McLaren Confirms Successor to the P1: Meet the W1

McLaren plans to unveil the W1 on the 50th anniversary of the company’s first Formula 1 championship win, marking a significant milestone in the automaker's history.

"The McLaren W1 is defined by real supercar principles and represents the ultimate expression of a McLaren vehicle," says Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive. "Born from our championship-winning legacy, the W1 pushes the boundaries of performance and proudly carries the ‘1’ designation."

This news comes nearly nine years after production wrapped on the McLaren P1, a car that redefined the hypercar category with its exotic design and thrilling performance. While the P1 remains a benchmark, the W1 is expected to push McLaren’s engineering prowess even further.

What to Expect from the McLaren W1

McLaren teased the new hypercar in a YouTube video released on September 25, titled “What Makes a ‘1’ Car?” The one-minute clip builds anticipation with dramatic visuals, yet it remains light on specifics. However, the video does confirm the official unveiling time: 1 p.m. British Summer Time on October 6, 2024.

The W1 is expected to sit atop McLaren’s Ultimate Series, a range that has seen models like the Elva, Senna, and Speedtail push the limits of design and speed. While each of these vehicles has delivered impressive feats like the Senna’s track dominance and the Speedtail’s 250 mph top speed none have quite achieved the breakthrough status of the P1.

McLaren’s Legacy of “1” Cars

For those familiar with McLaren’s lineup, the use of “1” in the W1’s name carries significant weight. The McLaren F1, introduced in 1992, and the P1 that followed in 2013, both set new standards for what a hypercar could be. With the W1, McLaren is aiming to redefine what’s possible in this elite segment once again.

The video hints that McLaren will deliver the same game-changing technology and design innovation that made the F1 and P1 icons. The automaker’s ultimate goal: create a car worthy of the ‘1’ badge, cementing the W1’s status as the next chapter in McLaren’s storied hypercar legacy.

Unveiling Details

Mark your calendars for October 6, when McLaren will reveal the W1 to the world. The unveiling will take place at 1 p.m. BST (8 a.m. in New York, 5 a.m. in Los Angeles), and the event is expected to offer the first detailed look at this groundbreaking hypercar.

Stay tuned to McLaren’s official channels as more information surfaces about the McLaren W1 a vehicle set to challenge the limits of performance, design, and technology.