Skip advert
Advertisement

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

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

GEAR RATIOS OFFER AN ULTRA-CLOSE 5-SPEED CLUSTER FOR 0-160MPH, PLUS A 6TH-SPEED 200MPH-PLUS CAPABILITY

Wheelbase length in most mid-engined sports car designs is increased by conventional clutch and final-drive arrangements forcing the drive-output centre rearwards. Until now, all attempts to minimise wheelbase length – such as sitting gearbox and final-drive beneath the engine – have compromised handling, weight or efficiency.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In conjunction with Traction Products Inc., McLaren Cars has imaginatively solved such problems, with the McLaren F1’s final-drive gear offset alongside its clutch, absolutely minimising engine/drive output centreline separation.

This layout within a transverse-shaft gearbox – already inherently short front-to-rear – provides an exceptionally compact assembly within an extremely rigid cast magnesium casing accepting major rear suspension loadings.

The F1 is also the first production car to adopt current Formula 1 practise by featuring a 200mm diameter aluminium flywheel and carbon clutch assembly. Their extremely low mass and inertia greatly enhance engine response and efficiency, and also save weight.

The 6-speed gearbox has a full synchromesh gearchange with helical gears for optimum strength, quiet high-speed running and quick and efficient gear-changing.

Further features include a sophisticated lubrication system, a remote clutch-operating mechanism tailored to provide optimum pedal weight and action, and an integrated purpose-designed starter system.

Gear ratios offer a close 5-speed cluster for 0-160mph (257km/h) plus a 6th-speed presenting a comfortable, peaceful and long-striding 33mph (53km/h) per 1,000rpm cruising gear – plus top speed capability well over 200mph (321km/h).

The final-drive assembly also features a limited-slip differential, while purpose-made constant-velocity jointed high grade alloy-steel drive-shafts are used.

As in all areas of the McLaren F1, exhaustive research and development effort has been applied to no-compromise design and manufacturing quality.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

McLaren adds ex-Ferrari boss to its team following reshuffle
McLaren Artura Spider
News

McLaren adds ex-Ferrari boss to its team following reshuffle

Former Ferrari Chairman Luca Montezemolo joins McLaren to spearhead growth under new owners
30 Jun 2025
Lamborghini Fenomeno – new hypercar will be revealed at Monterey Car Week
Lamborghini Fenomeno
News

Lamborghini Fenomeno – new hypercar will be revealed at Monterey Car Week

A new limited-run hypercar is on the agenda at Lamborghini and it goes by the name Fenomeno
27 Jun 2025
Corvette ZR1X is more powerful and faster than the Ferrari F80
Corvette ZR1X – front
News

Corvette ZR1X is more powerful and faster than the Ferrari F80

Corvette’s long-awaited halo model has arrived – ‘ZR1X’ might not be as evocative as ‘Zora’ but it’s every bit as powerful as the rumours suggested
18 Jun 2025
The Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti is an 868bhp supercar you (probably) can’t buy
Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti
News

The Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti is an 868bhp supercar you (probably) can’t buy

The 296 has only just been given the hardcore Speciale treatment, but Ferrari’s already devised a new special edition for its very best customers
17 Jun 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch
Honda Civic Type R deal
News

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch

The Civic Type R is not long for this world and there are deals to be had on Honda’s pricey but near-perfect hot hatch
26 Jun 2025
Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?
Lotus factory
Opinion

Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?

Lotus’s latest troubles are grabbing headlines, but the writing’s been on the wall for some time.
28 Jun 2025
Iconic cars of the 1990s driven, from Renault Clio 16v to Ferrari 355 – car pictures of the week
evo eras 1990s
Features

Iconic cars of the 1990s driven, from Renault Clio 16v to Ferrari 355 – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo magazine, we go back to the 1990s on the finest Welsh roads with a selection of iconic youngtimers
27 Jun 2025