McLaren has always been at the cutting edge of performance engineering, and its latest hybrid hypercar, the W1, is no exception. At the heart of this beast is an all-new hybrid system, completely reimagined from what we saw in the legendary P1. The approach to blending electric power with a high-performance V8 has changed drastically, and the results are stunning. Let’s break down what makes this new powertrain so special.
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From ‘Torque Fill’ to Raw Power!
The McLaren P1 was all about “torque fill.” This meant using an electric motor to mask the turbo lag and provide instant low-end torque. It worked beautifully, but it also placed a lot of stress on the hybrid system. For the W1, McLaren has taken a different approach. Instead of using electricity to compensate for engine lag, they’ve built a new V8 with better transient response. The hybrid system now acts as a power booster rather than just a gap filler.
More Power, Less Weight!
One of the biggest challenges with hybrid powertrains is weight. McLaren knew they had to increase power while keeping things light. The W1’s hybrid setup delivers a massive 342 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque, a 90% increase over the P1’s electric motor. At the same time, they shaved off 88 pounds compared to the old system. That’s a huge win…
A Leaner, Meaner Battery
The battery has also undergone a major transformation. While the P1 had a 4.7-kWh unit, the W1 makes do with just 1.4 kWh. That means a drop in all-electric range from nearly 8 miles to just 1.6 miles. But let’s be honest—nobody buys a McLaren for its electric range. The focus here is on fast energy discharge and recharge, keeping the car ready to deliver maximum performance at any moment.
The battery tech is inspired by the Speedtail’s, featuring cylindrical cells for better efficiency. It is 5 pounds lighter than the Speedtail’s battery and, unlike it, allows for an all-electric driving mode.
The All-New MHP-8 V8 Engine
Powering the W1 is McLaren’s brand-new 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine called MHP-8. Even while it has the same displacement as McLaren’s previous V8, this V8 engine has been completely re-engineered. The bore is slightly smaller, and the stroke is longer, yet it remains a massively oversquare engine with a 92-mm bore and 75-mm stroke. The result? A screaming 9,200-rpm redline and a monstrous 916 hp and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque—more power and the same torque as the P1’s engine plus hybrid system combined.
Engineering Marvel
McLaren has done next-level engineering on the W1’s powertrain. It’s their first dual-fuel engine, using both port and direct injection for better efficiency and power. It also features hollow, sodium-filled intake valves, plasma-sprayed cylinder liners, and a more compact timing system, all of which make it a lighter, more powerful unit. The manufacturer has managed to save 22 pounds (10 kilos) weight on the powertrain alone, and this translates to a 15% performance boost.
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Turbocharging Without Compromise
Turbo lag is always a concern with high-performance engines, but McLaren found a solution without resorting to electric turbos like Ferrari and Mercedes-AMG do on their cars. Instead, they stuck with traditional twin-scroll turbochargers that are larger than before but still offer improved response.
Why no electric turbos? Simple: McLaren decided that battery power was better used to drive the electric motor rather than assist the turbos.
This Engine Could Be The Future of McLaren
This hybrid setup isn’t just for the W1. McLaren has designed the MHP-8 to meet strict Euro 7 emissions regulations, meaning it will power future models, including the eventual successor to the 750S. And don’t expect a non-hybrid version—McLaren has made it clear that hybridization is the way forward.
With the W1, McLaren has completely redefined what a hybrid hypercar can be. Lighter, more powerful, and more engaging, this new system sets a high bar for the future of performance engineering. One thing’s for sure—this is hybrid technology built for speed, not fuel savings.
