Eleven years after the debut of the McLaren P1, itself the successor to the iconic McLaren F1, the Woking-based carmaker introduces its next hypercar milestone, the McLaren W1. Positioned to rival recent benchmarks like the Bugatti Tourbillon, the W1 pushes the boundaries of automotive engineering. Text: Luca W. © Images: McLaren Automotive ©
The McLaren W1 powerhouse
The McLaren W1 is powered by a new V8 hybrid engine, making it the most powerful McLaren ever produced. Its 4.0-litre V8 engine delivers 916 HP, with a notable output of 230 HP per litre. This engine revs up to 9,200 rpm, highlighting McLaren’s focus on drawing a smile on the driver’s face.
The hybrid setup includes an electric motor, known as the “E-module”, which adds 342 HP. A compact 1.4 kWh battery allows the W1 to travel up to 2 kilometres (1.6 miles) on electric power alone — though this limited range may be a downside for many potential owners… Or not.
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The combined power of the hybrid system reaches 1,258 HP and 1340 Nm of torque, placing the W1 in a unique performance class. With a power-to-weight ratio of 899 HP per tonne — the highest ever for a McLaren — the car accelerates from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 2.7 seconds, 0 to 200 kph (124 mph) in 5.8 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 350 kph (217 mph). Not bad for a rear-wheel drive, right?
They still know how to build a chassis
The W1’s chassis builds on McLaren’s expertise in Formula 1 and sports car engineering. The car is constructed around the bespoke Aerocell carbon fibre monocoque, significantly contributing to the vehicle’s overall lightweight design. The McLaren W1 weighs just 1,399 kg, almost 600 kg lighter than the Bugatti Tourbillon.
Equipped with McLaren’s Race Active Chassis Control III suspension, the W1 is designed to perform optimally on both the road and track. The suspension system offers various driving modes, including a Race mode that lowers the car’s ride height by 37 mm at the front and 17 mm at the rear, improving aerodynamics and handling.
Design is where it gets tricky
The exterior of the W1 is focused on aerodynamics rather than aesthetics, especially in the front. While the design may not appeal purely for its visual impact, its functionality around aerodynamics is clear.
One notable feature is the McLaren Active Long Tail rear wing, which extends by 300 mm to enhance downforce. This wing, along with a front active wing, allows the W1 to generate up to 1,000 kg of downforce.
McLaren has filed several patents for aerodynamic innovations in the W1, including a roof-mounted airflow diverter that enables the rear wing to operate at a lower height, reducing drag. These features are designed to enhance stability at high speeds, ensuring optimal performance on track. Additionally, the car’s front suspension arms and other key components are made using lightweight, 3D-printed materials for further weight optimization.
McLaren W1 price and units
The McLaren W1 is priced at around $2,440,000 (£2,0 million — €2,300,000 – CHF2,180,000, with the final cost depending on the level of customization chosen through McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Only 399 units of the W1 will be produced, and all have already been allocated to buyers, reinforcing the exclusivity of this hypercar.
McLaren W1 wallpapers
It looks like that daft rimac nivera, what fuckery is this. The back of the w1 looks cool though, like the nio ep9. It will take a while for me to accept this McLaren. Blast mate rimac for taking over Bugatti, the Bugatti tourbillion is chicken shit, the rimac’s influence on the super car world is a travesty.