The new McLaren W1 is the ground-breaking successor to two of the greatest supercars ever – the McLaren F1 and McLaren P1 – and elevates the McLaren ‘1’ car lineage to new heights in every aspect of performance.
The Ultimate expression of a real supercar, the new W1 has been created according to the McLaren ethos of class-leading performance, informed by the core principles that underpin every McLaren supercar: epic power applied through cutting-edge aerodynamics and lightweight chassis technologies; the highest levels of dynamic excellence and the purest driver connection; the perfect driver environment, for all driving situations; and awe-inspiring visual and aural drama.
All of McLaren’s significant and renowned expertise in lightweight engineering and aerodynamic performance, inspired by years of racing innovation and the company’s World Championship mindset, was applied to W1. The engineering team behind the new McLaren Ultimate model have between them contributed to 16 McLaren Formula 1 World Championship titles across driver and constructor categories. This expertise as part of a bigger team has resulted in the most focused supercar that McLaren has ever built, but also one with a huge breadth of capability.
W1 is a supercar for all occasions; more than any other McLaren, it is equally at home on road and track and as the fastest-lapping and fastest accelerating McLaren road-legal supercar yet, is exhilarating to drive whatever the circumstances.
The spine-tingling driver enjoyment ensured by the W1’s revolutionary new high-downforce, low-drag, ground-effect aerodynamics design is further enhanced by the unique transformation process from Road mode to Race mode for track driving: W1’s ride height lowers (by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear) and a heave system stiffens the suspension. Front and rear active wings are deployed, with the McLaren Active Long Tail extending rearwards by up to 300mm to assist in generating the 1,000kg of downforce available in W1.
Epic performance from V8 High-Performance Hybrid powertrain with pure RWD
At the heart of W1 is an all-new High-Performance Hybrid powertrain, comprising McLaren’s all-new MHP-8 V8 combustion engine, an all-new E-module (integrating a radial flux electric motor and motor control unit), and an 8-speed transmission with E-reverse. Power and torque are to the rear wheels only, through an E-differential.
The 928PS of the new V8 and 347PS of the E-module combine to produce 1275PS, giving W1 the highest-ever power output of any McLaren and putting it above all core competitors. Engineered for epic power delivery and breathtaking performance, the powertrain combines with a vehicle weight of 1,399kg to deliver an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 911PS/tonne for W1 – the highest-ever for any road-legal McLaren and more importantly, best-in-class.
This huge amount of power, together with total torque of 1340Nm and instant throttle response from the E-module, gives W1 astonishing acceleration figures: 0-100km/h takes 2.7 seconds, 0–200km/h (124mph) is possible in just 5.8 seconds and 0-300km/h (186mph) 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, at a time when competitors are turning to front-wheel-drive assistance. Only McLaren could successfully achieve acceleration of this magnitude with dynamic performance to match in a rear-wheel-drive supercar, thanks to its extensive heritage in Formula 1 which exclusively deploys power through the rear wheels to reach the pinnacle of performance and ultimate steering precision.
McLaren’s all-new MHP-8 flat plane crank 90-degree V8 engine is central to the delivery of the W1’s epic power. Designed from the outset to be at the centre of the very best electrified powertrains, the twin-turbocharged 3,988cc unit has a lightweight block, cylinder heads and pistons in aluminium and showcases McLaren’s expertise in engineering combustion engines that set new standards – for example, plasma spray coated cylinder bores are employed to allow engine speeds of up to 9,200rpm.
A 350bar Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system and port fuel injection extend the performance scope of the MHP-8 engine without adversely affecting emissions, enabling the highest-ever specific power output in a McLaren – a massive 233PS per litre.
The twin-scroll turbochargers in W1 are optimised to deliver higher peak power and torque than previous components, available throughout the rev range and improved response from as low as 2500rpm.
The exhaust features tubular manifolds that are engineered to maximise driver engagement as well as performance, with long, equal-length runners tuned to build sound to a crescendo as the engine speed approaches its 9,200rpm electronic rpm limit.
The motorsport-derived E-module that works in combination with the combustion engine is mounted to the side of the transmission and contributes up to 347PS. Comprising a radial flux E-motor and integrated Motor Control Unit – an engineering approach similar that taken in IndyCar racing – the E-module is a masterclass in maximising efficiency while minimising package volume and weight, The whole unit weighs just 20kg and further advantages include reducing coolant volume, low-voltage and high-voltage connections and seals. The sealed unit improves serviceability with a dry interface outside of the transmission unit.
The E-motor element is capable of spinning up to 24,000rpm has a specific output of 23PS/kg, which is directly comparable to Formula 1 E-motors.
The E-module is powered by a 1.384kWh battery, which together with the management unit and power distribution unit is enclosed on a structural carbon fibre floor housed within a cavity in the carbon fibre monocoque, located as low as possible to benefit vehicle centre of gravity.
The motorsport-derived battery cells are designed to prioritise high power outputs to the E-module, increasing throttle response and boosting overall power to the levels needed to deliver the eye-watering levels of performance that W1 reaches. Even with this focus on maximising power, the W1 can be driven in zero-emission, electric-only mode for up to 2km (1.6 miles).
The battery state of charge is managed to maintain a minimum level of charge to crank the engine on vehicle start-up, power for the reversing function and a reserve for when the car remains parked for extended periods.
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.
Ultimate warranty provision with servicing and maintenance to match
Every W1 comes as standard with a comprehensive warranty [4-year/unlimited mileage vehicle; 6-year/75,000km HV battery] and a 4-year inclusive service plan that complements a unique ownership experience.
The new hybrid powertrain has been developed to a maintenance cycle similar to the V6 hybrid powertrain and the service schedule for W1 will follow a 12-month cycle. This is in line with McLaren series production supercars rather than schedules of many track-focused cars which have reduced service intervals based on the number of hours of running.
With the 399 examples of W1 that will be built all allocated. Further information about the W1 can be found at: https://cars.mclaren.com/en/W1