LATEST SECRETS BEHIND THE MCLAREN WI'S POWERTRAIN

McLAREN HAS REVEALED fresh details about how it has extracted so much power from the new MHP-8 engine in the W1 hypercar.

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The V8 is combined with a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and motorsport-derived electric motor to produce a total of 1258bhp and 988lb ft.

The aim, says McLaren, has been to forge a “strong, emotional response” with the driver and the approach it has taken certainly bears that out. The engine revs to 9200rpm has a 90deg flat-plane crankshaft, which should guarantee plenty of thrills for the driver, with the soundtrack being transferred directly to the cabin. The intention is “to encourage the driver to chase that redline”, says McLaren.