Following an extensive testing and development programme, McLaren Automotive has now confirmed the performance figures for the McLaren P1™ in the latest stage in the launch of the groundbreaking model. These figures show that the third model in the range accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.8 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 6.8 seconds, and 300 km/h (186 mph) in just 16.5 seconds. Yes, you read those figures right. This car will do 124 miles per hour in about the same time it takes a hot hatch to get to 62 miles per hour. This is a car that means serious business.
Braking is equally as impressive as acceleration – from 100 km/h to zero takes just 30.2 metres – that’s less than a third of the recognised stopping distance! So, we see maximised performance in several areas, which is key to the success of the P1. This isn’t just another supercar (or hypercar really I suppose) from one of the big names. McLaren have invested genuine cutting edge technology in producing what many believe will be one of the greatest cars of all time.
The car is fitted with a twin powertrain generating 916 PS (903 bhp) from the highly efficient 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine and the lightweight electric motor. Relentless acceleration is delivered thanks to the instant on torque of the electric motors followed by the finely tuned turbos which come on song to compliment power delivery. The McLaren P1 can reach 300 km/h (186 mph) in just 16.5 seconds. By way of a benchmark, this is a full 5.5 seconds quicker than the legendary McLaren F1. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph).
Despite these impressive figures, the McLaren P1™ still returns 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100km) on the EU combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 194 g/km. The electric motor offers a range of 11 km (6.8 miles) in full electric mode on the NEDC cycle, which sees emissions drop to zero.
The first example of the McLaren P1™ was collected from the McLaren Technology Centre by its UK-based owner very recently following the car’s completion in September.
“We designed the McLaren P1™ from the outset with one clear goal: to be the best driver’s car on road and track. The confirmation of the performance figures underlines this. I am very proud of our Woking based team and everything they have achieved with this ambitious project. The handover of the first McLaren P1 is another milestone in our 50 year history.” commented Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive Ltd.
So, what do you make of the P1 based on this information? Granted, it will be in the realms of other extreme-performance-extreme-rarity cars as there are only going to be 375 built. Naturally, this maintains exclusivity but it also makes the production process manageable for McLaren as each car is essentially hand built by a team of experts in their field. Do you believe this is a serious contender for best car ever?
Leave a Reply