McLaren P1™ to be the best driver’s car in the world

The final piece in the McLaren P1™ unveil took place yesterday at the 83rd International Motor Show in Geneva, when we presented the production-intent model in front of the world’s media. The car, finished in striking Volcano Yellow, is little changed from the design study which we unveiled in Paris six months ago, and was presented by McLaren Group Executive Chairman, Ron Dennis CBE and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Sergio Perez. The pair, in their first official public appearance together, were joined by BBC Sport's Formula 1 presenter Lee McKenzie.

We designed and developed the McLaren P1™ to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track and rewrite the rule book. This has been achieved through the distillation of our 50 years of race-winning experience and expertise. And performance is a key factor with the McLaren P1™, with Ron Dennis explaining: ‘The McLaren P1™ is all about being the ultimate car for road and track, and our goal is to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in sub-7 minutes.’

 To recap the impressive stats, the McLaren P1™ is powered by a substantially revised 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine coupled to a lightweight electric motor to produce a combined output of 916PS and 900Nm of torque. This combination gives instant, and relentless, acceleration which sees the sprint to 100km/h in less than 3 seconds, and on to a top speed of 350km/h.

The electric motor also offers completely emission-free driving for a distance in excess of 10km. The compact twin-powerplant is mounted to the carbon fibre MonoCage chassis, which tips the scales at just 90kg. With carbon fibre used for all body panels, and featured extensively within the cabin, the overall weight is kept to a minimum - dry weight is just 1,395kg. The ‘shrink-wrapped’ design of the McLaren P1™ is shaped to optimise aerodynamics, and through the large active rear wing and front aero flaps, can generate up to 600kg of downforce from 257kmh (161mph).

The revolutionary RaceActive Chassis Control (RCC) and bespoke Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres allow for cornering forces of 2g, while being subjected to 600kg of downforce, but without a compromise to the executive saloon car-like ride and handling when travelling at lower speeds. Also, a brake system developed with technical partner Akebono, never used on a production road car before, uses technology tried and tested in space to provide race car-like stopping performance.

The McLaren P1™ will prove to be a true statement of exclusivity with an extremely limited production run of only 375. The first lucky customers will start to take delivery later this year, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of McLaren.


To view the McLaren press conference with Ron Dennis, Sergio 'Checo' Perez and Lee McKenzie, please click here.