McLaren W1 earns McLaren nearly 1 billion euros
McLaren W1
At the heart of the McLaren W1 is an all-new High-Performance Hybrid powertrain system consisting of McLaren’s all-new MHP-8 V8 gasoline engine, a new E-module (with a radial flux electric motor and motor control unit) and an eight-speed transmission with E-reverse. Power and torque are routed exclusively to the rear wheels via an E differential.
System Power
The 682 kW (928 hp) strong V8 and 255 kW (347 hp) strong E-module combine to deliver 937 kW (1,275 hp), giving the W1 the highest power output of any McLaren model ever. When you consider a vehicle weight of 1,399 kilograms, the result is an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 911 hp/ton for the W1.
Performance
This huge amount of power, combined with a total torque of 1,340 Nm and direct throttle response from the E-module, makes for stunning acceleration figures for the W1: 0-100 km/h takes 2.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) can be achieved in just 5.8 seconds and 0-300 km/h (186 mph) is achievable in less than 12.7 seconds.
Unique V8
McLaren’s all-new MHP-8 flat-plane crank 90-degree V8 engine involves a twin-turbo 3,988 cc unit with lightweight construction. The cylinder heads and pistons are aluminum. Thanks to plasma-spray-coated cylinder walls, the block can achieve engine speeds of up to 9,200 rpm. The engine’s specific output comes out to 171 kW (233 hp) per liter.
The electric motor can run up to 24,000 rpm and has a specific output of 23 hp per kg, which is directly comparable to electric motors from Formula 1. The E-module is powered by a 1.384 kWh battery, which, along with the control module and power distribution unit, is enclosed in a structural carbon fiber base, placed in a space within the carbon fiber monocoque and positioned as low as possible to optimize the vehicle’s center of gravity. The W1 can travel up to two kilometers in all-electric mode.
Driving modes McLaren W1
The W1’s powertrain modes are optimized for driving in all environments. In addition to an Electric mode for nearly silent EV driving, Comfort mode – standard at startup – offers relaxed city and highway driving, using the E-module only for torque boost. In Sport mode, the E-module is fully utilized for full hybrid power with intermittent shifting and more responsive throttle response. Race mode offers a Sprint setting for maximum power from both the E-module and internal combustion engine, while the Grand Prix setting focuses on consistent performance during a full track session, deploying the E-module and recovering energy. A notable feature of the McLaren W1’s powertrain is that all power is released to the rear wheels.
McLaren Active Long Tail
Also check out the active front and rear wings and a roof-mounted airflow deflector. Unique is the McLaren Active Long Tail rear wing – visually probably the most dramatic element of the new W1. McLaren’s first association with the name “longtail” dates back to the 1997 F1 GTR, but with this new Active Long Tail wing, it’s an essential part of the strategy for controlling drag, elevator and downforce.
The spoiler is driven by four electric motors. The spoiler moves up, down and – depending on whether the W1 is in Road or Race mode – also 300 mm to the rear. In addition, the spoiler can also adjust its angle. It also works in DRS and airbrake configurations to help optimize aerodynamic balance. The front spoiler is also adjustable to optimize aerodynamics.
Tires
Tires are also important. The McLaren W1 features three 265/35 front and 335/30 rear tires from McLaren’s technical partner Pirelli. To meet the extreme demands of the car, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS street-legal satnav. Pirelli P Zero R and Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 tires-also custom made for the W1-are also available.
Also practical
Between the fixed seats in the interior is a storage space with a sliding cup holder, while behind the armrest is a second space for small items. The McLaren W1 also has a luggage rack behind the seats, accessed by moving the headrests, which fold flat forward to form a loading platform. With up to 117 liters of storage space, it can hold two overnight bags or two helmets.
Price and warranty McLaren W1
Every McLaren W1 has a standard four-year warranty, regardless of mileage. The battery comes with a six-year warranty up to 75,000 kilometers. Four years of maintenance is also included in the price. McLaren is building 399 examples of the W1. Of course, every W1 is custom. The customer can personalize an awful lot. The price starts at about 2.4 million euros. Multiply that amount by the circulation and you’re talking about sales of nearly 1 billion euros.
