Skoda Motorsport has transformed the electric Enyaq Coupe iV vRS into a one-off, rally-inspired monster.
The Skoda Enyaq RS Race is chiefly a pilot project to demonstrate how lightweight and sustainable materials could be used in future production cars.
However, it’s also about having fun, combining a relatively sensible electric SUV coupe with rally car-style engineering.
Skoda has no shortage of experience in motorsport. The Fabia RS has dominated the Rally2 category in recent years, with more than 1,700 class wins since 2010.
Simplify, then add lightness
Channelling Skoda’s rallying know-how into the Enyaq Coupe sees the bodywork widened by 72mm at the front and 116mm at the rear. A gigantic new rear spoiler is added, along with a vortex generator on the car’s roof.
The science part comes in how these new aerodynamic elements are made. They use a sustainable lightweight material that is woven from flax fibres.
These biocomposite elements are said to have a lower environmental impact than carbon fibre. Similar materials were tested on a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 concept car.
For the Skoda Enyaq RS Race, the result is 316kg slashed from the kerb weight of this electric SUV coupe. A fully stripped-out interior, along with polycarbonate side and rear windows, also helped with the crash diet.
Together in electric dreams
Skoda Motorsport has left the powertrain unchanged, but added competition-spec suspension and carbon ceramic brakes with 10-piston calipers at the front.
The RS Race has the same 112mph top speed as the road-going Enyaq Coupe iV vRS. But reduced weight means its 0-62mph time tumbles to less than five seconds.
Inside, Skoda Motorsport engineers have added the pedal box from the Fabia RS Rally2, along with bucket seats and a new steering wheel.
A collaboration between Hot Wheels and Formula 1 has led to the launch of a new die-cast car collection.
A 1:64-scale interpretation of a modern Formula 1 car is the starting point for the new partnership, with more Hot Wheels F1 models set to follow soon.
Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer of Formula 1, said: “The exciting collaboration will bring together the adrenaline of motor racing and the excitement of toy cars and provide opportunities to see the fine details that go into an F1 car, all in the palm of your hand.
“It’s more than just a partnership; it’s a celebration of speed, creativity and innovation that will bring fans a new way to engage with the sport.”
Three sets of tyres supplied
The Hot Wheels model has been influenced by current technical regulations in Formula 1, so it’s a generic race car, rather than one that represents a specific constructor.
A bespoke Hot Wheels livery includes the number ‘68’ on the nose cone – a deliberate nod to the year the toy manufacturer was founded.
Each car comes with three different sets of replica Pirelli slick tyres, representing the compounds (hard, medium and soft) typically used during a race weekend.
Knowing that many buyers will put their Hot Wheels model on display, the Formula 1 car also has a ‘Kar Keepers’ clamshell case to keep it safe.
Bringing enthusiasts together
“Hot Wheels has always been about nurturing the challenger spirit, so the partnership with Formula 1 is a natural and exciting fit,” said Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president at Hot Wheels. “It will bring two of the largest global fan communities together, to share their passion for cars and racing.
“In collaboration with Formula 1, we have put together a program that allows kids to replicate the thrill of F1 racing where they can drive like the pros. It engages with our loyal communities on a global scale.”
Fans are able to pre-order the Hot Wheels Formula 1 car directly from Mattel now. Priced at £24 in the UK, deliveries should take place before the end of June 2025.
The largest model in Dacia’s history has been unveiled. Aptly named the ‘Bigster’, the new Dacia is designed to tackle mountains, the school run and the all-important C-SUV sector, taking on big sellers such as the Kia Sportage.
With a focus on helping drivers tackle ‘spiralling costs’, the Bigster takes the traditional Dacia strengths of affordability and practicality, then scales them upwards.
Its distinctive styling is reminiscent of the latest Duster SUV. Dacia also promises ‘real off-road ability’, thanks to the Bigster sharing the Duster’s CMF-B platform.
Built tough for the real world
Dacia has used its ‘Starkle’ material for the lower bodywork and wheelarch surrounds: a robust and recycled plastic that is left untreated and unpainted. Factor in sturdy skid plates and it’s clear the Bigster is designed with rougher terrain in mind.
The Bigster comes with a choice of three powertrain options. These include the 1.6-litre Hybrid 155, which combines a petrol engine with electric motors for a total of 155hp. More powerful than the hybrid setup found in the Jogger or Duster, a 1.4kWh battery helps the Bigster run as an EV for up to 80 percent of city driving.
A 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged TCe 140 petrol engine comes with mild-hybrid tech, and makes use of a six-speed manual gearbox.
Alternatively, off-road aficionados will want the TCe 130 petrol 4×4. As its name suggests, this comes with Dacia’s all-wheel-drive system. A Terrain Control selector, with five driving modes, is included for good measure.
Big on space, big on kit
With a boot capacity of 667 litres with the rear seats in use, the Bigster offers more luggage space than a Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Tucson. The rear bench splits 40-20-40 as standard, plus there is an electrically opening tailgate on the top-spec Journey trim.
The entry-level Bigster Expression comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel, a 10.1-inch central infotainment touchscreen, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
The Extreme and Journey versions bring larger alloy wheels, a 10.0-inch digital instrument panel and satellite navigation to the party.
A lengthy options list includes the Sleep Pack, with a fold-out double bed designed to lay inside the Bigster. Buyers can also add a roof rack, and even a bespoke tent to fit the rear of the SUV.
The most expensive Dacia to date
It is worth noting that the Bigster will be sold solely as a five-seat SUV. The Jogger thus remains the only way to transport seven people in a Dacia… for now.
The Romanian brand has plans to release two more vehicles in the C-SUV segment, so the Bigster is only the beginning. Although UK prices have yet to be finalised, the Bigster should start from less than £30,000 when it goes on sale in 2025.
That will make it the priciest Dacia to date. However, the Bigster is likely to outperform its main rivals in terms of value for money.
The performance divisions of Hyundai and Toyota have formed a partnership to host a unique motorsport festival.
Talking place at the Everland Speedway in South Korea, the Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival will take place later this month.
Along with demonstrations of racing models, fans of both car manufacturers will be able to take part in track driving sessions.
It marks an unusual move for two car brands that compete not only in the arena of performance road cars, but are also direct rivals in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Stars of stage and street
The morning of the festival will be devoted to track day activities, allowing owners of Hyundai N and Toyota GR vehicles access to the Everland Speedway. This will be followed by show runs, demonstrating new performance models from the two brands.
Hyundai N will showcase rally cars from its WRC campaign, including the i20 N Rally 1 Hybrid and i20 N Rally 2. The cars will be driven by Hyundai Motorsport’s Thierry Neuville, Dani Sordo and Andreas Mikkelsen.
The Pikes Peak record-setting Hyundai Ioniq 5 N TA Spec will also be present, along with the Ioniq 5 N and Elantra N production cars.
Toyota will present its GR Yaris Rally 1 Hybrid, GR Yaris Rally 2, GR Supra and GR86, as well as other rally cars and high-performance models. Current Toyota WRC driver Takamoto Katsuta will be on hand, along with fellow members of the Toyota Gazoo Racing team.
A hydrogen-fuelled Toyota Corolla AE86 H2 Concept will put a modern spin on a classic drift racer, too.
Fierce competition and friendship
Hyundai has hosted motorsport-themed festivals in South Korea for two decades, but this marks the first time another car manufacturer has been involved.
“We are excited to welcome the Toyota Gazoo Racing team, our competitors in the WRC, to Korea”, said Yeong Ho Lee, executive vice president of Hyundai Global Operations.
“This event will emphasise the fierce competition and friendship that coexist in motorsport. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the pure passion for cars shared by both Hyundai and Toyota, as well as our commitment to further expand motorsport culture in the future.”
The message of collaboration was echoed by Manabu Konyama, CEO and president of Toyota Motor Korea, who added: “We’re glad that Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing, which are competitors in world motorsport, are working together to create an opportunity to enjoy car culture beyond motorsport”.
A partnership between Currys and Ohme will see home EV chargers available to buy in stores.
Offering EV chargers directly to consumers represents a first for the electrical retailer, which has 298 stores spread across the UK.
Ohme charging devices will initially be made available online by Currys. Sales will subsequently be rolled out across 50 of the company’s flagship stores.
Smart tech for cheaper charging
Ohme currently offers two smart EV charging devices, both of which are designed to be compatible with tariffs from all energy providers.
New electric vehicle chargers sold since June 2022 must come with smart functions included. This allows the charger to connect with the electricity grid intelligently, meaning the user can take advantage of off-peak hours.
Making use of a 7p per kWh smart tariff would see a driver covering 6,800 miles a year pay just £119 a year for EV charging. By comparison, a 24.5p/kWh standard variable tariff would cost £416 for the same mileage.
Ohme also notes that driving the same distance in an equivalent petrol car would cost £1,100 in fuel.
‘A natural step’ for customers
“With EV sales in the UK up more than 10 percent this year, this new partnership between Currys and Ohme chargers was a natural step to offer to our customers,” said Zoe Lucid, senior buyer at Currys.
“Ohme’s award-winning chargers and reputation for excellent customer service meant it was the obvious choice for Currys’ customers, helping them to make more sustainable choices combined with cutting-edge technology.”
Ohme has become the official charging provider for the Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai in the UK. Buyers of new electric Vauxhalls can receive a free Ohme charger, too.
Restoration specialist Kingsley Re-Engineered has announced a ‘fresh take’ on the original Range Rover.
The new Range Rover Classic KSR sees particular attention paid to the luxury SUV’s interior, along with selected performance upgrades.
More than two decades of experience in upgrading the Range Rover Classic have been channelled into the KSR, described as the ‘most superior’ Kingsley creation to date.
Upwards of 500 Range Rovers and Land Rovers have been enhanced by Kingsley since 2001, with the Oxfordshire-based company now under new group ownership and management.
Enhanced and upgraded
Kingsley will offer the Range Rover Classic KSR in both three- and five-door formats, making use of donor vehicles manufactured before 1993.
Buyers can customise the KSR to their exact specification, with bespoke paint colours applied to the restored chassis and bodywork.
A 4.6-litre ‘High Torque’ V8 engine is standard, serving up 270hp and 310lb ft of torque. Combined with a four-speed automatic transmission, it accelerates the Range Rover from 0-60mph in 9.8 seconds. Top speed is more than 120mph.
Various Chevrolet small-block V8 engines and a manual gearbox are on the options list. A big brake kit and Kingsley’s new TracTive adaptive suspension, offering driver-selectable levels of damping, are both fitted as standard.
A re-engineered interior
On the inside is where the KSR makes its biggest statement, featuring a new dashboard designed in-house by Kingsley. This includes a new instrument panel – and even a longer windscreen demister vent.
There is a digital display, but Kingsley has retained classic elements such as wood veneer, ensuring the KSR still feels like an original Range Rover. As with the exterior, extensive personalisation is possible.
Apple CarPlay connectivity is standard, along with integrated USB-A and USB-C charging ports. There are also cup holders for an extra touch of modernity.
Kingsley has updated the Range Rover Classic’s air conditioning system, too. Known as a weak point on the original car, the KSR should keep its occupants comfortable in all climates, while still retaining a traditional look.
‘Modernised without compromise’
John Sawbridge, managing director of Kingsley Re-Engineered, commented: “The KSR represents a monumental leap forward, harnessing the unparalleled expertise of our extraordinarily talented 21-strong team and collaborating with the industry’s top-tier supply partners, all while answering our customers’ wishes and requests.
“The KSR is the ultimate embodiment of our groundbreaking vision for the future. We’ve completely modernised the Range Rover Classic without compromising an ounce of the timeless charm or beauty of this iconic car.”
Orders can now be placed for the KSR, with worldwide delivery available. Prices start from £264,000 including VAT – but before any personalisation, of course.
The 2024 Rolls-Royce Ghost has been unveiled, destined to be one of the last models from the British marque to use a V12 engine.
Rolls-Royce has committed to a battery-powered future, with a plan to build electric cars only from 2030 onwards.
In the meantime, the company promises the Ghost Series II will be ‘the most technologically advanced and driver-focused V12 Rolls-Royce’ ever created.
Along with revised styling and enhanced technology inside, a performance-orientated Black Badge version of the Ghost Series II will be offered from launch.
An illuminating experience
The Ghost Series II gains updated headlights and daytime running lights, along with an illuminated Pantheon grille. New tail lights incorporate discreet ‘R’ monograms, and buyers can choose from two finishes for the 22-inch alloy wheels.
Rolls-Royce offers a palette of more than 44,000 paint colours for the Ghost Series II, or you can reserve one for your personal use only through the company’s Bespoke service.
On the inside, a revised full-width glass panel includes a central media screen that runs the marque’s Spirit operating system. This allows the colour of the digital instrument panel to be matched to the exterior of the car.
A new Spirit of Ecstasy cabinet on the dashboard houses an analogue clock and a mirror-polished figurine. Grey Stained Ash (see above) is a new interior trim option, alongside an endless array of leather colours and stitching styles.
Back in Black
When the second-generation Ghost was launched, Rolls-Royce made customers wait for the performance Black Badge model. However, the Series II car will be available from the off.
As before, it uses a tuned version of the twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12. Power and torque are increased by 29hp and 37lb ft versus the 570hp and 605lb ft of the regular Ghost.
A Sport mode would be too uncouth for a Rolls-Royce, so a ‘Low’ setting increases gear shift speeds by 50 percent, and produces a ‘subtly more voluble note’ from the exhaust system. All-wheel drive and all-wheel steering help to maximise the Black Badge’s agility.
Plenty of darkened chrome trim, and a unique lower front bumper, also mark out the Black Badge model. And inside, a new ‘Technical Carbon’ trim enhances the car’s performance image.
‘A self-assured expression’
Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented: “Ghost is renowned as a uniquely expressive, agile, and self-assured expression of the Rolls-Royce brand.
“At our clients’ request, this new Series II iteration remains faithful to these principles, incorporating a potent and uncompromising engine and the essential potential for Bespoke. Meaningful exterior and material updates make an even more expressive and impactful statement.”
As with recent modern Rolls-Royce models, personalisation will play an important part in shaping each Ghost Series II. The marque is expanding its network of Private Offices around the world, ensuring buyers can tailor a car to their exact specification.
In addition, the company is also looking to expand its Goodwood headquarters, allowing its Bespoke department more space in which to work.
Kia has unveiled an electrified version of the first car it sold in the UK – part of the celebrations for the South Korean marque’s 80th anniversary.
Donated from Kia’s own heritage fleet, the 1996 Pride 1.3 LX has undergone a restomod makeover, including a fully electric powertrain.
A collaboration between Kia UK and EV conversion specialists Electrogenic, the Pride EV retains front-wheel drive and even the five-speed manual gearbox of the original car.
Back to the future
The conversion removes the Kia’s 1.3-litre petrol engine, which originally endowed the Pride with just 60hp and 87lb ft of torque.
The new electric motor serves up 107hp, along with a considerable 173lb ft of torque. This makes for a 77 percent increase in horsepower, and 99 percent more twist action.
A 10kWh battery beneath the bonnet, plus a second unit under the boot floor, give the Pride EV a potential range of 120 miles.
Impressively, the electric conversion has only added 20kg to the diminutive Pride. It now tips the scales at 870kg, making it a true featherweight compared to modern EVs.
Engage Sport mode (yes, really)
Electrogenic’s work includes preserving the Pride’s original five-speed manual gearbox, converting this to work with the electric motor.
Even more impressive is the new three-stage driving mode selector, giving the choice of Eco, Auto and Sport settings.
Eco mode limits the electric motor to a similar level of performance as the petrol-powered Pride, while Auto allows it to operate like a conventional EV with 80hp. Regenerative braking boosts the battery charge, too.
Select Sport mode, however, and the Pride EV generates the maximum amount of power, helping it accelerate from 0-62mph in around eight seconds. An original Pride needed nearly 12 seconds for the same sprint.
A Type 2 charging connector replaces the Pride EV’s fuel filler, and is connected to a 3.3kW onboard charger. Fully recharging the Kia should take around six hours.
Bursting with Pride
The exterior of the Pride EV has been resprayed in Kia’s modern White Pearl hue, with the front and rear lights upgraded for better visibility.
On the inside, the seats are retrimmed in period-correct cloth, but with new lime green piping that references Kia’s flagship EV6 GT. This colour also appears on the floor mats and brake calipers.
As with all Electrogenic conversions, none of the Pride’s bodywork or underpinnings has been modified. It means the electric powertrain could be removed, making the EV conversion totally reversible.
Expect to see the Pride EV making more public appearances, as Kia works towards 15 electric models by 2027. Sadly, the Pride EV will not be among them…
A new electric car is joining the Hyundai range: meet the compact and affordably priced Inster.
Aimed at urban drivers, the Hyundai Inster promises to be easy to drive and park in the city, and it won’t break the bank either.
Known in South Korea as the Hyundai Casper, the Inster measures 3,595mm in length. It uses the same platform as the Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10.
In the UK, buyers can choose from a pair of trim levels, along with two different batteries depending on the model picked.
Small in size, big on space
The smallest modern Hyundai has been developed as a four-seater, in contrast to five-seat EV rivals such as the Dacia Spring.
Despite this, Hyundai claims the Inster will be a practical car, helped by walk-through access to the front seats. In addition, all seats can be folded down flat, like a futuristic reinterpretation of the original Fiat Panda.
Strong levels of standard equipment are promised, with 15-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera on the entry-level ’01’ trim. A 10.25-inch central touchscreen and digital instrument panel are included as well.
Moving up to the ’02’ version adds 17-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, privacy glass and LED projection headlights. Ambient interior lighting and a wireless smartphone charging pad are also fitted.
Urban mobility machine
The front-wheel-drive Inster has the option of two electric powertrains, although both are naturally aimed at city drivers.
A 42kWh battery pack is standard on the Inster 01, offering the potential for an official, WLTP-tested range of up to 203 miles. Combined with a 97hp electric motor, the 0-62mph dash should take 11.7 seconds.
Optional on 01 trim, and standard on the Inster 02, is a larger 49kWh battery. This increases power output from the electric motor to 115hp, cutting the 0-62mph time to 10.6 seconds. It also results in a range of 223 miles.
An 11kW onboard charger is standard, as is a heat pump to maximise efficiency. Using public charging devices of up to 150kW, it should require 30 minutes to replenish the Inster from 10 to 80 percent charge.
Ready for a tour of Britain
Prices for the Hyundai Inster will start at £23,495 for the 01 when fitted with the 42kWh battery pack. Opting for the 49kWh battery with the same trim level lifts the asking price to £25,045.
Topping the range is the Inster 02 49kWh, set to cost £26,745 before options such as metallic paint or a two-tone roof finish are added.
Paying by finance, an Inster 01 42kWh could cost £248.57 a month with a £4,000 deposit. This is based upon a 48-month contract, allowing up to 8,000 miles each year.
UK deliveries of the Inster are anticipated to begin in the spring of 2025. However, the diminutive EV will first be embarking upon a tour of 86 Hyundai UK dealerships, covering the country between October and December 2024.
When the opening gambit is ‘a successor to the McLaren F1 and P1’ – two of the greatest supercars in history – you know what follows will be something special. Or it certainly needs to be.
Welcome to the inner sanctum of a futuristic, semi-subterranean factory in Woking: home to McLaren’s road and racing car operations. The wraps are about to come off a new ‘1’ car, a once-in-a-generation flagship that stands above even Ultimate Series models such as the Senna, Elva and Speedtail.
Its name is W1, with a ‘W’ that stands for ‘world championship’. The car will make its public debut on the 50th anniversary of Emerson Fittipaldi winning McLaren’s first drivers’ and constructors’ F1 world championships, but I’m here several weeks beforehand for a secret preview. Time to reveal Britain’s new hypercar hero.
Swifter than a Senna
Like the ground-breaking P1 of 2013, the W1 is a plug-in hybrid, combining a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a 1.4kWh battery and motorsport-grade electric motor. Total outputs are 1,275hp and 988lb ft of torque, all of which goes to the rear tyres via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and electronic differential.
In a carbon-bodied car that weighs 1,399kg without fluids (reckon on a kerb weight of around 1,500kg), that means 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds and 0-186mph in 12.7 seconds, plus a limited top speed of 217mph. Helped by shape-shifting aerodynamics, including a patent-pending new Active Long Tail, the W1 can also lap Nardo’s handling circuit – used by numerous carmakers for testing – fully three seconds quicker than a McLaren Senna.
Only 399 examples of the W1 will be made, and all have been sold in advance, despite a base price of £2 million before any personalised touches from McLaren Special Operations (MSO) are added. Value for money? It’s a loose concept in this rarefied market, but when you consider the going rate for a McLaren F1 is about £20 million…
The W1’s ‘secret weapon’
If a McLaren with a mid-mounted 4.0 V8 sounds familiar, think again. The W1’s engine is a clean-sheet design and “not a development of the existing M840T V8 or a scaled-up version of the V6 in the Artura,” insists W1 line director, Alex Gibson. With a 90-degree angle, flat-plane crankshaft and soaring 9,200rpm redline, it brings 928hp to the party on its own.
The W1’s battery offers a tiny EV range of just 1.6 miles, but does mean you can slip away silently without waking the neighbours. Combined with a radial flux e-motor (similar to those used in IndyCar racing), it also counters the effect of any turbo lag, serving up instant electric torque from zero rpm.
Aluminium rocker switches on the instrument binnacle offer access to three modes for the powertrain and chassis: Comfort, Sport and Race. The latter, says chief aerodynamicist Robin Algoo, is the W1’s “secret weapon”. So how does it work?
Race mode for track use
Switch into Race mode and the W1 drops down by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear. Actuated by four electric motors, its Active Long Tail also pivots and extends rearwards by 300mm, effectively lengthening the working area of the diffuser.
In this configuration, downforce increases to a substantial 1,000kg at 174mph – up to five times more than the standard road setup, and all without the need for a high-rise rear wing.
However, it’s worth noting that, due to the Active Long Tail protruding well beyond the rear bumper, Race mode isn’t road-legal. It can only be activated when the GPS system detects the car is on a racetrack (or a temporary street circuit such as Monaco). You can leave the wing fully stretched when parked, though, for maximum street theatre and Instagram likes.
W1 gives you wings
Other aero addenda on the W1 include a sculpted underbody, a flow diverter on the roof and an active front spoiler that offers ‘a level of performance comparable to the rear wing on most supercars’. Every external surface has been honed in a wind tunnel, from the front wishbones to the wing-shaped supports for the door mirrors.
The overall look of the W1 is aggressive without being brutal, and clearly indebted to the P1 (arguably still the most beautiful hypercar of all). McLaren’s current MCL38 F1 racer provided inspiration for the curvaceous side pods, too.
Obviously, as shown by the image above, the biggest design departure here is the doors. Now ‘anhedral rather than dihedral’ (let’s just call them gullwing doors), these provide easier access and allow smoother airflow towards the high-temperature radiators. They also look spectacular when opened, showing off the W1’s pre-impregnated carbon fibre chassis and unique interior. More on the latter shortly.
‘A car only McLaren could create’
McLaren purists can breathe a sigh of relief: yes, the W1 still has hydraulic power steering – a rarity in a world where virtually all car manufacturers have gone electric. Based on Woking’s previous efforts, the result should be lucid and linear feedback that boosts your confidence in the car.
Suspension is by double wishbones with pushrods and inboard dampers, plus active heave control tech that comes directly from F1. Brakes are carbon-ceramic discs with monobloc calipers and the W1 rides on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged alloy wheels (centre-lock magnesium rims are optional) with bespoke Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS rubber.
McLaren CEO Michael Leiters promises “the purest driver connection by remaining true to the principles that underpin the ultimate supercar driving experience“. The W1, he says, “is a car that only McLaren could create”.
Inside the McLaren W1
Inside, the W1 is pared-back and driver-focused, but not entirely impractical. There’s navigation, infotainment with Apple CarPlay, a luggage shelf behind the seats (big enough for two crash helmets, says McLaren) and even a sliding cupholder.
The seats themselves form part of the ‘Aerocell’ tub and are thus fixed in position – the wheel, pedals and primary controls move to meet the driver instead. You sit with legs outstretched and feet up high, like being aboard a single-seat racer. Many surfaces inside the car are exposed carbon fibre, while others are swathed in a lightweight, knitted material called McLaren Innoknit. We’d like to report that it’s hand-stitched together by elderly ladies in the Woking area, but sadly that idea was debunked.
The W1’s steering wheel is machined from a solid piece of aluminium and, in a break with McLaren tradition, has a couple of buttons inside the rim. ‘Boost’ provides maximum e-power for short periods, while ‘Aero’ activates an F1-style drag reduction system.
A hypercar halo
A worthy heir to the F1 and P1, then? Time will tell, but the W1 certainly raises the game for McLaren in terms of performance, both on the road and racetrack. It could even challenge the Mercedes-AMG One for a new Nurburgring lap record.
It’s an awe-inspiring halo for the British brand, too: one that stays true to McLaren Automotive’s core values even as it mulls over collaborating with another car company – and the almost inevitable SUV.
Ferrari has its own hybrid hypercar on the way – fittingly, a successor to the LaFerrari that challenged the P1 – but it will need to be something special to top this. Your move, Maranello.
