Go Behind the Wheel of the 789-HP McLaren Senna in This New Video

What’s in a name? Often, greatness. Take the McLaren Senna, which takes its name from the three-time Formula 1 champion, Ayrton Senna, who many consider to be the greatest race car driver who ever lived. Senna was a relentlessly hardcore track driver, such a sensitive savant behind the wheel that he was called up to […]

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What’s in a name? Often, greatness. Take the McLaren Senna, which takes its name from the three-time Formula 1 champion, Ayrton Senna, who many consider to be the greatest race car driver who ever lived. Senna was a relentlessly hardcore track driver, such a sensitive savant behind the wheel that he was called up to help develop road cars as well. One of his most famous collaborations was with Honda on its mind-bending mid-engine Acura NSX. Honda asked Senna to drive a prototype NSX and provide feedback. When the car was launched, it was claimed Senna’s requests for additional structural enhancements, to make the car stiffer and better able to cope with the engine power, were honored.

The McLaren Senna was made ultra-light and super stiff via extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the monocoque, chassis, and bodywork. Active aerodynamics, a ginourmous wing, and a 789-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 deliver race-car-like performance to go with its shocking looks. McLaren claims the Senna is as relentless at the track as the man who inspired it, yet also suitable for the street. We have track tested it and will have more to tell when our Best Driver’s Car story rolls out, but to evaluate Senna’s road worthiness, we sent our own Jonny Lieberman out to North Hollywood, California—of all places—to hit up some urban, suburban, and rural roads around Los Angeles. Does the Senna deliver on its legendary name? Watch the video to find out.

The post Go Behind the Wheel of the 789-HP McLaren Senna in This New Video appeared first on MotorTrend.