The McLaren W1 is the latest step in the brand’s hypercar legacy, following in the footsteps of the iconic F1 and P1. Like its predecessors, the new model sets benchmarks for this constantly evolving segment. However, the car is about more than just raw speed.
Jay Leno is among the W1’s buyers and gets the VIP treatment in the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage. McLaren CEO Michael Leiters is there to take Jay on a tour and tell him everything about the new machine. Unfortunately, this example is a prototype, so there’s no chance to take it on the road.
The W1 in Jay Leno’s Garage
Leiters starts by discussing the genesis of the W1 project and makes an interesting point. “You can get performance everywhere. You can have an electric car with 2,000 horsepower,” he said. Therefore, a modern hypercar must connect emotionally with the driver, not just be extremely quick.
Even though the W1 has a total of 1,258 horsepower, McLaren aims to keep the car controllable so that the driver can relax and enjoy the experience. The active aerodynamic elements on the nose and tail are one method of adjusting the vehicle to keep things engaging. For example, the rear wing can act as an airbrake to help slow down more quickly.
Leiters also explains why the W1 has gullwing doors. The area where the front fender meets the door is vital for the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The new car’s layout lets McLaren locate the hinges in the roof, allowing them to add little flying buttresses on the fenders for better airflow.
Despite the W1’s cutting-edge technology, there are still a few old-school things about it. Leiters points out the car uses hydraulic assist for the power steering and brakes. Many vehicles today are switching to electric assist for both of these functions.
Leno seems impressed with the W1. He especially likes that the driver side tire is fully visible while sitting in the cockpit with the doors open. He also enjoys the relatively simple cabin layout, with just two buttons on the steering wheel.
What You Need To Know About The W1
While Leiters and Leno talk extensively about the W1, they don’t go into much detail about the car’s powertrain. It’s an odd decision because the engine is a vital part of this hypercar’s DNA. The vehicle is the brand’s most powerful production model ever. The table below goes through all the specs.
McLaren W1 Specifications
|
Engine |
Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine with an electric motor |
|
Horsepower |
1,258 Horsepower combined |
|
Torque |
988 Pound-feet combined |
|
Transmission |
Eight-speed automatic |
|
0-60 MPH |
2.7 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
217 MPH |
|
Battery Capacity |
1.4 Kilowatt-hours |
|
Electric-only Range |
2 Miles |
|
0-80 Percent Charging Time |
22 Minutes on a Level 2 Charger |
|
Brakes |
15.4-Inch Carbon-ceramic rotors with six-piston calipers front / 15.4-inch carbon-ceramic rotors with four-piston calipers rear |
|
Weight |
3,084 Pounds |
|
Starting Price |
$2.1 Million |
|
Production Number |
399 Units |
Other than the paltry two-mile electric range, these specs are undoubtedly impressive. However, there are quicker and faster hypercars these days, such as the Bugatti Tourbillon that has a 276-mph top speed and hits 60 mph in 2.0 seconds. Judging from Leiters’ statements in this video, it seems like McLaren is prioritizing driver engagement over just having the best specs.
TopSpeed’s Take
We live in a great era for hypercars with entries such as the Ferrari F80, Rimac Nevera, and the Tourbillon. The W1 seems special among them, though. Most people are never going to notice that it might be a bit slower than some of the competition, as long as the vehicle engages the driver’s excitement. Leiters does a great job selling what makes McLaren’s new entry in this crowded segment so great. We can’t wait to see how the vehicle stacks up once deliveries begin.
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