In the history of McLaren, two-letter badges carry some serious weight. The F1 was a game-changing supercar, considered by many to still be the pinnacle of analogue performance, while the P1 was equally momentous when it launched in 2013 — setting the benchmark for hybrid hypercars to this day. Now, the masterminds at Woking have pulled the covers off the successor to these two automotive icons: meet the McLaren W1.
Firstly, let’s tackle the name. McLaren states “The W1 name celebrates McLaren’s World Championship mindset,” and the timing couldn’t be better. Not only does this mark the 50th anniversary of McLaren’s first Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship, but following Lando’s victory in Singapore, they’ve also taken the lead in the current Championship fight.
As for the design, well that’s likely to be a bit more divisive. Launched in McLaren’s signature Papaya, the W1 has adopted a two-tone colour scheme, likely to disguise just how busy its bodywork is. Visually, it’s certainly a departure from the organic, figure-hugging bodywork of the P1, appearing closer to the Lykan Hypersport than McLarens of the past. However, all those ducts and vents have a purpose and the W1 boasts the most advanced aero features of any McLaren yet, including a “McLaren Active Long Tail” rear wing that extends rearwards by 300mm.
Weighing in a 1,399kg, the W1’s power-to-weight ratio of 911PS/tonne is the highest ever for any McLaren supercar. This is achieved with an all-new 1275PS hybrid powertrain that combines a 4.0-litre 928PS V8 with a 347PS E-module. Acceleration figures are, unsurprisingly, mind-boggling: the W1 will do 0-124mph in 5.8 seconds and 0-186mph in less than 12.7 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 217 mph.
So, how much will this “fastest-accelerating and fastest-lapping road-legal McLaren ever” set you back? Each of the 399 cars will be priced around 2 million pounds, but with practically unlimited customisation courtesy of MSO the sky really is the limit. So, on paper the W1 has what it takes, but do you think this lives up to the iconic P1 and F1?
