McLaren is best known for its sultry supercars and its championship efforts in Formula 1. The various supercars it builds are wonderful machines, but every so often, they push the boundaries to blend road and motorsport efforts into something special—an ultimate series car. What started with the iconic F1 eventually developed into the mighty P1. Now, there’s a new addition: the W1. The numbers on this car are pretty amazing.
W1: A New Benchmark
The W1 positions itself as the newest peak of McLaren’s performance mountain. It serves as a successor to the F1 and the P1, even surpassing the Senna and Speedtail in some respects. Normally, we’d begin with the styling, but the real excitement is under the hood.
McLaren has developed a brand new 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine for the W1, and it’s a screamer. The flat-plane crank setup allows the MHP 8 engine to rev to an astonishing 9,200 RPM while producing 916 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. And that’s not all.
Hybrid Power
The W1 is a hybrid, utilizing a radial flux electric motor and a 1.4 kWh battery pack to add an additional 342 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque.
In total, the system produces an impressive 1,258 horsepower and 988 lb-ft of torque. All this power is sent rearward through an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox and down to the ground via a set of 335-section-width Pirelli P Zero tires.
Jaw-Dropping Performance
When it comes to performance, the W1 delivers in spades. McLaren claims a 0 to 60 mph time of just 2.7 seconds. Want more speed? The W1 accelerates from 0 to 124 mph in only 5.8 seconds and from 0 to 186 mph in just 12.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 217 mph.
Carbon Fiber and Aerodynamics
As expected from McLaren, carbon fiber is used extensively throughout the W1. However, here it’s taken to the next level. The Aero cell structure is crafted using techniques typically reserved for low-run motorsport applications.
The carbon fiber is infused with resin before being fully formed, simplifying the curing process while making the Aero cell stronger. This makes the W1’s structure the lightest McLaren monocoque ever produced.
Due to the unique design of the Aero cell, some engineering challenges arose. For instance, the front sits higher compared to other McLarens, meaning the front lower suspension mounting points had to be integrated into the chassis. The W1 also features gullwing-style doors instead of the traditional dihedral doors seen on previous McLaren coupe models.
Dynamic Suspension and Downforce
The chassis is paired with McLaren’s active race control 3 suspension system. Depending on your driving mode—Comfort, Sport, or Race—you can drastically alter the car’s dynamics.
There’s even a “Race Plus” mode for additional downforce and suspension stiffness when on smooth, fast racing circuits. Speaking of downforce, the W1 generates plenty. Its active rear wing adjusts based on speed and braking conditions to maximize downforce, rated at 2,205 lb at 174 mph.
Braking and Handling
To bring all that power to a halt, the W1 features 15.3-inch rotors, with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers at the rear. This brake setup ensures that even at high speeds, the W1 can drop its anchors and come to a quick stop.
The complete package is a true hypercar beast, capable of lapping McLaren’s test facility three seconds faster than the Senna—a massive leap in performance.
Interior and Customization
The W1 isn’t just about performance; McLaren also made sure it’s functional and comfortable for its owners. Inside, the seats are fixed, but the pedals and steering wheel can be adjusted for comfort.
McLaren even designed the cabin with enough space to fit some weekend bags behind the seats. For those wanting more than the thrill of speed, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system is available, though the roar of the MHP 8 engine might be more than enough sound for most.
Limited Production and Exclusivity
McLaren plans to build just 399 examples of the W1, with a starting price of $2.1 million. If you were thinking about purchasing one, you’re already too late—every single unit has been allocated to its new owner.
However, we can only hope that some of these owners will push their W1s to the limit because those limits are at the pinnacle of what road cars can achieve.
Final Thoughts
While the W1 may not reach the legendary status of the F1, it represents a significant leap forward from the P1. It’s a technological marvel, offering incredible performance and engineering, making it one of the top hypercars on the market today. Only time will tell how it stacks up against the other great machines currently, or soon, hitting the market.
