McLaren’s W1 Will Be the Modern Reincarnation of the Legendary P1

Confirming long-standing rumors, McLaren said it will introduce a new supercar on October 6 that will serve as the modern day successor to the legendary P1. Here’s what’s we know about the new McLaren W1.

It’s been nearly a quarter century since the legendary McLaren F1 ended its run, and a decade since production of the P1 wrapped up. Now, the British automaker has confirmed, a new successor is on the way.

Set to mark the 50th anniversary of McLaren’s first win of the Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship, it will be dubbed the W1, the company announced Friday.

“The McLaren W1 is defined by real supercar principles and is the ultimate expression of a McLaren supercar,” CEO Michael Leiters said in a statement. “Born of our rich racing history and World Championship mindset, W1 pushes the boundaries of performance and is worthy of the ‘1’ name. Like its predecessors the F1 and McLaren P1™, W1 defines the rulebook of a real supercar.”

What’s coming

Rumors have been circulating for months that McLaren would come up with a new flagship supercar, one that would rival the groundbreaking design and performance of the original F1 and later P1 models.

The British manufacturer isn’t saying much about what’s in the works beyond confirming that the successor will make its formal debut at 8:00 AM EDT on Sunday, October 6.

But it’s given a few hints, suggesting that what it will deliver will be more than just fast. It will be be “all about theater.” That translates into striking good looks as well as a distinctive engine and exhaust note.

What we know

The W1 will have at least one fundamental feature in common with the previous P1 – and a number of other recent flagship supercars. It will be motivated by a hybrid drivetrain.

The gas side of the package will be a high-revving V-8. The electric part of the system will use a small, lightweight battery and motor drive similar to what we’re seeing on the Formula 1 circuit.

The V-8 is reportedly new, as will be the electric part of the package. Several reports emphasize that it will not just be lifted from the current McLaren Artura. The hybrid system is, we’re told, about 70% lighter. Some sources anticipate the combined package will push out in excess of 1,200 horsepower.

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Design

The P1 was the work of American expat designer Frank Stephenson. We’ve reached out to him to find out if he’s involved in the new project and will update this story, where appropriate.

We’d be shocked if the design doesn’t once again push new boundaries. Some form of gullwing or scissor doors seem all but certain. More significantly, the McLaren W1 is expected to make use of active aerodynamic features, such as grille shutters that open only when air is needed for engine breathing or cooling. An air intake on the roof is also reportedly built into the design.

McLaren has a reputation for using cutting edge manufacturing technology, as well. That’s expected to include the use of super-light 3D printing for suspension and other parts of the vehicle.

Expect only a relative handful of the mid-engine supercars to be produced, with a price tag solidly in the 7-figure range.