The Mclaren P1 is
a huge step forward for the company and for the hypercar game in general. It
represents the pinnacle of Mclaren’s
knowledge in creating road cars that integrate the best Formula 1 technology
to achieve searing performance on par with the best of the best from Ferrari or Pagani.
The P1 risked being overshadowed during
its big debuts in Paris and Geneva, thanks to the concurrent reveals of
LaFerrari and the Lamborghini
Veneno, which both pack more styling drama and a more artful
execution than the P1. Not one to shy away from competition, McLaren is ready
for the sales brawl in the hypercar segment with their vision of the ultimate
road car.
The 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 from the 12C re-appears in a much higher state of tune, producing an estimated 800 horsepower, up more than 175 from the 12C. Paired with the singing V-8 is a twin-clutch transmission with an embedded electric motor to create a total power figure of 903 horsepower and an estimated 1,100 pound-feet of torque at launch.
Breaking out figures for the electric motor alone is difficult but it
is estimated to contribute up to 150 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
The P1 does share core chassis and engine blueprints with its cheaper 12C sibling, but sacrifices nothing at the altar of supreme performance.