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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 – January 24, 2017

Bruno Senna Drifts McLaren 570S On Ice

Frozen precipitation presents several obstacles to competent driving. Rear wheel drive isn't optimal for low traction surfaces, but thanks to the magic of electronics it makes for great fun. As the flagship of their Sports Series, the McLaren 570S is daily driver of the brand. With the ability to reach 124 mph in 9.5 seconds, it offers 562 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque from a 3.8 liter twin turbo V8. Since the engine is mid-mounted in front of the rear axles, drivers might not be willing to approach its limits while cornering. In order to properly demonstrate how much grip is available, McLaren invited owners and the press to an Arctic Experience. McLaren on IcePure McLaren is a back to basics approach to driving instructions. At their first arctic outing, the best drivers in the world met with lucky owners in Ivalo, Finland. The list of drivers was impressive, but one name stands out: Bruno Senna. As the nephew of the late Ayrton Senna, he has raced in Formula1 and for Team McLaren in the P1 GTR. To demonstrate his prowess in car control, one lucky participant was allowed to film the experience. In a YouTube video uploaded by Mr JWW, a 570S is flogged across 11 tracks of snow covered tundra. After dialing back the stability controls, Senna rides shotgun as an instructor. Snow eliminates any feedback to the steering wheel which makes it a perfect test bed for drifting. A delicate dance of brakes and throttle are used to rotate through the corners, with beautiful footage from a hovering drone. The event will be running until February 6th, so stay with us for more hot footage from the frozen north. All McLaren 570S For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 19, 2016

When People Don't Know What a McLaren Is

The general public isn't all too aware of the exotic cars that we know and love. One car owner that has experienced this lack of knowledge personally is the.leviathan, a YouTuber and owner of a McLaren 650S.(Related - How to Design Your Own McLaren 570S)He recently uploaded a video to his channel that shows what it's like to drive around a McLaren. Sure, I may be able to spot a 650S from a mile away, but the vast majority of the world wouldn't be able to. In the video below, he gets asked if his McLaren is a Maserati, Ferrari and even a Corvette. For car lovers, it's pretty funny to see people completely miss the mark on the car name, but luckily the/leviathan keeps his cool and lets people know what his car actually is.All McLaren 650S Spider For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 05, 2016

2016 McLaren P1 GTR In-Depth Review and Start Up

If there is one guy on the internet that whose reviews I can watch over and over again, it has to be Saabkyle04. Each of his reviews are incredibly informative and in-depth, giving insight to cars you either want to buy or cars you dream to buy. His latest review has to be in the "cars you dream to buy" category.I'm talkin' about the McLaren P1 GTR.This hyper race car will most certainly go down in the automotive history books, just like its predecessors. McLaren has pushed the boundaries with this car, as they did with the F1 GTR. Because of the car's pedigree, it makes sense that SaabKyle04's review of the P1 GTR is quite lengthy and worth watching all the way through. Check it out by clicking play below, and do yourself a favor by subscribing to his channel.View All McLaren P1s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 13, 2016

How to Make an Exhaust Video that Isn't Trash

The guys at AfterGNARket are tired of watching your average exhaust videos on YouTube. They understand that no matter how good a car's exhaust sounds, factory exhaust just isn't going to cut it. In an attempt to figure out which aftermarket exhaust to add to his McLaren 570S, Mike Tornabene, the video's narrator, laments about the abundance of options left him overwhelmed so he turned to YouTube for help. But all he found was more confusion. The videos he watched didn't accurately portray exhaust sounds, and as a result, he still had no idea which option to choose for his supercar.This experience led him to create a video, which explains and demonstrates the intricacies of making a proper video about car exhaust sounds.Here's what we learned: DO NOT be that guy with the cell phone recording some car revving in the driveway. It's low quality and doesn't serve as an accurate representation of the sound of the vehicle DO use some kind of high-quality sound device to capture exhaust sounds DO attempt to use different perspectives to obtain the full spectrum of exhaust sounds-- driving, revving, different speeds, from the air, from the inside of the car, etc. DO add some funky music and a sweet mountainous backdrop, followed by a run-in with the law for dramatic effect Admittedly, this is one of the better exhaust videos out there. Check it out below, and let us know what you think in the comments! McLaren 570S for Sale

By Edward Jones – September 01, 2016

Chrome McLaren P1 Goes Through McDonalds Drive-Thru

Of all of the McLaren colors out in the wild, I can't say that I've ever seen a McLaren P1 donning a chrome exterior. Granted, the P1 featured in JDMAYFAIR's new video is almost certainly wrapped, it's still interesting to see the hypercar in chrome.(Also Read: Widebody Liberty Walk McLaren 650S Kit Revealed (w/ Price))In the video, we see the P1's driver take the car through a McDonald's Drive-Thru. Yes, it's not the most exciting adventure you'll see on the internet today, but seeing the P1 in chrome is most definitely a new experience.What do you guys think of chrome wraps or finishes? Yay or nay? If you'd like a P1 for yourself to wrap, be sure to click the button below to see the examples we currently have for sale.View All P1s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 30, 2016

Japanese Lawyer Daily Drives His McLaren P1

In Denenchofu, Ota Ward, Tokyo, Japan, one lawyer figured out how to make his daily commute more enjoyable. A few years ago, he purchased his first McLaren, the 650S. He was so happy and impressed with the 650S that he decided to make an additional McLaren purchase. This time, Go Hiramatsu invested in the P1. After a tour of the McLaren factory, which Hiramatsu refers to as a "museum of modern art," he decided the P1 was the ride for him. He chose a green finish matching the greenery of the London parks where the McLaren factory is located.(Also Read: McLaren P1 LM Sets New Record at Goodwood Festival of Speed)Hiramatsu uses his P1 as his daily driver for his commute to and from work, which he partakes in five days a week. But that's not all. He also takes his car to the local track, the Fuji Speedway, and the Hakone Turnpike. Dubbed as Japan's Nürburgring equivalent, the Hakone Turnpike is a great place for Hiramatsu to let loose in his P1. Check out the video below to see Hiramatsu and his P1 in action.View McLaren P1s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 07, 2016

Who Wins in this Triple Race? McLaren 675 vs 911 Carrera ...

When racing vehicles, typically, one would expect them to be somewhat evenly matched, but Top Gear decided to spice things up a bit.They pitted a McLaren 675LT, a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS and a VW Golf R. Let's just check out the specs for a second:McLaren 675LT 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds 0-100 mph in 5.6 seconds 1/4 mile in 10.4 seconds VW Golf R 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds 0-100 mph in 11.1 seconds 1/4 mile in 13.1 seconds Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds 0-100 mph in 8.7 seconds 1/4 mile in 11-9 seconds Given these stats, it seems pretty easy to determine who won the race, but nonetheless, the video is still pretty entertaining to watch. Check out the Top Gear race in full in the video below. Did the car you thought would win take the number one spot?McLaren 675LTs For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 19, 2016

McLaren Track Day: The P1 Takes Over, Race Mode, Engine S...

What would you do if you headed to the race track to discover three McLaren P1's and an F1? Probably geek like Nue Vue's host did in the video below. (We'll admit it... we did too). Check out the supercars on the track as Nue Vue chases one around for a while. Catch an inside peak as well, as you climb into the passenger seat and hit the track.Want to see how the McLaren P1 operates in RACE mode? How about hear the engine sounds? You can do all of that and more thanks to the video below. Nue Vue climbs in the passenger seat for a full ride around the track in RACE mode. Check out the video below.McLaren P1s For Sale

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