The 1275PS McLaren W1 is the fastest-accelerating, fastest-lapping road-legal McLaren in our history. Yet, our engineers have always been insistent that the supercar must balance its world-beating performance with capability in the most challenging conditions on the planet. Extensive McLaren W1 testing with prototypes in the Arctic was a critical milestone to ensure our new '1' car delivers on that promise.
W1 WINTER TESTING
THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE
A Word from McLaren
"It's always been about pushing the limits with our '1' models, and I'm confident that's what we've achieved with the W1."
Dani Marcos
Lead Test Driver
WIDEST BREADTH OF ABILITY
Optimising the chassis and systems to harness the McLaren W1's power in Arctic conditions was a priority. 'We're talking about a car with 1275PS, so to give traction in low-grip conditions is a big challenge,' describes Dani Marcos, McLaren Lead Test Driver. 'We pushed to get the best performance from our torque-delivering systems, as well as traction control, stability control [ESP] and ABS brake systems.'
EXTREME ENDURANCE
Everything from the McLaren W1's engine and gearbox to the hybrid battery and electric motor was stress-tested in the sub-zero conditions. Even the effect of compacted snow and ice on the cooling system's vents was rigorously checked. As Chief Engineer Andy Beale explains, the 'short days and long test times' are ultimately the biggest challenge of winter testing, but 'proving the performance and calibrating for these conditions is an important part of our testing.'
A Word from McLaren
"We're very serious about making this car a car for all conditions. Completing this testing gives us the greatest bandwidth of car."
Andy Beale
Chief Engineer
CREATING HISTORY
Beale and Marcos both describe the privilege and responsibility of developing the McLaren W1. The significance of working on the successor to the McLaren F1 and P1™ is keenly felt by all those involved – and their passion is clear to see in the finished product. As Marcos puts it: 'This car is powerful and the aero is mega – a great, great supercar to drive.'
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W1 STORIES
McLaren W1 Hot Weather Testing in Arizona
Discover how we pushed the W1 to balance its world-beating supercar performance with capability in the most challenging conditions.
McLaren W1 Aerodynamics: Formula 1™ ground effect reimagined for the road
Discover McLaren W1’s aerodynamics. Advanced Aerodynamics Architect Robin Algoo reveals how Formula 1™-inspired ground effect delivers unprecedented grip, balance, and downforce.
McLaren W1 Interior: Optimised, Focused, Innovative
Explore the personal stories behind McLaren W1's interior - innovative seats, new steering wheel, and bespoke McLaren InnoKnit material.
McLaren Aerocell: Meet the team behind W1's monocoque
Explore the personal stories behind McLaren W1's Aerocell, the most advanced lightweight carbon monocoque inspired by Formula 1™.
McLaren W1 Winter Testing in the Arctic
Discover how we pushed the W1 to balance its world-beating supercar performance with capability in the most challenging conditions.
Five with Lando
Lando Norris has firmly established himself as a top Formula 1 driver, but he also has a passion for beautiful automotive design and engineering. We take five minutes to talk to Lando about his favourite bits of our Real Supercar, the W1.
The New McLaren '1' Car: McLaren W1
The W1 continues the incredible innovation and engineering legacy of the F1 and P1™, shaped by the same real supercar design principles that forged the F1 and the P1™.
Announcement New '1' Car, McLaren W1, as a successor to the F1 and McLaren P1™
Today we have confirmed the next chapter in the extraordinary story of its legendary ‘1’ car lineage. Our new supercar, named McLaren W1, will be revealed at 13:00 BST on Sunday, 6 October 2024.
What makes a '1' car: An icon that redefines what's possible
In 1992, the McLaren F1 supercar was born, our first-ever McLaren roadcar. The F1 was the icon of its generation. Two decades on, the McLaren P1 supercar arrived.
McLaren F1: The birth of the real supercar
The McLaren F1 is considered by many to be the greatest supercar ever built. With a mind-blowing power-to-weight ratio and a production run of just 106 cars, this exclusive powerhouse remains one of McLaren’s most compelling success stories to date.
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