McLaren's new 938kw W1 hybrid supercar can reach 300km/h in 12.7 seconds

Jet Sanchez
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W1 is the latest evolution of McLaren's highly coveted '1' series of supercars.

W1 is the latest evolution of McLaren's highly coveted '1' series of supercars.

McLaren has officially revealed the W1, the next chapter in its prestigious '1' series, marking the 50th anniversary of the brand’s first Formula One World Championship.

Billed as the fastest and most powerful McLaren ever, the W1 pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in road-legal performance while paying homage to the legendary McLaren F1 and P1.

Breaking performance limits

McLaren W1 New Zealand

The W1 is equipped with an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain, producing a staggering 938kW and 1340Nm of torque.

This power is split between the petrol engine and a motorsport-derived electric motor, which delivers instant acceleration and peak torque.

The supercar rockets to 100km/h in just 2.7 seconds and can reach 300km/h in less than 12.7 seconds, placing it firmly at the pinnacle of McLaren's performance lineup, outpacing even the Senna by three seconds per lap on McLaren's reference track​.

F1 DNA in road-legal form

McLaren W1 New Zealand

McLaren's racing heritage is deeply embedded in the W1, from its aerodynamics to its suspension system. The W1 features an innovative F1-inspired ground-effect aerodynamic platform, which allows for radical road-to-track transformation at the touch of a button.

In Race mode, the car’s ride height is lowered by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear, while active aerodynamics engage to generate up to 1000kg of downforce.

Watch the W1 go from Road to Race mode with its Active Long Tail rear wing.

Another standout feature is the McLaren Active Long Tail rear wing, which extends up to 300mm in Race mode, working in tandem with the car’s front wing to optimise airflow and balance. This aerodynamic brilliance allows the W1 to achieve both exceptional straight-line speed and cornering stability​.

Lightweight engineering

McLaren W1 New Zealand

McLaren's renowned expertise in carbon fibre construction is evident in the W1's design.

At just 1399kg, the W1 achieves an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, thanks to its lightweight Aerocell carbon fibre monocoque. Titanium and 3D-printed components help shave off extra kilos, while McLaren’s engineering precision ensures structural integrity and agility on both road and track.

McLaren’s attention to detail extends to the interior, where driver-focused ergonomics create an immersive driving experience.

The Aerocell monocoque integrates the fixed seats directly into the structure, creating a racing-like driving position. Plus, the steering wheel and pedals adjust to fit the driver’s ideal position, ensuring a perfect connection between the car and the driver​.

Luxury perks

McLaren W1 New Zealand

The W1 doesn’t compromise on comfort despite its focus on performance, offering a driver-centric cockpit with adjustable steering and pedals.

Inside, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay provides modern connectivity, while bespoke options through McLaren Special Operations (MSO) allow owners to customise their cars to unique specifications.

A new supercar in town

McLaren W1 New Zealand

The McLaren W1 is the culmination of McLaren's goal of pushing the boundaries of performance, aerodynamics and lightweight engineering.

With only 399 units to be produced, all of which are already customer-allocated, the W1 is set to become a coveted icon in the world of high-performance automotive engineering.

Priced at approximately £2 million (around NZ$4.25 million), the McLaren W1 marks the beginning of a modern era for supercars, combining world-class F1 tech with a road-legal package designed to thrill​.

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