Is McLaren W1 a worthy replacement for P1?

No less than twelve years after the presentation of the P1, McLaren is back in business and offers us a variation in line with its most beautiful supercars: the W1. While some will find meaning in the presence of the W (Woking, Winner...), we will focus on the obvious correspondence with the F1 and P1. McLaren does not do things by halves and reveals here the most powerful car in its history, and much more. Ferrari just has to be careful.

How can we not see, following the presentation of this W1 and the Ferrari F80, the revival, at least partial while waiting for the Porsche iteration, of the “Holy Trinity”! The 918 Spyder, Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1 are slowly being replaced, for our greatest pleasure. While Ferrari is taking risks with its F80 (using a V6, all-wheel drive...), McLaren seems to be maintaining the same approach as for its P1, with the exception of a design that evolves slightly.

At first glance, this McLaren W1 is certainly identifiable as a creation of the Woking firm, but far from what the brand had accustomed us to in recent years. The characteristic curves of the P1, 720S and other models give way to marked aggressiveness, especially at the front, helped by the new light signature and the aerodynamic device that seems to be lifting its nose. This W1 goes off the beaten path, and its design is almost similar to the design of the Lykan Hypersport and BYD YangWang U9. Its design is strongly influenced by the search for aerodynamic performance, and that at every corner of the body. The new Aerocell monohull in pre-impregnated carbon fiber combines with a flat bottom, an adjustable front wing, multiple air channels and an impressive rear wing to offer lightness and extreme aerodynamics.

The latter is also worth paying attention to. Called “Active Long Tail”, it is the most striking aerodynamic element of the W1. Capable of extending up to 30 centimeters in an arc beyond the stern, it plays several roles: generating support, acting as an airbrake and, in a straight line, reducing drag in a DRS manner. It is assisted by a roof deflector that channels air to the aft deck. The whole thing works in concert with a flat bottom and an enveloping diffuser, which are themselves designed to maximize ground effect, a rare technology on a car approved for the road. McLaren knew how to make this W1 a support machine, without falling into visual excess. With the exception of this spectacular wing, the whole thing remains relatively simple.

The rest of the exterior design follows this logic. Anhedral doors (with reverse butterfly opening) facilitate access while optimizing airflow around the wheel arches. The sides, which are very deep, house sculptural, almost organic aerodynamic ducts. The W1 is not a consensual beauty, but its aggressiveness remains contained, far from the excess of a Senna, while being much more assertive than an Artura.

On the mechanical side, McLaren uses the in-house V8, nicknamed MHP-8, which cubes 3,988 cm³ and climbs up to 9,200 rpm. It alone delivers 915 horsepower and 900 Nm. A small 342-horsepower electrical module, directly inspired by F1, supports it. The unit is coupled to a new 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a controlled differential. Unlike its direct competitors, the W1 maintains a rear-wheel architecture, with a weight contained at 1,399 kg. The result is an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 899 hp/ton, more than a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport. The 0-100 was announced in 2.7 seconds, and the W1 continued to race up to 350 km/h.

On board, McLaren does what matters most. The seats are fixed, molded into the unibody, and the cockpit literally comes to you: steering wheel, pedals and instrumentation are adjustable to adapt to the pilot's size. The atmosphere is decidedly technical. Few frills, lots of carbon, ergonomics designed for action. Two buttons on the steering wheel manage the main functions: electric boost and aerodynamic configurations. The rest is controlled via flip-flops placed at the top of the instrument cluster (yes yes!). Even the storage areas have been designed with functional logic, enough to accommodate two helmets or a travel bag behind the seats.

Less demonstrative than some, the McLaren W1 shines with its technical precision. Each choice responds to a logic of performance, each design detail was dictated by aerodynamics. A supercar designed as a whole, a direct heir to the P1, but much sharper. McLaren did not seek to seduce people with guile, but to convince with precision.

We are now waiting to see if this W1 will be able to confront the radicalism of the Ferrari F80. On the marketing side, all 399 copies have already been reserved, which is already a great success.