McLaren W1 Debuts: The Ultimate Supercar, Boasting McLaren's Greatest Power Yet.

McLaren W1 | McLaren W1

The Ultimate Supercar, Successor to the F1 and P1, the "W1" is Here.

McLaren Automotive has unveiled its new supercar, the "W1." Touted by McLaren as the "ultimate form of supercar," it will be produced in a limited run of 399 units.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

A Monster Machine Boasting 1,275 PS and 1,340 Nm of Torque

This year marks 50 years since McLaren first won the Formula 1 Constructors' Championship. Now, the "W1" has arrived, the latest in the "1" series of supercars, succeeding the legendary "F1" born in 1992 and the "P1" unveiled in 2012.

McLaren's Most Powerful Supercar Ever, the "Ultimate Supercar" McLaren W1 Debuts | McLaren

The W1 is a plug-in hybrid supercar capable of both road and track driving, instantly transforming its performance between street and track modes with the flick of a switch.

Mid-mounted is a newly designed 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with a 90-degree bank angle, producing a maximum output of 928 PS. Combined with a 347 PS E-module, this creates a total of 1,275 PS, the greatest power in McLaren's history.

The vehicle's weight has also been reduced through engine optimization and a 20kg E-module, utilizing carbon fiber to achieve a total weight of 1,399 kg. This results in an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 911 PS/t. Like the F1 and P1, it features rear-wheel drive.

With a combined torque of 1,340 Nm and the instantaneous throttle response from the E-module, the 0-100 km/h acceleration is a mere 2.7 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 350 km/h.

Aerodynamics are also crucial for maximizing speed and racing performance, drawing heavily on McLaren's Formula 1 expertise.

To achieve high downforce of up to 1,000 kg and low drag, a dedicated carbon fiber monocoque, the "McLaren AeroCell," was developed. This shortened the necessary wheelbase by nearly 70 mm to 2,680 mm, and it also features the "McLaren Active Longtail" rear wing.

McLaren's first-ever "dihedral doors" have also been adopted, adding to its visual impact.

As a result, it is reported to have recorded a lap time at the Nardò Circuit, McLaren's benchmark, three seconds faster than the ultra-lightweight "McLaren Senna," which is specifically designed for track use.

The powertrain offers approximately 2 kilometers of pure electric driving. Additionally, various modes are available: the default "Comfort Mode" for initial startup using the E-module for torque assist, "Sport Mode," "Sprint" for releasing maximum power from both the E-module and internal combustion engine during races, and "Grand Prix" which prioritizes consistent performance throughout a track session.

The cockpit is designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring excellent visibility. McLaren states that the unique structure, where the carbon fiber monocoque "McLaren AeroCell" and the seats are integrated, provides a direct sense of unity with the chassis.

Furthermore, interior materials, colors, and other specifications can be bespoke, with nearly limitless options available through McLaren Special Operations (MSO).

This W1 represents the pinnacle of McLaren's engineering. With only 399 units produced and a price tag of £2 million (approximately 390 million yen), all have already been sold.