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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 – March 21, 2018

Clash Of Titans: McLaren 720S vs Kawasaki Ninja H2

Mexico is home to some wild street racing, and this one will take your breath away. If you prefer to have fun on two wheels, you probably know about the Ninja H2. Kawasaki pulled out all the stops to make the Suzuki Hayabusa look like a scooter.The 998cc engine has dual overhead cams, like most other liter-bikes. The secret is in a variable speed supercharger that allows it to make 310 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque. Asking one tire to channel that power to the ground is just insane.How To Turn On McLaren 720S Secret Startup Exhaust Easter EggSo what happens when it meets the latest in McLaren's Super Series? The 720S has a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 that supposedly makes 710 horsepower. Owners have been reporting that it is much more powerful than the factory claims. It weighs 2,829 lbs which gives it a horsepower to weight ratio of 0.25. The Ninja H2 weighs 476 lbs, with a power to weight ratio of 0.65, more than twice its competitor. The 720S has laid waste to everything so far, so who do you think will win this race? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and stay with us for more wild comparisons.Browse McLaren 720S For Sale P.S. - Racing on the street is a great way to end up in a casket or in prison, so keep it on the track. duPont REGISTRY does not condone any street racing. Always follow your local traffic laws.

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2018

Top Speed Shootout: 750 HP M5 vs McLaren 570S

If you are looking for a fun-filled sedan, the previous generation BMW M5 is a relative bargain. Known as the F10 chassis, it was built from 2012 to 2016 and powered by a twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8. They are incredibly fast in every situation, which is why this owner chose to race a McLaren 570S coupe on a runway. With upgraded downpipes and full exhaust, it allows the turbos to breathe easier. This results in 750 horsepower sent to the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.Check Out The 5,000 Cars of the Sultan of BruneiMcLaren claims their 570S only make 570 horsepower, which is conservative to say the least. Their sports series does away with the complex hydraulic suspension of the Super Series cars, and it is a comfortable daily driver. Having driven both the 570GT and the 570S, they absolutely make more than their rated power. But in a top speed race, aerodynamics is the great equalizer of all cars. So put on your 3D headset and watch this action in 4K. Thanks to GTboard for the great footage, and stay with us for more 3D action. Tell us who would win given a few more miles of top end action in the comments below.Sports Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 14, 2018

John Cena: Is the McLaren 675LT a Ferrari Wanna-Be?

Our local WWE champion is at it again. Aside from being an incredible wrestler, John Cena knows a thing or two about exotic cars. After finding a loophole in his Ford GT contract, he might be considering a new McLaren. But not just any model will do. The 675LT was a proper sendoff for the first generation of their Super Series. While work was underway on the 720S, McLaren built 500 cars in homage to the 1996 F1 GTR Long Tail. It was this dominating aerodynamic advantage that made the F1 essentially unbeatable on the track. Ford Suing John Cena for Selling his Ford GT While most of the body resembles the 650S Coupe, the 675 LT weighs in 200 lbs lighter. Thanks to fixed Recaro racing seats, plexiglass, and a few other tricks it is lighter and more powerful than anything before or since. The engine makes an evil 666 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. I have driven them both, and I prefer the sound of the 3.8-liter engine over the new 4.0 liter found in the 720S. Something about the firing order and instant boost makes for a fun ride. Don't get me wrong, the 720S is a great car, but you feel the engine being held back by the computer to make the car acceptable as a daily driver. Click the link below to browse our listings for the 675 LT and stay with us for more John Cena Autogeek updates. Browse 675 LT For Sale 675 LT Spider For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 12, 2018

McLaren 570S Goes 215 MPH on the Autobahn

Want to know what I like about AutoTopNL? They take some of the raddest cars in the world and make them go super fast, especially on the Autobahn. I mean, if I had that road near me like that, I'd do that same thing. Alas, I live in a congested Florida county and I make do by watching AutoTopNL's videos.Their recent video is a perfect example of what I was talking about in the previous paragraph. In this new video we see a McLaren 570S being taken up to 215.6 mph on the Autobahn. If you're familiar with the 570S, you may know that McLaren has the top speed for the 570S set at 204 mph, but that's for a stock example of the exotic car. The one being driven in the video found below has 676 hp, which is 114 more than stock. Check out the top speed run in the video below to get an idea of how fast this tuned McLaren really is.McLaren's New Hyper-GT to be McLaren's Fastest Ever

By Edward Jones – February 27, 2018

World's Quickest McLaren 720s Thanks to Tune

It has been under a year since McLaren 720S deliveries have started, but we're already starting to see tuning companies bring their work to the supercar. One such example of this is a 720S that was featured on DragTimes latest video.This specific 720S features a tune from DME, downpipes and new exhaust. The result is the quickest 720S that's been recorded on the drag strip.McLaren 720S vs 720 HP Nissan GT-RIn the video below, we see a stock 720S run a 1/4-mile time of 9.92 @ 140.94 mph. Then, the tuned example goes for a run, only to be held back a little bit. After getting it all together, it ran the strip in 9.59 @ 145 mph, making it the quickest 1/4-mile time for a McLaren 720s that we know of. Click below to see the car's rocket-like launch!McLaren 650S for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 28, 2017

McLaren 720S vs 720 HP Nissan GT-R

The phrase "built not bought" has been known to provoke unlikely comparisons when it comes to fast cars. Some enthusiasts prefer to purchase a car with amazing performance right off the showroom floor. Others will choose a more conservative ride and turn their attention to the aftermarket for more power.There is no wrong decision here, and that is what makes this hobby so enjoyable. When two cars are rated at the same horsepower, it might seem irrelevant to race them. But numbers on paper are meaningless when it comes to real-world situations. That's why DragTimes chooses a remote location in Mexico to film their comparisons. The new McLaren 720S is advertised to make 710 horsepower at the engine, with 568 lb-ft of torque. Power of this magnitude is completely respectable, however many owners have reported dyno numbers much higher than the factory rating.Fastest Quater Mile CarsSo that is why a 720S is a perfect competitor for a modified Nissan GT-R. The opponent is rated at 720 horsepower, measured at the wheels instead of the crankshaft. But the Nissan sends power to all wheels, while McLaren is strictly a rear tire fryer. Cars from opposite sides of the earth are also vastly different in construction. Nissan uses a traditional steel chassis, while McLaren is a carbon fiber Monocage. Japan likes twin turbo V6 power, with a healthy dose of E85 moonshine and more boost. England prefers a twin-turbo V8, ironically based on an abandoned Nissan racing engine that was purchased by McLaren. With variables like traction, weight, and horsepower, tell us who should be victorious. As always, keep racing on the track and off the streets, and stay with us for all your DragTimes updates. All Nissan GT-R for Sale All McLaren 720S for SaleSupercars for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 17, 2017

Lamborghini Huracan Performante vs McLaren 720S

Heat is the enemy when it comes to drag racing. Here in Florida, you are lucky to get three or four passes before your car starts losing power. If you haven't been following DragTimes, their McLaren 720S ran 10.1 back in the middle of summer. Realizing the potential for an unprecedented event. they invited a Lamborghini Huracan Performante to meet them at Palm Beach Raceway.Porsche 911 Turbo S vs Ferrari F430 ScuderiaResisting the urge to head straight for the staging lanes, the car was allowed to cool before the competition began. Breaking the 9 second barrier is incredibly hard, even for veteran racers. After airing down the tires, the new McLaren 720S ran a 9.98 @ 141 mph. Even though the Lamborghini is All Wheel Drive, it was plagued by traction issues. Spinning all four tires, the best it could do was 10.7. Other highlights of the event included a Tesla Model X P90D setting the world record for SUVs with an E.T. of 11.30. Tell us what the Performante could do with drag slicks, and which one you would buy in the comments below.McLaren 720S For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=eawOtLnMgo8

By Andrew Nabors – October 13, 2017

McLaren 570GT Hits 201 MPH on the Autobahn

Today is Friday the 13th, so we have a scary video for your entertainment. Our friends at AutoTopNL celebrate the end of the week by leaving work in the world's fastest cars. Their goal is to film them in action on the world's fastest highway. Since everyone is starting to figure out McLaren has been sandbagging the entire world, it is nice to see their entry-level car in action.McLaren Special Operations Unveils Two Unique BuildsWhat we mean by that, is that McLaren's cars are so capable and so powerful that its hard to compare them to anything else. The 570GT is a member of the Sports Series, McLaren's division aimed at offering a comfortable daily driver. It is their only hatchback, with a leather-lined package tray behind the seats. In addition to the front compartment, it has ample space for long trips. It is one of their most affordable offerings, and it isn't supposed to be a speed demon. But McLaren doesn't know how to build slow cars....Our dealers have great offers on the 2017 models, so click on the link below to find one for yourself. Have a great weekend!Search McLaren 570GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 06, 2017

McLaren 720S vs Ferrari F12tdf & Porsche 918 Spyder

One of the biggest drag racing events this year is happening in Bradenton, Florida this weekend. In order to be a proficient racer, it is wise to study the competition to see if you stand a chance. We've heard rumors that McLaren's last few Super Series cars are able to punch above their weight, but perhaps it's simply superior engineering. The new 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 certainly sounds different than the predecessors, so maybe the 720S is something revolutionary.McLaren 720S Rev BattleCall it what you want to. Sandbagging is a brutal tactic, designed to trick everyone into believing you are at full power. To see it in action, McLaren San Francisco invited a Ferrari F12tdf and a Porsche 918 to Thunderhill Raceway. As a control for the experiment, a 675LT was also brought along. A German, an Italian and two English superheroes meet up for battle in the Central Valley. No spoilers here, except the active ones on these supercars. Tell us what is happening below and who builds the fastest cars in the comments below.

By Andrew Nabors – September 06, 2017

Epic Showdown: McLaren 720S vs Lamborghini Huracan

Traction can make or break a race. That's why cars with incredible power are often seen racing from a rolling start. To see how the latest carbon fiber coupes compare to one another, Drag Times filmed a new McLaren 720S against a Lamborghini Huracan. Everyone knows the deserts of Mexico are a perfect place to race.Deadmau5 Buys McLaren 720SLet's look at this comparison in terms of powertrain layout. The Huracan is an evolution of the Gallardo & Audi R8 chassis. It uses a naturally aspirated 5.2 liter V10 and the world's most competent AWD system. McLaren's 720S is the flagship of their Super Series and the first model of its 2nd generation. A 4.0 liter V8 is boosted by twin turbos, but it powers the rear wheels only. At $331,000, it is 40 grand more expensive than the Huracan. Without the transfer case or front axles, it is also 320 lbs lighter. The Huracan is at a horsepower disadvantage of 108, but perhaps the torque of the V10 will make up for it. You might be shocked because the results speak for themselves. Stay with us for more wild footage from DragTimes.Lamborghini Huracan For Sale Indianapolis, IN

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