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McLaren unveils its next halo hypercar with the limited-production W1

The British brand’s apex predator for the new era

The McLaren W1 is Woking's hypercar for the modern age. PHOTO FROM MCLAREN

One might be the loneliest number according to songwriter Harry Nilsson, but not so when McLaren uses it to name its cars.

First, there was the F1, then the P1, and now the engineers and designers from Woking in England have given the world the W1. The firm’s latest limited-production hypercar picks up where its famous predecessors have left off, and attempts to raise the bar even higher.

Blending cutting-edge technology, jaw-dropping performance, and McLaren-typical exclusivity, the W1 is powered by an all-new V8 hybrid setup that produces an insane 1,275hp and 1,340Nm of torque at full whack.

McLaren is no stranger to hybrids with its performance cars. PHOTOS FROM MCLAREN

A brand-new MHP-8 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers 928hp and 900Nm on its own while revving up to 9,200rpm. It produces 233hp per liter, a figure that means it’s also the highest-ever output from a McLaren engine.

This angry eight-banger is then joined in its rage by an electric module that adds 347hp and 440Nm to the already explosive mix, courtesy of a radial flux electric motor and a 1.384kWh battery. If you now think that this makes it an AWD setup à la Lamborghini, then you’d be wrong. All that power is going to the rear wheels only, courtesy of a hard-working eight-speed gearbox and an e-differential.

It has all the flair you'll ever want. PHOTOS FROM MCLAREN

Using Formula 1-derived wizardry, McLaren has managed to keep the weight of the whole hybrid setup at an incredibly low 40kg, and the weight of the whole car at an even more impressive 1,399kg. The W1 sports the best power-to-weight ratio of any McLaren to date, with 911hp per ton. That’s enough oomph for almost dragster-like acceleration figures.

Zero to 100km/h is done in 2.7 seconds, zero to 200km/h in just 5.8 seconds, and the 300km/h barrier is smashed in a mere 12.7 seconds. The top speed has been electronically limited to 350km/h, but knowing McLaren, we hope they’ll take that limiter off at least a few times to show what the car can really do and make competitors like Koenigsegg and Bugatti worry about their high-speed records.

We're in that age where active aerodynamics is all the rage. PHOTOS FROM MCLAREN

But raw power isn’t the only thing this car has going for it. McLaren has pulled out all the stops when it comes to aero as well. The W1 is designed to dominate the track with its F1-inspired ground-effect aerodynamics and the new McLaren Active Long Tail rear wing.

This clever piece of engineering dynamically extends by up to 300mm to maximize downforce—up to 1,000kg at full tilt—while minimizing drag when needed. Whether you’re navigating a twisty circuit or blasting down a straight, this car adjusts itself to keep you glued to the tarmac, promising unparalleled stability and control.

On top of that, the W1’s suspension system adapts to different driving conditions, offering McLaren’s Race Active Chassis Control III for seamless transitions between road and track modes. In Race mode, the car lowers itself by 37mm at the front and by 17mm at the rear, stiffening up for high-speed handling while optimizing downforce for maximum grip.

The front and the rear wings deploy, making this car the most advanced aerodynamic platform McLaren has ever put on a road car.

No two interiors will look the same, for sure. PHOTOS FROM MCLAREN

Inside, the W1 is just as special. The driver-focused cockpit is built directly into the Aerocell monocoque, offering an ergonomic experience designed to make the car feel like an extension of the driver’s body.

The seats are integrated into the carbon-fiber structure, putting the driver closer to the action while maintaining enough comfort and support. The pedals, the steering wheel, and the primary controls all adjust to create the perfect driving position, ensuring that every command is executed with precision.

What's next for McLaren? An electric hypercar, probably. PHOTO FROM MCLAREN

As if the performance wasn’t enough to grab attention, the W1’s exclusivity seals the deal. Only 399 units will be made, and they’ve all been presold already, ensuring that this car will be a rare sight on roads or tracks.

Buyers also have the option to work with McLaren Special Operations (MSO) to customize their W1. From bespoke materials like McLaren InnoKnit to unique aerodynamic tweaks, the possibilities for personalization are nearly limitless—as will be the price the firm charges for this work.

Pricing for the W1 starts at around €2,000,000 (P148.6 million). This includes the company’s extensive four-year warranty and service plan.



Frank Schuengel

Frank is a German e-commerce executive who loves his wife, a Filipina, so much he decided to base himself in Manila. He has interesting thoughts on Philippine motoring. He writes the aptly named ‘Frankly’ column.



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