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 – May 09, 2019

McLaren 600LT Spider Has Arrived in the U.S.

George Carlin described the flamethrower as a purely American invention. "I really want to set that guy on fire, but I am too lazy to walk over there". There is something entrancing about them, so we also enjoy the latest English flamethrower: the McLaren 600LT Coupe. The top-mounted exhaust provides a brilliant afterburner during hard accelerations, so it must be a riot with the top down. We don't have to guess any longer since the McLaren 600LT Spider has arrived. McLaren dealers in the U.S. have already allocated every 600LT Coupe, so the Spider is your next logical choice. However, unlike other McLaren Spiders, production will be very limited. Based on the strong MonoCell2 chassis, losing the roof didn't require extra bracing. For a staring price of $256,500 you will have a 3.8L V8 and twin turbos. It sends 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. You will reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, and the large rear wing will offer 220 lbs of downforce at 155 mph. Click the link below to find our dealer near you, because a Long Tail Spider won't happen again in the near future. Stay with us for all your McLaren news. Find Your McLaren 600LT HEre Related: Justin Bell Tests the McLaren 600LT Spider McLaren 600LT Spider Hot Laps With Kenny Brack

By Andrew Nabors – May 07, 2019

McLaren 720S GT3 Unveiled as 570S GT4 Continues to Dominate

This might surprise you, but McLaren isn't a car company that races. They are leaders in the racing world who also build street legal cars. This can't be more evident than last weekend's races. The new McLaren 720S GT3 was unveiled as the 570S GT4 continued to dominate. Compass Racing was at Mid-Ohio for the inaugural round of the IMSA WeatherTech Sprint Cup. After qualifying in 8th place, the car took a hard hit and was forced to retire. Before the big race, team "Motorsports In Action" had a great day at the Michelin PILOT Challenge. They pushed their 570S GT4 started on the front row and stayed ahead of the field for most of the race. Their 7th place finish earned enough points to keep them ahead of the competition. Across the pond, team Equipe Verschuur fielded their 570S GT4 in two races, scoring 3rd and 7th place. This puts them 14 points ahead of their competitors, along with proving the reliability of the car in back-to-back races. Finally, the 2019 China GT Championship race in Ningbo saw "The Winning Team" finish all three of their 570S GT4 in the top 10. McLaren Philadelphia allowed me to drive a 570S GT4 at the Nashville Auto Show last year, and I enjoyed all 10 minutes of it! If you see a Podium Finish in your future, click the link below to find a McLaren dealer near you. Find Your McLaren Here Related: New McLaren GT's Release Date Announced McLaren Senna Dyno Testing From Hennessey Performance

By Edward Jones – March 05, 2019

New McLaren Grand Tourer Teased

A new McLaren Grand Tourer model has been teased ahead of its eventual reveal. It's announcement makes it the fourth McLaren that will be unveiled as part of the automaker's Track25 Business Plan. For now, we'll have to make due with a teaser image as its full reveal won't be for a few month. McLaren did, however, divulge a bit of info regarding the new model. Inside, they say that the interior will be "spacious, uncluttered and modern." Mike Flewitt, the CEO of McLaren Automotive also said that it will be the "Most usable mid-engined car yet." Here's a full quote by Flewitt from the press release issued by McLaren: “The fourth McLaren to be introduced under the Track25 business plan will be our interpretation of the Grand Tourer. It will be a car that combines competition levels of performance with continent- crossing capability, wrapped in a beautiful lightweight body. It’s a car that has been designed for distance and one that will also provide the comfort and space expected of a Grand Tourer. But with a level of agility never experienced before in this segment. In addition, it will be the lightest of Grand Tourers and by also having the best power-to-weight ratio, I promise it will be one of the quickest. In addition, it will be the only Grand Tourer to share its DNA with the 250mph McLaren Speedtail.”

By Andrew Nabors – January 16, 2019

McLaren 600LT Spider Unveiled

The wait is over. Last week we hinted at something wild after a teaser was uploaded to social media. And now we can cheer for a new Longtail as McLaren has unveiled the 600LT Spider. As the 5th McLaren to wear the Longtail badge, it stays true to its predecessors. The third car in their Track25 plan, it is only 110 lbs heavier than the 600LT coupe. Without fluids, it tips the scales at 2,859 lbs, and the MonoCell II chassis required no reinforcements to maintain its impressive strength. In fact, it is 220.5 lbs lighter than the 570S Spider, despite the longer body and folding hard top mechanism. Mclaren 600 LT Price, Specs, Photos Just in front of that dynamic tail is the same twin-turbo 3.8L V8. Offering 592 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, you will reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and 124 mph in 8.4. Only 0.2 seconds slower than the coupe, it will reach a top speed of 201 mph. Production will be limited due to the hand-built construction, and the MSRP starts at $256,500. I personally like the idea of seeing the flamethrower exhaust with the top down. It will offer the same interior and exterior options as the 600LT Coupe, so click the link above to envision your own, then click below to find a McLaren showroom near you. View All Mclarens For Sale " width="680"> Also Check Out: Howard Panes’ Vibrant McLaren Senna is a Must-See McLaren 2018 Sales: More Cars Sold Than Ever Before McLaren Speedtail Gets Three Collections to Make Customizing Easier

By Edward Jones – December 11, 2018

OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition is the Supercar of Phones

Technology is advancing every single day, and with these new advancements come faster speed in sleeker forms. The new OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition phone is a great example of just how far along we've come in terms of mobile phones. OnePlus and McLaren teamed up to create this phone, which is the mobile phone company's fastest yet. I'll break down just how fast this phone really is. First, a full charge can come in just 20 minutes, thanks to OnePlus' Warp Charge 30 charging standard. Also adding speed is the massive amount of memory: 10 GB of RAM. And all that memory will be needed because this phone is capable of high-end gaming and filming 4K at 60 fps. The OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition phone comes with a primarily black appearance that has Papaya Orange trim around the bottom edge. That's right, it has trim like a 720S supercar would! On the backside, you'll see that McLaren added their touch of carbon fiber. Nice. Interested? This phone will be available in the USA on December 13 with a price of $699. shop oneplus.com

By Andrew Nabors – December 10, 2018

McLaren 720S Spider Unveiled With Stunning Details

If you want to build anticipation for the summer's hottest convertible, follow the leader. McLaren's latest drop-top hit our inbox like a ton of bricks, but the new 720S Spider is actually lighter than most coupes. Starting with the already potent 720S, they developed an all-new type of carbon fiber roof. The "RHT" or retractable hardtop will open or close in 11 seconds up to 31 mph. An optional glass insert is electrochromatic, going from clear to dark at the flick of a switch. Adding the necessary electronics for the roof and its fancy glass add weight, right? Well, McLaren builds every car as a spider, so the roof adds additional stiffness to the new Monocage II-S. The new chassis incorporates room for the top mechanism without sacrificing strength or weight. The new car is only 4% heavier, with a dry weight of 2,937 lbs, their press release claims it is 194 lbs lighter than its closest competitor. Ford GT vs McLaren 720S What hasn't changed is the performance of their 4.0-liter twin turbo V8. It offers 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque with a top speed of 202 mph with the top down. Leaping to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds you will be at 124 mph in only 7.8 ticks. You will pass the quarter-mile in 10.4, only 0.1 seconds behind the coupe. Leaving the top up will allow it to reach the same 212 mph as the coupe. Our dealers View McLaren 720S For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 01, 2018

McLaren Special Operations Heading to Salon Privé

One of the most exclusive auto events in Europe is coming soon. Salon Privé Concours is a precursor to the Blenheim Palace Classic & Supercar show. To show off the unlimited abilities to fulfill their customer's wishes, McLaren Special Operations has built two bespoke cars for these back-to-back events.McLaren 720S vs 675LT on the AutobahnThe Salon opens August 30th and ends on September 1st. Then the modest estate of Blenheim Castle will host over 1,000 cars in the Concours on September 2nd. Pack your bags for Oxfordshire if you want to see the latest in custom McLarens. The first is a gorgeous 570GT MSO Black Collection. Only 100 examples will be produced, each one with Carbon Black paint, MSO SuperSports Titanium exhaust, Sport Pack Dynamic Handling, and, of course, a unique set of Gloss Black wheels. Inside you will find Jet Black leather and Alcantara with MSO embroidery.It will be parked next to the star of the show. The McLaren 720S 'Velocity' features accents of Nerello Red along with Volcano Red on the sides and rear. Forged one-piece wheels are finished in Metallic Bronze, which provides a perfect contrast to the carbon fiber bits from the MSO Defined collection. Both cars were built with input from McLaren Bristol and McLaren Birmingham, so be sure to check them out if you are in the area. Stay with us for complete coverage of the show and click on the link below to find your McLaren.McLaren 570GT For SaleMcLaren 720S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 27, 2018

McLaren Senna #001 Takes An Epic Road Trip

Normal cars are bought and they are instantly stuck in traffic as transportation appliances. McLaren owners are passionate about performance, especially David Kyte, who purchased Senna #001. In a press release this morning, we get a glimpse of the delivery process. Mr. Kyte was presented with his keys and all the documents by McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt at their Technology Center. Michael Fux Delivered First McLaren Senna Finished in Anniversary White with Aurora Blue accents, the colors and their layout was handled by McLaren Special Operations. We can't be more happy for what happened next. Instead of driving the car home and keeping the world from seeing it, David and 5 other owners hit the road. After 870 miles (and a trip under the English Channel) they arrived at Paul Ricard racetrack in the south of France. The convoy consisted of three other McLaren Sennas, a new 2019 McLaren 720S, and the latest Sports Series: McLaren 600LT. Brand ambassador and racer Bruno Senna went along to show the owners just what their machines are capable of. This trip accomplished several goals. David experienced the camaraderie among McLaren owners, he allowed the public to see a convoy of horsepower and elegance that rarely happens. And finally, their journey allowed the engines to get a proper break-in. Buying a new car and parking it is the worst way to hurt the engine. It takes at least 500 miles for the rings and bearings to set, and a road trip is a perfect way to do this. I drove a low mileage Murcielago that was babied its entire life, and the dealer wonders why it smokes at startup. So click the link below to find your McLaren and follow the instructions for years of smooth running. Shop All McLarens for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 13, 2018

How To Configure Your McLaren 600LT

Configurators are the best computer software since the Oregon Trail. You chart your own course, and you are rewarded at the end. Around here, each one of us likes to build their ideal car and this time it was my turn. Staying true to our corporate colors, it was time to see just how attractive McLaren's new 600LT can be.Starting with a body of Vermillion Red, the stock silver 5-spoke wheels had to go. I chose 10-spoke forged rollers in a 2-tone black and machined finish. Then it was an easy choice between the "normal" Pirelli P-Zero, or their new P-Zero Trofeo R. The new design was created exclusively for the 600LT. It has a softer sidewall and stronger steel belts that are tuned to the car's suspension.Next, it was time for carbon fiber wonderland. The ultimate package is level 3. It includes the mirrors,. rocker panels, front and rear bumpers, spoilers, fender vents and the giant rear diffuser.Composites are addicting, so we splurged a few thousand dollars more for the roof, engine cover, and fixed rear spoiler. The exhaust tips are anodized black for a nice contrast against the flames it will spew under wide-open throttle.All McLaren cars are built as convertibles before the roof is added. The interior configurator page looks to be a wild roadster version that would look incredible, but it is only used to mock up our choices. I may be getting old, but microfiber is just another name for cloth interior. I am not a vegetarian, so I prefer my cars to have all-natural hides. Microfiber doesn't age well and I would prefer to be held in place by bolsters instead of fabric. I went without the extra carbon interior pieces because of gloss interior parts create a disco effect at night. Any way you choose to spec your 600LT, it will be capable of blistering performance. So stay with us for all your McLaren updates.Find Your McLaren Here

By Andrew Nabors – July 11, 2018

McLaren 600LT Price and Details Revealed, Debut at Goodwood

We can think of no better place to launch a new McLaren. Tomorrow at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the world will see the 600LT in all its glory. In a press release this morning we've learned it is lighter, faster and arrives with more downforce than the 570 Series. Over 25% of the parts are new, and it even borrows the forged upper & lower control arms from the Super Series.McLaren Unveils the 600LT: Faster and LighterStiffer sway bars and a 0.3" drop in ride height are just a few of the juicy details. Pirelli developed unique P Zero Trofeo R tires to offer a higher cornering speed than the 675LT. Carbon ceramic brakes and the brake booster from the Senna allow it to stop from 124 mph to 0 in 383.9'. You will reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and 124 mph in only 8.2s. Pricing for the US is to start at $240,000 which includes a Pure McLaren Track Day Experience.CEO Mike Flewitt said: "The new McLaren 600LT is our most extreme road-legal Sports Series model and possesses the optimised aerodynamics, increased power, reduced weight, track-focused dynamics and enhanced driver engagement that are the hallmarks of any McLaren ‘’LT’. Only the fourth McLaren in more than two decades to be designated a ‘Longtail’, the 600LT redefines expectations of super-sportscar performance, delivering astonishing acceleration and outstanding track cornering speeds with a truly extraordinary dynamic connection between driver and car.”With 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, it will be a speedy run up the driveway to Goodwood House. Production will be by order only, so go drive a 570S and see if you could handle a hardcore version. Stay with us for all your Goodwood news.Browse McLaren 570S For Sale

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