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 – March 03, 2021

McLaren Hires New Licensing Agency to Expand Collaborations

Co-branding can make or break an automaker, ask AMC about Levi's edition interiors...It takes a keen eye to spot potential partnerships, so McLaren has hired a new licensing agency to expand collaborations. Cherry London delivered an enticing presentation, and their history of working with Jaguar, Land Rover, Visa, and Malibu rum is loaded with success. McLaren's existing partners include such brands as Lego, Tumi, Richard Mille, and Gulf oil, and they are looking forward to expanding the lineup. Tell us the best and worst co-branded cars in the comments below and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Shop McLaren Image (C) McLaren Automotive

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By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2021

2021 McLaren GT Defies All Limits

Choosing the perfect supercar is now much easier because the 2021 McLaren GT defies all limits. Before it arrived, prospective McLaren owners had to choose between the Sports Series or the Super Series. Cars like the 570S and the 600LT opened doors to the brand while the 675 and 720 remained atop the lineup. They made use of different chassis and suspension technology to offer something for everyone, as engineers sought to utilize the best of both series. What you see is the result. The McLaren GT offers more luxury and livability than any predecessor. Starting with an all-new chassis, the suspension of the 720S was tuned to be more forgiving in real-world situations. Also borrowing the engine, the 4-liter twin-turbo was tuned for more torque at lower speeds. Trading the high-strung screamer for low-speed grunt is always fun in my opinion. You will have 20 cubic feet of cargo space with the ability to reach 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. If you need room for a weekend trip along with the ability to cruise at 203 mph, the McLaren GT is for you. McLaren GT For Sale Image (C) McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2021

McLaren 720S GT3X is What Happens When There Are No Rules

The new McLaren 720S GT3X is what happens when an automaker that creates race cars wants to break the rules. More specifically, the 720S GT3X is the GT3 car but without the rules and limitations that racing series slaps on. While it looks similar to the GT3 car, thanks to the aero packages, it's what's inside that makes this supercar so insane. First up is the power M840T 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine which has been increased to 720 horsepower. Rob Bell, a McLaren Factory Driver, notes in the video up above that this car has been given an extra 200 hp and it truly brings the GT3X to a new level. An extra 30 hp can be added with the press of the "Push-to-pass" button. Other modifications include the bigger turbos, bigger manifolds, upgrade cooling system and more. Another very awesome addition is the fact that this 720S GT3X can seat more than one person. Yes, the driver can take a passenger out for a spin. All McLarens For Sale Source: Cars.McLaren.com, Images via Screenshot/YouTube

By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2021

McLaren Racing 2021: All Systems Go

With the unveiling of the MCL35M and its drivers, McLaren Racing 2021 announces all systems go. Their latest upload is a new episode of McLaren Unboxed, and it takes us behind the scenes of last week's events. Lando and Daniel are ready to take on the world, and their interview was interactive with fans around the world. It looks as if both drivers have McLaren GTs as daily drivers. While the new car was meant to be an evolution of the 2020 model, switching to a Mercedes engine required significant changes. The car's first public outing at Silverstone looks and sounds promising, so tell us who you want to see on the podium this year. If you can't afford a new race car, check out the McLaren GT price and specs here. McLaren GT For Sale Image (C) McLaren

By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2021

2022 McLaren Artura Is The Beginning Of A New Era

Hybrid and EV technology is watching gasoline ride off into the sunset. The new 2022 McLaren Artura is the beginning of a new era, as we watch V6 engines have now made the V8 look obsolete. If you watched the reveal with us, you are likely smiling at the notions of an all-new chassis. Using the 600LT as a benchmark, the new carbon fiber monocoque is lighter and stronger while also accommodating a battery pack. Another incredible leap forward is the V6 engine. Instead of firing the cylinders at 60 or 90 degrees, the cylinder heads are 120 degrees apart. This wide-angle offers perfect balance without needing heavy counterweights on the crankshaft. The engine itself offers 577 horsepower and 431 lb-ft of torque, and it is supplemented by the latest in hybrid assistance. A compact battery is rated at 7.4 kWh, and it allows the car to have a total output of 671 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. Cutting weight in every component allows this car to offer a curb weight of 3,303 lbs. This allows it to reach 60 mph in 3 seconds, 124 mph in 8.3 seconds, and 186 mph in under 22 ticks. The electric motor offers a range of 19 miles, and swapping the polarity allowed engineers to build a new dual-clutch transmission without a reverse gear. Nothing about the Artura is shared with its predecessors except for the brand's logo. Every car will arrive with a host of other performance-minded goodies that don't add weight. From an electronic differential to Pirelli Cyber Tyre technology, you will truly be amazed it can all be offered at a starting price of $225,000. This car will undoubtedly be the beginning of a new series, so stay with us for all your McLaren news. Images (C) McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2021

2021 McLaren 765LT vs. 1,250 HP Shelby GT500 By Dragtimes

Engine ratings for production cars are usually chosen for the car's target audience. We know the latest Long Tail delivers much more than advertised, so let's watch a 2021 McLaren 765LT versus a 1,250 horsepower Shelby GT500 by DragTimes. Brooks is back at it pushing the new hypercar into uncharted territory. The team at Palm Beach Dyno saw the shakedown runs when the car was new, and it motivated them to push their GT500 into uncharted territory. Limited to 765 examples, the final Super Series coupe weighs in at 2,963 lbs. The American tips the scales at 4,225 lbs, so it is only fair to let them run on race fuel. Given the incredible Shelby GT500 price and specs, we offer you the world's only McLaren 765LT for sale in the button below. McLaren 765LT For Sale Image (C) Dragtimes.com

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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

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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

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