On the announcement of a new McLaren there is never a shortage of horsepower anyway. But in the case of a new flagship, our attention is just a little sharper. Especially when this new hypercar puts 1,275 hp to the rear wheels.
Text: Jorrit Niels
The McLaren W1 continues the pedigree of the exotic F1 and P1. What began with the former in the early 1990s, when McLaren launched its Decades of knowledge and experience in building race cars's applied to the creation of its very first production model, the F1.
At the time, it was the fastest production car in the world. Although more than 30 years have passed since F1's debut, the British marque's 1-series models remain the pinnacle of performance.
The W1 was unveiled on the 50th anniversary of McLaren's first-ever Formula 1 victory. A hypercar built around McLaren's all-new 'Aerocell'. Called the MHP-8, the W1's engine consists of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 and is complemented by an electric motor that together account for 1,275 hp.
More figures? That monstrous power takes the W1 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and it takes 5.8 seconds to tap the 200 km/h mark. The electronic limitation only intervenes at 350 km/h.
The W1 is not only the most powerful McLaren to date, it also represents the car with the most advanced aerodynamic setup to date. Featuring the all-new purpose-built McLaren Active Long Tail, which extends up to 30 centimetres to the rear and works in conjunction with other aerodynamic details, which are modelled on the brand's current F1 car. The result is downforce of up to 1,000 kilos (350 kilos in front, 650 kilos at the rear).
So to say that the W1 is the next evolutionary step in McLarens hypercar line is an understatement. Add a pair of wing doors and the look is complete. If the entry-level W1 is not enough for you, McLarens Special Operations department can personalise the W1 down to the smallest detail. These customised elements come at a high price, but this probably won't be a problem if you are considering a seven-digit hypercar. The McLaren W1 is limited to just 399 examples worldwide.
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