TGR StaffIf McLaren’s storied F1 was the original rule-breaker, and the P1 was a bold leap into hybrid territory, then the new W1 is the brand’s masterstroke—a car that blends hypercar performance with Formula 1 engineering to create the ultimate street-legal racer. McLaren didn’t just push the boundaries with the W1; they kicked the doors wide open.
Let’s start with what’s under the hood—or, in this case, sitting low and snug behind the driver’s seat. The W1’s powerplant is a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 that screams to 9,200 RPM. Paired with a 342 horsepower electric motor, the W1 churns out a staggering 1,258 horsepower. And it’s rear-wheel drive only. That’s right, no all-wheel-drive safety net to keep you in line. McLaren insists this makes the W1 a purist’s dream—a car for drivers who want to feel every nuance of the road and every shiver of that epic engine.
But what really sets the W1 apart is the meticulous attention to weight-saving and aerodynamics. At a feathery 3,084 pounds, it’s lighter than many of its rivals, thanks to the use of a carbon fiber monocoque that’s as functional as it is striking. The signature “Anhedral” doors hinge from the roof, giving it that sci-fi look you’d expect from a car born in McLaren’s F1 lab.
Every element, from the radically shaped front wing to the active rear spoiler, is there to manage airflow, downforce, and drag. The result? A car that can morph from a high-speed highway missile to a downforce-hugging track star at the flick of a button.
But it’s not all race-track bravado. Inside, the W1’s cabin is an exercise in minimalistic luxury. You won’t find dozens of distracting buttons or over-the-top displays. Instead, there’s a driver-focused layout, a high-resolution touchscreen, and just the right amount of premium materials—think lightweight Alcantara, precision-knit fabrics, and carbon fiber. Even the steering wheel is a masterpiece, stripped down to two simple thumb buttons for “Boost” and “Aero.”
The W1 isn’t just a new McLaren—it’s the car that aims to shift what we expect from the genre. With only 399 slated to be built, it’s the automotive equivalent of a tailored suit from Savile Row: exclusive, impeccably crafted, and built for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Whether it’s the next chapter in supercar history or a new standard for hybrid technology, one thing’s certain—the W1 is a fitting homage to McLaren’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
McLaren W1: Quick Specs
Performance & Powertrain
- Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) system
- Total Power Output: 1,258 bhp (916 bhp from V8 + 342 bhp from electric motor)
- Torque: 988 lb-ft (664 lb-ft from V8 + 324 lb-ft from electric motor)
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch with E-reverse
- Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with E-differential
- Redline: 9,200 RPM
- 0-60 mph: 2.7 seconds
- 0-124 mph: 5.8 seconds
