The 2015 McLaren P1 is possibly the most exciting road car ever built. The people who gave us the magnificent McLaren F1 20 years ago have delivered their next masterpiece, representing everything learned in 50 years building Formula One, Le Mans, Indianapolis and Can-Am winners.
Let's start with the engine. Or rather, engines. There is a 727-hp twin-turbo V8 similar to -- but much modified from -- the usual McLaren 12C motor. Then a 176-hp electric motor is added. Combined output is 903 hp. With just a 3,075-pound dry weight, that's a power-to-weight ratio way higher than any top-end supercar, and substantially above the recently unveiled Porsche 918 Spyder, too.
The two powerplants work together. The electric motor delivers low-end torque instantly while the twin-turbo V8 has fantastic top-end shove. Combine the two and there's great throttle response and enormous big-rev power. In addition you can drive the P1 in electric E-mode -- the silent supercar. All-electric range is about six miles.
The seven-speed paddle-shift twin-clutch gearbox can also work in full auto-shift mode, the default setting. It's the ideal choice for easy 'round-town driving.
As with all McLaren cars, the chassis is a carbon monocoque and all body panels are carbon fiber, too. This helps keep the weight low, despite the hybrid drive and bank of lithium-ion batteries.
McLaren P1 suspension is 12C-based. It uses a hydropneumatic setup not so different from an old Citroën's. Its active ride magic-carpets bumps and potholes yet firms up on corners.
McLaren says aerodynamics is the single area where the P1 has its biggest advantage over rivals. It works actively, so the rear wing and underbody flaps adjust automatically to boost speed and driver confidence. In track-only "race" mode, the car dips 2 inches closer to the black stuff and you get "ground effects" suction. In addition, the big rear wing periscopes back almost 12 inches. You're now in max-attack mode, magnetized to the road.
Let's start with the engine. Or rather, engines. There is a 727-hp twin-turbo V8 similar to -- but much modified from -- the usual McLaren 12C motor. Then a 176-hp electric motor is added. Combined output is 903 hp. With just a 3,075-pound dry weight, that's a power-to-weight ratio way higher than any top-end supercar, and substantially above the recently unveiled Porsche 918 Spyder, too.
The two powerplants work together. The electric motor delivers low-end torque instantly while the twin-turbo V8 has fantastic top-end shove. Combine the two and there's great throttle response and enormous big-rev power. In addition you can drive the P1 in electric E-mode -- the silent supercar. All-electric range is about six miles.
The seven-speed paddle-shift twin-clutch gearbox can also work in full auto-shift mode, the default setting. It's the ideal choice for easy 'round-town driving.
As with all McLaren cars, the chassis is a carbon monocoque and all body panels are carbon fiber, too. This helps keep the weight low, despite the hybrid drive and bank of lithium-ion batteries.
McLaren P1 suspension is 12C-based. It uses a hydropneumatic setup not so different from an old Citroën's. Its active ride magic-carpets bumps and potholes yet firms up on corners.
McLaren says aerodynamics is the single area where the P1 has its biggest advantage over rivals. It works actively, so the rear wing and underbody flaps adjust automatically to boost speed and driver confidence. In track-only "race" mode, the car dips 2 inches closer to the black stuff and you get "ground effects" suction. In addition, the big rear wing periscopes back almost 12 inches. You're now in max-attack mode, magnetized to the road.
McLaren P1
Reviewed by admin
Published :
Rating : 4.5
Published :
Rating : 4.5
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