Mobility

If you thought the McLaren F1 and P1 cars were something, wait to until you see this. The McLaren W1 supercar boasts a high-performance V8 with high-caliber electric assistance. The result is an English monster that could dehorn a bull.

The McLaren W1 has a 4.0-litre V8 with 928 hp. But that wasn't enough, it also needed a 347 hp electric motor. Add them up and you get 1275 hp and a crazy torque of 1340 Nm to propel 1399 kg dry from the rear wheels. Suffice to say that this hyper-sporty coupé will literally drive the stopwatches crazy: 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds. The 0 to 200 km/h is swallowed up in 5.8 seconds. The 0 to 300 km/h is gone in 12.7 seconds. The W1 is electronically limited to 350 km/h (that's right, why exaggerate).

W1: Packed with technology

The engine and performance are combined with a set of techniques and technology on the chassis that make the W1 a true out-of-class machine. The active aerodynamics adapt to all situations: from the city to the track. The race mode has a ground effect inspired by Formula 1 that creates a lift of 1000 kg! As for the rear wing, it can stretch over 300 mm... Among the unusual solutions, there is also the interconnection of the shock absorbers by a hydraulic circuit. Plus, the cockpit has been designed to offer ergonomics and good visibility on the road and on the track.

And how much does it cost?

What a vulgar question that is... But so legitimate. Before knowing the price, it should be noted that the W1 will only be produced in 399 units - for the 399 customers that have already signed the purchase order. Just so you know, they threw in about £2 million, nearly 2.4 million euros or 2.6 million dollars (rounding up and without bothering too much with the taxes to be added).

(Olivier Duquesne/ML – Source & Picture: © McLaren Automotive)