This is McLaren W1: The most powerful road-going McLaren hypercar

KUALA LUMPUR: The British luxury automotive manufacturer, McLaren Automotive, has pulled the wraps of its all-new hypercar, called the McLaren W1. It is the brand's third hypercar after the iconic F1 in 1992 and the P1 in 2012 and touted as its most powerful car to date. 

The key highlights of the McLaren W1 are as follows - 

High-performance hybrid powertrain

The W1 is powered by a 4.0-litre MHP-8 twin-turbo V8  engine paired with an electric E-module. The hybrid drivetrain delivers a whopping output of 1,275 PS and 1,340 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful McLaren to be ever made. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an electronic differential mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The new V8 engine features an aluminium construction with advanced technologies like plasma spray-coated cylinder bores for high RPM capabilities (up to 9,200 rpm). It utilises a 350-bar Gasoline Direct Injection system to maximise power output without compromising emissions.

Also part of the hybrid setup is a 1.384 kWh battery that prioritises high power outputs for performance and offers all-electric driving for short distances (up to 2 km).

Mind-blowing acceleration numbers

In terms of performance, the new McLaren runs from 0-100 kmph in just 2.7 seconds, 0-200 kmph in 5.8 seconds, and 0-300 kmph in less than 12.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 350 kmph. These numbers make the McLaren W1 the fastest-accelerating McLaren ever.

The hypercar car features McLaren Race mode, which adjusts aerodynamics and suspension settings for track and road performance.

Advanced suspension and braking system

Designed for both everyday driving and track use, the McLaren features the new McLaren Race Active Chassis Control III suspension, which comes mated to dynamic driving modes - Comfort, Sport, Race, and Race+ modes. The high-performance braking system comprises Carbon Ceramic Racing+ (MCCR+) discs. It achieves impressive stopping distances - 100 kmph to 0 in 29 m, and 200 kmph to 0 in 100 m.

Aerodynamic design

The W1 features massive air intakes, sleek LED headlamps, and unique anhedral doors hinged from the roof, which not only enhance airflow and aesthetics but also provide easy access. 

The hypercar boasts Formula 1-inspired ground effect aerodynamics allowing it to shift from road to track performance. It lowers the front ride height by 37 mm and the rear by 17 mm, generating up to 1,000 kg of downforce for enhanced stability and grip. 

The hypercar also comes with F1-inspired barge sideboards, a central exhaust, an "Active Long Tail" rear wing, and a huge diffuser at the rear. It runs on magnesium alloy wheels wrapped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres as standard.

Driver-focused cabin

The McLaren W1's interior is slightly larger than the P1, with a lightweight design featuring extensive carbon fibre. The steering wheel is designed with minimal buttons, focusing on essential functions like Boost and Aero Deployment. Enhancing the forward and rearward visibility are narrow A-pillars and large glazed sections. Other key highlights include - reclinable fixed seats, adjustable pedals, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay connectivity.

“The McLaren W1 is a celebration of both the excellence of the iconic McLaren F1 and McLaren P1TM 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,” said Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive.

Also read: McLaren Artura Spider launched in Malaysia - RM3.4mil open-top, 3.0-litre V6 hybrid with 690hp and 720Nm