McLaren W1

The Ultimate expression of a real supercar, the new W1 has been created according to the McLaren ethos of class-leading performance, informed by the core principles that underpin every McLaren supercar: epic power applied through cutting-edge aerodynamics, and lightweight chassis technologies, the highest levels of dynamic excellence and the purest driver connection; the perfect driver environment, for all driving situations; and awe-inspiring visual and aural drama.

All of McLaren's significant and renowned expertise in lightweight engineering and aerodynamic performance, inspired by years of racing innovation and the company's World Championship mindset, was applied to W1. The engineering team behind the new McLaren Ultimate model has, between them, contributed to 16 McLaren Formula 1 World Championship titles across driver and constructor categories. This expertise as part of a bigger team has resulted in the most focused supercar that McLaren has ever built, but also one with a huge breadth of capability.

W1 is a supercar for all occasions; more than any other McLaren, it is equally at home on road and track and, as the fastest-lapping and fastest-accelerating McLaren road-legal supercar yet, is exhilarating to drive whatever the circumstances.

The spine-tingling driver enjoyment ensured by the W1's revolutionary new high-downforce, low-drag, ground-effect aerodynamics design is further enhanced by the unique transformation process from Road mode to Race mode for track driving: W1's ride height lowers (by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear) and a heave system stiffens the suspension. Front and rear active wings are deployed, with the McLaren Active Long Tail extending rearwards by up to 300 mm to assist in generating the 1,000 kg of downforce available in W1.

The all-new MHP-8 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that debuts in W1 is coupled with a power-dense E-module to deliver scintillating speed. The epic power of this all-new 1275 PS High-Performance Hybrid powertrain and McLaren's relentless dedication to lightweight engineering have resulted in levels of performance previously only attainable by track-only supercars and race cars.

Just as the W1 name celebrates McLaren's World Championship mindset, the date of the car's public reveal was also chosen with this in mind: October 6th, 2024, is the 50th anniversary of Emerson Fittipaldi sealing McLaren's first Formula 1 Drivers and Constructors World Championships.

Epic performance from V8 High-Performance Hybrid powertrain with pure RWD
At the heart of W1 is an all-new High-Performance Hybrid powertrain, comprising McLaren's all-new MHP-8 V8 combustion engine, an all-new E-module (integrating a radial flux electric motor and motor control unit), and an 8-speed transmission with E-reverse. Power and torque are to the rear wheels only through an E-differential.

The 928 PS of the new V8 and 347 PS of the E-module combine to produce 1275 PS, giving W1 the highest-ever power output of any McLaren and putting it above all core competitors. Engineered for epic power delivery and breathtaking performance, the powertrain combines with a vehicle weight of 1,399 kg to deliver an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 911 PS/tonne for W1 - the highest-ever for any road-legal McLaren and, more importantly, best-in-class.

This vast amount of power, together with a total torque of 1340Nm and instant throttle response from the E-module, gives W1 astonishing acceleration figures: 0-100 km/h takes 2.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124mph) is possible in just 5.8 seconds and 0-300km/h (186mph) can be achieved in under 12.7 seconds.

McLaren has challenged convention by choosing to retain the purity of a rear-wheel-drive chassis in a car with this much power and torque at a time when competitors are turning to front-wheel-drive assistance. Only McLaren could successfully achieve acceleration of this magnitude with dynamic performance to match in a rear-wheel-drive supercar, thanks to its extensive heritage in Formula 1, which exclusively deploys power through the rear wheels to reach the pinnacle of performance and ultimate steering precision.

McLaren's all-new MHP-8 flat plane crank 90-degree V8 engine is central to delivering the W1's epic power. Designed from the outset to be at the center of the very best electrified powertrains, the twin-turbocharged 3,988 cc unit has an aluminum lightweight block, cylinder heads, and pistons and showcases McLaren's expertise in engineering combustion engines that set new standards - for example, plasma spray-coated cylinder bores are employed to allow engine speeds of up to 9,200 rpm.

A 350 bar Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system and port fuel injection extend the performance scope of the MHP-8 engine without adversely affecting emissions, enabling the highest-ever specific power output in a McLaren - a massive 233 PS per liter.

The twin-scroll turbochargers in W1 are optimized to deliver higher peak power and torque than previous components, available throughout the rev range, and improved response from as low as 2500 rpm.

The exhaust features tubular manifolds that are engineered to maximise driver engagement as well as performance​, with long, equal-length runners tuned to build sound to a crescendo as the engine speed approaches its 9,200 rpm electronic rpm limit.

The motorsport-derived E-module that works in combination with the combustion engine is mounted to the side of the transmission and contributes up to 347 PS. Comprising a radial flux E-motor and integrated Motor Control Unit - an engineering approach similar to that taken in IndyCar racing - the E-module is a masterclass in maximizing efficiency while minimizing package volume and weight; the whole unit weighs just 20 kg, and further advantages include reducing coolant volume, low-voltage, and high-voltage connections and seals. The sealed unit improves serviceability with a dry interface outside of the transmission unit.

The E-motor element is capable of spinning up to 24,000rpm and has a specific output of 23 PS/kg, which is directly comparable to Formula 1 E-motors. The E-module is powered by a 1.384 kWh battery, which, together with the management unit and power distribution unit, is enclosed on a structural carbon fiber floor housed within a cavity in the carbon fiber monocoque, located as low as possible to benefit the vehicle center of gravity.

The motorsport-derived battery cells are designed to prioritize high power outputs to the E-module, increasing throttle response and boosting overall power to the levels needed to deliver the eye-watering levels of performance that W1 reaches. Even with this focus on maximizing power, the W1 can be driven in zero-emission, electric-only mode for up to 2km (1.6 miles).

The battery state of charge is managed to maintain a minimum level of charge to crank the engine on vehicle start-up, power for the reversing function, and a reserve for when the car remains parked for extended periods.

In line with McLaren's commitment to minimizing weight, the total weight of hybrid components has been reduced by 40 kg compared to the McLaren P1 while delivering almost double the electric power. Further weight is saved by the absence of engine ancillaries, including the alternator, starter motor, and additional pipework required for a conventional HVAC system.

The fastest lapping and fastest accelerating road-legal McLaren ever
Bettering even the super-lightweight and track-focused McLaren Senna - by an astonishing 3 seconds a lap at McLaren's Nardo reference circuit - W1 is also the fastest accelerating road-legal McLaren ever. Hugely impressive in isolation, these two parameters are even more incredible when you consider that you need both high downforce and very low drag to achieve them.

Inspired by the work of generations of Formula 1 Race Engineers, McLaren's Race mode offers two suspension settings - Race and Race+, with the latter being the firmest available. Drivers can select settings according to whether they are on undulating, bumpy tracks where consistent aerodynamic downforce is needed or flat, smooth surfaces on which the ground effect platform is optimized.

Powertrain options in Race mode are a "GP" setting for consistency over a longer track session or "Sprint" for maximum performance and E-module deployment over one lap. Two buttons on the steering wheel, ergonomically positioned within easy reach of the driver's thumbs, give the driver further options: ‘Boost' instantly deploys full E-module power available - the same principle as employed in Formula 1 - to give the driver everything for overtaking on track or additional speed out of corners as desired. This can be combined with the Aero button for an on-demand Drag Reduction System (DRS) effect from the rear McLaren Active Long Tail wing.

Tyre performance is intrinsic to mechanical and aerodynamic grip, and W1 features three 265/35 front and 335/30 rear tire options from McLaren's technical partner, Pirelli. To fit the car's extreme requirements, the Pirelli P ZERO Trofeo RS road-legal track tire is the standard fitment. The tire has a compound specially developed to maintain the highest performance and consistent grip over a track session. Pirelli P ZERO R and Pirelli P ZERO Winter 2 tires - again, both bespoke to W1 - are also available, the former being a road-focused solution and the latter delivering outstanding cold-weather performance.

The perfect supercar driving environment
The excitement of driving W1 begins with the McLaren Anhedral Doors opening upwards to reveal recesses in the roof and the front lower opening that helps to provide access to the innovative and comfortable cabin. The doors also feature a sculpted concave section on the inside to maximize occupant space.

As is core to the McLaren DNA, the W1 has unmatched supercar ergonomics and best-in-class visibility, with remarkably spacious cockpit room for both driver and passenger. Glazed sections in the rear three-quarter view and optionally in the upper doors provide an airy feel to the interior. Forward vision is exceptional, with the W1 incorporating McLaren's narrowest A-pillars yet. Even the sun visors are designed with lightweight in mind; they are made from carbon fiber and are just 3mm thick.

Seating is uniquely integrated into the McLaren Aerocell carbon fiber monocoque, directly connecting the driver - and passenger - to the chassis. Both seats are fully upholstered for optimal support and comfort and provide a driving position that is more reclined than usual, with a high level of thigh support.

The pedals, steering wheel, and primary controls move to fully embrace the driver within the cockpit environment, with a perfect driving position easily found by adjusting the floor-mounted aluminum pedals, which have a unique adjustment action. The unique-to-W1 wheel is smaller and flatter than previous McLaren steering wheel designs. Integral shift lights that prompt the driver to select the next gear as the 9,200 rpm redline approaches are optionally available.

True to the McLaren supercar principle of a pure driver-focused interface, the only two buttons on the steering wheel are Boost and McLaren Aero Deployment controls. Inspired by Formula 1, these have been ergonomically designed to be easy to reach and activate by the driver moving their thumbs and not their hands from the wheel.

Chassis and powertrain modes are adjusted via rocker controls on the instrument binnacle, which moves with the steering column to allow mode adjustments within easy reach of the wheel. The W1's driver display has been engineered to ensure the full screen remains visible to the driver despite the smaller steering wheel and even doubles as an aerodynamic flow diverter for air from the compact HVAC system - which efficiently provides cool or warm air as desired in all driving modes, including EV-only operation.

Further theatre is provided by overhead start/stop, gear selection, Race mode switchgear, and window controls. The digital rear-view display houses these; designed to resemble a conventional rear-view mirror for driver familiarity, the camera position and angle are deliberately placed to discreetly display a small section of the Active Long Tail wing in order to give context and perspective to the driver's rearview to ease vehicle positioning in traffic and low-speed maneuvering including parking.

Further information and adjustments can be found on the high-resolution 8" touchscreen McLaren Infotainment System (MIS II) located between the driver and passenger. This has Apple CarPlay with USB C connectivity, with USB A also provided for device charging and storage access.

Between the fixed seats, there is a storage area with a sliding cupholder, while behind the armrest, there is a second area for small items. The W1 also has a luggage storage shelf behind the seats, accessible by moving the headrests, which fold flat forwards to provide a loading platform. With up to 117 liters of storage space, two-weekend bags or two crash helmets can be accommodated.

Ultimate warranty provision with servicing and maintenance to match
Every W1 comes as standard with a comprehensive warranty (4-year/unlimited mileage vehicle; 6-year/75,000km HV battery) and a 4-year inclusive service plan that complements a unique ownership experience.

The new hybrid powertrain has been developed to a maintenance cycle similar to the V6 hybrid powertrain, and the service schedule for W1 will follow a 12-month cycle. This is in line with McLaren series production supercars rather than the schedules of many track-focused cars, which have reduced service intervals based on the number of hours of running.

With the 399 examples of McLaren W1 that will be built, all allocated.