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 Caitlin Duffy – May 07, 2015

Only Tarocco Orange Pearl P1 in US For Sale at McLaren Ne...

Though McLaren Automotive has released a nearly unprecedented number of new exotics this year, broadening their model range further than ever anticipated, there is still one that sits supreme at the top: the P1.Its power and styling are unparalleled by anything short of the P1 GTR, yet its driving style and interior are comfortable enough for daily use. With a quick visit to our website or to McLaren Newport Beach's storefront, you can bring one of these supercars home with you.In a stunning Tarocco Orange Pearl paint color, this particular P1 is chassis number 225 of 375 in existence world-wide. Currently, its the only P1 in the United States sporting this color, and it comes with a healthy dose of carbon fiber accents. The front and rear bumpers, LTR vents, roof snorkel, door inserts, stealth wheels, brake calipers and more all feature the beautiful material, and an upgraded Meridien sound system completes the experience. McLaren is a manufacturer that offers more than just beauty and power in their vehicles; through remaining an independent manufacturer, they are able to test and produce new technologies at rates unmatched by other marques. A look into their headquarters May 6 gives us a peek at that rate of innovation and explains where much of their expertise is derived from. (See Also: Deadmau5's P1 & 650S for Gumball Spotted Taking Off)Take a look at the full detail gallery below and imagine yourself sitting in the driver's seat of this stunning vehicle, then hit the button to visit the listing and find out more about making this car yours. Pricing is available from the sales experts at McLaren Newport Beach upon request.View Listing Gallery See More McLaren News

By Caitlin Duffy – May 06, 2015

McLaren Automotive's Headquarters Inside Look

McLaren Automotive hasn't been in the realm of production vehicles for very long, but they are already giving many of the world's largest and oldest marques a serious run for their money.In a video from CNNMoney, published to YouTube May 5, we get a quick look at the interior of their headquarters and factory in Woking, England, a futuristic looking location filled with their finest vehicles.It's within this building that McLaren devises its newest creations and innovations, something which seems to take them just a fraction of the time it should. As reported April 30, the marque plans to remain an independent manufacturer, as their agility in creation has been one of their greatest advantages as a new manufacturer.(See Also: Deadmau5's P1 & 650S for Gumball Spotted Taking Off)Give the video above a watch to see a peek at this center of intellectual genius, and then take a moment to find the perfect model from the marque for your collection. As always, stay with us to learn more about future releases from McLaren Automotive.View All McLaren Listings (Source: YouTube) See More McLaren News

By Edward Jones – April 20, 2015

McLaren 540C Coupe Unveiled: Specs, Price and Pictures

Unveiled today in a press release and at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show is the McLaren 540C Coupe, the second addition to the new Sports Series alongside the 570S. This brings the total of cars released in 2015 by the marque up to four in as many months.In the press release, McLaren announced that the 540C will be a globally available car and has a starting price of just £126,000 (approx. $187,000 USD). This makes it the most attainable McLaren model yet.But, even though it has a low price, it is still a McLaren sportscar throughout. In the rear is a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces 533 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The press release states that this power, a quick seven-speed seamless shift gearbox and a light dry weight of 2,890 lbs is good enough for a 0-62 mph sprint of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph.(See Also: Floyd Mayweather’s Cars: The Lambo from duPont REGISTRY)The exterior of the 540C is made unique from the more powerful 570S by subtle changes made to the revised aerodynamic package. Additionally, McLaren will be offering the wheels, 19-inches in the front and 20-inches in the rear, in both silver and stealth finishes. These wheels are shod in Pirelli P Zero tiresInside, the interior is laid with leather on the seats, dashboard and lower doors. In the center console is a seven-inch IRIS touchscreen where the driver and passenger can control a majority of the car's functions.If you're interested in picking up a McLaren 540C, be sure to contact your local dealership in the dedicated McLaren retail network, or click the button below to see our McLarens for sale.McLarens For SaleGallery (Source: McLaren) See More McLaren News

By Edward Jones – January 26, 2015

$7 Million McLaren P1 Photoshoot at McLaren Newport Beach

In California at the prestigious McLaren Newport Beach dealership, six McLaren P1s came together for one epic photoshoot. The examples included in these photos have all been touched by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), meaning that each is worth well over the P1's $1.15 million MSRP. But, even if each of these cars were priced at the MSRP, that would make this a $6.9 million photoshoot. Add in a few extras from MSO and these pictures are easily worth more than $7 million.As you may notice, the P1s in the photos have unique finishes, turning this shoot into a showcase of MSO's abilities in the paint booth. In the top row, from left to right, the finishes are Supernova Silver, Fire Black and Volcano Orange. The bottom row's finishes are, from left to right, Volcano Yellow, Cerberus Pearl and Flintgrau Metallic. Yes, that is C.J. Wilson's P1 in the middle.Check out the images to see how McLaren Newport Beach does photoshoots, and the variety of options from MSO, and be sure to let us know in the comments which one you'd love to take home.What's more, two of these P1s are currently for sale at McLaren Newport Beach- the Volcano Yellow and Flintgrau Metallic examples. (See - Two McLaren P1s For Sale at McLaren Newport Beach) For Sale For Sale See More McLaren News

By Edward Jones – May 29, 2014

Manny Khoshbin's McLaren "MK Edition" P1

McLaren of Newport Beach has just dropped off a very special McLaren P1, making it their third P1 delivery.The owner of this P1 is none other than friend of the duPont REGISTRY Manny Khoshbin, an entrepreneur known for his success in real estate and his extravagant car collection. You can get a glimpse at his car collection over at his Instagram account: @mannykhoshbin.(Manny Khoshbin's Mansory Linea Vincero in the January 2014 duPont REGISTRY)Finished in "Alaskan Diamond White," the "MK Edition" P1 is not only unique, with adjustments from MSO, but also stunning. A two-tone black and white color scheme can be found on its exterior and inside the cabin, thanks to the aforementioned finish and the copious amounts of carbon fiber trim. Red brake calipers behind the ten-spoke wheels add a dash of color to the exterior.We would like to congratulate both Manny Khoshbin on his new hypercar and McLaren Newport Beach for delivering their third P1.Gallery See More McLaren P1 News

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