McLaren W1: A New Era of Hypercar Excellence

Oct 8, 2024

The McLaren ‘1’ Cars

Whenever McLaren unveils a ‘1’ car, you just know something special is coming. In 1992, they introduced the F1, which was very unconventional, and many were sceptical at first. It uniquely had the driver’s seat positioned right in the centre, and there were concerns over its starting price of £540,000 (approximately R12,340,000). However, all doubts were quickly dispelled when the F1 hit the roads. With 618 bhp and a top speed of 386 km/h, it became the world’s fastest production car at the time, breaking numerous speed records. Those who were hesitant to pay £540,000 had smiles on their faces when the car's value began to soar over the years.

Then came the P1 in 2013, McLaren’s first-ever hybrid hypercar. It was part of a revolution in the automotive world, where hybrid engines and lightweight components combined to produce some of the fastest and most agile cars. The P1 was one of the trio of cars dubbed the ‘Holy Trinity’, alongside the Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari. While enthusiasts compared these cars closely, many understood the value in appreciating each one for its unique characteristics. The P1 featured a twin-turbo V8 alongside an electric motor, priced at £866,000 (approximately R19,800,000). This time, there was little fuss about the price, given the F1 had far exceeded expectations and risen dramatically in value. Today, P1s can fetch up to £2,000,000 (approximately R45,700,000).

Now, in 2024, we welcome the latest ‘1’ car from McLaren—the W1. After the F1 and P1, people now recognise that the ‘1’ name signifies something extraordinary, so McLaren had many eagerly awaiting this new release, and they did not disappoint. The W1 was unveiled on 6th October, and it was already sold out. Only 399 units will be made, all of which have already been allocated to McLaren’s most loyal customers.

What’s new about the W1?

Not much, you might think at first glance. Its top speed remains at 217 mph, just like the P1. It still uses rear-wheel drive and features the familiar combination of a V8 twin-turbo engine paired with a hybrid system, again similar to the P1. Let’s take a look at the few but very meaningful differences:

Design: While the W1 retains some features from the P1, such as the rear lights, it still bears the distinct McLaren design language we’ve become accustomed to. The front takes inspiration from the Senna and 750S, giving it an aggressive yet futuristic appearance. The doors, however, have changed significantly. Instead of the butterfly doors that opened upwards and forwards, the W1 adopts gullwing doors (similar to those on a Mercedes SLS AMG), which open upwards. This change enhances the car's aerodynamics by allowing more air to pass along its sides. There’s also a new rear wing that can extend by up to 30 cm, depending on the driving mode, and it doubles as an air brake.

Inside, the car maintains the signature McLaren aesthetic, with bucket seats, a portrait-style infotainment system, and a minimalist design. The steering wheel is quite different, featuring two buttons on either side—one to unleash maximum power and the other to optimise drag reduction during high-speed runs.

Power: The W1 is McLaren’s most powerful car to date, boasting over 1,250 bhp and 1,300 Nm of torque. Not only is it the most powerful, but it is also the fastest-accelerating McLaren ever produced. It sprints from 0-62 mph in 2.7 seconds and hits 186 mph in just 12.7 seconds. The engine revs all the way up to 9,200 rpm, paired with a 1.384 kWh battery.

Weight: The most impressive feat of the W1 is its weight. Despite having a more complex and powerful hybrid system than the P1, the W1 is lighter overall. The P1 weighs 1,490 kg, while the W1 comes in at just 1,399 kg. McLaren achieved this by developing an entirely new ‘Aerocell’ monocoque that prioritises both weight reduction and aerodynamics.

Price: The McLaren W1 has a starting price of £2,000,000 (approximately R45,800,000). Given the history of McLaren ‘1’ cars, it wouldn’t be surprising if this price doubles in a few years.

Final Thoughts

The McLaren W1 builds on the legacy of the F1 and P1, blending incredible power, cutting-edge technology, and innovative design. As the most powerful and fastest-accelerating McLaren ever, it sets a new standard for hypercars. With only 399 units already sold, the W1 is destined to become a rare collector's piece, likely to increase in value just as its predecessors did. Once again, McLaren has proven that when they release a ‘1’ car, it’s a game-changer.