The 2026 McLaren W1, ‘the real supercar,’ is powered by an epic all-new V8 hybrid powertrain with 1258 HP.
The 2026 McLaren W1 is considered “the ultimate expression of a real supercar,” serving as the groundbreaking successor to two of the most iconic supercars of all time—the McLaren F1 and McLaren P1. The all-new MHP-8 V8 combustion engine delivers an impressive 928PS, achieving 233PS per liter—the highest output ever from a McLaren engine—and revs up to an astounding 9,200rpm. Thus, the new W1 is the fastest accelerating road-legal McLaren ever, making it quicker than the McLaren Speedtail and the McLaren Senna.
The new McLaren W1 takes aerodynamics to a whole new level, packed with the most advanced active aero tech ever in a road-legal McLaren. Its game-changing McLaren Active Long Tail rear wing extends an eye-popping 300mm, just one of several cool patented innovations. With Formula 1-inspired ground effect aerodynamics and a thrilling McLaren race mode, this beast can morph from road cruiser to track weapon, dropping 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear, while cranking up a jaw-dropping 1,000kg of downforce. It’s built for speed, style, and pure adrenaline!
How much is a McLaren W1?
Ready to own a masterpiece on wheels? The 2026 McLaren W1 starts at over $2 million, but the final price depends on how wild you go with your MSO personalization—after all, this isn’t just a car; it’s your canvas. With only 399 units being crafted for the world, exclusivity is an understatement. Want to get behind the wheel of a McLaren? For your personalized quote, visit the pros at McLaren Houston or McLaren Rancho Mirage, part of the indiGO Auto Group. Your dream car is waiting—time to make it yours.
McLaren W1 Overview
What’s new for the McLaren W1 V8 Plug-In Hybrid??
Under the hood of the W1, an all-new V8 hybrid powertrain delivers a mind-blowing 1275PS, with the new MHP-8 V8 engine at its core cranking out 928PS. This flat plane crank, 90-degree V8 is the heartbeat of McLaren’s epic new creation. Paired with an all-new 8-speed DCT transmission, the W1 now handles torque like never before, with E-reverse and a hydraulic electronic differential for seamless control. Whether you’re tearing up the track or cruising the streets, the new Race Active Chassis Control III suspension with Race mode ensures you own every corner thanks to its unparalleled breadth of capability.
But wait—it doesn’t stop there! With virtually unlimited bespoke options via MSO, including McLaren’s innovative new InnoKnit tailored interior material, the 2026 McLaren W1 is your chance to create a supercar as unique as your imagination. Want one? Of course you do! Reach out to an indiGO Auto Group McLaren dealer to start personalizing your dream McLaren today.
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2026 McLaren W1 performance: top speed, engine, hp, and 0-60
The McLaren W1 is a powerhouse like no other, with an all-new High-Performance Hybrid powertrain at its core. The MHP-8 V8 engine delivers an impressive 928PS, paired with a 347PS E-module for a combined 1275PS—making the W1 the most powerful McLaren ever, leaving its rivals in the dust. With a lightweight build of just 1,399kg, the W1 boasts an insane power-to-weight ratio of 911PS per tonne—the highest of any road-legal McLaren and the best in its class.
This staggering power, combined with 988 lb-ft of torque and lightning-fast throttle response from the E-module, propels the W1 from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.7 seconds, and to 124 mph in a blistering 5.8 seconds. With a top speed of 217 mph, this 1258 hp beast is built for thrill-seekers. Thanks to a 350bar Gasoline Direct Injection system and port fuel injection, the MHP-8 engine delivers an unparalleled 233PS per litre without compromising emissions.
Inspired by Formula 1, the W1’s Race mode offers two suspension settings—Race and Race+—allowing drivers to tailor performance to bumpy, aerodynamic-focused tracks or smooth, ground-effect optimized surfaces.
E-Motor
The motorsport-inspired E-module that powers the 2026 McLaren W1 is a true marvel of efficiency and performance. Mounted beside the transmission, this engineering gem cranks out an impressive 347PS, thanks to its radial flux E-motor and integrated Motor Control Unit—a setup that echoes the high-performance design of IndyCar racing. Weighing just 20kg, this lightweight powerhouse not only maximizes output but also reduces coolant volume and minimizes connections and seals, making it compact and service-friendly.
Capable of spinning up to 24,000 rpm, the E-motor boasts an incredible specific output of 23PS per kilogram—right in line with the elite performance of Formula 1 E-motors. Powering this electric wonder is a 1.384kWh battery, cleverly housed within the carbon fiber monocoque and placed as low as possible to lower the center of gravity for optimal handling.
The motorsport-derived battery cells are tuned to prioritize high power output to the E-module, ensuring lightning-fast throttle response and delivering the kind of breathtaking performance that the W1 is built for. Despite being designed for maximum power, the W1 can still operate in a zero-emission, electric-only mode for up to 1.6 miles, giving you a taste of clean, silent driving when needed.
And in true McLaren style, they’ve trimmed down the hybrid components, cutting 40kg compared to the McLaren P1 while nearly doubling the electric power. Lighter, faster, and more electrifying—this is the future of hybrid performance.
Formula 1-inspired ground-effect aerodynamics
The 2026 McLaren W1’s jaw-dropping design is all about aerodynamic mastery, borrowing heavily from Formula 1’s ground-effect principles. McLaren engineers have combined high downforce with low drag to unleash the W1’s extraordinary performance capabilities. The car’s aerodynamics are the most advanced ever seen in a McLaren road car, fine-tuned over 350 hours of wind tunnel testing and 5,000 data points analyzed.
At the heart of this system is the Aerocell monocoque, designed to optimize ground-effect aerodynamics. This innovative structure, unique to the W1, includes integrated seating—saving 70mm of wheelbase—and raised footwells, plus an adjustable pedal box and steering for the perfect driving position. The W1 also boasts the highest number of active aerodynamic surfaces in any McLaren, further enhancing its performance potential.
McLaren’s Race mode is the key to the W1’s split personality—effortlessly blending everyday road driving with track-dominating precision. In Race mode, the car undergoes a stunning transformation, with active aerodynamics kicking into gear. The ride height drops—37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear—and both the front and rear wings come alive, generating up to 1,000kg of downforce in high-speed corners (350kg up front, 650kg at the rear). Paired with a roof-mounted air flow diverter, these cutting-edge features deliver the most radical aerodynamic package ever seen in a road-legal McLaren.
Powered by four E-motors, the McLaren Active Long Tail adapts dynamically, moving up, down, and—depending on whether the W1 is in Road or Race mode—shifting 300mm rearward while adjusting its pitch. In Race mode, it extends the rear diffuser’s effective area, playing a crucial role in generating downforce. Additionally, it seamlessly switches to DRS and airbrake configurations as needed, optimizing aerodynamic balance for maximum performance.
The new McLaren W1 is pushing the boundaries of high-performance driving, boasting the most advanced aerodynamics, fastest lap times, and quickest acceleration of any road-legal McLaren. Experience something as innovative as the 2026 McLaren W1 at an indiGO Auto Group McLaren dealer today.