MacLaren’s newest halo model, the W1 (2026), is a tribute to the F1 and P1 models that came before it. With its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine and electric motor, this plug-in hybrid hypercar makes 1258 horsepower. It has aerodynamic parts from McLaren’s Formula One racing program and can produce up to 2,205 pounds of downforce. The legendary F1 and the hybrid P1 are great examples of McLaren’s history of making innovative, high-performance cars. The newest member of McLaren’s storied one-series lineup is the W1. 1258 horsepower makes the plug-in hybrid W1 the most powerful McLaren ever made. Similar to the P1, the W1 will be produced in extremely small numbers—only 399 total—and has already been reserved. McLaren did everything possible to make the W1 perform beyond expectations. Beyond its extremely high horsepower rating, the company has used technology from its Formula One racing program to make it easier to control and more stable at high speeds. Its active aerodynamic parts include a rear wing that extends 11.8 inches backward and creates about 2,205 pounds of downforce. Racing drive mode turns on the W1’s most aggressive setup. It lowers the front suspension by 1.5 inches and the rear suspension by 0.7 inches to get the car as close to the track as possible. The W1’s lightest version is expected to weigh about 3,300 pounds, which McLaren says is the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. Connected Hybrid Power MacLaren cars are powered by the W1’s new 4.0-liter V-8 twin-turbo engine. With its flat-plane crank design, the power-dense engine can rev to 9200 rpm and make 916 horsepower by itself. That’s 1258 horsepower and 988 pound-feet of torque from the gas engine and the 342-hp radial-flux electric motor working together. Instead of an all-wheel drive, this system has an electronically controlled differential and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to the back wheels. From 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, according to McLaren, and from 0 to 186 mph in less than 12.7 seconds. The 671-horsepower McLaren Artura can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. Reports say that the subsequent time is faster than the McLaren Speedtail. In addition, the new car can go as fast as 217 mph. It has a tiny 1.4 kWh battery that powers the e-motor. The Level 2 onboard charger can, according to McLaren, charge the battery to 80% capacity in 22 minutes. However, this PHEV can only go about two miles on electricity alone, and its main goal is to speed up as quickly as possible. Additionally, McLaren has done some strange things to become thinner. For example, the W1’s hybrid system is powered by its electric motor instead of its alternator or starter motor, which is inside the engine. Enchantment on Chassis The W1 can also be lighter by using a lot of carbon fiber in its construction. The standard Race Active Chassis Control III system offers different levels of steering feel and active suspension stiffness. It has three driving modes: Comfort, Sport, and Race. McLaren says that the front suspension has titanium bars, control arms that were made using 3-D printing, and uprights that were made using the same process. By using active links, you can precisely control the heave bar in the rear suspension. All four corners of the W1 have 15.4-inch carbon-ceramic brake rotors. A set of four pistons clamped down on the back discs, and forged monoblock six-piston calipers squeeze the front discs. Pirelli P Zero R tires come on 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels as standard. Stickier Trofeo RS tires are also available. Timing for Monitoring Despite being a hypercar that can be driven on the road, the W1 was designed with racing in mind. Officially, the W1 did three seconds better on the Nardo reference circuit than McLaren’s most recent lightweight supercar, the Senna. Powertrain settings for Race mode are GP and Sprint. While the Sprint setting unleashes the electric motor’s full performance for one lap, similar to qualifying, the GP setting is meant to provide consistent, repeatable performance throughout the race by balancing how much energy it deploys and collects. With two buttons, the W1’s racing-style steering wheel temporarily speeds up the car and temporarily lowers drag by changing the rear wing. Insider Information Although the two-seat cockpit is basic, it doesn’t look like it would be a problem if you wanted to drive the W1 for a long time. Although the pedals can be moved to a more comfortable position, the seats cannot be moved. The lightweight upholstery material InnoKnit, which comes in many colors and textures, covers most of the inside surfaces. The McLaren MSO personalization program is available for customization. The 8.0-inch touchscreen on the dashboard has Apple CarPlay, and there are USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting and charging devices. Additionally, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system is available. According to McLaren, the four-cubic-foot shelf behind the seats can hold two-weekend bags or two racing helmets. I wish all 399 lucky owners of the W1 a light load. When you consider that the W1 starts at an amazing $2.1 million, they’re definitely costly. As a rare and performance-focused car like the W1, the McLaren MSO program will definitely make it more expensive to customize, but many buyers will be willing to pay more to do so.
