McLaren's W1, a PHEV supercar inheriting the "1" from the F1 and P1, makes its Japan premiere.

McLaren W1 | McLaren W1

On November 13, McLaren Automotive unveiled its newly announced supercar, the "W1," for the first time in Tokyo. This latest model, continuing the lineage of McLaren's revered "F1" and "P1," has already sold all 399 units slated for production.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi | Photographs by McLaren Automotive

Priced at approximately 396 million yen, all 399 units are already sold out.

The "F1," born in 1992, and the "P1," launched in 2012, both reflected McLaren's Formula 1 technology. Now, the plug-in hybrid supercar "W1," created to inherit McLaren's pinnacle Ultimate Series, makes its Japan premiere.

Its powertrain features a newly designed 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine producing a maximum output of 928 ps at 9,200 rpm, complemented by an E-module delivering 347 ps, for a combined system output of 1,275 ps. Incidentally, this engine boasts McLaren's highest ever specific output of 233 ps/L.

With a system total torque of 1,340 Nm, it truly embodies a monstrous machine. Furthermore, thanks to various weight-saving measures, including the integrated chassis and cockpit known as the "McLaren AeroCell," the vehicle weighs in at 1,399 kg, achieving a power-to-weight ratio of 911 ps/t.

Power is sent through an 8-speed transmission to McLaren's signature rear-wheel drive. Despite being a road-legal model, it achieves 0-100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds, making it the fastest in McLaren's history. Its top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h.

Driving modes range from race settings to those suitable for city driving, dramatically altering its performance characteristics. Notably, when switching from road to track mode, the ride height lowers by 37 mm at the front and 17 mm at the rear, generating up to 1,000 kg of downforce.

The W1's visual design is equally striking. It incorporates McLaren's first "dihedral doors," further emphasizing the W1's distinct personality. Additionally, functional elements like the "McLaren Active Longtail," which enhances aerodynamics, are integral to the W1's design.

Furthermore, bespoke customization options are available through McLaren Special Operations (MSO) for both the interior and exterior, allowing owners to fully express their individuality.

The W1 is priced at 2 million pounds (approximately 396 million yen), but all 399 units planned for production have already been sold. The number of units allocated for Japan has not been disclosed.