An exotic that’s redefining the game of driving.
We’ve all been anxiously waiting for the final unveiling of the production McLaren P1 at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show starting March 5th. Over the past few months, the British automaker has teased us with the concept car, test footage, shots of the interior, and then finally the powertrain specifications. We’ve been nothing short of impressed the entire way as McLaren tries to provide the ultimate performance car centered around the driver. Now, just a week before the show, they’re giving us a few more juicy details.
The McLaren P1 was destined to become an incredibly fast car, with its lightweight, carbon fiber construction being rocketed to otherworldly speeds thanks to its Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) and mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 paired with an innovative electric motor producing a combined 903 bhp and 663.72 lb-ft. of torque. Just like its F1 predecessor set new standards for performance, the new McLaren P1 is rewriting the book again. The standard sprint to 62 mph will take under 3.0 seconds as the super car speeds to 124 mph in less than 7.0 seconds and reaches 186 mph in 17 seconds or less. What makes this even more impressive is that the 0 to 186 mph run is 5.0 seconds faster than the legendary McLaren F1. Top speed will be electronically limited to 217.48 mph (350 km/h), reinforcing McLaren’s statement that the car wouldn’t be about top speed, rather being fastest around the track.
Not much has changed in the McLaren P1 since it was first unveiled in concept form back in September, 2012. After the concept car made its debut, the McLaren team has been in contact with potential customers gathering their thoughts about the new super car. The unanimous opinion amongst customers was that the car’s design should not be changed, so to keep potential customers happy, McLaren kept the P1 production car essentially the same as the concept. The only thing that was changed was the addition of new LTR ducts preceding the front wheels to increase cooling and downforce.
Nine-hundred-and-three brake horsepower is quite a lot of power to send to the wheels and the chassis had to be built accordingly. Throughout the entire development phase of the McLaren P1, the automaker worked alongside its technology partner, Pirelli to develop tires with a compound that could handle the super car’s dynamic handling, speed, and power. McLaren also worked with its Formula 1- partner, Akebono to create an advanced braking system that provided stopping power similar to that of a race car. A new type of carbon ceramic disc that has been used in space programs is used for the first time in a road-going car. The material is stronger than conventional carbon ceramic and dissipates heat more effectively, allowing for reliable and stronger stopping power while also providing a low overall weight. The contact surfaces of the brakes wear a bespoke mirror-like ceramic coat for an eye-catching shine behind each wheel.
The McLaren P1 will be offered at a price of £ 866,000 (+/- $ 1,313,000), base and come fully equipped to handle both road and track use. The price might come as a shock to some, but is arguably a bargain considering the performance and driving dynamics that the P1 provides along with the extensive engineering behind it. Customers will be able to order the car in standard form with an array of bespoke color and trim options for the exterior and exterior, along with McLaren Special Options and fitted luggage. The McLaren P1 will be strictly limited to just 375 production examples, ensuring that the super car is a rare and beautiful sight on the road or the race track.
McLaren P1 Price and Production Figures
Price: £ 866,000 (+/- $ 1,313,000)
Production Numbers: Strictly Limited to 375 examples
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: Less than 3.0 seconds
Acceleration 0-124 mph: Less than 7.0 seconds
Acceleration 0-186 mph: 17.0 seconds or less
Top Speed: 217.48 mph/350 km/h (electronically limited)
McLaren P1 Gallery
[Source: McLaren]
What do you think of the McLaren P1’s under 3-second 0-62 mph time and £ 866,000 (+/- $ 1,313,000) base price? Leave a comment and let us know!
