The McLaren W1 is the apex of McLaren’s engineering, bringing Formula 1-derived technology to a road-legal car. It features a custom-developed MHP-8 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine working in concert with a radial flux electric motor, delivering a combined output of 1258 BHP and 1340 Nm of torque.
Acceleration & Power
The car comes with mind-blowing acceleration figures: 0–100 KM/H in 2.7 seconds, 0–200 KM/H in 5.8 seconds, and 0–300 KM/H in just 12.7 seconds. The W1 achieves a top speed of 350 KM/H, placing it in the elite club of vehicles that can attain such speeds.
Powertrain Information
The hybrid powertrain incorporates an electric motor contributing 342 BHP to the total output. This system draws power from a compact 1.38 kWh battery specifically optimized for high power delivery and immediate throttle response. Compared to McLaren’s previous flagship hypercar, the P1, this hybrid system offers 40% greater power while reducing overall weight by 40%. Technical innovations abound in the W1’s powertrain, such as motorsport-derived plasma-spray cylinder liners, sodium-filled intake valves, and high-speed turbochargers positioned outside the engine block to improve efficiency and lower the center of gravity. The car also features a Drag Reduction System (DRS) on its rear wing to reduce air resistance during high-speed driving.
Styling & Aerodynamics
The McLaren W1 achieves aerodynamic excellence. It comes with active wings and an interesting “McLaren Active Long Tail” system that extends rearward by up to 300 mm to generate additional downforce. When activated in Race mode, the car lowers its ride height (37 mm at the front, 17 mm at the rear), stiffens the suspension, and deploys aerodynamic elements to produce up to 1,000 kg of downforce.
With a dry weight of just 1,399 kg, the W1 achieves a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 911 BHP/tonne. This impressive statistic results from extensive carbon fiber integration and 3D-printed components throughout the vehicle. This is an absurd number that cements McLaren’s status as one of the world’s finest supercar manufacturers.
Availability
Production of the McLaren W1 is strictly limited to 399 units worldwide, each priced at approximately $2.1 million—all of which have already been sold.
