In the latest episode of Hagerty The Driver Seat, Henry Catchpole puts the all-new McLaren W1 through an exhaustive road and track evaluation, comparing it directly with its legendary predecessors—the F1 and the hybrid P1—to determine whether it truly carries the legacy forward.
The test unfolds on Italy’s demanding Mugello Circuit and the winding roads of northern Tuscany, showcasing a machine that blends staggering performance with remarkable usability. At the heart of the W1 is an all-new hybrid powertrain producing an astonishing 1,257 horsepower and 988 lb-ft of torque.
Power comes from a newly developed 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-plane-crank V8 paired with a radial-flux electric motor and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, sending every bit of output exclusively to the rear wheels through an electronic differential.
Although the engine shares its displacement with the 750S, it is a completely redesigned unit. Featuring both port and direct fuel injection, lightweight internals, and a 9,200-rpm redline, the V8 delivers not only immense power but also an engaging, high-revving character rarely found in turbocharged engines.
The numbers are extraordinary. The W1 accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, reaches 124 mph in 5.8 seconds, and blasts to 186 mph in under 12.7 seconds—matching the pace of the Aston Martin Valkyrie. At Mugello, it surpasses 200 mph on the circuit’s 1.1-kilometer main straight, underscoring its genuine hypercar credentials.
Equally impressive is the car’s advanced aerodynamics. Activating Race mode lowers the suspension and extends the active rear wing by 320 mm, enabling a ground-effect package that generates an incredible 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds) of downforce at 174 mph.
Yet Catchpole argues the W1’s greatest achievement lies beyond raw statistics. McLaren has retained hydraulically assisted steering and conventional hydraulic brakes without regenerative interference, preserving the precise steering feel and brake feedback enthusiasts value. Combined with a compliant chassis and confidence-inspiring handling, the W1 feels equally rewarding on public roads and race circuits.
Rather than simply chasing bigger numbers, the McLaren W1 successfully combines cutting-edge hybrid technology with the tactile driving experience that defined both the F1 and P1, establishing itself as a worthy successor to one of the automotive world’s most celebrated bloodlines.
Source: Hagerty
