The McLaren W1 debuts as the brand’s most powerful supercar yet
With its epic hybrid powertrain, advanced aerodynamics, and lightweight engineering, the W1 sets a new standard for what a road-legal supercar can achieve. Share
McLaren has unveiled the highly anticipated W1, the next generation of its iconic ‘1’ car lineage, following in the footsteps of the legendary McLaren F1 and P1. This groundbreaking supercar is a masterpiece of engineering and design, created with the same mindset that has driven McLaren’s World Championship success. Built to deliver an unprecedented level of performance, the W1 combines advanced hybrid power, Formula 1-inspired aerodynamics, and lightweight engineering to set new benchmarks for the supercar category.
The heart of the W1 is its all-new MHP-8 V8 hybrid powertrain, which produces a staggering 1275PS, the highest power output of any McLaren to date, and exceeds the performance of all core competitors. The MHP-8 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine alone generates 928PS, an astonishing achievement, delivering 233PS per liter— the highest specific output ever for a McLaren engine.
This powerful engine revs to an impressive 9,200 rpm, providing breathtaking speed and performance. To complement this, the W1 features a highly efficient electric motor, known as the E-module, which contributes an additional 347PS. This hybrid system combines cutting-edge technology with McLaren’s relentless pursuit of lightweight design, bringing the total weight of the car to just 1,399kg. This gives the W1 an outstanding power-to-weight ratio of 911PS per tonne, the best in its class and the highest ever for a road-legal McLaren.
The W1’s hybrid powertrain is paired with a newly developed 8-speed transmission, featuring an E-differential and McLaren’s innovative E-reverse system. Power is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels, preserving McLaren’s tradition of rear-wheel-drive supercars. Despite the massive torque and power output—1,340Nm in total—the W1 maintains impeccable control and precision, thanks to McLaren’s expertise in Formula 1-inspired chassis design and advanced suspension systems.
Performance figures for the W1 are nothing short of extraordinary. The car accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.7 seconds and reaches 200km/h in 5.8 seconds. Even more impressive is its ability to sprint from 0 to 300km/h in less than 12.7 seconds, putting it ahead of some of the fastest hypercars in the world. The top speed is electronically limited to 350km/h, underscoring the W1’s capability as one of the fastest cars ever made. McLaren claims that the W1 is both quicker in a straight line than the Speedtail and three seconds faster per lap than the track-focused McLaren Senna at their reference circuit, making it the fastest road-legal McLaren ever.
The W1’s design is a perfect balance of form and function, with every element engineered for optimal performance. The car’s lightweight Aerocell carbon fiber monocoque is designed using motorsport pre-preg carbon fiber techniques, making it stronger and lighter than any previous McLaren chassis. The design also incorporates McLaren’s first-ever Anhedral doors, which are hinged from the roof to optimize airflow around the car and into the radiators. The integration of the seating into the monocoque further reduces weight and enhances the driver’s connection to the car.
Inside the W1, the cockpit is designed to fully immerse the driver in the experience. The seats are fixed into the carbon fiber monocoque, providing a direct connection to the chassis, while the pedals, steering wheel, and primary controls are all adjustable to perfectly fit the driver. This ensures that the driver is always in the optimal driving position, with complete control over the car. The steering wheel features just two buttons—one for Boost, which instantly deploys full E-module power for overtaking or extra speed out of corners, and one for aerodynamic deployment, which activates the Drag Reduction System (DRS). The cockpit also features a high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complete with Apple CarPlay and USB connectivity.
McLaren has also ensured that the W1 offers virtually unlimited customization options through its Special Operations (MSO) division. Clients can choose from a range of bespoke materials, including the newly developed McLaren InnoKnit interior material, which is lightweight, flexible, and can be tailored to the client’s exact specifications. The W1’s exterior can also be fully personalized, allowing clients to create a truly one-of-a-kind supercar. The W1 is priced at approximately £2.0 million, depending on the level of customization, and only 399 customer cars will be produced. All have already been allocated, making the W1 one of the most exclusive McLarens ever built.
