023 International GT3 field, with homologation allowing it to become a new-build race car or as an update package to an existing platform. McLaren's GT program is designed to be accessible to customers and drivers of all abilities. MUST-READ: Bespoke Chicane Grey Race-Ready 2019 McLaren 720S GT3X For Sale The most noticeable change to the 720S GT3 EVO over its predecessor is a combination of improved aerodynamic performance and more efficient serviceability. The several key bodywork upgrades include a redesigned front bumper/splitter with quick-release fastenings, a new hood configuration for better vision, and an easily adjustable rear wing pylon mechanism. McLaren equips the 720S GT3 EVO with all-new TTX40 Ohlins 4-way adjustable dampers, which can be adjusted to cater to any track condition. The 720S GT3 EVO is available for order now through an authorized McLaren dealership. Existing 720S GT3 owners and teams can purchase a full update kit with the option to use existing cars. View all current McLaren 720S examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All McLaren 720S For Sale Source: McLaren

By Gabriel Vega – February 08, 2023

Wrecked McLaren Senna Pops Up At Copart Auction

One of the best things YouTube has done for the car world over the last two decades is to provide access to often ultra-rare machines. Take the McLaren Senna, for example. With just 500 units produced during its run, it’s a track-focused car most of us will never get to see in person. However, with a few taps and some swipes, we can enjoy hours of video content on it and just about any super or hypercar that seems out of reach otherwise. Take The Hamilton Collection’s channel, for example. It focuses on showing the cars, modifications, buying/selling, and sometimes even crashes. That’s the case with the 2019 McLaren Senna that popped up at a Copart auction today. It’s the vehicle featured in the video above, and it received a nasty hit to its driver’s side door, severely damaging it and its carbon-fiber monocoque. Copart In a recent video, the Youtuber Steve Hamilton stated that due to the extensive monocoque damage and questionable long-term safety, even after a serious repair, he will let the car go. And so here we are today with Copart officially listing the car for an upcoming bid. It’s located in Chicago, IL, sitting in a warehouse without what’s left of the driver’s door. If you’re itching to get a slightly mangled Senna, Hamilton estimated that a vehicle in this condition is still worth somewhere around $300,000. However, given the extensive repairs needed, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a well over seven-figure cost to get this track toy back on the road. View All McLaren Sennas For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 03, 2023

Bespoke Widebody 2019 McLaren 720S SEMA Build For Sale

Enhancing styling and aerodynamics courtesy of Creative Bespoke, this McLaren 720S is unlike any other on the road. While McLaren Automotive is known to embody racing DNA into its lineup of desirable supercars and hypercars, visual and performance upgrades take the driving experience to a whole new level. Showcasing its talents of transforming everyday cars into modern masterpieces, the team at Creative Bespoke of Phoenix, AZ continues to grace the automotive world with one-of-a-kind builds. Creative Bespoke is proud to present this modified 2019 McLaren 720S as part of its growing inventory of custom supercars. The exterior of this McLaren 720S features a full Zacoe carbon fiber widebody package, using hints of exposed gloss carbon fiber to accentuate the bright yellow finish. Specially built for SEMA, the kit replaces the front bumper, fenders, rear bumper, side panels, hood, and rear wing. A set of MVForged Aero+ wheels sit perfectly on an aggressive ride height thanks to Novice lowering springs. MUST-READ: Grey Metallic Over Saddle Brown 2020 McLaren Speedtail For Sale Opening the butterfly-style doors reveals a completely custom-matched yellow interior package fit with newly designed sports bucket seats. The new owner will find added hints of Creative Bespoke branding throughout the yellow and black cabin, from the headrests to the floorboard entrance. The monochrome driver-oriented interior presents the perfect space for anyone looking to turn heads at the next car meet or rally. The 720S generates 710 horsepower and 568 ft-lbs of torque from McLaren’s 4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8, which has been modified with a one-of-one custom Race F1 exhaust. The 2019 McLaren 720S Carbon Edition from Creative Bespoke is currently available for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. VIEW PRICE AND LISTING

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By Tyler Rampersaud – January 27, 2023

McLaren Scottsdale's New 35,000 Square-Foot Facility Is T...

Scottsdale, Arizona becomes a McLaren Mecca. Especially in the United States, Scottsdale, Arizona is an automotive capital in its own right, and the new McLaren Scottsdale showroom makes for a significant addition to the city’s car-world cachet. At a recent gala event, the Mike Ward Automotive Group dealership opened its new retail and service facility and totaling 35,000 square feet, it’s the largest one in the Americas. Holding the top spot for the highest specification vehicles sold by any store in the U.S. for McLaren, McLaren Scottsdale’s customers are known for wanting unique vehicles and utilizing much of what McLaren Special Operations offers. MUST READ: McLaren F1 Driver Lando Norris Specs Out His Dream McLaren Artura Configuration Over 500 customers and VIP guests joined McLaren, The Americas President Nicolas Brown in celebrating the opening, and part of the celebration was a display of cars like the Elva, Senna, F1, and more, totaling an incredible $25 million in value. In the midst of a city already known for its automotive excellence, the largest McLaren dealership on this side of the globe is certainly a welcome addition. View All McLarens For Sale Source: McLaren

14612 Electrifyingperformanceandstyle.LandoNorrisspecshisdreamMcLarenArtura andyoucantoo. 1

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 26, 2023

McLaren F1 Driver Lando Norris Specs Out His Dream McLare...

The result speaks for itself: performance mindset meets hybrid supercar. As passionate Formula One racing fans, we’ve all witnessed the incredible driving abilities of McLaren F1 team driver Lando Norris. The 23-year-old Belgian-British racing driver stands out as one of the youngest drivers on the track, proving to be the ultimate job for a young automotive enthusiast. While Lando Norris has probably driven every McLaren model in existence, he recently sat down with the U.K.-based supercar manufacturer to configure a dream specification of the electrified McLaren Artura. The virtual build reflects the instinctive expression and vibrant personality of Lando Norris. MUST-READ: 2023 McLaren Artura First Drive Review: A New Era Of Performance Using McLaren Technology Center’s intuitive configurator tool, Lando specs the exterior of the performance trim McLaren Artura in Aurora Blue as an homage to his hero, Valentino Rossi. The Artura features tons of lightweight carbon fiber for enhanced aerodynamics and styling. Everything from the bright yellow brake calipers to the upgraded interior pack was born from personal inspiration. Powered by a 671-horsepower hybrid twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder, the Artura launches from 0-60mph in just 3 seconds. View all current McLaren Artura examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All McLaren Artura For Sale Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 23, 2023

Triple F Collection's New McLaren 765LT Spider Has A $100...

After the next four upcoming deliveries, The Triple F Collection will house 12 insane McLaren models. With one of the most impressive car collections on the planet, Triple F Collection continues to take up garage space with more exclusive supercars and hypercars. Although the fleet is filled with examples from Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, and many more, the family can certainly agree that the McLaren brand stands out as their favorite. In their newest video, Jason and Jordan of the Triple F Collection take delivery of a McLaren 765LT Spider with an extremely special factory finish. The first of the two McLaren 746LT configurations ordered by Triple F is Jordan’s convertible, which features a jaw-dropping blue fade finish courtesy of the creative team at McLaren Special Operations. MUST-READ: The Best McLaren 765LTs You Can Buy Today The all-blue spec presents a gorgeous fade effect that starts as dark blue from the front end and transitions into Serilium Blue starting at the door. The one-of-a-kind paint job from McLaren adds an extra $100,000 to the sticker price. Along with Jordan’s McLaren 765LT Spider, Jason also took delivery of his new Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. Giving up the initial allocation to his brother, Jason will also be receiving his full carbon McLaren 765LT Spider spec in the near future. Watch the Triple F Collection debut the $100,000 McLaren 765LT Spider paint job on the video above. View all current McLaren 765LT Spider examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All McLaren 765LT Spiders For Sale Source: Triple F Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 05, 2023

McLaren Automotive Renews Its Partnership With Gulf Oil I...

As the Official Lubricant and Fuel Partner for McLaren Automotive, Gulf Oil International is responsible for supplying products that will work in unison with high-horsepower engine platforms. McLaren is proud to announce that the dynamic duo is renewing its partnership for 2023, which means that Gulf will remain the first-fill lubricant in all McLaren supercars and hypercars that leave the production center. MUST-READ: Jerry Seinfeld’s One-Off Factory Built Porsche 718 Spyder Matches His Gulf Racing 1970 Porsche 908/03 Spyder Playing an optimum role in the engineering behind McLaren’s well-known performance, Gulf worked closely with the U.K.-based auto manufacturer to develop an elite formula through rigorous testing in 2021. Since then, Gulf Formula Elite has become the successful result of both technology teams working collaboratively. With an exciting new extension to its partnership, we hope to see many future McLaren 720S examples sporting the iconic Gulf livery. View all McLaren models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All McLaren For Sale Source: McLaren Automotive

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