McLaren W1 Revealed

Just a few hours ago, McLaren revealed its brand new supercar, the W1, as the successor to the iconic McLaren F1 and P1.

The W1 combines Formula 1 style aerodynamics, hybrid technology, and lightweight engineering to deliver what McLaren calls the “ultimate supercar experience.”

Powertrain

The W1 has a hybrid powertrain, combining the all-new MHP-8 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor. The result is 1275PS or around 1257 horsepower, which is the highest power output of any McLaren road car ever made. This hybrid system consists of the MHP-8 V8 combustion engine, which, on its own, generates 928PS and revs up to 9,200 rpm. Paired with a 347PS electric motor, the car has a power-to-weight ratio of 911PS per tonne!

The electric motor is part of a compact “E-module” that integrates the motor control unit, contributing to the car’s efficiency and lighter weight. In total, the car weighs just 1,399 kg which makes it exceptionally fast. 0 – 62 mph takes 2.7 seconds and the W1 will continue up to a top speed of 217 mph (electronically capped).

Aerodynamics and Engineering Inspired by Formula 1

A big part of the W1’s impressive performance comes from its Formula 1-inspired aerodynamics. McLaren engineers have spent over 350 hours testing the car in a wind tunnel to make sure it has an optimal balance of low drag and high downforce. This includes the use of McLaren’s Active Long Tail rear wing, which extends by 300mm to generate up to 1,000 kg of downforce in Race mode. The front and rear wings adjust automatically based on driving conditions so the car remains planted at high speeds.

The W1’s ground-effect aerodynamics are also a fantastic feature. When switching to Race mode, the car lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear. This maximises downforce which can lead to even greater track performance. This configuration allows the W1 to lap McLaren’s test track 3 seconds faster than the previous record-holder, the McLaren Senna.

The W1’s handling is enhanced by its new Race Active Chassis Control III suspension. In Race mode, the suspension stiffens, and the active heave system, borrowed from McLaren’s Formula 1 technology, helps the car maintain stability at high speeds.

McLaren’s focus on driver engagement means that the W1 is rear-wheel-drive. This is becoming increasingly rare in modern supercars so it’s clearly been well thought through by the team. This choice, along with McLaren’s hydraulic performance steering, makes sure you have full control over the car’s eye-watering power and torque.

Bespoke Design and Advanced Technology

The W1 features McLaren’s bespoke Aerocell carbon fibre monocoque chassis which has been designed to integrate seating into the structure of the car.

The car’s interior is a mix of luxury and function. It includes materials like McLaren’s new InnoKnit, a lightweight and customisable fabric that changes and enhances both aesthetics and comfort.

Despite the car’s focus on track performance, the cabin includes comforts such as Apple CarPlay and a high-resolution infotainment system. McLaren has also included digital elements into the driver experience, with boost and aero buttons on the steering wheel for real-time control over the car’s power delivery and aerodynamic settings.

Exclusive and Personalised

Only 399 units of the McLaren W1 will be produced, and they’ve already been allocated to customers. Each car will be highly customisable through McLaren Special Operations (MSO), allowing owners to tailor their vehicle’s exterior and interior with pretty much limitless options.

Pricing and Availability

The McLaren W1 is priced at around £2 million in the UK, depending on the level of customisation chosen.

Technical Specification

Performance data

 
Efficiency

Warranty

Kia UK to Unveil Unique ‘Restomod’ for 80th Anniversary at Bicester Heritage

On Sunday (6th October), Kia UK is going to reveal a very special vehicle as part of the celebrations marking the brand’s 80th anniversary. The exclusive ‘restomod’ – a restored and modified car – will debut at the Bicester Heritage ‘Scramble’ event.

This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been created from a donor vehicle taken from Kia’s UK heritage fleet. Though details about the specific car remain an inside secret, it is said to offer a power-to-weight ratio reminiscent of popular hot hatches from the 1970s and 1980s. The focus of the redesign has been on enhancing the driving experience and creating a modern yet nostalgic feel.

This is the third custom vehicle Kia UK has built in recent years. It follows the track-focused Stinger ‘GT420’ in 2019 and the Soul EV beach buggy. The Stinger ‘GT420’ was a heavily tuned-up version of Kia’s grand tourer, with modifications aimed at transforming it into a high-performance track car. The Soul EV beach buggy was aimed at a completely different audience with its rugged setup making it perfect for surfers. It even had a custom surfboard rack, wooden-decked interior, ‘rally raid’ style elevated suspension, and chunky tyres.

The new restomod will continue this trend of creativity, innovation, and unique car design.

Vauxhall Begins UK Trials of Hydrogen-Powered Vivaro Van

Vauxhall has started UK customer trials for its hydrogen-powered van, the Vivaro HYDROGEN. Over the next few months, a range of companies, including those with some of the largest fleets in the country, will be involved in these trials. This is all in preparation for the launch of the Movano HYDROGEN, which will be Vauxhall’s largest light commercial vehicle, in 2025.

The Vivaro HYDROGEN is new to the UK but it’s already available in left-hand drive markets under Vauxhall’s sister brand – Opel. This means that it is the first commercially produced hydrogen-powered van available for sale.

Hydrogen Power

The Vivaro HYDROGEN is based on Vauxhall’s all-electric Vivaro Electric, but with a hydrogen fuel cell system. It has a 45kW fuel cell and a 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery giving it a driving range of 249 miles (WLTP standard). Its hydrogen fuel tanks, which are located under the floor, can be refilled in just five minutes, which isn’t too dissimilar to the time needed to refuel traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.

The 10.5kWh battery has some added benefits too, such as providing extra power during acceleration and when starting the vehicle. It also allows the fuel cell to run at optimal conditions and enables regenerative braking, which means that the braking energy is converted back into electricity to recharge the battery.

Just in case hydrogen refuelling stations are hard to come by, the van also has a plug-in feature, which gives a range of up to 31 miles of pure electric driving.

Space and Functionality

As the Vivaro HYDROGEN has an advanced hydrogen system, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking this has an impact on space. However, it actually offers up to 6.1 cubic metres of cargo volume and a maximum payload of 1,000 kg. This matches its combustion engine counterparts pretty much exactly.

“As the UK’s best-selling electric van manufacturer for the past three years, we are already leading the way in electrifying Britain’s businesses. With a 311-mile range, zero-emissions-in-use and quick refuelling, the Movano HYDROGEN will provide fleets with another sustainable option alongside our full line-up of battery electric vans. I look forward to hearing feedback from fleet operators taking part in the trial ahead of the commercial launch of Movano HYDROGEN later this year.”

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall

Movano HYDROGEN

Following the Vivaro trials, Vauxhall will be launching the Movano HYDROGEN in 2025. This will be its largest hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicle with the order books opening later this year. This will have an even greater range of up to 311 miles (WLTP) and the same quick refuelling time of under five minutes.

The Movano HYDROGEN will also feature a 110kW (150hp) electric motor and 410 Newton metres of torque. Like the Vivaro, it will also come with a lithium-ion battery for additional power during starts and acceleration, as well as the ability to recapture braking energy.

The Future of Hydrogen Power

The UK trial of a hydrogen-powered van is a good indication that Vauxhall is doing its bit to help grow the hydrogen vehicle market.

The Vivaro HYDROGEN and the Movano HYDROGEN could significantly reduce carbon emissions and, as their performance is comparable to traditional vehicles, there is a real chance that these two vans could help shape the future of commercial transport.

Vauxhall-Opel and its parent company Stellantis have over 20 years of expertise in hydrogen fuel cell technology. To further support hydrogen adoption, Vauxhall teamed up with UK-based company Ryze Hydrogen earlier this year with the aim of creating hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for fleet operators, enabling businesses to power their hydrogen vehicles either at on-site refuelling stations or dedicated facilities.

No More Coal

The UK is officially turning its back on coal-powered electricity after 142 years, as the final active coal plant in Ratcliffe-on-Soar shut down for the final time this week.

It’s hard to put into words how big of a deal this is; as coal was the foundation of the Industrial Revolution that changed the country and so many industries forever thanks to the electrical power it generated. Now though, as the UK (and the rest of the world) look to a greener and more sustainable future, renewable energy is taking over. In fact, more than 50% of the UK’s electricity is currently provided by renewable sources. 

It’s something of a full circle moment in some ways as not only did the UK lead the way into fossil fuel powered industry, but it now leads the way out of fossil fuel usage and makes a big shift towards more environmentally friendly processes. 

I’m surrounded by classic cars every day so I have a deep respect for the historical importance of things. That’s why I feel like this is something of a moment in the history of the UK that people will look back on as the time when the fossil fuel era ended and the sustainability era began. 

Right now, there’s a lot of focus on wind and solar power. However, there are still concerns about grid stability, especially on days with very little wind when solar energy can’t fill the gap in energy supply. This is where battery technology will play a key role. Innovations are underway, but the UK needs to invest in its own battery production and expertise to stay competitive and avoid gaps in power generation. 

When it comes to classic cars, and the automotive industry as a whole, sustainability is becoming more and more apparent. While I’m sure we all know hardcore petrolheads who hate EVs and they want to hear the roar of a V8 as they drive but, with synthetic fuel, this could all still happen without the negative environmental impacts.

Other fuels such as hydrogen, water, and anything else that comes along will all play a part but, for now, the last coal plant shutting down in the UK is a clear sign of the country’s commitment to a greener future..

What do you think?

First Norton F1R Ever Produced

The first Norton F1R motorcycle to be produced and raced will be available to buy at an auction hosted by H&H Classics at the National Motorcycle Museum on Wednesday 30th October 2024. The bike is estimated to sell for between £52,000 and £56,000.

This 1990 Norton F1R is frame number one and was the first P55 (F1) model to leave Norton’s Shenstone factory on April 1st, 1990. Having been owned by a single individual since new, the bike holds significant historical and racing value and it was famously raced in Germany’s “Battle of the Twins” series.

Throughout its racing career, the bike underwent various modifications. Starting with minor tweaks like an upgraded exhaust and inlet tract, it later received a custom swinging arm, front forks, high-compression rotors, aero engine twin-plug trochoids, and Mikuni flat-slide carburettors.

A very cool point to note about this bike is that it was nicknamed “Nepomuk” by the Seifert family after a little dragon from a popular German children’s puppet show. This was due to its habit of shooting flames when decelerating into corners!

“Our auction at the end of October is an incredible opportunity to own an extremely rare slice of motorcycle history. We expect a lot of interest in this special Norton F1 which has seen competitive action and won a number of races. It also looks amazing and is instantly recognisable in its black livery. Style, power and performance…the Norton F1R is the total package and this particular model, which has been running recently, is a must have for any Norton aficionado.”

Mike Davis, motorcycle specialist at H&H Classics