McLaren W1, a new hybrid heir to the F1

McLaren has officially revealed its latest hypercar, the W1. This marks the British automaker’s third model to feature the iconic ‘1’ in its name, following the legendary F1 from 1993 and the P1  from 2013.

True to its heritage, the W1 continues McLaren’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of automotive performance by incorporating cutting-edge technologies derived directly from Formula 1 racing. And that includes an electrified powertrain to electrify the senses.

It was dubbed an engineering marvel – what else, considering the price tag of €2.3 million? – the McLaren W1 boasts a hybrid powertrain that delivers a staggering 1,275 horsepower.

The combination of a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine and a radial flux electric motor allows the W1 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hour in just 2.7 seconds and reach 200 km/h in 5.8 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest road-legal hypercars in the world.

The W1 can hit 300 km/hour in just 12.7 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/hour. No faster road-legal McLaren has ever left the Woking production facility than the W1.

Light hybrid assistance

The W1’s hybrid system is mostly about power assistance and only lighter efficiency benefits. The 1.4 kWh battery powers the electric motor, which aids in instant acceleration and acts as a reverse gear for the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result is remarkable acceleration and improved energy management, enabling features like a silent electric start and a limited 2.5 kilometers of EV range.

McLaren has spared no expense in refining the W1’s aerodynamics and chassis. The car is built around a carbon fiber monocoque called Aerocell, which reduces weight and increases rigidity. Weighing in at just 1,399 kilos, the W1 boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 911 hp per ton, the highest ever for a street-legal McLaren.

To handle its immense power, the W1 features McLaren’s Race Active Chassis Control III, which includes active suspension systems. The hypercar generates up to 1,000 kg of downforce thanks to its advanced aerodynamic features, such as the Active Long Tail rear wing and other active aero elements. These systems, alongside carbon-ceramic brakes, ensure that the W1 can stop from 200 km/hour in just 100 meters.

Formula 1-inspired technologies

The W1 incorporates several technologies straight from Formula 1, including a Boost mode that provides an instant surge of power, similar to the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) used in F1. In addition, the W1’s Drag Reduction System (DRS), which can be activated via the steering wheel, helps reduce aerodynamic drag at high speeds, increasing straight-line performance.

Despite being a track-focused machine, the McLaren W1 does not neglect driver comfort. For the first time in a McLaren, the car features anhedral doors, which open upward, making it easier to access the cabin.

Inside, the cockpit is designed with racing ergonomics in mind, but the driver and passenger still enjoy a reasonable level of comfort. The seats are integrated into the carbon monocoque, giving occupants the feeling of being directly connected to the chassis.

A fitting tribute

McLaren has also ensured that the W1 offers excellent visibility, which is often a challenge in this segment of cars. Adjustable pedals and steering provide a custom fit for drivers, enhancing both comfort and control.

Only 399 units of the McLaren W1 will be produced (unsurprisingly, all of them have already found a new home). The W1’s launch on October 6th, 2024, was no coincidence. It marks the 50th anniversary of McLaren’s first F1 Constructors’ Championship, won by Emerson Fittipaldi in 1974 – a fitting tribute to the brand’s rich racing heritage.