McLaren F1 specs

Until the 750S (in the case of supercars) and the W1 (in the case of hypercars), this one was the only McLaren-badged vehicle to ever offer a limited-slip differential.

The McLaren F1 is legendary for its blistering performance and cutting-edge engineering, even decades after its release. However, ongoing tests reveal just how much the car’s performance can vary depending on tire choices, suspension tweaks, and other fine adjustments. A recent round of testing explored this variance, comparing results from a setup with Michelin tires to one equipped with Goodyear tires, coupled with a 34% increase in spring and node weights.

Let’s dive into the numbers and see how these changes impact the F1’s performance across various metrics.

Under ideal dragstrip conditions, the F1 delivered impressive numbers, albeit slightly behind its performance on Michelin tires. Here are the results:

• 0-100 km/h: 3.3 sec
• 0-160 km/h: 6.7 sec
• 0-200 km/h: 9.6 sec
• 400 m (1/4 mile): 10.90 sec @ 213 km/h

For comparison, previous runs on Michelin tires recorded:

• 0-100 km/h: 2.7 sec
• 0-160 km/h: 5.8 sec
• 0-200 km/h: 8.1 sec
• 400 m (1/4 mile): 10.18 sec @ 224 km/h

The Goodyear-equipped setup demonstrated strong performance but couldn't match the raw speed and grip of Michelins, particularly at the quarter-mile mark.

On unprepped surfaces, the Goodyear-equipped F1 provided a more stable yet slightly slower experience. Here’s how it performed:

• 0-100 km/h: 4.0 sec
• 0-160 km/h: 7.4 sec
• 0-200 km/h: 10.4 sec
• 0-240 km/h: 14.1 sec
• 0-300 km/h: 23.4 sec
• 400 m (1/4 mile): 11.57 sec @ 213 km/h
• 1000 m (3/5 mile): 19.85 sec @ 281 km/h

In contrast, previous Michelin results showed:

• 0-100 km/h: 3.2 sec
• 0-160 km/h: 6.3 sec
• 0-200 km/h: 8.6 sec
• 0-240 km/h: 11.8 sec
• 0-300 km/h: 19.4 sec
• 400 m (1/4 mile): 10.90 sec @ 225 km/h
• 1000 m (3/5 mile): 18.75 sec @ 295 km/h

The differences highlight the Goodyear setup’s slightly reduced traction and acceleration efficiency, especially at higher speeds.

The F1’s Nürburgring lap times are a testament to its unparalleled engineering. The Goodyear setup delivered the following results:

• 20.6 km lap: 8:41.93 (estimated 7:49.54 with driver mod)
• 20.8 km lap: 8:47.43 (estimated 7:55.04 with driver mod)

These times compare to Michelin-equipped results of:

• Full layout (Michelins): 7:18.66 (recorded with a highly skilled driver)
• Full layout (Goodyears): 8:45.54 (with errors), estimated clean: 7:34.84

Interestingly, simulations suggest that the Goodyear-equipped setup, with further optimization and optional Michelin tires, could reduce lap times by as much as 20 seconds, putting it within striking distance of the car’s Michelin-recorded best.

The increased spring and node weights (up 34%) contribute to a stiffer suspension setup, likely improving high-speed stability but compromising traction on less-than-perfect surfaces. Combined with the Goodyear tires, which are known for their durability but offer less outright grip than Michelins, the result is a car that feels more predictable but ultimately less explosive in terms of raw performance.

This trade-off might appeal to drivers seeking consistency over razor-sharp, high-risk handling dynamics, but it’s clear that the F1’s original Michelin setup remains unmatched for outright speed and track times.

These results underscore how much the McLaren F1’s performance depends on its configuration. While the Goodyear tires and stiffer setup bring their own strengths, they can’t quite match the peak performance metrics achieved with Michelins and a more traditional suspension tuning.

Still, this variability is part of what makes the McLaren F1 so extraordinary: it’s not just a supercar—it’s a canvas for experimentation, capable of adapting to different conditions and driving styles while still delivering world-class performance.

The 7:18.66 Nürburgring lap time, 230 km/h 400-meter trap speed, and sub-20 second 0–300 km/h times attributed to the McLaren F1 are considered dubious for several technical and contextual reasons. Let's break this down:

Context:
- The McLaren F1's Nürburgring time is legendary, often cited as one of the fastest ever for its era. However, this specific time was recorded under conditions that raise questions about its validity.

• Driver Skill and Effort: The 7:18.66 was achieved under optimal circumstances with a highly skilled driver who reportedly pushed the car to its absolute limit. This level of commitment is exceptional and not representative of an average driver’s capability.
• Tire Influence: The Michelin tires used for this test were known to deliver significantly more grip than the Goodyears. While this isn’t inherently dubious, the disparity makes it difficult to replicate or directly compare the performance in other tests.
• Lack of Verification: Unlike modern lap times, which are often verified with onboard telemetry and third-party oversight, the McLaren F1's record lap lacks the robust evidence that contemporary times provide.
• Circuit Variability: The Nürburgring Nordschleife has seen changes over the years, and small deviations in layout or conditions (such as tarmac quality) can lead to performance variations. It’s unclear whether the exact same conditions could be replicated today.

Context:
- A 400-meter trap speed of around 230 km/h (143 mph) would place the F1 in league with modern supercars equipped with advanced aerodynamics and much more powerful engines.

• Engine Output: The McLaren F1's naturally aspirated BMW V12 engine produces 627 hp. While incredibly powerful for its time, it falls short of the immense outputs of modern turbocharged and hybridized engines, making such a trap speed difficult to achieve.
• Aerodynamics: The F1’s aerodynamic design prioritizes high-speed stability and minimal drag but is not as advanced as that of modern hypercars like the Bugatti Tourbillon or Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut. Achieving 230 km/h within 400 meters would require unrealistically low drag or more power than the F1 produces.
• Reported Variance: AutoCar & Motor reported 11.1 sec @ 138 mph for the XP5 F1, while Road & Track reported 11.9 sec @ 125 mph for the Ameritech F1 (11.6+0.3 after factoring in the one-foot rollout). I find that the perfect ground for this car is the middle one; 11.6 seconds at 133 mph. That's in-line with the Ruf CTR Yellowbird (11.7 @ 133) as well as the Ferrari F40 (11.9 @ 130), while still being significantly faster than a Jaguar XJ220 or Lamborghini Diablo.

Context:
- A sub-20 second sprint to 300 km/h (186 mph) is exceptional, matching or even outperforming modern hypercars with substantially more horsepower and advanced launch control systems.

• Traction Limitations: The McLaren F1 lacks the advanced traction control and launch systems found in modern cars. Despite being lightweight, it struggles to translate all its power into forward motion during hard launches, especially on less-than-perfect surfaces.
• Aerodynamic Efficiency vs. Power: While the F1 is aerodynamically efficient, achieving a sub-20 second 0–300 km/h time would demand a sustained acceleration curve that seems improbable given the F1’s power-to-weight ratio and lack of turbocharging or hybrid boost.

These performance claims for the McLaren F1 are impressive but raise questions about their reproducibility and accuracy. Key factors like optimal tires, driver skill, and potentially unverified or idealized conditions suggest these results may not represent the car’s typical performance under real-world circumstances. While the McLaren F1 remains a marvel of engineering, its more consistently documented times and speeds are already remarkable without venturing into dubious territory.

McLaren F1

• Michelin Tires:

  • Full layout: 7:18.66 (driver mod took major effort into the test)
  • Shortened layout (4.73s rollout): 7:13.93

• Goodyear Tires:

  • Full layout (driver error): 8:45.54
  • Shortened layout (8.33s rollout): 8:37.21
  • Estimated clean lap (full layout): 7:34.84 + driver mod

• Michelin Tires:

  • 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph): 2.7s
  • 0-160 km/h (0-100 mph): 5.8s
  • 0-200 km/h (0-125 mph): 8.1s
  • 0-400 m (1/4-mile): 10.18s @ 224 km/h (standing start); 9.58s (long rollout)

• Goodyear Tires:

  • 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph): 2.8s
  • 0-160 km/h (0-100 mph): 5.8s
  • 0-200 km/h (0-125 mph): 8.0s
  • 0-400 m (1/4-mile): 10.38s @ 231 km/h (standing start); 9.57s (long rollout)

• Michelin Tires:

  • 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph): 3.2s
  • 0-160 km/h (0-100 mph): 6.3s
  • 0-200 km/h (0-125 mph): 8.6s
  • 0-240 km/h (0-150 mph): 11.8s
  • 0-300 km/h (0-185 mph): 19.4s
  • 0-320 km/h (0-200 mph): 23.4s
  • 0-400 m (1/4-mile): 10.90s @ 225 km/h
  • 0-1000 m (3/5-mile): 18.75s @ 295 km/h
  • Top speed: 375 km/h (233 mph)

• Goodyear Tires:

  • 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph): 3.9s
  • 0-160 km/h (0-100 mph): 6.7s
  • 0-200 km/h (0-125 mph): 8.9s
  • 0-240 km/h (0-150 mph): 11.9s
  • 0-300 km/h (0-185 mph): 18.9s
  • 0-320 km/h (0-200 mph): 22.8s
  • 0-400 m (1/4-mile): 11.41s @ 231 km/h
  • 0-1000 m (3/5-mile): 19.11 @ 301 km/h
  • Top speed: 367 km/h (228 mph)

To compare:
McLaren F1 vs. Ferrari F80, LaFerrari, Enzo, F50, F40, 288 GTO
Nring: 7:18.66 (6:35.10, 7:11.56, 7:36.28, 8:07.19, 8:28.35, 8:48.86)
0-100: 3.2 (3.2, 3.2, 4.3, 4.1, 5.0, 4.8)
0-160: 6.0 (4.9, 6.2, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2, 8.7)
0-200: 8.2 (6.4, 8.6, 10.0, 12.0, 13.3, 13.0)
0-240: 11.2 (8.5, 11.9, 14.0, 17.7, 17.8, 19.5)
0-300: 18.2 (16.1, 20.4, 25.7, 45.7, 29.4, 43.1)
400-1000m delta: 7.70 (7.18, 7.72, 8.07, 8.86, 8.75, 9.31)

https://imgur.com/gallery/how-is-mclaren-f1-build-automation-game-1OBKD9Q

How is my McLaren F1 build?

Is the quarter mile time with a rollout or not?

Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time: 8:06.28 at the 20.8-kilometer variant of this track, this time with a more realistic supercar body + some interior work resembling the McLaren F1.

+600kg constant downforce (33% front : 67% rear)
75% braking power (front and rear)

Remember, this was the '90s. Cars didn't feature as much tire and braking technology back then.

Lap starts at 3:21.

MY BEST AND FINAL LAP TIME AT THE NURBURGRING NORDSCHLEIFE with the McLaren F1: 8:01.20 (very comparable to the real-life results of the Bugatti EB110 SS and Lamborghini Diablo GT)

Top Gear - McLaren F1 Review
https://youtu.be/bqYCj6OD3Uw?si=uDsY9a6EDOaakrDE

Mclaren F1 GTR.

This car is the most popular car on FastestLaps.com; its even more popular than the AMG ONE.

For those who still thinking about 20.3 seconds to 300KPH

The acceleration testing session was done w/passenger w/6mph tailwinds and propably half fuel tank, Japanese loves doing that! Just think about, how cold air and 3% downhill can make a difference for 600HP/1200KG car?
Japanese logic > minus 0.3 to higher numbers as rollout (compensation)
300-320kph@4.6s
0-300kph@20.6s
0-320kph@25.2s
300-320kph @ 4.6s
VOILA

I miss these cars.
Cars used to be lightweight and fun,even with less HP.
I still drive manual,and I still
Will.
Only thing I really want now a RWD car.I mostly drove FWD

McLaren F1 Jay Leno.

French Sport Auto tested the same F1 that was tested by CarGraphic:
0-100 kph 3.3s
400m 11.1s
1000m 19.6s
100-140 kph 5th gear 3.3s
100-140 kph 6th gear 4.5s
Top speed 371 kph (factory data)
Weight checked 1263 kgs
the car seems slower than when tested the day by CG.
0-100 kph 3.7s
400m 10.8s
1000m 19.0s
100-140 kph 5th gear 3.2s
100-140 kph 6th gear 4.8s

R.I.P Bruce McLaren. His legacy lives on! 🔥

This post has received too much negative feedback and is hidden. Click here to show it anyway.

Why the McLaren F1 is a horrible car?

Mister Elon Musk the multimillionaire will tell you more

my dream car has always been the McLaren F1GTR. i have devoted over 10 years to researching the stats of this car. this website is by far the best helper to me.

A question arose: were the McLaren XP5 and F1 different?

The performance figures obtained in tests with the XP5 chassis are much better than those presented by the "normal" F1.

McLaren F1 XP5, Car and Driver, 1994 (Autocar & Motor)
0-60 mph 3.2s
0-100 mph 6.3s
0-120 mph 9.2s
1/4-Mile 11.1s @ 138 mph

McLaren F1, Road & Track, 1997:
0-60 mph 3.4s
0-100 mph 7.7s
0-120 mph 10.5s (+1.3s) 😐
1/4-Mile 11.6s @ 125 mph (-13 mph) 🙃

The difference appears to be because of a much stronger spec (XP5). Would changing from a European to an American version hurt performance that much?

(sorry for my English) 👍

makes me so 💦 its so juicy nest pas?

Mclaren F1 plus the other two UNICORNS from Porsche and Mercedes

Post under review. Will be published by moderator shortly.

Gordon Murray speaks out after 32 years, the McLaren F1 was a big mistake and had tons of faults

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a44928628/gordon-murray-t-50-tech/

0 - 80 kph 2.7 s
0 - 100 kph 3.2 s
0 - 120 kph 4.3 s

This car did 100km/h in first gear with a conventional manual transmission. This means the 80-120 time of 1.6 seconds is quite conservative. Theoretically it could even do 80-120 in 1.1 seconds with the right gear ratio — which would make it on par with a Bugatti Chiron or a Koenigsegg Gemera. But there's a little bit of truth to every conspiracy theory. Being a lighter-than-average 6-liter V12 car (and grand tourer at that) actually means less time to shift; basically the thing has got a racing clutch disguised as a street one. While the average manual takes .5 second, I'd reckon .3 or even .2 second to shift in the F1, judging by magazine and video tests in the past. The real 80-120 time is around 1.3 seconds — just borderline 720S and P1 territory!

https://www.supercars.net/forum/threads/re-no-mclaren-road-car-has-gone-231mph-or-240-mph.152949/page-2#post-3934289

Is it FK, LOL!