Formerly known as P18, the McLaren W1 arrives to succeed the P1 and in some ways, the legendary F1
McLaren's latest W1 masterpiece is a symphony of science and speed, as the brand unveils the successor to the P1 and legendary F1 on October 6 (pictured below L-R: F1, P1, W1).
Why October 6? This date is the 50th anniversary of Emerson Fittipaldi sealing the brand's first Formula 1 Drivers and Constructors World Championships.
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If you're wondering, the 'W1' name is intended to celebrate McLaren’s World Championship mindset and there will be just 399 units.
The High Performance Hybrid powertrain that produces a total of 1275hp / 1340Nm comprises an all-new MHP-8 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine working in tandem with an all-new E-module (integrating a radial flux electric motor and motor control unit).
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Transmission duties are handled by an 8spd transmission with E-reverse, with all power and torque sent to the rear wheels only!
In case you're wondering, the W1 is the most powerful production car to ever wear the McLaren badge.
The W1 now features "gullwing" anhedral-doors (instead of the distinctive dihedral ones from before).
There's also an active McLaren Active Long Tail rear wing (pictured above) that extends rearwards by 300mm for dramatic levels of downforce, which tallies up to 1000kg with the F1-derived ground effect aerodynamics in Race mode.
However, outright power is only half the story. The real magic happens when you combine that engine with McLaren's legendary lightweight engineering (in its lightest configuration, the W1 weighs under 1.4-tonnes dry!) and aerodynamic prowess.
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The result? A power-to-weight ratio of 911hp/tonne.
And then there's the design. Sleek, aggressive, fiercely aero'd and unmistakably McLaren, the W1's lines are clearly sculpted by speed and inspired by its successes in Formula One racing.
From the Active Long Tail rear wing to the intricately crafted Aerocell carbonfibre monocoque, every detail has been meticulously honed to deliver the ultimate driving experience.
If you're hung up on hard stats, consider these: 350km/h top speed aside, the W1 will demolish 0-200km/h (yes, 200km/h) in 5.8secs, while standstill to 300km/h takes less than 12.7secs.
With only 399 units available, this is an exclusive ownership experience that's reserved for the select few (we recently spoke to Amanda Toh-Steckler, a serial McLaren collector who confirmed she received an allocation).
Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive says, “The McLaren W1 is a celebration of both the excellence of the iconic McLaren F1 and McLaren P1 and the manifestation of McLaren’s World Championship mindset. 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."
He adds, “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.”
And if you're wondering what's next from its rivals, there should be more news on the LaFerrari replacement (codenamed the F250 for now) in a few weeks.
