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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 Andrew Nabors – June 02, 2020

RIP Bruce McLaren: 6/2/1970

Today marks half a century since Heaven gained its fastest Angel. To make sure his latest build was ready to race, Bruce McLaren was testing the M8D when the rear body panels collapsed. As the rear spoiler flew away, the loss in downforce made the car uncontrollable, and he lost the battle at Goodwood Circuit. A Minute Of Noise For Bruce McLaren Earlier today, his daughter Amanda was joined by family and a friends to light 50 candles. The somber and respectful moment was the setting for something new. A massive bronze statue of the company founder was unveiled, with the second M8D alongside. Powered by a 7.6-liter Chevrolet, the M8 Series allowed Team McLaren to dominate Can-Am racing for five consecutive years. In Formula 1 they have amassed 182 wins, 12 Drivers’ Championships and 8 Constructors’ Championships. Life is short and fragile, and Bruce lived every minute doing what he loved. That dedication can be felt and seen in every car that bears his name. By doing so, Bruce isn't gone, he just went to race in a better place.

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

McLaren GT Arrives With Innovative Interior Materials

Racing and running errands seem to be mutually exclusive, yet many automakers offer the same interior for both purposes. That is why a proper Grand Tourer needs to be unique. The masters at McLaren never fail to exceed expectations, and that is why the McLaren GT will arrive with innovative interior materials. After careful study of their existing leather and fabric, they decided something new was needed. The GT will be the first civilian automotive use of "SuperFabric". It was designed for military applications, blending traditional weaving with tiny synthetic reinforcements. This allows the cargo area to be light while resisting scrapes and scuffs from your McLaren luggage. Upfront, both occupants are treated to Nappa leather, no surprise there. But if you demand the best, optional upgrades include soft grain luxury leather, microfiber, or the exclusive hides from Scotland's Bridge of Weir. McLaren Special Operations can even appoint your ride with cashmere in Dove Grey or Jet Black. As always, our dealers have all the info so you know the drill. Click the button below and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Find Your McLaren Here

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2020

Epic Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren Senna Hot Laps

The McLaren Senna and Aston Martin DBS Superleggera are two different beasts, that's for sure. One is an aggressive hypercar that was purpose-built for the track. The other is a stylish and luxurious English supercar powered by a brutal V12 engine. Still, comparing the two is still incredibly fun and that's why MotorTrend did that exact thing. At Laguna Seca, the two cars were pitted up against each other through hot laps. Behind the wheel of both cars was Randy Pobst, a race car driver and MotorTrend journalist. When both laps were completed, the results were clear and they pointed towards one winner. Can you guess which car it was? Bet you can. Click play below to find out. SEE ALL SENNAS FOR SALE SEE ALL DBS SUPERLEGGERAS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – December 03, 2019

Kathy Cargill Shows Off Her Wicked McLaren Senna in Colorado

Kathy Cargill is a Colorado resident who has a love for McLaren automobiles. Currently, her stable includes two examples of the 570S, a 720S and Senna. Her beloved McLarens are housed in their own garage where she takes care of each and every one of them. McLaren Automotive recently visited Kathy's stable in Colorado where she gave them a look around her custom-built garage. She also takes her Senna out for a spin through the picturesque mountain roads of Colorado. Check it out below and see all of the McLaren Sennas currently listed for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. SEE ALL MCLAREN SENNAS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – September 04, 2019

McLaren 600LT vs Porsche 911 GT2 RS Drag Race

The McLaren 600LT has many competitors, including the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Lamborghini Huracan Performante and Ferrari 488 Pista. Motoring Magazine recently took the 600LT and 911 GT2 RS out for a drag race to see how they stacked up against each other in a straight line. Could the new English supercar that breathes flames take out the record-breaking Porsche? At the finish line, the race was extraordinarily close but one car was crowned the clear victor. When compared through specifications, the 911 GT2 RS edges out the 600LT in terms of power. On the Porsche side, the 911 GT2 RS packs 690 horsepower, while the 600LT is at 592 hp. The 911 GT2 RS also beats the 600LT's torque numbers with 553 lb-ft against 457 lb-ft. One very important specification that the 600LT wins out on is weight, thanks to its curb weight of 2,994 lbs, which is much lighter than the 911 GT2 RS (3,241 lbs. The 600LT is also cheaper-- $240,000 vs $293,200. Which car out of the two would you take home? see all mclaren 600lt's for sale see all porsche 911 gt2 rs for sale

By Edward Jones – May 06, 2019

What It's Like Taking Delivery of a One-of-a-Kind McLaren...

Manny Khoshbin recently took delivery of a McLaren Senna that's unlike any other one we've seen thus far. It's finished in special livery that was designed to honor the late Ayrton Senna. The bright orange/red paint on this Senna is that same as the paint used on the Marlboro #12 race car that Ayrton Senna raced. All of this was made possible through McLaren Special Operations' abilities and McLaren Newport Beach, who the car was ordered through. Khoshbin recently posted up a video of his experience while taking delivery of his Senna. It all started with the car being covered up on McLaren Newport Beach's showroom floor. After seeing just how much presence the Senna had, even when covered, Khoshbin couldn't wait any longer and had to see what his one-of-a-kind McLaren looked like. After pulling off the sheets, he was greeted with a supercar finished in bright paint that almost required sunglasses. Check out the full video above and be sure to check out McLaren Newport Beach's inventory by clicking the button below. view mclaren newport beach's inventory Also Check Out: McLaren Senna Price, Specs, Photos & Review McLaren Senna HPE1000 from Hennessey Performance McLaren Senna 0-183 MPH Test Run

By Edward Jones – March 29, 2019

McLaren 720S (Modified) Runs 1/4-Mile in the 8's for Firs...

Using 0 to 60 mph times as a comparison for cars or even a highlight seems to not be as important as it once was. This must be because cars are just becoming too quick and are starting to his limits. Think about it, we're going to get to a point where cars will accelerate as quickly as mechanically possible and milliseconds are going to separate the quickest from the second quickest. Many manufacturers are now showing off the 0 to 124 mph times of their cars and sometimes their quarter-mile times. In the aftermarket world, it's all about those quarter-mile times and the search for being the world's fastest. Recently, a heavily modified McLaren 720S riding on a set of Anrky Wheels ran a quarter-mile sprint in the 8s. According to our friend Brooks from DragTimes, this was the first McLaren to run an 8-second quarter-mile. Modifications included on the car include pure turbos, velocity exhaust, no cats and a bit more. Check out the run in the video above. view all mclarens for sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 27, 2019

McLaren 720S Spider Road Review by Carfection

We know what you are expecting. Carfection videos always involve our friend Henry Catchpole driving on a gloomy road in Wales or Scotland. But perhaps he has his sights on warmer climates? In his latest upload, the McLaren 720S Spider Road Review is set in Arizona. Although the 720S coupe and its convertible counterpart look similar, the amount of engineering that went into the 720S Spider is unbelievable. Not only does it have an elctrochromatic roof, but the buttresses are also clear acrylic. This offers an incredible, almost 360-degree view. The same can't be said for the coupe. He does imply that the Spider might have less rigidity compared to the coupe, but McLaren have not compromised on any convertible in their history. Our dealers have all the innovative 720S specs, so click the link below for more info. Shop McLaren 720S For Sale Related: McLaren 720S New 1/4 Mile Record by Excell Racing McLaren 720S Spider Unveiled With Stunning Details

By Andrew Nabors – February 18, 2019

McLaren 600LT Spider Hot Laps with Kenny Bräck

Watching an artist at work is the purest form of catharsis. Kenny Bräck is McLaren's Chief Test Driver and a veteran of open-wheel racing. In order to prove a car is more than just a sum of its parts, Carfection latest upload is the McLaren 600LT Spider in Hot Laps with Kenny Bräck behind the wheel. For a quick refresher, the 600LT Spider is their latest long tail. It offers 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque along with flamethrower exhaust from the 600LT Coupe. Bräck formerly raced for Lazante, the same firm that transforms McLaren's race cars into street-legal beasts. With Henry Catchpole riding shotgun, multiple cameras were used to record a session at Arizona Motorsports Park. Tell us what you think of the latest McLaren in the comments below and click the link to find our dealer near you. Shop McLaren For Sale Related: Hennessey Performance McLaren 600LT Upgrade McLaren 600LT Spider Unveiled

By Edward Jones – October 26, 2018

Bugatti Chiron Destroys McLaren 720S in Rolling Race

If a hypercar like the Bugatti Chiron goes up against a supercar like the McLaren 720S, the result is expected. Here in the car world, the word "hyper" reigns supreme over the word "super," so naturally any hypercar would be any supercar. Well, sometimes that's not the case. Motor1 pointed out that " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> actually lined up really well against a Chiron. It seems now that a Chiron, being driven by someone else, has taken revenge on the 720S model during a rolling race at SCC500 Rolling50 1000. The race was filmed by cvdzijden, who attended the event and managed to capture both the races and the results on the monitor. We appreciate the hustle! Check out the races right down below.

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