Skip advert
Advertisement

The original McLaren F1 press release in full - Every detail of the incredible V12 supercar - McLaren F1 engine

As McLaren re-publishes the full, original 1992 press release for its F1 supercar, it's a perfect time to celebrate the F1, we think

THE F1’S ENGINE PRODUCES ONE OF THE HIGHEST SPECIFIC OUTPUTS FOR A LARGE-CAPCITY NATURALLY-ASPIRATED UNIT IN PRODUCTION SPORTS CAR HISTORY

The BMW Motorsport ‘S70/2’ V12 engine for the McLaren F1 is a unique design, individually hand-assembled and dyno-tested for each owner to produce one of the highest specific outputs for a large capacity naturally-aspirated engine in production sports car history.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Seeking performance with clean emission, the engine possesses extremely efficient heads, continuous variable inlet valve timing and an emission-control system incorporating secondary air supply and four catalytic converters with ‘Lambda’ exhaust gas analysis control.

This 4-cam, 48-valve, 60-degree V12 engine’s 86mm bore and 87mm stroke displace 6,064cc. Compression ratio is 10.5:1 and with its chain-driven DOHC valvegear and TAG Electronic Systems fuel injection and engine management, power output is over 550bhp (404kW) at 7,500rpm, coupled to a peak torque in excess of 600Nm between 4,000 and 7,000rpm, with no less than 350Nm at only 1,500rpm!

The load-bearing lightweight cylinder block is cast in aluminium-alloy with Nakasil coating. BMW Motorsport’s renowned engine weight- and size-reducing technology has paid handsome packaging dividends. In fact, this 6.1-litre V12 is little larger than current 3.5-litre Formula 1 racing engines.

Lightweight magnesium-alloy castings provide the sump, oil-pump and variable valve-timing housings, cam-carriers and cam-covers. The airbox is made of carbon composite, while the voluminous exhaust catalysor system is cased in super-thin, ultra-high temperature resistant ‘Inconel’ sheet just 0.8mm thick and doubling as the F1’s rear crash structure. Dry-sump lubrication ensures adequate flow under high cornering loads and minimises Centre of Gravity height. Cooling is handled by individual water pumps to each cylinder bank. Everywhere within this tailor-made v12 masterpiece from Munich one can find further evidence of the McLaren F1’s purest design principle – total dedication to excellence.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ferrari 296 VS – grandson to the 458 Speciale will arrive very soon
Ferrari 296 VS front
News

Ferrari 296 VS – grandson to the 458 Speciale will arrive very soon

With over 850bhp the extreme Ferrari 296 will be one of 2025’s most exciting new cars
24 Apr 2025
Lamborghini Gallardo (2003 - 2013) review – the baby V10 supercar that saved the company
Lamborghini Gallardo – front
Reviews

Lamborghini Gallardo (2003 - 2013) review – the baby V10 supercar that saved the company

The Gallardo was the car that catapulted Lamborghini into the modern age and a new era of profitability
21 Apr 2025
Lamborghini Revuelto 2025 review – the ultimate modern supercar
Lamborghini Revuelto – front
In-depth reviews

Lamborghini Revuelto 2025 review – the ultimate modern supercar

Chock full of complex, cutting-edge tech, the Revuelto is more refined and capable than its predecessor, and it retains those all-important V12 Lambor…
17 Apr 2025
The Lamborghini Revuelto feels like an Audi R8, but that's no bad thing
Lamborghini Revuelto
Opinion

The Lamborghini Revuelto feels like an Audi R8, but that's no bad thing

It might be all-wheel drive, hybrid and more complex than ever, but the Revuelto proves that this isn’t always a recipe for reduced thrills
14 Apr 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Aston Martin Vantage (1993 - 2000) review – Britain's 550bhp hand-built muscle car
Aston Martin Vantage V550 – front
Reviews

Aston Martin Vantage (1993 - 2000) review – Britain's 550bhp hand-built muscle car

One of Aston Martin's last true hand-built models, the ludicrous twin-supercharged Vantage was a muscle car crossed with a stately home
24 Apr 2025
Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 review – a 473bhp BMW M4 CS fighter
Porsche 911 Carrera S – pictures
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 review – a 473bhp BMW M4 CS fighter

A new Carrera S has arrived with supercar-baiting pace and a £120k starting price – is it the sweet spot of the 992.2 range?
25 Apr 2025
Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon
Michelin GT3 RS tyre
Reviews

Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon

Michelin has developed a wet and cold weather tyre for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and it’s brilliant
23 Apr 2025