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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 22, 2016

McLaren Hits Record Sales Just in Time for Anniversary

It's been five years since the world met the McLaren 12C, and McLaren's made nothing but positive progress since then. Three of the company's five years putting out production vehicles have seen profits, a nearly unheard of precedent for a producer of low-number supercars. In 2015, McLaren sold a record 1,624 total cars.Additionally, profits from McLarens sold isn't the only good news. As demand rises, more helping hands are needed. Employee numbers are up by 16% and research and development is up by 30% (good news for supercar fans). They invested a total of $65.1 million into research and development endeavors alone.McLaren is also the recipient of a new shareholder who is making a cushy investment into the company's future. According to a press release, "the Chairman of McKal Ltd is well-known to McLaren Automotive as an owner of two examples of the McLaren P1TM, as well as a frequent visitor to McLaren track events." He's now also a shareholder in the company.Congratulations to McLaren and all their success! And we can't wait to see what the Research and Development team is working on!McLarens for Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 29, 2016

Epic McLaren Tampa Bay Line Up

Recently, Dimmitt Automotive's McLaren Tampa Bay were greeted by an incredible McLaren Lineup including the P1, 675LT, 650S and 570S. The cars, which were beautifully displayed one after another outside the dealership, added a little flair to the street and provided both employees and onlookers with a little eye candy. The dealership snapped these amazing images of the line up below. Take a peak and tell us which model is your favorite.View Dimmitt's Inventory

By Edward Jones – February 24, 2016

New McLaren 570GT Is The Most Luxurious McLaren to Date

It wasn't long ago that McLaren had the MP4-12C as their only production car for sale. Actually, the 12C was their first car since the legendary F1. Now, about five years after the 12C's launch, McLaren is set to show off their largest selection of models, ever, at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.This includes the just announced 570GT.According to the English automaker's press release regarding the new model, the 570GT is the "most refined and road-biased McLaren yet, designed with a focus on day-to-day usability and long distance comfort. It offers increased levels of practicality and comfort, while remaining a true McLaren."Being marketed as their most practical model, the 570GT joins the Sports Series models with a cabin designed for comfort. Its seats are eight-way adjustable and are laid with leather as standard. From these seats, the driver and passenger can control the AC, telephone, navigation and audio from the centrally-mounted touchscreen.To make the ride quiet, McLaren took a few extra precautions. The panoramic roof features glass that has been treated with 18% transmission tint, the same as the P1. The glass also has Sound & Solar Film, making the ride quieter and with less glare. Pirelli P Zero tires are also fitted to the 570GT, reducing the in-cabin road noise by as much as three decibels.As for power, the famous twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 M838TE engine, first debuted in the 570S Coupe, is utilized. Its power sits at 562 bhp and 443 lb-ft of torque, which is transferred through a seven-speed transmission. Driving "modes" can be selected while driving the 570GT, including the Normal, Sport and Track modes. Each ensures that the car performs no matter the condition.As far as price, the 570GT will have a starting cost of £154,000 in the United Kingdom, with deliveries starting in late 2016. In USD, this equates to roughly $210,000 at today's current exchange rate.For more information, be sure to stay with us as we get closer to the Geneva Motor Show.McLarens For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 17, 2016

MSO to Display Carbon Fiber-bodied McLaren P1 and New Mod...

Behold the carbon fiber masterpiece. At this year's Geneva Motor Show, McLaren is set to pull out all the stops and show off some really special designs courtesy of the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) team. For the first time since it debuted to McLaren P1 owners earlier this year, the carbon fiber body conversion, created by MSO will be revealed for public view at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Tinted in a "Lio Blue" bespoke lacquer, the carbon fiber body is hand-laid and includes upgrades like a gloss black finish for the wheels, and carbon black Alcantara trim with contrast blue stitching for the interior. The body conversion is a carbon fiber tribute to the recently retired track car.Also making it's public appearance at the Geneva Motor show is the 675LT Spider, which has a limited production of only 500 examples worldwide. The Spider is McLaren's fully street legal, track-ready supercar and is already sold out. MSO fashioned the 675LT in a Ceramic Gray finish with a retractable carbon fiber hardtop and front wings complete with carbon fiber louvres. For the interior, expect "black Alcantara trimmed racing seats" that include contrasting Xenon Yellow stitching and gold detailing throughout.McLaren will have the full Sports Series and Ultimate Series, including a still-to-be-announced addition, on display and will be located at Stand 6040 in Hall 6 and the Geneva Motor Show. This year will be the largest McLaren showing at the Geneva Auto Show to date. Check out the gallery of the P1 and the 675LT Spider below. What do you think of the designs? Let us know in the comments below.McLaren P1 For Sale McLaren 675LT Spider For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 02, 2016

Inside McLaren's P1 GTR Workshop

Can you imagine being a part of the team of people whose sole responsibility is looking after the McLaren P1 GTR? Not too far from the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) in Woking, England, an exclusive, hand-selected team has the opportunity to do just that. At the McLaren P1 GTR Workshop, this team of engineers and technicians are tasked with the responsibility of looking after 12 McLaren P1 GTRs. According to McLaren,Here, hand-picked technicians and engineers ready each car for bespoke events at world-class race circuits, to which McLaren also ships over 80 tonnes of support equipment, from telemetry systems to Pirelli tyres.The McLaren P1 GTR Workshop is a benefit of the McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme in which owners of the track-only supercar are able to immerse themselves in the McLaren world rather than just own and drive the P1 GTR. Those in the programme have direct access to McLaren's Design Director, Frank Stephenson, who can help them with the design of their P1 GTR's livery. They also have access to the best resources in the racing industry-- everything from a personal trainer to driver coaches and mechanics. Here's a little more on the programme from McLaren:...each customer is fitted for a unique carbon fibre seat, and measured for a tailor-made race suit and helmet. They spend time with their personal fitness trainer too, and together with their driver coach, undergo simulator sessions at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking to ensure they get the most from their car.McLaren's aim with the programme is to ensure that each customer of the P1 GTR is both physically and mentally ready for the track events they participate in. As for the McLaren P1 GTR Workshop? Well, who wouldn't want their own personal team readying their car for the track?How would you use the McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme to help you get track ready? Let us know in the comments below.McLaren P1s For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – November 10, 2015

Exclusive McLaren 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 Created for Du...

In honor of the first day of the Dubai International Motor Show, McLaren Automotive has unveiled an MSO creation "bespoke to the Middle East": the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79.As a press release issued today by the British auto manufacturer describes, this model is available exclusively to customers in the Middle East, and features a design "inspired by the styles, cultures and landscapes of the region." 24 carat gold particles add a special shine to the exterior's pearlescent white gold paint, which is mean to mimic the shimmering gold sands of the region's deserts.The paint is truly where the car's name comes from; "Al Sahara" is the Arabic phrase for "the desert," and the atomic number of gold is 79. But it's not just the exterior that defines the motif. The interior's contrasting black and Almond White leathers accent the white gold paint of the steering wheel, door panels and center controls, while all switchgears and heating vents are finished in a dark gold.Of course, the fun part comes under the hood. The 650S' 3.0-liter twin turbo V8 pumps out 641 bhp and 500 lb-ft of torque, allowing a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 3.0 seconds flat and a top speed of 204 mph.As the release shares, the Dubai Motor Show isn't the only reason an exclusive Middle East creation was designed. Nearly 25 percent of all McLarens purchased in the Middle East are customized in some way, meaning the region "boasts one of the highest levels of MSO customisation globally."This model is priced at 1,456,308 AED, or approximately $396,500 USD. Of course, given that this car is exclusive to the Middle East, it can't be purchased using American currency. Check out the photos for some inspiration, then find a 650S Spider for your collection from our exclusive listings.McLaren 650S Spider For SaleGallery (via McLaren Automotive) See More McLaren News

By Caitlin Duffy – November 05, 2015

McLaren 570S Coupe Begins Production

We've awaited its arrival for months and watched it make special appearances around the world, and the time has come at last: the McLaren 570S has entered production.Announced today in a press release, the 570S's production star officially marks the start of the Sports Series, McLaren's third series of vehicles offered. It's the most affordable and easiest to drive of the McLaren cars released so far, though their iconic race experience still lies at the center of the 570S' design.Pietro Frigerio, the General Manager at McLaren Newport Beach, recently experienced the 570S during a track event in Portugal, and on Oct. 21 described it as an incredibly fun car to drive that doesn't take professional skills to handle. The model entered pre-production testing in August of this year, ordering opened in October and it's now ready, in November, to begin filling orders."The Sports Series is targeted towards a new buyer and opens McLaren up to the sports car market that we have not served to date," described Jolyon Nash, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing for McLaren Automotive, said the release. "The buyer of a Sports Series model will still experience the benchmark performance and driver engagement delivered by every McLaren model, but will also notice the increased usability and practicality that differentiates it from our existing cars."Priced at $184,900, it's expected that this model and the other Sports Series cars, like the 540C, will double McLaren's annual output to 4,000 vehicles by 2018. Stay with us to see if their estimates are correct, and find another one of McLaren Automotive's incredible cars from our exclusive listings below.McLarens For SaleGallery (via McLaren) See More McLaren News

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