McLaren P1 production-version revealed

McLaren has officially revealed the production version of the much-awaited P1, in time for the Geneva Motor Show this month.

The full-on hyper-car comes with a host of new goodies like the ‘Instant Power Assist System’ (IPAS), which basically activates the electric motor via a steering wheel-mounted button which gives the P1 better throttle response. Another button on the steering wheel is the DRS – Drag Reduction System, which when pressed, reduces the rear wing angle to lower drag by 23 percent.

The beast powering the P1 is actually a hybrid powertrain, which consists of a twin-turbo, V8 3.8-litre mid-mounted engine generating a monstrous 737 hp and 720 Nm of torque. If that wasn’t enough, an electric motor adds 179 hp and 260 Nm of torque to the existing. Hence, the McLaren P1 has a combined output of 916 hp and 900 Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the ground via a 7-speed twin clutch ‘Graziano’ gearbox. McLaren estimate that the P1 can be driven on electric power for 20 km at an average speed of 48 kph.

Just as any other McLaren, the P1 is no slouch off the mark. With ‘IPAS’ turned on, it will hit 0-100 kph in less than three seconds, while 200 kph comes in around seven seconds, and 300 kph in a modest 17 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 350 kph. All that can be attributed to the carbon-fibre chassis which weighs 100 kg, making it the lightest ever installed on a road car. The entire car tips the scales at only 1,400 kg.

The P1 rides on bespoke Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres and stopping power comes from discs featuring a new type of carbon-ceramic material, which is stronger than the regular fit, as it dissipates heat more effectively. In addition, these discs are lighter than usual and boast a custom ceramic layer coat on the friction surfaces for a mirrored look.

Inside the cabin, the McLaren P1 features a cockpit where carbon-fibre is the primary material. Amenities such as satellite navigation, climate control, premium audio system and a digital dash showing all relevant information is also present.

The P1 will be limited to 375 units as opposed to the 500 they had planned earlier, and will have a starting price of Dhs 4,224,000 (USD 1,150,000). The McLaren P1 is expected to hit the shores of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the rest of the GCC sometime later this year provided they begin the shipping soon.