![The 1,275-horsepower McLaren W1 undergoes cold-weather testing in the Arctic Circle: How does it perform on snow? [Video]](https://wheelfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1897-1761190957752.jpg)
McLaren W1
Tested in sub-zero temperatures for maximum performance
During the secret cold weather testing of the W1 in the Arctic Circle, various components were thoroughly tested to ensure they functioned correctly on icy and snowy roads with low road surface μ.
The McLaren W1 cold weather test, conducted in the Arctic Circle, was designed to test the car’s systems and performance in sub-zero conditions, ensuring the chassis, traction control, torque vectoring and electronic stability systems functioned correctly on extremely low-grip surfaces.
The W1 is equipped with a newly developed 4.0-liter V8 “MHP-8” twin-turbo engine and hybrid powertrain, delivering a maximum system output of 1275 PS and a maximum system torque of 1340 Nm. Its performance was also confirmed to be able to be maintained even in extremely cold climates. The 1.384 kWh hybrid battery and 8-speed DCT were also subjected to rigorous stress tests to maximize durability and performance.
Lead test driver Dani Markos commented after completing cold weather testing in W1:
“Every McLaren model with a ‘1’ designation has always pushed the boundaries of performance, and after completing this cold weather test, I’m confident we’ve achieved that with the McLaren W1.”
Great power on slippery roads
The W1 is equipped with a hybrid powertrain that boasts a maximum output of 1,275 PS. Test runs were repeated on slippery roads to ensure that this power was fully utilized.
This time, in order to unleash the W1’s immense power in Arctic conditions, the priority was to optimize the chassis and each system for the slippery road surface.
Marcos, who was in charge of steering the prototype, reflected, “It’s a car with a maximum power output of 1,275 PS, so achieving traction in low-grip conditions was a big challenge. We pushed to get the best performance from the torque vectoring system, traction control, stability control (ESP), and ABS brake system.”
In addition to the hybrid system, including the engine, gearbox, motor and battery, the effects of compressed snow and ice on the cooling system’s air intakes were also rigorously checked. The Arctic Circle test was held on a tight schedule, and the long hours of testing placed a severe strain not only on the vehicle but also on the team. Chief Engineer Andy Beale explained the results as follows:
“We’ve been working hard to make the McLaren W1 a super sports car that can handle any condition, and having completed this rigorous cold weather test, we believe we’ve achieved one of those qualifications.”
