McLaren W1
3D printing technology introduced to W1 suspension
The development target for the McLaren W1 was to achieve driving performance that surpasses that of conventional super sports cars, and to achieve this, Divergent Technologies’ 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies were introduced into the development of the suspension.
Divergent Technologies, founded in California, USA in 2014 by Kevin Zinger, has developed the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS), an additive manufacturing system that incorporates 3D printing technology.
The McLaren W1, which will have its world premiere in October 2024, is a super sports car following the McLaren F1 and McLaren P1, incorporating the highest level of technology from McLaren Automotive. The suspension features an F1-inspired front suspension that is directly assembled to the carbon fiber monocoque “Aerocell.”
To realize the efficient and complex suspension system that McLaren required, Divergent Technologies’ 3D printing and additive manufacturing technology, DAPS, was used to develop and manufacture the front upper wishbones, aeroform lower wishbones, and front uprights.
Accelerated W1 suspension development
By introducing 3D printing and additive manufacturing technology, the W1 suspension development and manufacturing time has been significantly reduced compared to previous models.
Divergent Technologies’ innovative design and manufacturing methods enabled McLaren engineers to rapidly iterate on the design, resulting in a groundbreaking suspension system for the W1 that delivers the highest levels of handling for the driver.
Commenting on the partnership with Divergent Technologies, McLaren Automotive CEO Michael Reiters said:
“McLaren Automotive is delighted to partner with Divergent Technologies, a manufacturing and engineering innovator. Their cutting-edge technology has enabled the development of the McLaren W1’s complex suspension architecture, further enhancing the driving experience for our customers and pushing the boundaries of performance.”
Kevin Zinger, founder, chairman and CEO of Divergent Technologies, added:
“We are proud to have supported the development of McLaren Automotive’s latest super sports car, the W1. The suspension manufacturing hardware designed and manufactured by Divergent Technologies has enabled McLaren to open new doors in the digital manufacturing era.”
Kevin Zinger is also the founder of Zinger, a new hypercar manufacturer that produces tandem hypercars.
