2020 McLaren Senna

Overview

McLaren's engineers claim that the Senna is the most direct and responsive car that they've ever built, and it's been crafted specifically to set new benchmarks at the track. Named after storied Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, this hypercar eats up pavement with blistering speed and focused intensity. The base-model Senna is street legal, but its bellowing engine note and complete lack of cargo space make it clear that this beast is most at home on the racetrack. The fact that the car's production numbers are very limited suggests that its value will, over time, appreciate beyond its million-dollar starting price. Therefore, one could argue that the Senna offers more than just a supremely thrilling driving experience; it's also a good investment.

What's New for 2020?

For 2020, McLaren adds the GTR to the Senna lineup. The Senna GTR is built solely for track use, and it's even more performance-oriented than the base model.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Although there are two trims in the lineup, the base Senna is your only option if you plan on driving this car on the road. The Senna has a staggered wheel layout, with 19-inch rims in front and 20-inch wheels at the rear. All models come with an audacious wing spoiler, and the car's multitude of functional intakes and vents give its sheetmetal the look of a faceted gemstone. Each headlight features 21 LEDs, with four LEDs dedicated to the main beam and five to the high beam. The headlights are adaptive, and 12 LEDs help to create this feature. Airbags and an infotainment system are standard on the base model, but they're missing in action on the GTR. To reduce curb weight, climate control is not included, but it can be added at no extra cost. The Senna GTR comes with just a driver's seat, but a passenger seat is available at no extra cost.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The base model is motivated by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that generates 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. With the GTR, this engine is tuned to deliver an additional 25 horsepower. All models are equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The McLaren Senna is built for speed, and it has the track times to prove it. In our testing, a base-model Senna sprinted from zero to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. This coupe is equipped with a Race mode that lowers the suspension by 1.5 inches in front and 1.2 inches in the rear. This mode also switches the car's dampers to their most performance-oriented setting. A car such as this needs brakes that are up to the task of keeping it in check, and the Senna is nicely equipped in this area. During our track test, we brought the car to a standstill from 70 mph in just 136 feet. There's one more thing you need to know about the Senna: It's very, very loud. The car's tire noise, wind rush, and engine roar combine to make time spent within its cabin a punishing experience for the eardrums.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Mileage for the 2020 McLaren Senna is estimated at about 14/18 mpg city/highway. That's better mileage than you'll get with the Bugatti Chiron. That car's fuel economy tops out at 9/14 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The McLaren Senna has room for two: a very lucky passenger and an even luckier driver. It comes with dihedral doors that hinge forward and upward, exposing a portion of the roof. The car's bucket seats give buyers a choice of three padding thicknesses. A high shelf sits behind the driver and passenger. It's the only space that offers in-cabin storage, and it can accommodate two helmets and two racing suits. Switchgear such as the electronic door releases, window switches, and keyless ignition are located on the headliner. Forget about your grocery bags or carry-on luggage for that weekend getaway. The Senna doesn't have a trunk, so there is zero cargo space.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The Senna's infotainment system features a floating screen that adds modern flair to the cabin. An optional seven-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system is offered as well as navigation. McLaren Track Telemetry is optional. This feature can be used at the track to map out a session and analyze each lap.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 McLaren Senna hasn't received an overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). As is commonly the case with hypercars, the Senna is missing key driver-assistance technologies. Features such as a blind-spot warning system aren't available. Key safety features include:

• Standard backup camera
• Standard parking sensors

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

McLaren's limited and powertrain warranty coverage is identical to the protection offered by rivals such as Ferrari and Lamborghini. However, complimentary scheduled maintenance isn't offered. Ferrari owners, in contrast, enjoy seven years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or unlimited miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 3 years or unlimited miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance