McLaren W1 debuts – 1,275 PS/1,340 Nm V8 turbo hybrid, rear-wheel drive; F1-inspired chassis and aero

The McLaren W1 has been unveiled as the British supercar manufacturer’s latest halo product, the latest in a lineage of ‘1’ models comprised of the naturally aspirated F1 and the turbocharged, hybrid P1. The W1 arrives with an all-new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, increased focus on aerodynamics and a new Aerocell monocoque.

As progress dictates, the W1 comes with powertrain that has been uprated over its P1 predecessor, packing 1,275 PS and 1,340 Nm of torque in combined outputs from its hybrid powertrain. The ICE part of the equation is an all-new MHP-8 4.0 litre, flat-plant crank twin-turbo V8 engine that displaces 3,988 cc, producing 928 PS and 900 Nm of torque.

Construction of new engine uses aluminium in its block, cylinder heads and pistons, employs plasma-coated cylinder bores, and features both direct- and port-injection. Cylinder dimensions are oversquare, with bore and stroke of 92 mm and 75 mm, respectively, and the dry-sumped MHP-8 engine is redlined at 9,200 rpm.

The exhaust features tubular manifolds with equal-length runners tuned to ‘build sound to a crescendo’, feeding a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers which are optimised for higher peak power and significantly more torque throughout the engine speed range compared to the brand’s existing M840T series of engines, which powers the 825 PS Senna GTR.

Electric drive in the W1 is by a motorsport-derived E-module that contributes up to 347 PS to the car’s combined outputs, and this module consists of a radial flux motor that spins up to 24,000 rpm with a specific output of 23 PS per kg.

This is combined with an integrated silicon-carbide motor control unit, and the complete electric drive unit weighs just 20 kg, says McLaren. The drive motor is fed by a 1.384 kWh battery that features di-electric immersion cooling for increased cooling when the car is subjected to sustained track running.

The battery, management unit and power distribution unit are enclosed within a fireproof cover and mounted within a cavity built into the car’s carbon-fibre monocoque, located low in the car to benefit centre of gravity and away from potential impact from the engine, transmission and rear structure.

Its battery cells are designed to prioritise high power outputs in order to increase throttle response and augment overall power, and the battery’s state of charge is managed in order to maintain a minimum level to be sufficient for starting the engine, supply power for reversing and as a reserve. The total weight of hybrid components have been reduced by 40 kg compared to the P1, says Mclaren.

Combined outputs, paired with a weight of 1,399 kg, the McLaren W1 attains a power-to-weight ratio of 911 PS per tonne, which is the highest yet of any road-legal car from Mclaren, it says. The hybrid powertrain sends drive through an all-new eight-speed DCT gearbox and e-differential, powering the rear wheels exclusively.

For acceleration, 0-100 km/h is done in 2.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 5.8 seconds and 0-300 km/h in under 12.7 seconds, or just under the 12.8 seconds required by the top speed-focused Speedtail. Meanwhile, top speed for the W1 is electronically limited to 350 km/h.

Forming the backbone of the McLaren W1 is the manufacturer’s all-new Aerocell carbon-fibre monocoque, built using pre-impregnated, or pre-preg carbon-fibre as used in the track-only Solus GT. The simplified curing process brings higher structural strength and allows for a lighter structure.

Use of the new Aerocell monocoque also brings the new anhedral door arrangement, succeeding the dihedral door layout of existing McLaren models. This brings aerodynamic benefits as well as improving entry and egress from car, the latter aided by the offsetting of the A-pillars where they meet the chassis and thus freeing up more space for stepping into the footwell.

Aerodynamic benefits of the anhedral door layout come from optimised airflow from the front wheelarches towards the radiators, enabling an extra 100 mm of cooling space which allows the use of smaller radiators for cooling the powertrain, says McLaren.

At the back, a structural diffuser made of intermediate-modulus carbon-fibre serves as both an aerodynamic component and a structural load-bearing part, enabling further weight saving as the diffuser’s strength and stiffness does away with the car’s need for a cross-car structure joining the suspension pick-up points, while allowing significant diffuser volume. The rear diffuser also serves as a crash structure, or rear bumper.

An included Race mode deploys the active front and rear wings while lowering the car by 37 mm in front and 17 mm at the rear, offering up to 1,000 kg of downforce (350 kg front, 650 kg rear) at 280 km/h.

More direct inspiration from Formula 1 comes in the form of suspension pushrods with inboard dampers, which combine with wishbones, torsion bars and heave dampers to form the the W1’s front suspension layout. This concept is employed to optimise aero efficiency by helping maintain a smooth flow of air, while the rear suspension layout employs traditional outboard springs and dampers, where airflow is less critical.

For braking, the W1 uses the McLaren Carbon Ceramic Racing+ (MCCR+) setup that brings 390 mm discs clamped by six-piston calipers in front and four-piston calipers at the rear. Tyres measure 265/35R19 in front and 335/30R20 at the rear, with the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS road-legal track-day tyre as standard fitment, bespoke to the W1. Other options are the P Zero R and P Zero Winter 2 for road and winter use, respectively.

Cabin accommodations are for two in the W1, and this has also been dictated by the new Aerocell structure. In order to minimise the length of the Aerocell and thus the car overall, seating is fixed and incorporated into the monocoque, while the pedals, steering and other primary controls move to meet the driver. Luggage is by a stowage shelf behind the seats, holding 117 litres.

Smartphone connectivity is by Apple CarPlay via USB-C, accessed through an eight-inch McLaren Infotainment System (MIS II) touchscreen, while USB-A provides device charging and data storage access; audio is by a bespoke Bowers & Wilkins system.

Last but not least, the price. Autocar reports that transacted sums are expected to be in excess of two million pounds sterling (RM11.2 million) due to the customisation options on offer, and all 399 examples of the W1 production run have been spoken for.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.