McLaren W1, the latest ‘McLaren 1’ is a 1200+ hp beast

The new McLaren W1 is the successor to two of the greatest supercars ever. The McLaren F1 and McLaren P1 are tough acts to follow, but McLaren claims the W1 will elevate the McLaren’ 1′ car lineage to new heights in every performance aspect.

McLaren says the W1 is a supercar for all occasions; more than any other McLaren, it is equally at home on road and track and is the fastest-lapping and fastest-accelerating McLaren road-legal supercar yet.

V8 Hybrid powertrain and RWD

At the heart of W1 is an all-new Hybrid powertrain, comprising McLaren’s all-new MHP-8 4.0-litre V8 combustion engine, an all-new E-module (integrating a radial flux electric motor and motor control unit), and an 8-speed transmission. Power and torque are to the rear wheels only through an E-differential.

The 915 hp of the new V8 and 342 hp of the E-module combine to produce 1257 hp, giving W1 the highest-ever power output of any McLaren.

This massive amount of power, together with a total torque of 1340 Nm, sends the W1 from 0-100 kph in 2.7 seconds, 0–200 kph in 5.8 seconds, and 0-300 kph can be achieved in under 12.7 seconds.

McLaren has challenged convention by choosing to retain the purity of a rear-wheel-drive chassis in a car with this much power and torque when competitors are turning to front-wheel-drive assistance.

The twin-scroll turbochargers in W1 are optimised to deliver higher peak power and torque than previous components and are available throughout the rev range from as low as 2500 rpm.

In line with McLaren’s commitment to minimising weight, the total weight of hybrid components has been reduced by 40kg compared to the McLaren P1 while delivering almost double the electric power. Further weight is saved by the absence of engine ancillaries, including the alternator, starter motor and additional pipework required for a conventional HVAC system.

Mclaren W1 aerodynamics

The aerodynamic platform of W1 is the most advanced ever in a McLaren road car. It is the result of 350 hours of wind tunnel sessions with 5000 points tested. The concept begins with the Aerocell monocoque, which is shaped to facilitate full ground effect aerodynamics.

Featuring integrated seating—which saves almost 70 mm in wheelbase requirement—and raised footwells with an adjustable pedal box and steering to ensure the optimum driving position, the Aerocell is unique to W1. It also features the highest number of aerodynamic and active surface areas of any McLaren.

The key to W1’s duality of dynamic character is McLaren Race mode.

The lowering of ride height – by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear – and deployment of active front and rear wings is not just theatre: in Race mode, W1 is capable of generating up to 350kg of downforce at the front and 650kg at the rear, giving total downforce of up to 1000kg in high-speed corners.

The Active Long Tail wing sits over the rear bodywork for road driving, and front and rear wing deployment is optimised for this environment. The front wing sits higher at low speeds to avoid damage from speed bumps. W1’s vehicle lift system further reduces this risk.

McLaren lightweight body

McLaren’s philosophy of Lightweight Engineering and bespoke carbon-fibre structures deliver a vehicle’s lightest dry weight of just 1,399kg for W1, which is key to the requirement for outstanding performance.

The all-new McLaren Race Active Chassis Control III suspension with McLaren Race mode ensures a wide range of capabilities, from road-legal compliance to fastest lap performance.

Braking on W1 further advances McLaren’s high-performance hydraulic system. W1 will come to a standstill from 100 kph in 29 metres and 200 kph in just 100 metres.

Brake performance is further optimised with aerodynamic features to keep the system cool. Directly inspired by Formula 1-style ducts, these have been designed to increase downforce and radiator cooling by managing the wake of the tyres. At the same time, the brake lines have been routed to minimise airflow disruption under the car.

The fastest lapping and fastest accelerating road-legal McLaren ever

Bettering even the super-lightweight and track-focused McLaren Senna – by an astonishing 3 seconds a lap at McLaren’s Nardo reference circuit – W1 is also the fastest accelerating road-legal McLaren ever.

Tyre performance is intrinsic to mechanical and aerodynamic grip, and W1 features three 265/35 front and 335/30 rear tyre options from McLaren’s technical partner, Pirelli. The Pirelli P ZERO Trofeo RS road-legal track tyre is the standard fitment to fit the car’s extreme requirements.

Interior

The pedals, steering wheel, and primary controls can be moved to the driver’s preference.

The only two buttons on the steering wheel are Boost and McLaren Aero Deployment controls.

Chassis and powertrain modes are adjusted via rocker controls on the instrument binnacle, which moves with the steering column to allow mode adjustments within easy reach of the wheel.

The W1’s driver display has been engineered to ensure the entire screen remains visible to the driver despite the smaller steering wheel and even doubles as an aerodynamic flow diverter for air from the compact HVAC system.

Further information and adjustments can be found on the 8-inch touchscreen McLaren Infotainment System located between the driver and passenger.

This system has Apple CarPlay with USB C connectivity, and USB A is also provided for device charging and storage access. There is no Android Auto.

McLaren W1 price and availability

Only 399 examples will be built, and they have already been sold. They cost about 2.1 million dollars, which is about AED 7.7 million. Expect a few to show up in the UAE.