The McLaren W1 establishes itself as a new benchmark in the world of hypercars thanks to its unprecedented power. The heart of this machine is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8capable of delivering alone 904 chand exploit for an internal combustion engine. This block impresses with its power-to-displacement ratio, with 226 hp per liter, a performance never seen at McLaren. Add to this an electric motor which provides an additional 337 hp, for a total of 1,241 hp and 1,353 Nm of torque.
These figures allow the W1 to accelerate 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds. Top speed reaches 350 km/h. That said, despite its spectacular performance, the W1 does not seek to break speed records, but rather to offer driving experience unrivaled thanks to the optimization of its technologies and its aerodynamic.
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Hybrid technology and lightness
If hybridization is often synonymous with weight, the McLaren W1 thwarts this idea. Her ” E-Module » which combines an electric motor and a battery 1,4 kWh in fact only weighs 19 kg. This system allows the hypercar to drive approximately 2.5 kilometers in 100% electric mode like any hybrid car. autorechargeable general public. The W1 is not a plug-in hybrid, which allows it to display a total weight of only 1.398 kga mass that approaches that of a compact car, like the Volkswagen Golf.
Transmission is ensured by a automatic transmission eight-speed gearbox, which sends all the power to the rear wheels. To hell with all-wheel drive! The W1 is, however, equipped with an electronic differential about which not much is known yet (we promise, we’ll dig deeper).
Optimized aerodynamics
The McLaren W1 also wants to be very aerodynamic. Its specially developed “Aerocell” monocoque chassis is designed to maximize efficiency at high speeds. Engineers spent more than 350 hours in the wind tunnel to refine every detail, testing more than 5,000 different aerodynamic points.
At the rear, a aileron “Active Long Tail” inspired by McLaren racing models improves drag and downforce. In “Race” mode for example, its configuration allows you to generate up to 1,000 kg of aerodynamic downforcewith a distribution of 350 kg at the front and 650 kg at the rear. Furthermore, a air flow diverter installed on the roof brings fresh air to the engine, a new device in a road-legal McLaren. Furthermore, during hard braking, the long rear wing, which can extend up to 30 cm, acting as a aérofrein.
Total control?
Under the magnificent bodywork of the W1 hides the “ Race Active Chassis Control III », a system which allows you to configure the behavior of the chassis in three modes: Comfort, Sport and Race. This helps accommodate different driving styles to suit daily driving or track sessions.
The W1 is equipped with carbon-ceramic brakeswith six-piston calipers at the front and four at the rear. From 100 to 0 km/h, it only takes 28 m to stop this racing beast. Tires Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS specially designed for extreme use. But for everyday use, McLaren also offers more classic tires, as well as winter tires for cold periods. Not sure, however, that customers use it all year round…
A price that matches the performance
In the cabin, the McLaren W1 does not sacrifice technology. There is an 8-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as several USB ports. Say it like that, it doesn’t seem like anything and it would even make you smile. But in a hypercar, it’s really rare. To access the passenger compartment, we will mention the magnificent “Anhedral Doors”. McLaren will only produce 399 examples of the W1 and, as always, all the models have already found buyers. The price of the McLaren W1 starts at around 1.9 million euros, an amount that reflects its unique character. And that will increase quickly with customizations.
The W1 is in line with the P1 (2013-2015), but also the fabulous F1, even if this new hypercar has two classic seats and not a central position for the driver. But whatever, it’s nice to see that automobile passion also remains in this world.
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