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The McLaren Active Long Tail extends the working area of the rear diffuser in Race mode and is key to the generation of downforce. It also operates in DRS and airbrake configurations as required to help optimise aerodynamic balance.W1’s suspension system works in combination with the front and rear active aero features integrated into a unique underfloor design delivering ground affect aerodynamics. This allows the required levels of load and grip to deploy the torque through the driven axle, mitigating the need for all-wheel-drive and therefore the additional weight required on the front axle.
Continuing the Formula 1 influence, the front suspension setup also includes titanium torsion bars and an active heave element crosslink, while the rear has a Z-bar with active droplinks to control heave. In the relentless pursuit of light weight, 3D printing was used for the front uprights and wishbones of the advanced suspension system.
Braking on W1 is a further advance on McLaren’s renowned high-performance hydraulic system. W1 will come to a standstill from 100km/h in 29 metres and from 200km/h in just 100 metres. The front brakes are activated with 6-piston calipers and the rear by four-piston calipers, both of a forged monobloc design. The 390mm discs in the McLaren Carbon Ceramic Racing+ (MCCR+) system are unique to W1, featuring an additional ceramic layer compared to previous carbon ceramic discs. This provides greater durability while allowing for a more aggressive brake pad and higher friction levels to further increase braking efficiency.
Bettering even the super-lightweight and track-focused McLaren Senna – by an astonishing three seconds a lap at McLaren’s Nardo reference circuit – W1 is also the fastest accelerating road-legal McLaren ever. Hugely impressive in isolation, these two parameters are even more incredible when you consider that you need both high downforce and very low drag to achieve them. Tyre performance is intrinsic to mechanical and aerodynamic grip and W1 features three 265/35 front and 335/30 rear tyre options from McLaren’s technical partner, Pirelli. To fit the car’s extreme requirements, the Pirelli P ZEROTM Trofeo RS road legal track tyre is the standard fitment.
The pedals, steering wheel and primary controls move to fully embrace the driver within the cockpit environment, with adjustable, floor-mounted aluminium pedals. True to the McLaren supercar principle of a pure driver-focused interface, the only two buttons on the steering wheel are Boost and McLaren Aero Deployment controls. Inspired by Formula 1, these have been ergonomically designed to be easy to reach and activate by the driver moving their thumbs and not their hands from the wheel.
Further theatre is provided by overhead start/stop, gear selection and Race mode switchgear together with the window controls. These are housed by the digital rear-view display; designed to resemble a conventional rear-view mirror for driver familiarity, the camera position and angle is deliberately placed to discreetly display a small section of the Active Long Tail wing in order to give context and perspective to the driver’s rear view to ease vehicle positioning in traffic and low-speed maneuvring including parking. The W1 also has a luggage stowage shelf behind the seats, accessible by moving the headrests, which fold flat forwards to provide a loading platform.
With up to 117 litres of storage space, two weekend bags or two crash helmets can be accommodated. The W1’s transmission is an all-new 8-speed DCT with a much higher torque capacity than previous McLaren transmission systems. The E-module torque is fed into the transmission downstream of the clutches allowing the W1 to deliver combined torque from the V8 engine and E-module of 1340Nm at the input shaft.
Every W1 comes as standard with a comprehensive warranty (four-year/unlimited mileage vehicle; six-year/75,000km battery) and a 4-year inclusive service plan that complements the unique ownership experience.
As for pricing and options? Best approach the brand's local representative, Daytona, directly.
