The McLaren P1 is set to be one of the fastest production cars in the world capable of a huge turn of speed on and off the track. It will come with two highly efficient and powerplants – namely a mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and a highly effective electric motor.
Combined output is 916PS (903 bhp) and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm, ensuring instantaneous throttle response through the rev range, more akin to a naturally aspirated engine. Emissions of less than 200g/km on the combined cycle are reduced to zero in full electric drive mode, while the Formula 1-derived DRS and IPAS technologies offer an increase in straight-line speed and an instant boost of power.
The lightweight electric motor, developed by the McLaren Electronics arm of the Group, produces 179PS (176 bhp), and is unique to the McLaren P1. The motor produces maximum torque of 260Nm instantly from a standstill, greatly increasing the throttle response of the McLaren P1, and peak combined torque of 900Nm is delivered from just 4,000 rpm. In addition to this, the McLaren-developed ‘boost’ system, IPAS, provides up to 179PS instantly. The instant response of the electric motor provides a sharper throttle response more associated with a normally aspirated engine, and the significantly enhanced air-charging system enables the McLaren P1 to have more top-end power – the perfect combination for high performance.
The electric motor is mounted directly onto the engine, and all drive is channelled through the dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox to drive the rear wheels. Thus, the electric motor and 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine work seamlessly together, providing more than just added ultimate power and torque.
This will, I have very little doubt, be the car of the year. Perhaps, just perhaps, the car of the century. The P1 is the culmination of a huge amount of work from McLaren and as a technical project it is a marvel. Far less generic looking than the MP4-12C and with a big step up in performance, it is set to be something very special. However, will it have soul?
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