McLaren W1 Launched
Revealed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of McLaren’s first F1 title in 1974, the new W1 follows in the footsteps of the F1 and P1. Just 399 will be built, all of which are already allocated to customers, who can expect to take delivery in 2026. Power comes from an all-new V8 hybrid powertrain with a combined output of 1,258bhp, all of which is sent to the rear wheels. The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produces 915bhp and revs to 9,200rpm, higher than any previous McLaren engine, paired with an F1-style 342bhp ‘E-module’ electric motor, which revs to 24,000rpm and weighs just 20kg.
Dubbed the ‘MHP-8’, the engine has a lightweight block, cylinder heads and pistons, and uses 350 bar direct injection and port fuel injection. The transmission is an all-new eight speed dual-shift system, aided by a hydraulic E-differential. Under the bodywork sits McLaren’s Aerocell carbon fibre monocoque with integrated seats and lower front suspension mountings, which helps reduce the wheelbase by 70mm and enables further weight savings, as no front subframe is needed. It also means that the footwell is raised for a race-focused feel.
The W1 has two primary drive modes, Road and Race, as well as Comfort, Sport and Race+ settings. In Race, the ride height drops by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear, the suspension is stiffened, and the active aerodynamics are engaged. Powertrain options in Race mode include a ‘GP’ setting for long-distance consistency, or a ‘Sprint’ setting which unleashes all 1,258bhp. McLaren claims that the aerodynamics setup is the most advanced the company has ever developed for a road car, and features Formula One-inspired technology including a complex adjustable front wing, a structural carbon fibre rear diffuser, and an extending Long Tail rear wing which also acts as a DRS system and air brake, aided by a roof-mounted flow diverter.
Alongside the Aston Martin Valkyrie, it’s the only road-legal production car to have achieved full ground effect, which generates up to 350kg of downforce at the front and 650kg at the rear in Race mode. Weighing only 1,399kg, the W1 has a mind-boggling power-to-weight ratio of 899bhp per tonne. As such, it can accelerate to 62mph in 2.7 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 217mph. Stopping power comes from McLaren’s Carbon Ceramic Racing+ brakes, with 390mm discs, six-piston callipers on the front and four-piston units on the rear, aided by F1-style cooling ducts. It needs just 29 metres to stop from 62mph, and 100 metres from 124mph.