A Name with Racing Pedigree The first thing you need to know is that McLaren didn’t pick the name "W1" out of thin air. It’s a homage to McLaren’s first-ever constructor’s world championship in 1974. With Emerson Fittipaldi and Denny Hulme at the wheel, McLaren won four world championships, with Fittipaldi taking home the victory. With this year marking its 50th Anniversary, it’s only appropriate for McLaren to celebrate this momentous occasion with such a special machine. The “W” in W1 stands for the world, as a representation of McLaren’s dominance in F1 (I thought it stood for winning). Certainly, this car looks to dominate the current hypercar landscape. Recapping What We Know We know full well that like every McLaren this car will consist of a carbon fibre tub and feature butterfly doors. We know that like the P1 its power will be delivered through a twin-turbo V8 working in tandem with an electric motor. We know the engine will be 4.0L in size and the gearbox will be an 8-speed SSG dual-clutch. We know the car will have far more power and torque than the P1. We know it will feature the latest tech from Formula 1 as well as improved aerodynamics over the P1. However, one new piece of information that’s recently been revealed is that the W1 will use McLaren Proactive Chassis Control II. An advanced suspension to monitor grip and adjust the suspension accordingly. This was first seen on the 720S. The McLaren W1 will also be the first McLaren to utilize regenerative braking. Energy is gained during braking which is then stored in the lightweight battery. This not only significantly improves performance but also improves fuel efficiency and lowers emissions. The Legacy Continues Every core McLaren “1” brings about a new advancement not just for the brand but for all following supercars. The F1 set the benchmark for supercars in the 90s with its central driving position and 240mph top speed. Then came the P1, a hybrid hypercar that rewrote the supercar rulebook a decade ago. Undoubtedly the W1 will be a game-changer. It will push the limits of what a road car can be while staying true to the brand’s core philosophy of "form follows function." It, alongside the Ferrari F250, will revolutionize the current crop of supercars. McLaren CEO Michael Leiters described it as “a supercar that defines real supercar principles. It is the ultimate expression of McLaren’s World Championship mindset and embodies the spirit of our racing heritage. W1 is not just a name; it’s a philosophy.” Source: McLaren
