McLaren Automotive has finally unveiled the much-anticipated successor to the P1. The W1 is the most powerful road-going model ever produced by the British supercar manufacturer. McLaren has said that manufacturing of the W1 will be limited to 399 units, each costing at a hefty GBP 2 million, with the cars already reserved for buyers.
McLaren W1: Powertrain
The RWD hypercar’s hybrid engine system combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with an E-module, which includes a motorsport-derived electric motor and a motor control unit. The flat-plane crank V8 produces 915 bhp on its own, the highest power output of any McLaren engine, and revs to 9,200 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
McLaren claims that the 342 bhp electric motor weighs only 20 kg and has a specific output that is directly comparable to electric motors used in Formula 1.The overall output is 1258 bhp and 1340 Nm of peak torque. With a top speed of 350 kmph, the W1 can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in 2.7 seconds, 200 kmph in 5.8 seconds, and 300 kmph in under 12.7 seconds.
McLaren W1: Design, Features
In terms of appearance, the W1 shares little with the rest of McLaren’s lineup. It has a more upright, less curved look than its predecessor, the P1. The front end has aggressive-looking headlights and several air vents that improve aerodynamic efficiency. The W1 features anhedral doors that pivot upward and are hinged to the ceiling. Other design characteristics include huge rear haunches with air intakes that draw air from the front wheel arches’ outlets. The large diffuser and slim, flowing tail lamps make up the most of the rear end.
Inside, the W1 features adjustable pedals and lightweight upholstery. Other amenities include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection, as well as a Bowers and Wilkins audio system.
Another talking point about the W1 is its complex aerodynamic elements, which work together to generate a significant 1000 kg of downforce. The suspension has been engineered to improve aerodynamic efficiency, with the bottom wishbones of the pushrod and inboard damper system lifted slightly to keep air flowing smoothly towards the car’s rear. When Race mode is selected, the ride height is reduced by 37 mm in the front and 17 mm in the back, and the active front and rear wings are deployed. The dynamic rear wing may extend up to 300 mm backwards.
The W1’s front suspension arrangement includes titanium torsion bars and an active heave element crosslink. Another intriguing aspect is that it uses 3D-printed uprights and control to conserve weight. The rear arrangement has a Z-bar with actuated droplinks. The automobile has three suspension settings: comfort, sport, and race. The car has 390 mm disc brakes on all ends, with 6-piston calipers on the front and 4-piston calipers on the rear. McLaren boasts that the W1 can come to a stop from 100 kmph in 29 metres and 200 kmph in 100 metres. Overall, the W1 has a dry weight of 1399 kg.
