McLaren might not be a brand that regularly brings out new models, but when it does, it commands attention; and, its latest release is no exception. In fact, it might be one of the most noteworthy debuts from the Brit, because McLaren just created a 1,250-plus horsepower beast that will set the world on fire. This plug-in hybrid car is officially the most powerful McLaren ever, and here’s what it’s all about.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from McLaren.
The 2026 McLaren W1 Is Bonkers
Let’s cut right to the chase – The McLaren W1 is powered by a plug-in hybrid setup that churns out over 1,250 horses combined. This includes a 4.0-liter, V-8 flat-plane-crank engine that makes 916 horses and revs up to 9,200 rpm. Then you’ve got a radial-flux electric motor that adds another 342 horses, thus helping make up to 1,258 horses and 988 pound-feet of torque, combined. All this power is routed to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and an electronically controlled differential.
2026 McLaren W1 Specifications
Powertrain |
4.0-liter, V-8 flat-plane-crank engine w/ an electric motor |
Horsepower |
1,258 horses (combined) |
Torque |
988 pound-feet (combined) |
Transmission |
Eight-speed automatic |
0-60 mph |
2.7 seconds |
Top Speed |
217 mph |
Battery |
1.4 kWh |
Electric-only Range |
Two miles |
Charging Time (0-80-percent) |
22 minutes w/ Level 2 Charger |
Starting Price |
$2.1 million |
The electric motor is powered by a 1.4 kWh battery. Being a small battery, it can be charged up to 80-percent in just 22 minutes, courtesy of a Level 2 onboard charger. This isn’t a car about efficiency, which means you just get two miles of electric-only range.
As for its sprint times, the McLaren W1 can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 2.7 seconds and can touch speeds of up to 217 mph. It is said to have lapped the Nardo Circuit three seconds quicker than . Oh, by the way, the W1 hypercar is street-legal.
A Fitting Successor To Two Iconic Models
The W1 is the latest entrant in the coveted 1 series vehicles that McLaren is renowned for. and the P1 hybrid, the W1 takes things to another level when it comes to performance. It’s not just the powertrain; McLaren has also pushed the limits with the aero tech and elements here.
The aero bits have been developed by the company’s Formula 1 racing program. This includes a carbon-fiber rear wing that can create a downforce of up to 2,205 pounds by extending backward by 11.8 inches. The W1 comes with a Race Mode that turns it into a beast. Here, the front suspension is lowered by 1.5 inches and the rear suspension drops by 0.7 inches.
There’s No Dearth Of Wow-Factors Here
While McLaren has not revealed this track-master’s weight, the extensive use of carbon fiber and titanium will ensure it is as light as possible. These are some other highlights of the latest McLaren:
- 19-inch wheels at the front, 20-inch rear wheels at the back.
- Wrapped in Pirelli P Zero R tires as standard, but can be swapped for Trofeo RS rubber.
- 15.4-inch carbon-ceramic brake rotors with forged monoblock six-piston calipers at the front.
- 15.4-inch carbon-ceramic brake rotors with four-piston calipers at the rear.
- Titanium bars and 3D-printed uprights and control arms for the front suspension.
- Active links in the heave bar at the rear.
As for the interior, you get:
- Fixed seats, but adjustable pedals.
- An eight-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay, and USB-C and USB-A ports.
- Bowers & Wilkins stereo.
- Four cubic-feet of space for luggage behind the seats.
This jaw-dropping hypercar starts at $2.1 million for the base trim. If you get sucked into McLaren MSO customization program and its drool-worthy accessories, expect your W1 to cost you much higher. All said, if you wish to own one, do it soon because the W1 will be a limited-production model, with McLaren planning to make only 399 examples.
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