NEW MCLAREN W1

In the world of Hypercars, where mind-bending power figures and eye-watering price tags have become par for the course, it’s easy to become desensitised. But the McLaren W1 arrives with the singular mission of reminding us all what true supercar mastery looks like.

It’s not just about numbers, although make no mistake, the W1 numbers are huge, it’s about a deep, visceral connection between man and machine. With the W1, McLaren has achieved that elusive blend of ferocious performance and pure driving pleasure.

The W1 is the natural heir to the McLaren throne, following in the tyre tracks of the legendary McLaren F1 and the pioneering McLaren P1. But this new creation doesn’t just live up to its heritage—it redefines it. At its core is a hybrid powertrain that delivers a staggering 1258bhp. 

Yes, that’s right, the W1 boasts more power than any McLaren ever built. The numbers are mind-blowing: 916bhp from an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, and a further 342bhp courtesy of the integrated E-module. This is a car engineered for those who understand that speed isn’t just about what’s under the bonnet but how that power is harnessed and delivered.

McLaren is no stranger to breaking barriers, and the W1 is a case in point. It rockets from 0 to 60mph in a blistering 2.7 seconds, reaches 124mph (200kph) in just 5.8 seconds and will hit 186mph (300kmp) in under 12.7 seconds. Top speed? A dizzying 217mph, although that’s electronically limited.

McLaren’s engineers would likely let it run wild if they could. Faster than even the McLaren Speedtail in a straight line, the W1 also trumps the ultra-aerodynamic McLaren Senna around McLaren’s reference track at Nardo, lapping three seconds quicker. This kind of performance is otherworldly, even by the standards of today’s Hypercars.

But here’s the thing, the W1 isn’t just about raw speed. It’s about delivering an immersive driving experience that’s both thrilling and refined. Weighing in at just 1,399kg, the W1 boasts an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 899bhp per tonne and that lightness is felt in every aspect of the car.

The secret to this weight-saving is McLaren’s signature Aerocell monocoque, a carbon fibre structure designed to be as strong as it is lightweight. More than just a structural element, the Aerocell is key to the W1’s incredible aerodynamics, playing a pivotal role in McLaren’s use of ground-effect technology.

This is where the W1 truly shines. Derived directly from Formula 1 technology, the W1’s aerodynamics are the most advanced ever seen on a road-legal McLaren. The car features active aerodynamics that morph depending on the driving mode. In its everyday Road mode, the W1 is a thrilling, fast, and engaging supercar. But hit the Race mode button and the car undergoes a physical transformation.

The ride height drops by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear, the suspension stiffens and the active wings spring into action. The rear wing - dubbed the McLaren Active Long Tail - extends by up to 300mm, working in concert with the ground effect aerodynamics to generate up to 1,000kg of downforce. In high-speed corners, this keeps the car glued to the road like a race car, providing supreme grip and stability.

It’s this duality that makes the W1 so extraordinary. On the one hand, it’s a blistering track weapon, able to lap circuits with a pace and precision that few others can match. On the other, it’s a refined road car that offers an exhilarating yet composed driving experience. Whether you’re carving through an alpine pass or navigating the urban sprawl, the W1 is as versatile as it is thrilling.

Of course, the driving experience is central to McLaren’s ethos, and the W1 delivers in spades. McLaren’s hydraulic steering is world-renowned for its feedback and in the W1, it’s better than ever.

The car’s rear-wheel-drive layout ensures a purity of handling that’s becoming increasingly rare in a world of all-wheel-drive Hypercars. The connection between car and driver is intimate, immediate and utterly engaging. Every input is met with precision, every movement reflected in the car’s behaviour on the road.

Underpinning this is McLaren’s all-new Race Active Chassis Control III suspension. In Comfort mode, the car glides over imperfections, making it suitable for daily driving. Switch to Sport or Race modes and the system tightens up, offering razor-sharp handling and supreme body control. In Race mode, the W1 is transformed into a track-ready machine, its aerodynamics coming alive to provide maximum downforce and cornering capability.

Step inside, and the W1’s interior is every bit as driver-focused as you’d expect. The seats are integrated into the Aerocell monocoque, positioning the driver at the heart of the car’s dynamic experience. The seating position is more reclined than in previous McLaren models, lending a race car feel to the cockpit.

The pedals, steering wheel and key controls are fully adjustable, allowing drivers to find their perfect setup and ensuring maximum comfort without sacrificing the connection to the road. The steering wheel is smaller and flatter than before, improving visibility while maintaining the tactile precision that McLaren drivers have come to love.

For those who crave personalisation, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) offers endless possibilities. The W1’s interior can be tailored with McLaren’s innovative InnoKnit material, a lightweight, flexible fabric that can be customised in a variety of colours and patterns.

From bespoke stitching to unique textures, no two W1s need to be the same. It’s this attention to detail that elevates the W1 beyond mere machinery, making each one a personal statement of automotive artistry.

But exclusivity is the name of the game. Only 399 W1s will be produced, and they’ve all been spoken for. With a price tag starting from £2.0 million, the W1 is an investment as much as it is a car. It represents McLaren’s relentless pursuit of perfection, combining decades of motorsport heritage with cutting-edge innovation.

Each W1 comes with a comprehensive 4-year vehicle warranty and a 6-year HV battery warranty, along with a 4-year service plan, ensuring that its owners can enjoy worry-free supercar ownership.

In the end, the McLaren W1 is more than just a car; it’s a distillation of everything McLaren stands for. It’s a showcase of the brand’s engineering prowess, its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and its ability to create a driving experience that is both exhilarating and rewarding. Whether you’re chasing lap times on a racetrack or simply enjoying the open road, the W1 delivers an experience that’s impossible to forget.

Those lucky enough to own one will no doubt be owning a piece of automotive history.