The highly anticipated McLaren hypercar has finally arrived, and the excitement is palpable. Following in the footsteps of the legendary McLaren F1 and P1, the McLaren W1 boasts impressive specifications: an astonishing 1,258bhp generated from a brand new ‘MHP-8’ 4.0-liter V8 engine (916bhp) and a radial flux electric motor (342bhp), delivering 1,340 Nm of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. The electric-only mode, designed mainly to enhance performance, can cover a mere 2km (1.6 miles) using the 1.384 kWh battery. The engine redline reaches an incredible 9,200rpm, all while being twin-turbocharged, and the W1 is expected to produce a captivating sound with its equal-length runners.
Weighing only 1,399 kilograms (dry), the W1 achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 899bhp per tonne. It can accelerate from 0-60mph (0-100km/h) in just 2.7 seconds and reach 0-300km/h (0-186mph) in under 12.7 seconds, with a top speed capped at 350km/h (217mph). However, the McLaren W1, limited to just 399 units, offers much more than its impressive numbers. Unlike the P1 and F1, the W1 emphasizes a distinct design philosophy, featuring aerodynamics inspired by Formula 1’s ground effect technology, resulting in its striking appearance. This reveal on October 6th, 2024, commemorates the 50th anniversary of Emerson Fittipaldi winning McLaren’s first Formula 1 Drivers and Constructors Championships.
Setting a new benchmark, the W1 surpasses even the lightweight and track-oriented McLaren Senna by an impressive three seconds per lap at McLaren’s Nardo reference circuit, particularly notable given its more modest rear profile compared to the Senna and P1. The smooth upper surfaces balance the aggressive, low-sitting underbody, optimizing ground effect aerodynamics.
The front showcases intricate lower bodywork that adeptly channels air to critical aerodynamic areas. The upper nose features intakes situated around the headlights and wheel arches, with a central nostril on the hood. An aerodynamic blade positioned behind lifts to provide access to the EVSE charging port and other essential reservoirs. Additionally, carbon fiber structures and exposed suspension components are prominent throughout.
The side profile showcases Formula 1-inspired sidepods with a wide cut-out door that facilitates air exit from the front wheel arch. Two significant intakes ahead of the rear section, including a triangular design, direct airflow to the radiators, rear diffuser, and brake ducts. Even the rearview mirrors are aerodynamically optimized to minimize airflow disruption to the radiators and the Active Long Tail wing.
At the rear, the W1 features an intricately designed engine cover below the flow diverter, which accommodates the shark fin antenna and rear camera, effectively channeling air to the Active Long Tail wing and twin exhausts. The robust rear diffuser complements the powerful rear design. Viewed from above, the W1’s outline is smooth and aerodynamically efficient, highlighted by a hammerhead-shaped nose leading to a teardrop cabin and the Active Long Tail wing, contrasting with its elaborate lower bodywork tailored for ground effect.
The W1’s engineering emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency, even adjusting the powertrain by 3 degrees to enhance the rear diffuser’s effectiveness. A significant focus during development was to integrate cooling systems with the vehicle’s aerodynamic framework, ensuring sustained high performance on the track.
The various powertrain modes of the W1 are tailored for different driving scenarios. Beyond the near-silent Electric mode, the Comfort mode—which is the default at startup—facilitates smooth driving in city and highway settings, utilizing the E-module for added torque. In Sport mode, both the combustion engine and E-module work together for enhanced hybrid power, featuring a more responsive throttle and ignition-cut gear shifts. Race mode introduces a Sprint setting, maximizing power output from both systems, while Grand Prix mode balances deployment and energy recovery, focusing on sustained performance.
Every McLaren, including the W1, features the Aerocell, a lightweight carbon fiber structure with a strong aerodynamic design. This innovative design integrates both exterior and interior surfaces, reducing overall weight. The raised floor, which elevates by 65mm and escalates to 80mm at the front, is made to optimize aerodynamics. The fixed seat position within the monocoque not only saves weight but shortens the wheelbase by 70mm and introduces the lightest seating available from McLaren. The Aerocell structure also accommodates the new anhedral doors, which enhance airflow from the front wheel arches to the high-temperature radiators, ultimately saving space and improving cooling.
The chassis is designed to enhance ground effect performance, especially in Race mode when the vehicle lowers itself. The airflow is managed by the lower body and structural diffuser, constructed from Intermediate Modulus Carbon Fibre (IMCF), ensuring strength while reducing weight and enhancing heat resistance. This innovative material choice allows for the elimination of a cross-car structure, offering both weight savings and increased diffuser volume.
The W1 will be the first McLaren road car to feature pushrods linked to inboard dampers. Following the Formula 1 inspiration, the front suspension employs wishbones, torsion bars, and heave dampers for optimized aerodynamics, while the rear uses outboard springs and dampers as airflow becomes less critical.
The braking system incorporates McLaren’s Carbon Ceramic-Racing+ technology with 390mm brake discs constructed with an additional ceramic layer for enhanced durability. The front brakes consist of 6-piston calipers, while the rear features 4-piston calipers, both crafted in a forged monobloc design.
The W1 relies on specially designed Pirelli P ZERO Trofeo RS tyres, which are road-legal and track-focused to maximize grip. Additionally, bespoke Pirelli P ZERO R tyres for road use and P ZERO Winter 2 tyres for cold conditions are offered.
Although the W1 features fixed seats and elevated footwells reminiscent of a sports prototype, it prioritizes a comfortable driving experience. The anhedral doors maximize space with their floating fin-blade design, and the seats, integrated into the Aerocell, provide substantial thigh support and a reclined configuration. Fully upholstered, these seats enhance comfort for both driver and passenger.
Storage options between the seats include a sliding cupholder and extra space behind the armrest. The rear luggage shelf offers 117 liters of storage for weekend bags or helmets, accessible through folding headrests. To prioritize aerodynamics, the front trunk has been compromised.
“The McLaren W1 encapsulates the brilliance of the iconic McLaren F1 and P1, reflecting McLaren’s championship-winning spirit. With our latest Ultimate supercar, we strive to redefine the essence of supercar performance, featuring a groundbreaking hybrid powertrain equipped with the new MHP-8 V8 engine, the most advanced aerodynamic architecture in any McLaren road vehicle, and extensive use of advanced lightweight materials. This allows us to produce an exceptional driving experience on the track while maintaining unrivaled enjoyment on the road.
“The Formula 1-inspired aerodynamics, real rear-wheel drive, and McLaren’s hydraulic performance steering exemplify our commitment to purposeful innovation as a racing company, ensuring optimal performance. Consequently, the W1 stands as our fastest lapping and fastest accelerating road-legal car to date. It also delivers the purest driving experience, remaining true to the principles that define the ultimate supercar driving enjoyment. This is a vehicle that only McLaren could bring to life.” -Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive
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