The "1" car trilogy is complete

Oct 5

F1 and P1. Two nameplates not only associated with Grand Prix racing, but the pinnacle of Woking's engineering might and racing experience. The McLaren F1, designed by automotive genius Gordon Murray, debuted in 1992 as the first supercar to feature a carbon chassis, central driving position, and ground effects, all in pursuit of driving perfection. The McLaren P1 was infamously part of a holy trinity of next-generation hybrid hypercars, pushing the performance envelope further than ever.

There has long been a debate about which of Mclaren's hypercars made since were intended to be the 1's successor. Some suggested it was the Senna, continuing the tradition of Formula 1 connection in the name, appearing as an ultimate expression of Mclaren's on-track heritage. Some suggested the Mclaren Speedtail, harking back to the F1 with its central driving position and high-speed performance. But according to the creators themselves, it is this: The Mclaren W1.

As the most powerful McLaren ever built, the W1’s introduction is a testament to what a modern hypercar is capable of. The W1 combines a cutting-edge V8 hybrid powertrain with advanced aerodynamics inspired by Formula 1 to deliver blistering performance, making it quite certainly a true weapon on both road and track.

At the heart of the McLaren W1 is an all-new 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, working in harmony with a high-performance electric motor. This plug-in-hybrid setup delivers a combined system output of 1258 horsepower, with the V8 alone generating 915 horsepower. The W1's engine is the most powerful combustion engine ever installed in a McLaren. The additional 342 horsepower comes from the electric motor, referred to by McLaren as the "E-module," which drives the rear wheels exclusively, giving the W1 a rear-wheel-drive configuration that makes it one of the most powerful rear-wheel drive cars ever. And probably a handful at any gear.

The V8’s ability to rev up to 9200 rpm stems from its use of advanced materials like plasma-coated cylinder bores and diamond-like carbon-coated valve gear reducing friction, and allowing the engine to rev so faster. This engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that’s designed to handle the immense 988 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the electric motor is lightweight yet incredibly potent, spinning at 24,000 rpm while being cooled by a specialized system to withstand long track sessions.

While the hybrid V8 powertrain alone is enough to ensure blistering performance, the W1’s aerodynamics are where it truly breaks new ground. McLaren has equipped the W1 with the most advanced aero package ever developed for a road car, taking cues directly from Formula 1. The W1 achieves full ground effect, becoming only the second road-legal car to do so after the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

The car’s shape-shifting aerodynamics allow it to adapt depending on the driving mode. In Race mode, the ride height lowers significantly—by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear—optimizing the W1 for maximum downforce and high-speed cornering. The front wing is a masterpiece of engineering, employing e-motors to adjust its configuration dynamically, while the rear wing, dubbed the "McLaren Active Long Tail," can extend rearwards by up to 300mm. This extension not only helps generate up to 2205 pounds of downforce but also acts as an airbrake and adjusts to the car’s steering, throttle, and braking inputs, providing stability during high-speed maneuvers. The W1’s diffuser is made of high-strength Intermediate Modulus Carbon Fiber, which eliminates the need for a strut brace, allowing for a more extensive underbody aerodynamic setup. The overall aero package is designed to keep the aerodynamic center of pressure as close as possible to the car’s center of gravity, ensuring exceptional stability at any speed.

MCLAREN W1 IN STOW PROFILE

MCLAREN W1 IN ROAD PROFILE

MCLAREN W1 IN RACE PROFILE

The W1 features an entirely new chassis called the Aerocell monocoque, crafted from pre-preg carbon fiber, the same material used in high-end motorsport. This lightweight yet rigid structure houses integrated seats to reduce the car's wheelbase by 70mm, further optimizing weight distribution. The raised footwell is a nod to Formula 1 design, positioning the driver in a more aggressive and connected stance to the vehicle.

McLaren has also revisited the concept of interconnected suspension, reminiscent of the controversial Front and Rear Interconnected Suspension system once banned in Formula 1. The W1’s front suspension utilizes titanium torsion bars, while the rear features a Z-bar setup with active drop links, all designed to control the car's vertical movement and improve underbody aerodynamics.

Yet power and grip are only part of the equation. As with any aspect of any car, weight plays a key role. With a dry weight of 1,399kg, the W1 boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 899 horsepower per ton, putting it firmly in hypercar territory. This translates into staggering performance figures: a top speed of 217 mph, 0-62 mph in just 2.7 seconds, and a sprint to 124 mph in a mere 5.8 seconds. The W1 continues to impress with its ability to reach 186 mph in under 12.7 seconds, making it quicker than McLaren's previous halo car, the Speedtail. On the track, the W1 delivers a level of performance unmatched by any other McLaren road car, even the aerodynamically focused Senna. It’s three seconds faster per lap around McLaren’s reference test track at the Nardò Ring than the Senna. Yet, despite all the performance, the W1 should remain composed and predictable, thanks to the intricately designed aero and suspension systems.

Inside the McLaren W1, form follows function. The cabin is sparse and focused, with fixed seats integrated directly into the monocoque, creating a race-oriented environment. The pedals and flat-bottomed steering wheel can be adjusted to meet the comfort of the driver driver. Most notably, McLaren has introduced InnoKnit, a sustainable and ultra-lightweight material used for the interior, blending modern eco-friendly materials with the high-end feel expected in a hypercar.

The W1 also features gullwing doors, a departure from McLaren’s traditional dihedral design, which improve airflow to the high-temperature radiators while also making entry and exit easier.

Priced at £2 million with production limited to 399 units, the McLaren W1 is as exclusive as it is powerful. Despite the high price tag, all units have been allocated, as is the norm in the contemporary hypercar market. Its blend of hybrid power, groundbreaking aerodynamics, and Formula 1-derived technology ensures that the W1 will go down in history as one of McLaren’s most significant models. As does its hereditary "1" badge, signifying in the past some of the most extraordinary vehicles. While we know much about the new W1, only time will tell if the W1 will cement its place as a worthy "1" car.

Yash Stalin

Yashwanth (Yash) Stalin has been sincerely passionate about cars for as long as he can remember. What began as a childhood hobby of simply naming cars on the road has grown into a career-defining passion. Inspired by years of consuming countless articles and videos, his love for cars evolved into a desire to write his own material and help others in the way those articles helped him. This ambition led to the creation of HEEL & TOE, through which he channels his enthusiasm and knowledge, providing readers with informative content about the automotive industry.

The "1" car trilogy is complete

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