Here's the tech behind the brain-fryingly complex McLaren W1

ELECTRIC BOOST

The E-module inside the W1 consists of a radial flux e-motor similar to the sort used in F1 that can spin to 24,000rpm, weighs just 20kg, and adds 342bhp. It’s coupled to a motor control unit and fed by a 1.384kWh battery. 

Housed in a cavity within the W1’s monocoque, it’s fully protected but mounted as low as possible to help the C of G. With a dry weight of 1,399kg, the power-to-weight ratio is 899bhp per tonne.

SPRING TIME

The front suspension uses titanium torsion bars and an active heave crosslink, while the rear setup has a Z-bar with active droplinks to optimise the car’s vertical motion. The front uprights and wishbones are 3D printed in titanium. 

This is also the first McLaren road car to use pushrods which are linked to inboard dampers, for more aero goodness.

FIREPOWER

The engine is an all-new McLaren-developed 3,988cc, twin turbo V8. It has a lightweight block, cylinder heads and pistons, uses 350 bar direct injection and port fuel injection.

Highlights include plasma spray coated cylinder bores, the valvegear uses sliding finger followers with diamond-like carbon coating to reduce friction, and there’s an internal viscous damper for the crankshaft. It revs to 9,200rpm, higher than any previous McLaren engine, with peak torque on its own of 664lb ft (988lb ft in total).

FIBRELIGHT

The W1's Aerocell monocoque is made from pre-preg carbon fibre, the most complex and expensive form of composite manufacture. W1’s torsional rigidity is 51,000 Nm/degree.

THROUGH FLOW

The lower front suspension mountings are integrated into the chassis, so there’s no front subframe. It means the airflow under the car is smoother. McLaren has had to create bespoke cutouts on either side of the tub to fit the steering rack, and the rack itself is now closer to the centre of the wheels.

BACKDRAFT

The McLaren Active Long Tail extends rearwards by up to 300mm through a 180° arc, far beyond the edge of the W1’s body. Maximum downforce is 1,000kg at 174mph.

PRO ACTIVE

The front wing uses e-motors to alter its configuration in Race mode, a central section diverting air downstream to an F1-inspired keel, the side sections generating front downforce. Under braking this flow is redirected to provide more cooling, while also moving the aero balance towards the rear

Want more W1 goodness? We took it to Mugello and the surrounding roads. Turns out, it's 'one of the greatest cars we've ever tested'.