The real supercar

At the heart of the W1 lies a work of automotive art: the all-new MHP-8 V8 engine. This ground-up design features port and direct injection to generate every last horsepower from every ounce of fuel and combines with the e-module to deliver a monumental 1,275PS with incredible responsiveness at low and high revs.

In terms of performance, designers state: “Sensational on road. Superb on track. A breadth of ability embodied by McLaren’s F1 and P1™, taken to the next level with the McLaren W1. Best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of 911PS/tonne, guaranteeing ultimate driver control and engagement. This bandwidth is foundational to any ‘1’ car, and the absolute pinnacle of what McLaren does best.”

The integrated aero system of the W1 is its most ambitious and effective aerodynamic design ever achieved on a McLaren road car.

W1’s aero system includes the all-new purpose-built McLaren Aerocell and the new McLaren Active Long Tail, both integral parts in delivering exceptional aerodynamic performance.

The all-new McLaren Aerocell is McLaren’s most advanced carbon fibre monocoque ever.  The front section is deliberately narrow while the footbox is raised and the integrated seat has enabled the wheelbase to be reduced, all to enable better airflow.

Combined with the stunning McLaren Active Long Tail, which, in race mode, extends backwards by 300mm, transforming the rear of the car and extending the working area of the diffuser.

The entire aero package produces a staggering 1,000-kg of downforce, five times that produced in road configuration.  Shapeshifting aerodynamics at the touch of a button.

Just like the MCL38 Formula 1 car, W1 is a ground effect car. Activating W1’s Race Mode triggers the most extreme transformation – with aerodynamic components and suspension calibrated for all-out track performance.

The McLaren W1 delivers authentic supercar ‘theatre’ and is instantly recognisable as a McLaren. The silhouette, sculpted by aero. The sound, a result of race-honed tuning. The interior, designed around the driver, a beautiful balance between design and engineering.

The exterior design combines shrink-wrapped organic surfaces on top with sharp, technical, aerodynamic devices below. The Formula 1-inspired side pods work in perfect harmony with the exterior surfaces to guide the airflow around the McLaren Aerocell, featuring the new McLaren Anhedral doors with integrated aero blades, not just a theatrical feature but also an integral part of the aerodynamic package.

The McLaren W1 features a beautifully crafted wraparound interior providing best-in-class visibility, driver focus and comfort.

W1 also marks the world’s first application of their patented McLaren InnoKnit, an infinitely flexible, seamlessly integrated, super-light material. Through InnoKnit they are able to integrate interior lighting and sound components under one surface, reducing weight without impacting performance.

This incredible supercar offers best-in-class McLaren hydraulic steering, a new Formula 1-inspired suspension concept, ultra-high torque transmission and rear-wheel drive. A combination of unique ingredients delivering ultimate engagement in sound, speed, control and feedback.

Only McLaren’s Formula 1-derived know-how in lightweight engineering, aerodynamics technology and superb vehicle dynamics, can deliver this much power and control through just the rear axle.

Combined with world-leading McLaren Hydraulic Performance Steering and the epic stopping power of the MCCR+ braking system, the driver is connected to the road like nothing else, making the McLaren W1 an absolute joy to drive.

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 have 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.

“The McLaren W1 is a celebration of both the excellence of the iconic McLaren F1 and McLaren P1TM and the manifestation of McLaren’s World Championship mindset,” said Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive.

“With our new Ultimate supercar, we are again pushing the boundaries of real supercar performance with an epic hybrid powertrain featuring our all-new MHP-8 V8 engine, the most advanced aerodynamic platform of any McLaren road car and extensive use of advanced lightweight materials. This allows us to engineer a supreme track driving experience from the same car that gives unparalleled driving enjoyment on the road.

“Formula 1-derived aerodynamics, pure rear-wheel drive and McLaren hydraulic performance steering showcase McLaren’s approach to purposeful innovation as a racing company that always delivers the best possible performance. It is therefore no surprise that the new W1 is our fastest-lapping and fastest accelerating road-legal car ever.

“It also provides the purest driver connection by remaining true to the principles that underpin the ultimate supercar driving experience. This really is a car that only McLaren could create.”

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 schedules of many track-focused cars which have reduced service intervals based on the number of hours of running.

cars.mclaren.com/en/W1