1,275 PS McLaren W1 can go from 0 – 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds

2025 McLaren W1 is the successor to the revered P1 supercar

Remember when McLaren first unveiled the P1 over a decade ago? Essentially an electrified supercar with a focus on outright performance, the McLaren P1 combines the very best features of a supercar and a plug-in hybrid but cranked up to 11 to deliver 916 PS.

Now, McLaren has unleashed the successor to the venerable P1 and F1. Say hello to the 2025 McLaren W1, which has over 1,270 PS on tap. Dubbed by the Woking-based automaker as the “ultimate expression of a real supercar,” the W1 was built with one thing in mind: to deliver class-leading performance without compromise. More importantly, it's the most powerful road-going production car McLaren has built so far.

Starting with its beating heart, the W1 gets its power from a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that benefits from the brand's Formula One-derived E-Module hybrid system. The engine alone already makes an impressive 928 PS with 900 Nm of torque while the flux electric motor from the E-Module puts out 347 PS with 440 Nm of pull. Combined, the W1 generates a total system output of 1,275 and a meaty 1,340 Nm of torque between 4500 – 5000 rpm.

Paired with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with an e-differential, the McLaren W1 can catapult itself from 0 – 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds. The W1's ability to reach 200 km/h from a standstill in only 5.8 seconds is equally impressive. And in case that's not enough, McLaren also claims the W1 can sprint from 0 – 300 km/h in less than 12.8 seconds. Last but not least, the W1 has a top speed of 350 km/h and it was able to lap around McLaren's Nardo reference circuit three seconds faster than the Senna.

Also worth mentioning about the W1 is its sculpted body which was made possible by McLaren's Performance By Design philosophy. Utilizing the five key principles of McLaren's design DNA (Epic, Athletic, Functional, Focused, and Intelligent), the W1's carbon fiber exterior not only looks good but prioritizes airflow and aerodynamics.

From the countless flaps, gills, and intakes that cover the vehicle, the McLaren W1's ground effects ensure the W1 stays planted to the ground while simultaneously cutting through the wind. Moreover, the unique shape and overall profile of the vehicle also aid in cooling both the engine and the brakes when being driven on the limit.

The W1 can also “shapeshift in a way when it's set to Race Mode. It has both front and rear active wings, with the latter serving as perhaps the most notable feature. Part of the vehicle's active aero system, the rear wing can be extended to give the W1 a larger diffuser and acts as the vehicle's air brake and DRS wing.

Besides having one heck of a rear wing, the vehicle itself also lowers itself by 1.46 inches in the front and 0.7 inches in the rear. At full tilt, McLaren says the W1 is capable of generating over 350 kg of downforce in the front and 650 kg in the rear – resulting in a total of 1,000 kg of downforce which will help the W1 stay glued to the pavement during high-speed cornering.

"The McLaren W1 is a celebration of both the excellence of the iconic McLaren F1 and McLaren P1TM and the manifestation of McLaren’s World Championship mindset. With our new Ultimate supercar, we are again pushing the boundaries of real supercar performance with an epic hybrid powertrain featuring our all-new MHP-8 V8 engine, the most advanced aerodynamic platform of any McLaren road car, and extensive use of advanced lightweight materials. This allows us to engineer a supreme track driving experience from the same car that gives unparalleled driving enjoyment on the road," said Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive.

Looking to get one for yourself? Better luck next time as McLaren will only build 399 examples of the W1, all of which are already spoken for.

With McLaren releasing its ultimate supercar, we won't be surprised if Ferrari and Porsche are not far behind in releasing their latest halo car. Perhaps we can expect to see another “Holy Trinity” of halo cars that used to consist of the McLaren P1, the Porsche 918, and the Ferrari LaFerrari.