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.

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

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

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)