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McLaren W1
Developed as a legitimate successor to the F1 and P1
The W1 was developed as the legitimate successor to McLaren’s iconic models, the McLaren F1 and McLaren P1. Its world premiere was on October 6, 2024, 50 years after the day McLaren won the double F1 title on October 6, 1974.
Developed based on McLaren’s philosophy of “segment-leading performance,” the McLaren W1 debuted as a successor to the McLaren F1 and McLaren P1, inheriting the fundamental principles that form the foundation of McLaren’s super sports cars. It delivers the perfect driving environment for any driving situation, including cutting-edge aerodynamics, lightweight chassis technology, overwhelming power from a hybrid powertrain, the highest level of outstanding driving dynamics, and pure engagement between the driver and vehicle.
The W1 delivers performance that exceeds that of the McLaren Senna, which is designed for circuit driving, shaving three seconds off the lap time at the Nardo Circuit, making it the fastest acceleration McLaren in the history of road-legal McLarens. McLaren Automotive CEO Michael Leiters commented on the unveiling of the McLaren W1:
“The McLaren W1 inherits the excellence of our special models, the McLaren F1 and McLaren P1, and demonstrates our strong ambition to conquer the world of motorsport, including Formula 1. With the newly developed MHP-8 V8 engine, the most advanced aerodynamics ever built for a McLaren road car, and a hybrid powertrain that makes extensive use of advanced lightweight materials, we have succeeded in further pushing the boundaries of super sports cars.”
“We’ve now been able to deliver the ultimate driving experience on the track while delivering the highest level of fun on public roads. F1-inspired aerodynamics, pure rear-wheel drive and an advanced hybrid powertrain are a testament to McLaren’s commitment to always striving for the best performance.”
“It’s no surprise that the new W1 is the fastest lap and most accelerating road-legal super sports car in McLaren’s history. While it has undergone significant evolution, we can be confident that the McLaren principles that underpin the ultimate driving experience remain unchanged. This car delivers the purest connection between driver and car, a car that only a McLaren can create.”
Newly developed hybrid system derived from F1
The hybrid powertrain, based on the all-new 4.0-liter V8 “MHP-8” engine, delivers a maximum output of 1,275 PS and a maximum torque of 1,340 Nm. The top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h.
The hybrid powertrain combines a completely newly developed 4.0-liter V8 “MHP-8” gasoline engine with an “E-Module” (integrated magnetic flux electric motor and motor control unit) that incorporates technology derived from F1, and an 8-speed DCT with E-reverse, driving the rear wheels via an E-differential.
The E-module is powered by a 1.384kWh battery, housed within a carbon fiber monocoque in a structural carbon fiber floor to keep the vehicle’s center of gravity as low as possible. Thanks to extensive weight reduction efforts, the total weight of the hybrid components has been reduced by 40kg compared to the P1, while delivering almost twice the power. Further weight savings are achieved by eliminating engine-related equipment such as the alternator, starter motor, and additional components required for a conventional HVAC system.
The new V8 engine alone produces 928 PS, and the E-module’s 347 PS adds up to an astounding maximum output of 1275 PS. The W1 is the most powerful production model in McLaren’s history, and its performance overwhelms rivals equipped with hybrid powertrains. With a curb weight of just 1399 kg, the car achieves an astounding power-to-weight ratio of 911 PS/tonne. This is the highest figure in the history of a road-legal McLaren, and of course it also takes the top spot in its segment.
The maximum torque of 1340Nm, combined with the quick throttle response of the E-module motor, ensures incredible acceleration performance: 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds, 0-200km/h in 5.8 seconds, and 0-300km/h in under 12.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 350km/h.
McLaren’s most advanced aerodynamics ever
The car employs the Aerocell, the most advanced aerodynamic platform ever built for a McLaren road car. In Race mode, the active aero system deploys, extending the tail by 300mm.
The W1 features the most advanced aerodynamics ever built for a McLaren road car. The core of this system, the Aerocell, was developed through 350 hours of wind tunnel testing, including 5,000 tests. The Aerocell is currently only available on the W1, and is characterised by the highest aerodynamics and active surface area.
The Aerocell also incorporates components for McLaren’s first anhedral doors (gullwing doors). Due to the aerodynamic requirements of the W1, it was necessary to limit the door hinges to the roof, which led to the decision to use anhedral doors instead of conventional dihedral doors.
The anhedral doors, combined with the smaller drop glass side windows, are designed to efficiently channel the hot air exhausted from the front wheel arches to the radiator. This has made it possible to reduce the size of the radiator required for powertrain cooling and create additional cooling space. The door shape is said to be inspired by the body side of the F1 car, the McLaren MCL38.
The W1 incorporates a ground effect aerodynamic design that achieves revolutionary high downforce and low drag. By switching the aerodynamic device from Road Mode for public roads to Race Mode, which is specialized for circuit driving, you can enjoy driving that makes full use of the car’s potential.
In Race mode, the front is lowered by 37mm and the rear by 17mm. A special profile is introduced to the suspension settings, and the roof panel and front and rear active wings are deployed. The rear wing, “McLaren Active Long Tail,” extends the tail by 300mm and generates 1,000kg of downforce around the rear axle.
McLaren Automotive’s chief aerodynamics engineer and former F1 aerodynamicist Robin Argoe added the following about the W1’s aerodynamics:
“The McLaren W1 delivers impressive lap times thanks to its powerful downforce, optimised aerodynamics and active control. The integrated aerodynamic platform with a central Aerocell delivers full underbody ground effects in Race mode.”
“The W1 is highly efficient, capable of generating incredible levels of downforce with relatively little aerodynamic drag. A host of innovative technologies have allowed us to incorporate elegant F1-derived technology into an uncompromising road car.”
A racing cockpit reminiscent of an F1 car
The cockpit, accessed by anhedral doors, features two seats fixed to the chassis, and the smallest steering wheel ever used in a McLaren production car, inspired by that of an F1 car.
Access to the interior is provided by anhedral doors that fold upwards. These newly introduced gull-wing doors significantly improve access to the cabin.
The cockpit, with its ergonomics and best-in-class visibility, offers a spacious and spacious feel for driver and passenger. The W1 features the thinnest A-pillars ever in a McLaren, ensuring a spacious forward view. The carbon fibre sun visors have also been designed with weight reduction in mind, measuring just 3mm thick.
The seats are uniquely integrated into the Aerocell carbon fiber monocoque, linking the driver and passenger directly to the chassis. Both seats are finished in full leather for optimal support and comfort, providing excellent thigh support even in the most demanding driving conditions.
The pedals, steering wheel and primary controls are laid out to completely envelop the driver in the cockpit environment, and the floor-mounted aluminium pedals feature dedicated adjustments to allow drivers of all sizes to find the optimum driving position.
The steering wheel dedicated to the W1 has a small, flat design. The steering wheel has only two switches, one for boost and one for McLaren Aero Deployment. Inspired by the cockpit of an F1 machine, the switches are designed so that the driver can easily operate them with just their thumbs without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
Chassis and powertrain modes are adjusted using a rocker control on the instrument panel that moves with the steering column. This also allows the mode to be changed without taking your hands off the steering wheel. The digital rearview mirror has a design similar to the conventional rearview mirrors that many drivers are familiar with. Various information is displayed on the high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen McLaren Infotainment System (MIS II) located between the driver and passenger seats.
The infotainment system features USB-C connectivity and seamless Apple CarPlay synchronization. In addition to the storage space with sliding cup holders between the seats, there’s also a storage compartment behind the armrest. Behind the seats, there’s a maximum 117L of storage space, large enough to fit two travel bags or two helmets.
