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 Edward Jones – November 08, 2018

McLaren 570S & 720S Patrol the Night in Stylish New Vid

McLaren Newport Beach just published a new video that is the definition of cool. In the video, a duo consisting of a McLaren 720S and 570S patrol the streets during the night in a very stylish manner. No intense revving or sideways turns in this video, just smooth cruising. As the two exotic cars are seen cruising, the mellow tones of Harukasuka's "Absence" give off a chill vibe that fits the scenes perfectly. The entire video is worth a watch, so be sure to click play above. If you happen to be in the market for a McLaren, be sure to check out McLaren Newport Beach's inventory by clicking the button right down below. View McLaren Newport Beach's Inventory Also Check Out: What is the Fastest Ferrari? McLaren Newport Beach: The Senna In Detail Stunning Senna Delivered at McLaren Newport Beach

By Edward Jones – November 05, 2018

Hear What the McLaren Speedtail Sounds Like

The McLaren Speedtail has finally been unveiled after being teased for what seems like forever. In the grand scheme of things, we've really been waiting for this car ever since the F1 had its production run end. Nevertheless, it's here and we're excited. McLaren has stated that the car can hit a top speed of 250 mph and run 0 to 186 mph in 12.8 seconds. We know that there's 1,035 horsepower coming from the engine that's making these speeds possible. However, we don't know the exact specification of the engine. What we do know is that it's a hybrid powertrain, but the exact electric motors and engine are still unknown. Giving us a hint as to what is powering the car is a video from McLaren Newport Beach that features the car's engine sound. What do you guys think will be powering the Speedtail? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below. Also Check Out: McLaren Announces 720S Track Pack Pricing See All McLaren P1s For Sale Stunning Senna Delivered at McLaren Newport Beach!

By Edward Jones – October 25, 2018

Cost to Repair a Scratch on a McLaren 650S

There's nothing worse that going about your business, driving a route you take every day and mindlessly scratching your car. This is precisely what happened to The Leviathan and his McLaren 650S Spider. As he was pulling out of his parking garage, his supercar lightly tapped a wall, but it was enough to do some damage to his pride and joy. After inspecting the auto repair damage, he called up McLaren Automotive who came out and picked up the car the next day. The light tap was enough to call for a new tie rod, tires and a rim. Total cost for those? $5,000. That may not sound like a bad break, it's the paint that really brought up the repair bill. McLaren 650S Price, Specs, Photos With only a scratch on one quarter panel, the cost was going to be $15,000 in order to have a paintless dent repair professional complete the repair and paint it. In total, the light tap was going to cost him a total of $20,000. So, next time you have to get car repair services, just be thankful you're not getting a bill for $20,000! See the entire story by clicking play below.

By Andrew Nabors – October 12, 2018

McLaren 720S vs 675LT on the Autobahn

McLaren's return to production cars was based on their 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8. The compact and powerful engine can be found in everything from the 12C to the 675LT, and it was also the basis for the P1 hypercar. It is based on a Nissan VRH that was planned for the Indy Racing League. Tom Walkinshaw Racing transformed it from a race engine to a street configuration, just like they did in the legendary Jaguar XJ220. McLaren bought the rights from TWR and the rest is history.Also Read - Cost to Repair a Scratch on a McLaren 650SSomething more was needed for the 2nd generation of McLaren's Super Series. Looking to extract every last horsepower, they forged a new crankshaft with more stroke. Keeping the bore at 93mm, the stroker crank increases displacement to 4.0 liters. The obvious advantage is more power, and it achieves this by allowing the pistons to spend more time in the combustion chamber. It allows for higher compression ratios, cleaner emissions, and higher exhaust speeds to spin the turbos. It all adds up to a much faster car, and the Autobahn is the best place to demonstrate it. Misha Charoudin was lucky enough to ride along in a 675LT who encountered a worthy opponent. The results speak for themselves, so if you are interested in a new McLaren 720S, our dealers are ready to help. Of course, we also have a slew of pre-owned McLarens for sale. View McLarens For Sale

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

By Andrew Nabors – May 21, 2018

Bruno Senna Drives the McLaren Senna

Many of us will never have an opportunity to see the new McLaren Senna in person, but we are thankful that their video crew allows us to see it in action. The car speaks for itself as a fitting tribute to the best racer in modern history. Bruno Senna learned a thing or two watching his uncle Ayrton dominate the toughest tracks in Formula 1. He is also a talented driver in his own right, so there is no other logical person to show just how capable the new McLaren Supercar really is. 2018 McLaren Senna Specs, Price, Photos & Review A few things we didn't know is that it has solid motor mounts. At these power and performance levels, you don't want the engine block to move a millimeter. Plus, who wouldn't want to feel and hear that beast 24/7. It is also the first time we have seen the massive rear spoiler in airbrake mode. Hitting the left pedal has to be rewarding given that much stopping power. Tell us if you would choose this or the 720S in the comments below, and stay with us for all your McLaren updates. Browse McLaren 720S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2018

McLaren Unveils Titanium SuperSports Exhaust

If you are reading this, you probably enjoy a healthy exhaust system. Not only does it help your car make more power, but you may also shave some weight in the upgrade. Nobody knows your car like the folks who built it, and that is why McLaren Special Operations developed an upgrade for the 570 series.The Sports Series McLarens are comprised of the 570S, 570S Spider, and the 570GT. Making big power from a 3.8 liter V8 requires the latest in turbo technology. Because the twin turbos are so efficient, they cancel out most of the exhaust sound. After the turbos, all cars must have catalytic converters which kill the sound even more. Because they are so quiet, MSO ditched the mufflers for the SuperSports system. The converters are built in a gorgeous X-pipe, and the entire system is made of titanium. This is as close to running open headers as you will get, legally at least. So if your 570 could use more character, click the link below to find our dealer nearest you.

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2018

WATCH: McLaren 720S vs BMW S100RR

What happens when a two-wheeler challenges a McLaren 720S? In the normal world, any motorcycle has a better power-to-weight ratio than a car. But what if both contestants are not from a normal world? If you have never been on a BMW motorcycle, you are truly missing out. These finely tuned machines have none of the quirks associated with every other liter-bike, and their low center of gravity is a nice for height-impaired riders (like yours truly). It makes 199 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque. It only weighs 403 lbs with a full tank, so the performance potential is easy to see.Clash Of Titans: McLaren 720S vs. Kawasaki Ninja H2To see if it can compete against the latest from England, our friend Brooks from DragTimes decided to see if his 720S was a worthy opponent. Once they arrived in Mexico, a series of six races shows what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Launch control and horsepower are great for drag racing, but after 100 mph, the battle comes down to torque vs. air. Horsepower will get you to top speed, but its torque that keeps you there. The issue with the McLaren 720S is that the factory claims it makes 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. While these are respectable numbers, everyone seems to know they are sandbagging.McLaren 720S vs. 675LT on the AutobahnMy own seat time in the McLaren 720S is limited, but be warned, it accelerates like an ACME rocket. Give us your thoughts on the races in the comments below, and keep your racing at the track. Stay with us for all the latest uploads from DragTimes.Find Your McLaren 720S

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2018

Three McLaren P1s Attack Alpine Airfield

To us, a McLaren P1 is a bit useless if it never goes outside. That's why we applaud the attendees of this year's SupercarOwnersCircle for gathering together for some high-speed fun. Uploaded to YouTube by Niklas97, this event was one for the record books.Why You Should Buy a McLaren P1Not only were there numerous Porsches & German attendees, but it was also a rare moment to have three examples of the McLaren P1 at the same location. Only 375 examples of the English hypercar were produced, so seeing one in public is next to impossible. Powered by a 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8, the P1 makes use of a hybrid drive to achieve 903 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. These figures represent total output of the engine and the battery, so the latter must be fully charged to achieve this.Ferrari FXX K vs. McLaren P1 GTR at MonzaTo see who had the most voltage available, the three cars lined up for a top speed run. With fluids and a driver, the weight approaches 3,500 lbs. Even so, it is able to reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, and by 6.8 seconds you will smash 124 mph. Four seconds is all it takes to double your ground speed. It would be neat to see if the SR-71 is capable of this because the numbers are simply stunning, that is until you reach 217 mph and the party is over. Tell us which car you would drive in the comments below and stay with us for all your McLaren updates.Browse McLaren P1 For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 29, 2018

McLaren Senna in Action in New Video

The new McLaren Senna is about as aggressive and extreme as you can get when it comes to the manufacturer's models. McLaren has said explicitly that the Senna is their most "extreme McLaren road car yet." Even though the Senna is a road car, it was designed to perform exceptionally on every circuit. McLaren Senna GTR Sold Out McLaren's senior test driver Gareth Howell explains in a new video just how well the Senna can adapt to any track's situation. Howell also shows off the Senna capabilities in motion on the Kyalami circuit in South Africa. One of the most interesting visuals in the video, found below, is the active aero in action. Both the rear wing and front aero components adjust themselves to provide the best possible downforce in any given situation. Check it out for yourself in the video down below.

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