• The most radical, track-focused member of McLaren’s ‘Ultimate Series’
• The 95th of 500 examples produced
• Fewer than 500 miles driven from new
• Over $360,000 USD of optional equipment
• Dramatic Visual Carbon Fiber bodywork

The Senna joined the P1 and F1 as the third addition to McLaren’s “Ultimate Series” when it was unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Named after the late Ayrton Senna and dedicated to his three Formula 1 World Championships with McLaren between 1988 and 1993, the car was designed with one purpose: to be the most track-focused road car McLaren had ever built.

In contrast to the hybrid P1, the Senna’s powertrain forwent any form of electrified assistance and instead used a modified version of the company’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. Code-named M840TR, it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a McLaren road car, with a peak output of 789 horsepower. It features dry-sump lubrication, lightweight materials for the rods and pistons, and a pair of ultra-low-inertia twin-scroll turbochargers equipped with electronic waste gates for instant throttle response. It breathes through a bespoke carbon-fiber intake plenum, which is fed cold air from the motorsport-inspired roof-mounted snorkel.

Despite the breathtaking power on offer, where the Senna really works its magic is with its chassis and its active aerodynamics, the latter of which is unparalleled on any other production road car. The front of the car is dominated by a massive, raised splitter and large air intakes, which feature active winglets to guide air underneath the body. Warm air from the radiators is channeled from behind the nose and over the roof of the car, deliberately missing the snorkel intake before being flowing over the enormous active rear wing. The wing itself is controlled by hydraulics and moves constantly to suit the driving scenario, either to act as an air brake, increase downforce, or equally trim drag as part of an active Drag Reduction System (DRS). It is complemented at the rear by a large double diffuser and second fixed lower wing, which are fed exhausted air from the louvered engine cover. At 155 mph, the Senna can produce 1,700 pounds of downforce, equating to a massive 40 percent increase over the McLaren P1.

The chassis is based around the Monocage III tub and features lightweight materials and carbon fiber throughout for extreme stiffness and superior lightness. The seats weigh under eight pounds each, the front wings under 1.5 pounds, and the massive rear wing less than 12 pounds. The Senna also uses an upgraded version of McLaren’s RaceActive Chassis Control II system, which features an active double wishbone and hydraulic damper setup from the P1, allowing for variable ride height, damping, and stiffness modes according to the driver’s desired setup. Keeping all this performance in check are Formula 1–inspired carbon brakes developed by McLaren and Brembo, with discs that take seven months to make, each one with integrated cooling vanes and a thermal compound that is three times more conductive than conventional carbon-ceramic brakes. Indeed, so potent is the braking system that the Senna currently holds the record for braking performance for production cars: 124 mph to a standstill in just 100 meters.

Other performance statistics to which the Senna can lay claim are equally impressive: 0–62 mph in 2.8 seconds, 0–124 mph in just 6.8 seconds, and a dry weight of just over 2,600 pounds, which equates to a power-to-weight ratio of 598 horsepower per US-ton. It thus eclipses even the P1 statistic (587 horsepower per US-ton), while simultaneously offering significantly more downforce.

This McLaren Senna offered here is the 95th example produced; it is a uniquely specified example which incorporates over $360,000 USD of bespoke and optional equipment, as confirmed by its original window sticker. The stunning Visual Carbon Fiber bodywork—replete with Burton Blue highlights—is merely the tip of this Senna’s outrageous, one-off specification. The cockpit of this Senna is awash with alcantara, exposed carbon fiber, and the same Burton Blue details, effortlessly unifying the exterior and interior color schemes.

A journey across the matte carbon sills of the Senna’s Monocage structure reveals a pair of track-focused seats wrapped in black alcantara and Burton Blue contract stitching; a pair of color-matched harnesses slide out from behind each seat’s carbon fiber shell to meet their respective occupants. A similarly specified carbon and alcantara steering wheel fronts a digital display capable of displaying information generated by the optional McLaren Track Telemetry package. Each of this Senna’s carbon and alcantara-trimmed doors is fitted with a distinctive, tinted pane of inset Gorilla glass and hinged by a custom-specified door strut.

Outside, those impressive carbon ceramic brakes are fitted with massive calipers in the matched shade of blue; the same can be said for the leading edge of the active, variable drag-inducing rear wing and static “aerovanes.” Additional notable trimmings include the engine bay heat shielding—executed in 24 karat gold plate—as well as the fitment of a glass panel in the rear bulkhead (presumably for better visibility over stock). This is truly a custom-specified car; the inclusion of every surface, finish, and element has been done with purposeful intent.

The consignor has sparingly and carefully enjoyed this Senna since taking delivery at Beverly Hills McLaren on 30 September 2018. Just one month later, the car received a full exterior paint protection regimen applied by Solar Transmission Management of Los Angeles, California. In August 2019 its requisite first year service was executed by Beverly Hills McLaren, then indicating 229 miles; it returned for its second-year service in September 2020 then showing 410 miles. Presently, its odometer displays fewer than 500 miles from new.

This 2019 McLaren Senna is now offered for sale accompanied by its factory-provided accoutrements, original window sticker, and service invoices.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az21.