It is a power war out there and it has spilled past the 1000 bhp mark while McLaren has now joined back in the ring. McLaren has been arguably the inventor of the hypercar with its iconic F1 while later its P1 cemented its place as a part of the ‘Holy Trinity’. Now McLaren is back with its W1 which is its most powerful car ever along with being governed by the ethos of optimum aerodynamics. The W1 is all about aero efficiency, downforce, and being lightweight.
This is explained by its brooding demeanor and a slippery shape designed to go as fast as possible. Amongst the vast line-up of aero-enhancing features, the W1 has Formula 1-inspired technologies and an active long tail rear wing that extends rearwards by 300mm. Everything is designed to simulate the feeling of driving a race car on the road with the Aerocell carbon fiber monocoque and McLaren Anhedral Doors.
However, the power figure might have raised a few eyebrows since it is the most powerful McLaren ever with the all-new V8 hybrid powertrain developing 1275PS. The V8 on its own is fast as it develops 928PS while at 233PS per liter, it is also the highest-ever output from a McLaren engine – and revs to a stratospheric 9,200rpm. Then you have even more power courtesy of a 347PS electric module including a motor and control unit. The resulting performance numbers tell the story but it is not quite a Bugatti Tourbillon chaser with its limited top speed. To put it in plain numbers, the W1 does 0-200km/h (0-124mph) in 5.8 seconds and 0-300km/h (0-186mph) in less than 12.7 seconds with an electronically limited to 350km/h. Hence, we think that the speed of the F1 technology being applied to bend physics is what makes this car very special.
Unlike rivals do note that this McLaren is strictly rear-wheel drive and that is some statement when the car must put down 1275PS and 1340Nm cleanly. Other unique elements include a hydraulic steering wheel and braking system along with the seats integrated into the Aerocell monocoque. Hence, you can only move the steering, pedals, and other primary controls while the seat being bolted saves weight.
Other strict weight-saving measures include 3d printed components plus Titanium ones. The interior is not bare but is more of a race car for the road with a focussed ethos while there are enough creature comforts to make more than just a track racer with a tax disc. The W1 has a lightweight upholstery while there are a lot of customisations on offer for owners as well. Speaking of which, all 399 units have been sold despite the $2.1 million price but again this is McLaren’s limited-edition masterpiece which explains its future collector car status. That said, it remains to be seen whether it will be as iconic as the F1 or even the P1 which set many of the hypercar rules in this competitive segment.
