British sports car manufacturer McLaren has shaped the hypercar market in recent years with models such as the legendary P1, the radical Senna and the ground-breaking Speedtail, holding its own in a three-way battle with its fiercest rivals – the Porsche 918 Spyder and the Ferrari LaFerrari. This competition for supremacy in the ultimate super sports car segment has revolutionised the industry, created car fans and left an eerie mark on the three manufacturers. Now McLaren is taking its vision to a new level: with the McLaren W1, the brand is presenting its most advanced hypercar to date. This model combines the power of a V8 engine with an electric drive and aerodynamics inspired by Formula 1 – the start of a new edition of the three-way battle?

Around 12 years after the McLaren P1 was unveiled at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris, the British company presents the W1 and describes it as the lap record holder and the fastest accelerating road-legal McLaren.

As in the P1, a hybrid powertrain beats at the heart of the McLaren W1. However, this consists of McLaren’s new MHP-8 V8 combustion engine, an innovative e-module and an 8-speed gearbox with e-reverse gear. The British company puts the total power output at 1275 hp, of which 928 hp is attributable to the V8 engine and the remaining 347 hp to the e-module. The result is acceleration from 0 to 300 km/h in around 12.7 seconds. For comparison: a Bugatti Chiron needs around 13.1 seconds for the same sprint.

1275 hp to the rear wheels

McLaren has retained the traditional rear-wheel drive chassis to maximise performance and precision. The MHP-8 engine uses state-of-the-art technologies, including plasma-coated cylinder bores and a 350-bar direct injection petrol system, to achieve a specific power output of 233bhp per litre. The E-module, which weighs just 20 kg and offers a specific output of 23 hp/kg, is optimised for motorsport and is powered by a 1.384 kWh battery. However, with an electric range of 2 kilometres, you shouldn’t do without petrol in the tank.

The aerodynamic design of the W1 ensures high downforce and low drag. The transformation process from road to race mode is particularly impressive: the vehicle height is lowered by 37 mm at the front and 17 mm at the rear, while a lifting system stiffens the chassis. In addition, the front and rear wings are activated, with the McLaren Active Long Tail retracting by up to 300 mm to generate up to 1,000 kg of downforce.

The McLaren W1 is not just another super sports car, but a masterpiece of modern automotive engineering that redefines the limits of what is possible on the road. A statement of design Even at first glance, the McLaren W1 is a real eye-catcher. The vehicle combines the typical, sharp-edged lines of the McLaren design language with futuristic accents. The aerodynamic silhouette is not only breathtaking, but also functional. Every detail of the exterior is designed to minimise drag while maximising downforce – a perfect balance of elegance and practicality.

One of the most striking innovations on the McLaren W1 is the integration of active aerodynamic elements. The wings and air deflectors adapt dynamically to the respective driving situation. At high speeds, they provide additional grip and stability, while optimising efficiency at low speeds. These technical refinements are not only visually impressive, but also make a significant contribution to the vehicle’s performance.

‘Formula 1-inspired aerodynamics, pure rear-wheel drive and McLaren hydraulic steering demonstrate McLaren’s approach to purposeful innovation as a racing company that always delivers the best possible performance. It’s no surprise then that the new W1 is our fastest lap record holder and the fastest accelerating road-legal McLaren ever. It also offers the purest connection to the driver, staying true to the principles that define the ultimate supercar driving experience. This is truly a car that only McLaren could create.’ Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive

The McLaren W1 marks another milestone in the history of super sports cars. It combines ground-breaking technology with a breathtaking design and offers a driving experience that is second to none. It remains to be seen whether we will see a new edition of the battle between Porsche, Ferrari and McLaren. With its hybrid drive, the W1 also shows that the future of the automobile does not have to be limited to purely electric drives, but also lies in the combination of tradition and innovation. If you have already entered the number of your McLaren dealer, we regret to inform you that all 399 units have already been allocated to customers. The price for the McLaren W1 starts at 2.2 million euros, with the final price depending on the countless MSO personalisation options.