This tough Arctic test was a key part of developing the McLaren W1, done in the super-cold Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland, on a frozen lake and handling tracks where temperatures dropped to -35°C (-31°F). This freezing setting was picked to test the car’s systems to their max in extreme cold, very different from its usual conditions.
As the follow-up to iconic models like the McLaren F1 and P1, the W1 is McLaren’s top hypercar, mixing advanced technology, Formula 1-inspired aerodynamics, and raw speed. It’s powered by a hybrid setup with a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine (MHP-8, making 928 hp) and a 342 hp electric motor, together giving 1,258 hp and 988 lb-ft of torque.
LEGO 42141 Technic McLaren Formula 1 2022 Replica Race Car Model Building Kit, F1 Motor Sport Set...
- This LEGO Technic F1 set for adults features a detailed model replica car of McLaren’s 2022 F1 car
- The LEGO designers worked closely with the team at McLaren Racing, developing their version of the car at the same time for the 2022 race season
- Includes features like the V6 cylinder engine with moving pistons, steering, suspension and differential for precision cornering
The W1’s “Active Long Tail” rear wing stretches out 300mm in Race mode, creating 2,200 pounds of downforce at 174 mph. It also works as a drag reduction system (DRS) and airbrake, borrowing from F1 tech. Ground-effect aerodynamics and a versatile front wing give amazing grip for cornering, making it feel like a race car on regular roads. The whole body is shaped for airflow, keeping McLaren’s smooth style without looking too complicated, unlike some competitors.
Its 1.4-kWh high-voltage battery, crucial for the hybrid system’s 1,258 hp, was tested in the cold to check how it charges, releases power, and manages heat to keep performance steady. The battery passed every test, working well even in the freezing cold, which is super important for the electric motor’s role in the car’s speed and Race mode.
Unlike many new supercars focused on electric power or super-high speeds, the W1 mixes hybrid tech with McLaren’s love for light, nimble handling and fun driving. It’s not just about numbers—it’s built to feel like a race car while being road-legal,, with aerodynamics and power that make it a beast on the track. Its rarity, Formula 1 roots, and praise from folks like Leno make it a big deal in car and cultural history. Only 399 W1s will be made, all already spoken for, with a starting price of about $2.1 million.
