New McLaren W1 is a landmark £2m hybrid hypercar with 1,258bhp

Based mostly round a bespoke McLaren Aerocell carbon-fibre monocoque, the W1’s styling is an evolution of earlier fashions’ – albeit with a sharper edge that’s unashamedly optimised for aerodynamics following 350 hours within the wind tunnel. Anhedral doorways open up and out to disclose a totally new cabin, with the mounted seats built-in into the automobile’s tub. As such, the pedals, steering wheel and first controls transfer to suit the motive force, providing what McLaren calls “the purest connection to the automobile”.

McLaren claims “nearly limitless bespoke choices” can be found by way of the model’s MSO programme, together with a brand new tailor-made, light-weight InnoKnit inside materials that’s “knitted to suit” – nearly utterly eliminating waste and off-cuts. It’s accessible in a number of colors, and may even be integrated into the speaker grilles of the automobile’s Bowers & Wilkins stereo. The MSO programme extends to the outside, too, with single and two-tone finishes accessible.

There’s no rear window, and as such, the W1 makes use of a digital mirror fed by way of a digital camera located under the automobile’s shark-fin antenna. A advantage of this format means the W1 boasts 117 litres of space for storing behind the entrance seats; the headrests fold to disclose sufficient room for “two weekend baggage or two crash helmets.” Regardless of the shortage of glass, McLaren claims the W1 gives “nice visibility” – thanks partly to the agency’s thinnest ever A-pillars. 

Alongside these mounted seats, the W1 encompasses a new flat-bottom steering wheel with a pair of buttons – a primary for the model. These switches management the automobile’s ‘Increase’ and ‘Drag Discount’ (DRS) capabilities – the latter by way of that lively rear wing.

A set of digital dials enhances the W1’s eight-inch central display screen working McLaren Infotainment System (MIS) II with built-in Apple CarPlay and USB-C connectivity. The automobile’s drive modes are operated by way of rocker switches, whereas different buttons – comparable to these for the gear choice and race mode – are located overhead.

The McLaren W1 is priced from “circa £2 million” together with taxes within the UK. A complete of 399 automobiles shall be constructed, and all buyer automobiles are already accounted for. 

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