PREVIEW

McLaren has unveiled its latest £2 million latest hypercar, the W1.

The cutting-edge vehicle blends Formula 1 aerodynamics with a powerful V8 hybrid drivetrain - and packs an amazing 1,258bhp to the rear wheels alone.


A successor to the revered McLaren P1, the W1 represents a new pinnacle of performance for the Woking-based carmaker, pushing boundaries in both power and design.


With its hefty pricetag, the W1 is being hailed as the true heir to the legacy of the McLaren F1 and P1, leaving McLaren’s previous supercars, the Senna and Speedtail in its wake.


Built with an obsessive focus on reducing weight, the W1 tips the scales at a mere 1,399kg, thanks to painstakingly engineered components, including a lightweight engine and even sun visors designed with efficiency in mind.


The new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, developed by McLaren’s long-time partner Ricardo, sits at the heart of this technological marvel. Paired with a 342bhp electric motor, the hybrid powertrain delivers an astonishing 1,258bhp to irs rear. In addition to this, McLaren claims its hybrid system, weighing 40% less than the one in the P1, offers a 40% boost in power, driving the W1 to achieve unparalleled performance figures.


The W1 sets new benchmarks for the brand, reaching 0-62mph in just 2.7 seconds and 0-186mph in 12.7 seconds, with a top speed limited to 217mph. The car is equipped with different power modes, including a race-inspired "Boost" feature that provides instant access to full power, and an F1-style drag reduction system (DRS) to maximise straight-line speed.


Despite this colossal power, McLaren has opted not to include all-wheel drive, relying on its F1 expertise to manage the car’s 988lb ft of torque through the rear wheels. The advanced aerodynamics package, including the new Active Long Tail rear wing, keeps the car stable at high speeds by adding significant downforce without increasing drag.


The W1 takes inspiration from Formula 1 technology, becoming one of the few road-legal cars to feature true ground-effect aerodynamics. McLaren's unique underbody design, coupled with active front and rear wings, allows the W1 to generate 1,000kg of downforce in its most extreme Race mode.


The new Active Long Tail rear wing, extending 300mm rearwards, is a signature feature of the W1. It works seamlessly with the underfloor and rear diffuser, delivering additional downforce on the track while retracting into the body for road use. These innovative elements have helped the W1 lap McLaren’s Nardò circuit three seconds faster than the Senna, cementing its position as the company’s fastest car around a track.


McLaren’s engineers have left no stone unturned in their quest for performance, using the Aerocell carbon fibre monocoque structure to optimise the car's aerodynamics. The cabin has been designed to incorporate the central seating position found in previous McLaren hypercars, while the doors adopt an anhedral design, a first for the company.


From the underfloor airflow to the roof scoop, every feature of the W1 is crafted to ensure both maximum speed and control. As Robin Algoo, McLaren's chief aerodynamic engineer, points out, the W1’s stability and cornering capabilities at high speeds set it apart from other existing hypercars.


It is however, part of a quite literal race for speed and performance - as it looks set to rival Ferrari’s upcoming LaFerrari successor as the supercar of choice for discerning millionaire petrolheads.