The P1 hypercar marked McLaren Automotive’s leap from a newcomer to a true contender alongside Ferrari and Porsche. Building on that success, McLaren followed with the 675LT and 720S—two supercars that set new standards and solidified McLaren’s place among the elite.
Now, McLaren introduces the W1, a model positioned as the true successor to the P1, with a legacy traceable back to the iconic F1. While recent halo McLarens like the Senna, Elva, and Speedtail followed unique paths, the W1 is a return to McLaren’s pure supercar formula.
At first glance, the W1 appears similar to the P1, holding fast to McLaren’s traditional approach. Unlike Ferrari’s F80, which halved its cylinders and added all-wheel drive, the W1 sticks with a rear-drive, hybrid twin-turbo V8 layout. However, this 4.0-liter V8 brings added power and capacity, staying true to McLaren’s performance principles.
This approach means the W1 has an edge over the Ferrari in engine size, and its front wheels remain focused on handling rather than power, delivering an unfiltered driving experience. With a 75-horsepower advantage over its Italian rival, the W1 pushes boundaries while staying grounded in McLaren’s proven recipe.
Does refining the P1 formula make for an ideal supercar, or should McLaren have taken a bolder step forward? We explored the W1 at McLaren HQ to find out. Over to Top Gear Magazine’s Head of Car Testing, Ollie Marriage, for the full breakdown.
