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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 Tyler Rampersaud – August 15, 2024

Bespoke 2019 McLaren Senna In 'Fux Green' Listed For Sale

The McLaren Senna is a hypercar that combines futuristic racing-focused innovation and cutting-edge performance with decades of cherished motorsport pedigree. It’s named after the late Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, and its radical design, lightweight construction, and formidable power celebrate McLaren’s and Senna’s incredible racing achievements. The highly exclusive hypercar only saw a production run of 500 examples, and number 2 of 500 is one of the most special and unique. View Listing It was commissioned by prolific car collector Michael Fux, known for his unique configurations and head-turning designs. This 2019 McLaren Senna is no exception, with exposed carbon fiber bodywork thinly veiled in bespoke ‘Fux Green’ paintwork. The option for exposed carbon fiber bodywork alone cost $297,575, involving 70 special parts and 1,000 hours of work to execute. The interior continues to feature the Fux Green carbon fiber, pairing it with white to provide a striking contrast, incurring an extra cost of $13,903. The headrests feature green MSO logos to showcase the department's capability for these stunning bespoke features. In total, the number 2 of 500 2019 McLaren Senna in Fux Green features nearly $400,000 in optional extras, making it a true collector-grade hypercar that stands out even among the highly exclusive bunch of McLaren Senna hypercars, which themselves are some of the most unique high-performance machines in recent years. Better yet, the incredible one-of-a-kind hypercar is available for sale at Mark Motors in Boerne, Texas, and is listed on duPont REGISTRY, the source for supercars since 1985. If you want a hypercar that will genuinely be unmatched in unique flair, this 2019 McLaren Senna in Fux Green is perfect for any luxury or exotic car collection. View the listing by clicking the button and take the first step towards adding this true masterpiece to your garage. Image Source: Mark Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 01, 2024

McLaren Shows Off Life-Size LEGO Senna Hypercar For Inter...

McLaren celebrates International LEGO day with an incredible creation. McLaren is known for making some of the world’s most iconic and desirable supercars, and the Senna is one of the greatest. Named after the late and great racing legend Ayrton Senna, the car is part of McLaren’s prestigious and exclusive Ultimate Series, showcasing the manufacturer’s pinnacle track-ready performance potential, and to celebrate International LEGO Day this year, McLaren recreated it in LEGO form. Made in life size, each brick reflects the shape, size, and presence of the real McLaren Senna, from its immense rear wing to its complex contoured shape. For many car enthusiasts, automotive LEGO sets are and have been a lifelong way to enjoy their passion for cars, starting as a childhood toy and evolving to become a treasured collection of sculptures of some of the world’s most excellent cars, which hand-building adds sentimental value to. International LEGO Day celebrates the legacy and icon status of LEGOs, and especially their ability to foster creativity with their simple yet infinitely versatile nature, transforming from a simple plastic brick into works of art of all kinds. With its life-size LEGO recreation of the coveted McLaren Senna hypercar, McLaren celebrated International LEGO Day by showing the excellence of its own creation, and the limitless possibilities of LEGOs. Shop Automotive LEGO Sets View this post on Instagram A post shared by McLaren (@mclaren)

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 22, 2022

The Limited-Edition Embraer Senna Cockpit Chair Pays Homa...

With craftsmanship in every detail, the Senna Cockpit is made for the ultimate performance. Traditionally known for producing commercial, military, executive, and agricultural aircraft, Brazilian company Embraer is expanding its horizon by releasing a motorsport-inspired cockpit chair. Inspired by the enduring spirit of Ayrton Senna, Embraer has partnered with Senna to design The Senna Cockpit. This special 22-limited-edition office chair embodies Ayrton's passion for the pursuit of excellence. MUST-READ: The McLaren Senna Sets A Street-Legal Production Car Lap Record At Interlagos The Senna Cockpit incorporates the perfect blend of aerospace technology, automotive interior design, and furniture refinement. The construction of luxury seat is made from 6061-T6 Machined Aluminum and Graphene-Reinforced Carbon Fiber. With a lightweight design that mimics the styling of a modern F1 car, Embraer layers the Senna Cockpit in 100% full-grain leather and gold highlights. While you wait for a chance to get behind the wheel of a real F1 car, the Embraer Senna Cockpit is add a performance feel to any home or office. View all McLaren Senna examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All McLaren Senna For Sale Source: Embraer

By Edward Jones – May 26, 2022

Final McLaren Senna XP Revealed by McLaren Beverly Hills ...

An epic unveiling for an equally epic McLaren. McLaren Beverly Hills has just unveiled the fourth and final McLaren Senna XPs, each of which is meant to honor iconic moments throughout Ayrton Senna's storied racing career. This final edition is named "El Triunfo Absoluto" which translates to "The Absolute Triumph." The inspiration behind this model was Senna's which at the 1989 Formula One Mexican Grand Prix where he secured his top spot in the championship after taking pole position and leading until victory. Making this Senna XP stand out and honor the event are a long list of customization features that were only made possible thanks to the commission through McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The exterior features include the Accent Red and Mexico Green livery, Ayrton Senna's signature in Gloss Visual Carbon Fiber on the driver's side light socket, a handpainted Mexico flag on the rear wing, a stencil effect on the front fender that portrays this special edition's name and more. Inside is a Jet Black leather interior with embroidered Mexico flags and the name "EL TRIUNFO ABSOLUTO" on the headrests. There is also an airbrushed image of Ayrton Senna on the podium after his 1989 victory located on the MSO BEspoke Extended Carbon Fiber Door Sills. Another feature that many may not notice but is too cool to not mention is the accelerator pedal that is laser-etched with the Mexican Grand Prix 1989 track layout. To unveil the car, McLaren Beverly Hills invited Arrow McLaren SP IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward out to test the vehicle out. If you recall, O'Ward actually dedicated his victory at the Grand Prix of Alabama on May 1, 2022 to Ayrton Senna. This is because May 1 was the same day Ayrton Senna tragically passed in 1994. You can see O'Ward behind the wheel of the Senna XP for yourself in the video up above. McLaren Senna XP "El Triunfo Absoluto" is a wonderful way to end this specially commissioned run of hypercars. It follows three equally fantastic examples, including the "Master of Monaco," "Lap of the Gods," and "Home Victory." Each of these four McLaren Senna XPs was commissioned through McLaren Beverly Hills and was designed in cooperation with the customers. They are all fantastic examples of both MSO's abilities and McLaren Beverly HIlls' dedication to their customers' needs. View McLaren Beverly Hills' Inventory

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