2025 McLaren W1 is a 938kW P1 successor

Following in the tyre tracks of the F1 and P1, latest Brit hypercar borrows name from epic HSV and adds F1 aero and monster power from hybrid V8

The next-generation McLaren W1 hypercar has been unleashed, introducing the British supercar-maker's latest V8 hybrid drivetrain and its most advanced F1-dervied aerodynamics yet.

Priced from £2 million – a mere $A3.9m – including taxes, McLaren says it will make just 399 McLaren W1 hypercars that are said to replace both the original P1, Senna and Speedtail as the car-maker's flagship hypercar.

Claimed to have created to the fastest-accelerating and fastest-lapping road-legal McLaren ever, the new W1 is quicker than the Speedtail from 0-300km/h and up to three seconds faster around the car-maker's 'reference' race circuit than its track-honed Senna.

As you’d expect from such a monumental product, all 399 of the vehicles have been sold.

McLaren W1 powertrain

The astonishingly capable hypercar is powered by an all-new ‘High-Performance Hybrid’ powertrain that blends a 664kW twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with a radial flux 255kW e-motor and 1.4kWh battery that even provides for a modest 2km all-EV range.

McLaren says total power is 938kW with a stonking 1340Nm of torque. All the more incredible is all-in the W1 weighs just 1399kg – light by modern hybrid standards.

Combined with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, McLaren says the W1 will launch from 0-100km/h in just 2.7 seconds, 0-200km/h in 5.8 seconds and 0-300km/h in an astonishing 12.7 seconds.

Top speed is limited to 350km.

Astoundingly, the W1 remains rear-wheel drive. If the vehicle was all-wheel drive there’s every chance it’s acceleration benchmarks would dip into record-breaking territory, but the car-makers desire to chase driving purity rather than bragging rights speaks the brand’s culture of perfectionism.

A 9200rpm redline is also impressive for the V8.

McLaren W1 power systems

McLaren says advanced software that uses F1 tech helps manage the mind-melting power and torque levels, in order to maximise traction. Either way, we pity those rear tyres.

The powertrain is able to vary the level of electric assistance depending on conditions with a ‘Sprint’ mode that gives maximum e-power over one lap, while a ‘GP’ setting is designed to manage the level of assistance to ensure it lasts for much longer multi-lap track runs… or a cheeky tilt at the Nurburgring road course.

Finally, a ‘Boost’ setting adds a push-to-pass system, while there's even an F1-style DRS drag reduction system that stalls the rear wing for a higher top speed for those brave enough to push the vehicle to its limits.

McLaren W1 aerodynamic systems

Like the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the centrepiece of the W1's dynamic armoury is its wild aerodynamics that create a ground-effect that sucks the W1 closer to the ground creating more downforce and hence more grip.

The W1 also features something called an Active Long Tail that sees the rear wing extend out behind the rear of the body as much as 300mm to work better with the underfloor and rear diffuser. This, in turn, is said to maximise downforce without adding drag.

The Active Long Tail is only deployed in the most extreme ‘Race’ mode when the W1 generates 350kg of front downforce and a further 650kg at the rear adding up to a total 1000kg.

When cruising in normal road mode an active front wings lift, while the Active Long Tail remains stowed.

McLaren W1 chassis systems

Other new tech includes the Aerocell full carbon-fibre monocoque that integrates two seats within its structure for a shorter wheelbase and improved structural rigidity.

Prioritising the aero over everything else has seen McLaren's dihedral doors dropped for a pair of gullwing doors, while the roof scoop is a flow diverter rather than a cooling device or cold air intake.

Beneath its skin there's a new double-wishbone suspension called McLaren Race Active Chassis Control III that has been set up to offer Comfort, Sport, Race and Race+ settings.

As well as improved stiffness, the new suspension tech is height-adjustable and includes inboard dampers and 3D printed titanium parts of the lightest and strongest construction.

Despite the extreme focus on lightness McLaren has retained hydraulic steering, while the new carbon ceramic brakes are said to include an extra ceramic layer that boosts stopping power even further.

The new wheels, meanwhile, are made from magnesium and are offered with Pirelli P Zero R rubber, P Zero Winter 2 cold weather tyres and the most extreme P Zero Trofeo RS for hot laps.

McLaren W1 proportions

As far as size goes, the W1 is 4635mm long, 2074mm wide, 1182mm tall with a wheelbase of 2680mm which makes it a little bigger than the old P1.

Within, designers say they have succeeded in offering unmatched ergonomics and best-in-class visibility.

The W1 is even easier to get in and out of, thanks to its new carbon tub while the engine is said to be far quieter on a cruise when you're not in the mood for torturing the tyres.

To make up for the fixed seats both the pedals and steering wheel are adjustable – with the latter smaller than normal. It also comes with shift lights to let you know when you're approaching the 9200rpm red line.

A centrally-mounted 8.0-inch infotainment system is standard that works with Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto.

Behind the rear seats there's space for two weekend bags or crash helmets. A sliding cupholder and extra central storage bin is the closest the W1 gets to being practical for a weekend away.

Confirming that all of the 399-run of W1s were already sold-out, even at its £2m ($A3.9m) asking price, McLaren said all W1 buyer would get a free four-year service plan that would see it serviced every 12-months – exactly the same schedule for its entry Artura model, which is extremely lengthy for such an extreme hypercar.