F1 was iconic. P1 redefined hybrid hypercars, and now we’ve got… W1. If it sounds a bit underwhelming, you’re not alone in thinking so. Maybe McLaren ran out of letters to keep the legacy going, or perhaps they wanted to avoid P2 or F2 (because, let’s face it, second place is just the first loser). Still, “W” isn’t exactly the first letter that comes to mind when you think of cutting-edge performance. But once you see what’s under the skin, the name starts to matter a lot less.
The McLaren W1 is powered by a brand-new 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine—codenamed the ‘MPH‑8’—that produces an incredible 915bhp and 664lb ft of torque. But that’s just the combustion engine’s contribution. This beast is a hybrid, and when you factor in the electric components, which add another 342bhp and 342lb ft, the total output is a staggering 1,257bhp and 988lb ft of torque.
To put that in perspective, the legendary McLaren P1 had 903bhp and 664lb ft. The W1 takes things to an entirely new level, positioning itself as one of the most powerful hypercars ever built. With all that power at your disposal, the W1 rockets from 0 to 62mph in a mere 2.5 seconds, and the top speed is north of 217mph. This car isn’t just about raw speed—it’s about delivering jaw-dropping performance in every aspect.
One of the key factors behind the W1’s blistering performance is McLaren’s obsessive focus on weight reduction. Weighing in at just 1,370kg, the W1 is impressively light for a hybrid hypercar packed with such advanced tech. McLaren’s carbon fibre monocoque chassis plays a big part in keeping the weight down, and it’s one of the reasons this car is so nimble on the track.
The active aerodynamics also deserve a mention. McLaren has equipped the W1 with a suite of aerodynamic features designed to keep the car glued to the road at high speeds. The rear wing adjusts itself based on speed and driving conditions, while air vents and diffusers ensure optimal downforce. All this means the W1 isn’t just a straight-line missile—it’s built to handle like a dream through the corners as well.
If you’re getting hints of the McLaren P1 in the W1’s design, you wouldn’t be wrong. There’s a familiar flow to the bodywork, with the classic low-slung, teardrop-shaped cabin, but McLaren has sharpened things up. The front end is aggressive, featuring large air intakes that help keep that monstrous V8 cool, while the rear is all about aerodynamics, with a large diffuser and active rear wing that adjust on the fly.
It’s not a huge departure from the typical McLaren aesthetic, but it’s a refined evolution that focuses on function as much as form. The W1 looks fast standing still, and once those dihedral doors swing open, you know you’re in for something special.
Step inside the W1, and you’ll find a cabin that’s all about the driver. Like McLaren’s other hypercars, the W1’s interior is minimalist, with lightweight materials and a stripped-back design that keeps distractions to a minimum. The seating position is low and central, putting the driver in the perfect spot to feel every ounce of feedback from the road.
Despite the performance focus, the W1 doesn’t skimp on tech. A high-definition display keeps you informed on everything from speed to battery status, and the infotainment system is as modern as you’d expect, even if it’s tucked away to avoid cluttering the cockpit. McLaren’s focus here is clear: this is a car built for driving, not just looking good.
So, while the “W1” name might not have the same ring to it as the “F1” or “P1,” the car itself more than lives up to McLaren’s legacy of pushing boundaries. With 1,257bhp under the hood, a 0-62mph time of 2.7 seconds, and a lightweight chassis that ensures it handles like a dream, the W1 is poised to be one of the most formidable hypercars on the planet.
It’s not just a machine built for speed—it’s a showcase of McLaren’s ability to blend raw power with cutting-edge technology and engineering precision. Whether or not the W1 name sticks in the minds of enthusiasts doesn’t really matter. What matters is the performance, and on that front, McLaren has once again delivered a true game-changer.