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W1 (official name for P18)

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102K views 1K replies 81 participants last post by  invisiblewave  
#116 ·
#989 ·
I find it difficult to see the point of racing-style test drives on snow and ice. After all, the coefficient of friction on snow or ice is so poor that the quality of the car and its technical tuning are actually irrelevant.
I would argue that a 540S drives just as fast over a blanket of snow as a W1, provided they have the same tires fitted. The driving performance is probably more or less the same. There is certainly a difference between different drive types (rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive). But at McLaren, everything always goes to the rear axle. Of course, you have to test whether the technology works at the lowest temperatures. But one can safely do without this ridiculous sliding around on ice and snow.
Is it just for show? Cool pictures and videos for marketing purposes?
Help me out here, what am I missing?
 
#992 ·
Sure, good points, makes sense.

Something else occurred to me. I used to drive BMWs a lot, 5 Series with rear-wheel drive. They were terrible in the snow. Once, I got stuck in a flat car park with my 5 Series.
Then I had two Maserati Granturismos, also with rear-wheel drive. Everyone warned me that these cars were a nightmare in winter. I can report that the Masi was far better than the 5 Series. Then I looked at the weight distribution, and everything became clear. The 5 Series had rear-wheel drive, with most of the weight on the front axle, while the Masi had rear-wheel drive with a very balanced, almost 50/50 distribution and thus significantly more weight on the rear axle. From this perspective, rear-wheel drive is not just rear-wheel drive; there are differences.
 
#993 · (Edited)
probably more to do with what type of differential they had. an open diff would transmit all the power to the wheel with the least amount of resistance, i.e. the one that is already spinning... advantage with open diff is sharper turnin and less understeer.
and of course the tyres. the more performance oriented tyres you have the worse they will be in cold and wet temperatures.
But yes weight distribution matters.
i'm old enough to have had to reverse FWD and front engined cars up hills in the winter (like various Saabs)
 
#995 ·
We have here, the 8th W1 in the registry and this one will be commissioned by @mclarenhou

This 2026 McLaren W1 (Chassis No.010) features a MSO Bespoke Exterior in Gulf Blue, paired with a Gulf Orange Stripe, forged Ultra-Lightweight 5-Spoke Wheels in Gloss Black and Carbon Ceramic Brakes with Gulf Orange Brake Calipers. Other exterior details are the Gulf Orange Front Air Intakes, the Gulf Orange Door Mirror Arms and the Carbon Fibre Reat Active Wing.

The Interior of W1 010 is upholstered in Pure Gulf Orange Alcantara and fused with extensive Gloss Finished Carbon Fibre Elements. The Integral Seats on the Monocoque are wrapped in Gulf Orange Alcantara with White “W1” embroidered Headrests, while the Driver holds a Gulf Orange Alcantara Steering Wheel which comes with a Gloss Carbon Fibre Top and Bottom Section and a White 12 o’clock stripe.


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#999 ·
This 2026 McLaren W1 features an unknown MSO Bespoke Exterior Paint inspired by the owner's father's old car which was finished in Royal Atmospheric Blue, very similar to McLaren's Namaka Blue. Forged Ultra-Lightweight 5-Spoke Wheels in Gloss Black and Carbon Ceramic Brakes with Gold Brake Calipers. Other exterior details are Gold Accent Stripe, the Gold Front Air Intake Housings and the Golden Door Mirror Arms. The Interior is upholstered in full Orange Leather and features gloss Carbon Fiberthrougohut the Interior, Super-Lightweight Racing Seats which are integrated into the Carbon Tub, wrapped in Orange Leather with Black Seatbelts, a Orange Leather Steering Wheel with Carbon Fiber Top and Bottom Section, branded floor mats and a Bowers & Wilkins Sound System.

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McLaren W1 Registry on Instagram: "The 10th McLaren W1 in the registry, and this one will be commissioned by @mclarentroy1 This 2026 McLaren W1 features an unknown MSO Bespoke Exterior Paint inspired by the owner's father's old car which was finished in Royal Atmospheric Blue, very similar to McLaren's Namaka Blue. Forged Ultra-Lightweight 5-Spoke Wheels in Gloss Black and Carbon Ceramic Brakes with Gold Brake Calipers. Other exterior details are Gold Accent Stripe, the Gold Front Air Intake Housings and the Golden Door Mirror Arms. The Interior is upholstered in full Orange Leather and features gloss Carbon Fiberthrougohut the Interior, Super-Lightweight Racing Seats which are integrated into the Carbon Tub, wrapped in Orange Leather with Black Seatbelts, a Orange Leather Steering Wheel with Carbon Fiber Top and Bottom Section, branded floor mats and a Bowers & Wilkins Sound System. 📷: @samsunggeek99 🔑: @samsunggeek99 #mclaren #mso #McLarenW1 #W1 #mclarenw1registry #w1registry #mclarenp1gtr #mclarenauto #mclarensenna #765ltspider #mclarenlifestyle #supercars #mclarenlife #750s #cars #luxury #carporn #mclarenp1 #mclaren720s #senna #mclarenf1 #mclaren570s #mclaren675lt #mclaren600lt #supercar #mclarentalk #monaco #london #mclaren765lt #mclaren750s"