MP4/1 (1981) In 1981, McLaren made history with their then-new MP4/1. Designed by John Barnard, this legendary racer debuted at the 1981 Argentine Grand Prix, 1, the first F1 car with a full carbon fibre monocoque. It was a revolution, given that previously carbon fibre was only used in specific parts rather than an entire car. Later that year, British Racer, John Watson crashed his MP4/1 at the Italian Grand Prix at 140mph yet walked away without a scratch. And later that year, Watson triumphed in an MP4/1C at the British Grand Prix, and two years later, at the US Grand Prix. When the final MP4/1 raced at the 1983 Dutch Grand Prix, one thing was for certain. Carbon fibre was the material to use in F1 going forward. F1 (1993) Through the F40, Ferrari was officially the first manufacturer to construct a road car purely out of carbon fibre. However, many would argue, rightfully, that the legendary McLaren F1 in fact, perfected the use of carbon fibre. There’s so much to love about the F1. From its middle seat driving position, its 6.5l 627 horsepower, BMW-derived V12, its 240 mph top speed, (the fastest until the first Koenigsegg), its pitch-perfect handling and its iconic middle seat driving position. Oh and its repeated successes in LeMans But lesser known is its effective use of carbon fibre. The F1 used carbon fibre through its chassis, body and interior trims. The result of all this was that it weighed a mere, 1,140kg, and its carbon fibre construction meant it was strong, that it could withstand any crash. With carbon fibre perfected in the F1, the supercars that followed, merely took this obsession to a whole new world. The MP4-12C (2011) McLaren Automotive launched in 2011, pioneering the brand's first production supercar, the MP4-12C. Yet despite nearly 14 years since the last F1 rolled off the production line, the brand still insisted on using carbon fibre. Some things certainly and thankfully never change. McLaren developed an all-new tub from the 12C, called the Monocell Chassis, similar to this system used in a Formula 1 car. Not only did this weigh just 75kg, but it improved rigidity without any extra reinforcement. So successful was this setup that McLaren would go on to use in their various other road cars. The P1 (2013) Like the F1 before, the P1 is arguably one of the greatest hypercars ever made. On the face of it, whilst it never achieved the targets of the F1, with 903 horsepower on tap, it was McLaren’s most powerful car. In addition, it alongside the LaFerrari and 918 Porsche pioneered the hybrid supercar revolution that’s become the supercar status quo today. However, like the 12C that came before, the P1 featured a MonoCell chassis. This was modified to create the Monocage, a 90kg monocoque to house the electric motor and the P1’s signature roof scoop. Clearly, taking the basic frame in the 12C, meant McLaren could update and perfect it for the P1. The 720S (2017) McLaren launched the 720S in 2017, and in many ways, it was the peak of the super-series line-up. Undoubtedly their most beautiful car and undeniably with 720 horsepower and a top speed of 212mph, one of their fastest, even coming close to the P1’s performance figures. Yet somehow, its performance was easy to use and manage. One of the reasons the 720S was such a rocket ship was its all-new Monocell carbon-fibre chassis. This was known as Monocage II and saw the chassis upgraded, thinner roof pillars, more visible B-pillars and a more spacious cabin than the ex-650S and 12C. All these improvements saw the 720S aerodynamics, visibility, strength and speed reach new peaks for McLaren’s super-series range. McLaren’s Composites Technology Centre Let’s take a break from supercars and hypercars and discuss something significant. In 2018, McLaren opened the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Sheffield. This £50M facility became a hub for developing next-generation carbon fibre components. The 765LT was the first model to benefit, with MCTC producing its rear wing, bumper, and front floor. With new vigour in the department, McLaren went forward using this advancement for their gen-3 line-up. The Artura (2021) Though the P1 was McLaren’s first hybrid, the Artura is significant as the brand’s first production hybrid. Despite nearly 700 horsepower from its 3.0l twin-turbo hybridised V6, and a top speed of 205mph, the Artura has had a rather troubling history. Most notably, with software glitches and engine misfiring. However, McLaren’s biggest leap with the Artura, alongside its hybrid drive was its new Monocell chassis. The Artura was the first McLaren to feature the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), a new upgrade specifically designed for hybrid power trains. So successful was this that when McLaren lobbed the roof off to create the Artura Spider, virtually no weight was gained. The W1 (2024) The W1 is the latest in a long line of McLaren “1” hypercars. Like the P1, it’s a fully-fledged hybrid but with several advancements that make it a more refined experience. It’s fitted with an even more potent twin-turbo V8, a lighter, more powerful electric motor, a more active and cleverer rear spoiler and a more aerodynamically designed body. The results are 1,275 horsepower, 988 lb-ft of torque and an array of advanced aerodynamics. Perhaps one of the most advanced features of the W1 is its all new “Aerocell” carbon fibre tub. This was constructed using a combination of pre-preg and Automated Rapid Tape carbon fibre to reduce waste, improve the strength-to-weight ratio and allow for an optimised ultra-lightweight structure. To improve this structure further, McLaren fixed the seats to the Monocoque which shortens the wheelbase by 70mm. McLaren: Masters of Carbon Fibre There’s no denying that despite having a relatively short run compared to other supercar makers, McLaren have proven itself amongst the established like Ferrari and Lamborghini. For over 40 years, through both F1 and its road cars, McLaren’s usage of carbon fibre has redefined performance, safety and efficiency. They are evidently masters of carbon fibre, alongside Pagani, and if the W1 proves anything, this mastery will only get better with time. Source: McLaren
