Tuesday, February 26, 2013
McLaren has released the first official images and details of the production P1, ahead of its global debut in just a few days at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show.
Limited to 375 units, the P1 is powered by a hybrid powertrain consisting of a mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 petrol engine producing 737 hp at 7,500 rpm and 720 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and an electric motor adding 179 hp and 260 Nm. The combined output is 916 hp and 900 Nm, with the power being sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed twin clutch Graziano gearbox.
With race-inspired Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) turned on, the supercar can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, 0-200 km/h under seven seconds, 0-300 km/h in no more than 17 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h. It can survive on pure electric power for up to 20 km at 48 km/h - the higher the speed, the less the driving range.
IPAS is designed to deliver power rapidly for high performance acceleration and provides 179 hp of instant additional power. In developing the IPAS technology for the P1, power delivery was prioritised over energy storage. This is achieved through a groundbreaking, lightweight battery pack, which offers greater power density than any other automotive battery pack on sale today. Another button on the steering wheel is labeled DRS - Drag Reduction System. If pressed, the P1's rear wing reduces in angle to lower drag by 23 percent. The system immediately deactivates when the button is released or if the driver touches the brake pedal.
To rein in the power produced by the twin powerplants, the P1 is designed to offer braking performance more associated with a GT3 or sports racing car. Developed by McLaren’s Formula 1 partner Akebono, the system features a new type of carbon ceramic disc, which has previously seen service in space, but never before used on a road car. Stronger than conventional carbon ceramic, the material dissipates heat more effectively, giving the highly efficient braking system exceptional stopping and cooling capability. The system also boasts significantly reduced weight and a bespoke ceramic layer coats both friction surfaces to give an attractive mirrored finish.
The British supercar maker prides itself on designing performance cars that their owners can use regularly so the P1 comes comprehensively equipped as standard with an array of colour and trim alternatives from which the customer will be able to choose as well as visible carbon fibre in the cabin. The options list is limited to only bespoke content that a customer might wish to add through McLaren Special Operations, and fitted luggage.
Set to go on sale this autumn, the McLaren P1 will have a starting price of £866,000 in the UK ($1.31 million or €1 million), while in the United States, it will cost $1,15 million.
