McLaren P1, “the best driver’s car in the world on road and track”…
At its presentation at the Geneva Motor Show, the builder made no bones about the firm’s ambition. Half a century spent perfecting its experience in racing cars, aerodynamics and carbon fibre technology has culminated in the P1, short for “first place” or “pole position”… By Laetitia Rossi
A name chosen as a clear allusion to the 182 victories and 155 pole positions in MacLaren’s history. Comparable to that of a GT3 racing car, the P1’s downforce is unique for a production road car. It accounts for its cornering and braking performance, its balance, stability and driveability at all speeds. “McLaren introduced the carbon fibre chassis into the world of Formula 1 in 1981 with the MP4/1, and we created the very first road car with a carbon body,” says Ron Dennis, Executive Chairman of McLaren Automotive. It takes less than 3 seconds for the P1 to reach100 km/h from standing, less than 7 seconds from zero to 200 km/h, and less than 17 seconds to attain 300 km/h, i.e. a full 5 seconds faster than the McLaren F1. To do so, the P1 relies on an innovative hybrid IPAS powertrain consisting of a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine coupled with a single electric motor. Combined power output is 916 hp, with carbon dioxide emissions of less than 200 g/km. The car’s top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h.
Impressive statistics, but also awesome technology, starting with active aerodynamics and adjustable suspension, both now banned in Formula 1 as they give such cars a performance advantage. The rear wing can extend from the the bodywork by 120 mm on road, up to 300 mm on the race track, maximising the levels of downforce. The ride height is also adjustable thanks to the new hydro-pneumatic suspension. The RaceActive Chassis Control (RCC) can lower the car by 50 mm to produce ground effect aerodynamics. Light, strong and rigid, the carbon fibre comprising the monocoque and body panels improves not only performances but also safety, handling and ride comfort.
A very low rear, assertive rear haunches, minimalist design and incredibly compact packaging… The P1’s design is dominated by the flow of air over and around the car. “It has the most aggressive rear diffuser ever seen on a road car,” says Design Director Frank Stephenson, admitting that a few ideas were borrowed from the iconic McLaren F1 production car and the championship-winning Formula 1 driven by Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
“It’s fast on the track but also speedy, comfortable and elegant on the road,” comments Paul Mackenzie, Project Director for the McLaren P1. “A model whose production is limited to 375 examples,” adds the Sales and Marketing Director. It just remains to quote the price of this rare level of exclusiveness : 1 million euros.
