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This weekend, the new McLaren W1 was launched and the British manufacturer claims it is their fastest, most powerful supercar yet. In fact, as per McLaren, the W1 can lap the Nardò Circuit three seconds faster than their track-special, the McLaren Senna.
The McLaren W1 serves as an outrageous homage to the company's legacy while being its most powerful road car ever. It’s almost as if the folks at McLaren going, “Yes, we remember the P1 and the F1, and now we’ve built something faster, louder, and possibly even angrier.” It’s McLaren’s way of saying, “Hold my drink,” to the hypercar world.
At the heart of the W1 is McLaren’s new mid-rear 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, paired with an electric motor borrowed straight from Formula 1 tech. Combined, they deliver 1275PS and 1340Nm of torque, all of which are sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. This means a 0-100kmph sprint in just 2.7 seconds. McLaren’s engineers have fine-tuned the hybrid system, reducing the weight by 40kgs compared to its P1 predecessor despite nearly doubling the power output.
The W1’s design is all about airflow. It’s been refined with over 350 hours in the wind tunnel to ensure the best aerodynamic profile possible. The “longtail” rear wing extends up to 300mm, while the front wing adds another 350kg of downforce when fully deployed. This intricate dance of mechanics helps the W1 grip the track and slice through the air effortlessly.
With a press of a button, the W1 transforms from road to track mode. Its active suspension and aerodynamics system drop the car’s height to boost downforce, up to a ton. Think of it as a ground-sucking vacuum, helping it stick to corners like glue. The car’s active wings, inspired by Formula 1’s DRS system, are built to maximize speed and stability.
Rolling on bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres (including the track-happy Trofeo RS), the W1 is designed for all terrains, with options for performance road and winter use as well. The braking power comes from advanced ceramic brakes, ensuring that even at mind-numbing speeds, the W1 remains composed and safe.
McLaren claims the W1 is their ultimate road-to-track transformer, and with its specs, it’s hard to argue. A hybrid powertrain that combines muscle and efficiency, paired with tech straight from their Formula 1 playbook, makes it a serious contender in the hypercar market.
The McLaren W1 will cost you $2.1 million, to start. McLaren strongly suggests that the price tag is just the beginning, thanks to an endless array of bespoke options from McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Essentially, every W1 can be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. And if you want to get your hands on this impressive piece of technology, you’re in for disappointment as only 399 units will be made and all of them are already spoken for.
