The McLaren W1: Power, Precision, and Prestige

The McLaren W1: Power, Precision, and Prestige

TGR Staff - 10/06/2024

If 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.

All-new MHP-8 V8 combustion engine develops 916bhp – at 230bhp-per-liter the highest-ever output from a McLaren engine – and revs to 9,200rpm

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.

Power-dense E-module develops 342bhp; integrates electric motor and control unit for reduced weight and optimized packaging

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.

Unique seating design integrated into the Aerocell monocoque for the purest driver connection to the car

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.

Unique seating design integrated into the Aerocell monocoque for the purest driver connection to the car

Pedals, steering wheel and primary controls move to fully embrace driver within the cockpit environment

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
  • 0-186 mph: <12.7 seconds
  • Top Speed: 217 mph (electronically limited)

Chassis & Suspension

  • Chassis: McLaren Aerocell carbon fiber monocoque
  • Suspension: Race Active Chassis Control III with double wishbone front and rear
  • Brakes: McLaren Carbon Ceramic Racing+ (MCCR+)
    • Front: 15.4-inch discs with 6-piston calipers
    • Rear: 15.4-inch discs with 4-piston calipers
  • Wheels: 19-inch front, 20-inch rear
  • Tires: Pirelli P ZERO™ R or Trofeo RS
    • Front: 265/35 R19
    • Rear: 335/30 R20

The McLaren W1: Power, Precision, and Prestige

Aerodynamics & Downforce

  • Active Aero: McLaren Active Long Tail rear wing, front active wing, and underbody management
  • Total Downforce: Up to 2,205 lbs
  • Ground Effect: Optimized by a fully functional underbody
  • Aerodynamic Modes: Road mode and Race mode with active ride height adjustment

Dimensions

  • Length: 182 inches
  • Width (with mirrors): 86 inches
  • Height: 47 inches
  • Wheelbase: 106 inches
  • Dry Weight: 3,084 lbs
  • Power-to-Weight Ratio: 899 bhp/tonne

The McLaren W1: Power, Precision, and Prestige

Hybrid & Battery System

  • Battery Capacity: 1.384 kWh
  • Battery Weight: 88 lbs (integrated within chassis)
  • Charge Time: 22 minutes to 80% (via EVSE)
  • Electric-Only Range: 1.6 miles

Interior & Features

  • Seats: Fixed-position carbon fiber seats integrated into the monocoque
  • Interior Materials: Alcantara, carbon fiber, McLaren InnoKnit fabric
  • Infotainment: 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™
  • Unique Features: Formula 1-inspired steering wheel with two controls (Boost and Aero)

The McLaren W1: Power, Precision, and Prestige

Production & Availability

  • Units Produced: 399
  • Warranty:
    • 4-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty
    • 6-year/45,000-mile hybrid battery warranty
    • 4-year service plan