Even if it’s going to have its official debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, here’s the official reveal of the McLaren P1 production version ahead of its display. Finally, the specialists at McLaren have decided to reveal the full list of details about their latest brainchild, the P1.
What impressed us the most was not its exclusivity or price, but the performance behind this exquisite supercar. The P1 reportedly boasts a feature that helps its engine add more thrill to the driver, dubbed the Instant Power Assist System. With this baby turned on, drivers beware!
The P1 reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in less than 3 seconds, while the 124 mph (200 km/h) marker gets passed in just under 7 seconds. Whopping as it is, the car needs just around 17 seconds to get to 186 mph (300 km/h) and the exhilaration won’t end until it reaches 350 km/h (217 mph) – the electronically limited maximum speed of the P1.
The IPAS feature, though, does not simply consist of software – it is in fact an electric motor which can be activated via a button found on the steering wheel. This electric engine provides the engine of the P1 with the throttle response of a normally-aspirated engine. In addition, there’s the DRS button on the steering wheel – Drag Reduction System – this means the rear wing reduces its angle, lowering the drag by around 23%. At the simple press of the brake pedal or the release of the button, the driver is able to turn this particular feature off.
Now, the engine – you’d probably thing all that power and torque required to get a car to 350 km/h plus will require a huge propulsion system. But no, the McLaren P1 relies on a 3.8-liter twin-turbo mid-mounted V8 engine which churns out a respectable 737 HP (542 kW) at 7,500 RPM and 720 Nm (531 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 RPM, alongside an electric motor which adds 179 HP (132 kW) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. The combined output is rather astronomical – 916 HP (674 kW) and 900 Nm (663 lb-ft) of torque!
Add this to a 7-speed twin clutch Graziano transmission and you’ll have the proof that Ron Dennis is obsessed with the high-tech. Interestingly enough, the P1 can also be driven fully electrically, with a range of 20 km (12.4 miles), at an average speed of 30 mph (48 km/h) – but this would just be defiance.
In technical terms, the drag coefficient of the P1 is as cool as 0.34, while the downforce generated is 5 times better than the MP4-12Cs – a stunning 600 kg. The chassis only weighs around 220 lbs (100 kg), while the whole car tips the scales at 3,086 lbs (approximately 1,400 kg). Furthermore, it runs on Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and the CO2 emissions are extremely low – less than 200 g/km. The brake discs are crafted from some innovative sort of carbon ceramic, making them lighter, better in heat dissipation and way nice to look at, thanks to the custom ceramic layer coating that provides them a gorgeous shine.
The cabin is particularly driver-oriented, carbon fiber being the main material used. An additional and pretty interesting feature is that the carbon surfaces haven’t been decked with the top layer of resin, as this would’ve added 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) to the car’s weight. The seat shells are particularly light as well, weighing just 23.1 lbs (10.5 kg). They, and the steering column, are adjustable, with the backrests fixed at a 28 degree angle. This can be modified though, to increase helmet clearance, to 32 degrees.
In addition, McLaren specialists have also thought of bestowing the P1 with climate control, state of the art audio system and satellite navigation. There’s also the digital dashboard which needs to be mentioned, providing the drivers with all the info they need.
In terms of manufacture and pricing, McLaren says this car will set one back a whopping £866,000, the approximate equivalent of $1,150,000 US or €1,005,000. Original plans used to say this car will be produced in 500 units, but after long chats with potential owners, who were reportedly concerned about the car’s exclusivity rather than its speed, Ron Dennis has finally decided to limit its production to just 375 pieces.
So, great looks, stunning performance, exclusivity, perfect endowments and the promises of a new automotive experience – what’s next, McLaren? The first official flight to Proxima Centauri? Can’t wait!
[McLaren]
