McLaren W1 technical deep dive

ELECTRIC BOOST

The W1’s E-module contains a radial-flux electric motor of the type used in F1. It can rev to 24,000rpm, weighs only 20kg and contributes 342bhp. The unit is paired with a motor control unit and powered by a 1.384kWh battery.

Positioned in a recess within the W1 monocoque, it is fully shielded and installed as low as possible to benefit the centre of gravity. At a dry weight of 1,399kg, it delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 899bhp per tonne.

SPRING TIME

Up front, the suspension combines titanium torsion bars with an active heave crosslink, while the rear uses a Z-bar and active droplinks to refine the car’s vertical control. The front uprights and wishbones are 3D-printed from titanium.

It is also the first McLaren road car fitted with pushrods, connected to inboard dampers to improve aerodynamic performance.

FIREPOWER

Power comes from a completely new McLaren-designed 3,988cc twin-turbo V8. It features a lightweight block, cylinder heads and pistons, alongside 350 bar direct injection and port fuel injection.

Key details include plasma-spray-coated cylinder bores, while the valvegear employs sliding finger followers with a diamond-like carbon coating to cut friction. An internal viscous damper is fitted to the crankshaft, too. It reaches 9,200rpm, more than any earlier McLaren engine, and produces peak torque of 664lb ft on its own (988lb ft in total).

FIBRELIGHT

The W1 Aerocell monocoque uses pre-preg carbon fibre, the most intricate and costly type of composite construction. The W1 has torsional rigidity of 51,000 Nm/degree.

THROUGH FLOW

Because the lower front suspension mountings are built into the chassis, there is no front subframe. This allows cleaner airflow beneath the car. McLaren has created bespoke cut-outs on both sides of the tub to accommodate the steering rack, which itself now sits nearer the wheel centres.

BACKDRAFT

The McLaren Active Long Tail can extend backwards by as much as 300mm over a 180° arc, projecting well beyond the W1 bodywork. Peak downforce is 1,000kg at 174mph.

PRO ACTIVE

In Race mode, electric motors adjust the front wing’s configuration. Its central element channels air downstream towards an F1-inspired keel, while the outer sections create front downforce. During braking, that airflow is rerouted to increase cooling and shift the aerodynamic balance rearwards.

Want more W1 goodness? We took it to Mugello and the roads around it. It turns out to be 'one of the greatest cars we've ever tested'.