The new McLaren W1 sits at the top of the range, but does it inspire enthusiasts like the F1 and P1?
McLaren Automotive just revealed their latest flagship supercar – the W1. This spiritual successor to the McLaren F1 and McLaren P1 is said to elevate the lineage to new heights and comes with an MHP-8 90° 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid drivetrain with a radial flux electric module powering it.
Behind every flagship supercar is about ten thousand claims from the manufacturer about why it’s the best thing since sliced bread, so let’s examine some of these claims and specifications to see if the W1 lives up to its ancestors. This is the first supercar flagship from McLaren under ownership of Bahrain’s state wealth fund.
Powertrain: Unprecedented Performance
At the heart of the McLaren W1 is a groundbreaking hybrid powertrain that produces a staggering 1,275 PS. This figure eclipses anything McLaren has produced before, outperforming both the P1’s 903 PS and the F1’s naturally aspirated V12 that produced 627 PS.
The W1’s combustion engine alone is a marvel, with the new MHP-8 V8 producing 928 PS at a remarkable 233 PS per liter, a figure that surpasses all previous McLaren engines. The engine revs to an astonishing 9,200 rpm, delivering blistering acceleration.
The hybrid system is no less impressive. The electric motor, integrated into the E-module, contributes an additional 347 PS to the total output. This combination not only enhances performance but also optimizes weight and space within the vehicle.
McLaren’s expertise in lightweight engineering is fully realized in the W1, which weighs in at just 1,399 kg, giving it an industry-leading power-to-weight ratio of 911 PS per ton. This is the highest power-to-weight ratio ever achieved in a McLaren, ensuring that the W1 offers unparalleled acceleration and handling.
Aerodynamics and Handling: Formula 1 Know-How on the Road
The McLaren W1 borrows heavily from the company’s Formula 1 technology, making it a car as capable on the track as it is on the road. Its active aerodynamics are the most advanced ever seen on a McLaren road car, featuring a revolutionary McLaren Active Long Tail rear wing that extends rearwards by 300 mm.
This wing, along with other aerodynamic innovations, helps the W1 generate up to 1,000 kg of downforce. This level of downforce, combined with a ride height that can lower by 37 mm at the front and 17 mm at the rear, provides exceptional stability and cornering capabilities at high speeds.
The W1 also features the new McLaren Race Active Chassis Control III, which offers an unprecedented level of adaptability for both road and track conditions. In Race mode, the suspension and aerodynamics combine to transform the car’s behavior, making it 3 seconds faster per lap than the McLaren Senna on McLaren’s reference track. Additionally, the car can accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h in just 5.8 seconds and from 0 to 300 km/h in under 12.7 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 350 km/h.
The driver-focused cockpit is designed to enhance the connection between car and driver. The unique seating design is integrated into the carbon fiber monocoque, placing the driver at the center of the car’s dynamics. The pedals, steering wheel, and primary controls all adjust to fully envelop the driver in the optimal driving position. McLaren’s renowned Hydraulic Performance Steering and hydraulic braking system offer unparalleled feedback, giving the driver confidence and precision on both road and track.
Craftsmanship and Customization
As with all McLaren models, the W1 offers virtually unlimited customization through McLaren Special Operations (MSO). From bespoke paint finishes to unique interior materials such as the new McLaren InnoKnit tailored fabric, owners can make their W1 truly one-of-a-kind. The car’s carbon fiber Aerocell monocoque and Anhedral Doors not only contribute to its aerodynamic performance but also serve as visual reminders of McLaren’s cutting-edge design philosophy.
While the McLaren W1 seems to be a worthy successor on paper, we can’t help but think that Gordon Murray’s GMA products seem to capture the spirit of the original McLaren F1 better. Plus, with so many special edition models being released by the brand over the years, it’s hard for the W1 to stand out and feel genuinely special. Regardless of what we think, all 399 units of the W1 that will go into production have been spoken for. There’s always a chance that some buyers will pull out at the last second, but the strong demand shows that McLaren must be doing something right.
