Saturday, March 2, 2013
Well, it was a few weeks back that the same blog posted about The Hypercar, or more aptly, the McLaren P1. And it's time for an update, because the blokes at Woking, Surrey have dropped the covers off the spec sheet, and the first official pics of the production - bound machine. Just about in time for the launch at Geneva. Time to hold your breath, folks.
Looks aggressive, mean, and clearly echoes the intent
And don't release it anytime soon, because the specs released are downright shocking, even though some don't pinpoint to concrete values. The stats are scary, VERY scary. This is not just another mean machine, this is one technological masterpiece.
Off with the powerplant, then. The P1 is set to be powered by a hybrid drivetrain featuring a 3.8 litre twin - turbo V8 gasoline engine, plus an electric motor. The engine alone develops an astonishing 727 bhp, albeit being virtually the same unit found in the MP4 - 12C, and 530 lb - ft of torque. The electric motor adds up 176 hp + 191 lb - ft. Work your math, and once the two starts working in tandem, your right foot (provided your monthly income is beyond US$ 100,000) gains exclusive rights for NINE HUNDRED and THREE brake horse power! The previous rumor of just 727 bhp of total power is in fact, the power generated from the engine alone. Imagine, nine hundred and three horses pulling your car. Pretty scary, and perfectly fitting the aura of its 'Hypercar' epithet. And you need all that 903 horses? A steering mounted button will be of assistance. The Mc blokes call it "Instant Power Assist System", and may be better remembered with the IPAS acronym. Formula - One technology makes its way to road - bound cars. Cars of P1's calibre. Don't even think of it appearing on your Corolla anytime soon.
So IPAS, 903 bhp and blah blah blah, obviously means that this Ferrari killer will be fast. Very fast, VERY FAST! Don't expect 0 - 100 mph timings as yet, but McLaren says P1 will hit 60 mph from rest in under THREE, yeah, BELOW 3 seconds, shatter the 124 mph mark in less than SEVEN seconds, and hit 300 kmph in around 17 seconds. That is fast, with a capital F, font size 100. Top speed is electronically limited to 217 mph. Why, you may ask, for such a killer machine deserves a faster top speed (the F1 had a staggering 243 mph on the record). But apparently McLaren's motif was to build a car that STAYS fast, not a car the reaches the highest possible mph value. And it may stay true to its word. The tires too are specially built for McLaren by its F1 partner Pirelli. The P - Zero Corsas are claimed to be as sticky as slicks. Akebono - built brakes (the firm which makes the braking system for McLaren's F1 cars) feature Carbon - Ceramic brakes. The discs are said to dissipate heat more effectively than the traditional metal - based ones. And they are much lighter too.
P1 looks downright stunning in the view that many will see
These stats alone are enough to leave petrolheads gasping in sheer excitement, but there's more show to go along with. The entire car body is built from carbon fiber, named as MonoCage by McLaren's engineers. P1 is as aerodynamic as a car can be, with a drag coefficient of just 0.34, along with a maximum downforce of 1320 pounds. The trick is brought together by the DRS, Drag Reduction System, which fiddles with the rear wing so badly that it reduces the drag by 23 percent. And all you need is a press of a button, mounted on the steering itself. Brake though, and the system deactivates immediately for the safety of lesser mortals.
The biggest shock is the fact that the P1 actually generates less than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometer on the combined cycle. So what's the big deal?To put the record straight, the average CO2 emission from new cars in the UK is 158 g/km, a Toyota Corolla 1.4 generates 170 g/km, and a 3 - litre diesel Toyota Land Cruiser Prado generates 225! And we are talking about a car that generates more than FIVE times the output from that diesel mill. Still frowning, environmentalist? The P1 can be solely driven on electric power for 20 km, at a speed of 30 mph. So long, Prius drivers, i-MiEVers, LEAFs, Twizys, here's a really cool green mean machine.
And, the price? For such a unique, jaw dropping automobile, there should be a fittingly horrendous pricetag. The blokes at McLaren does not disappoint in this sense either. Expect a base tag of US $ 1.15 million, plus all sorts of applicable taxes, and any costs for "personalized" options. No worries though, as it is crystal clear that anyone who pays a visit to McLaren's showrooms for something beyond window - shopping will be prepared for this. And rumor has it that all the 375 models destined for production, (note the figure - just 375) are already sold out. McLaren honed the final touches of P1 after listening to "potential" customers. Start looking for the miniature cars. That can be rare too, perhaps.
More than 1 million Dollars, more than 900 bhp, less than 3 sec to 60 mph, less than 17 sec to 300 kmph, less than 200g/km, just 375 machines, McLaren has got almost everything appropriately apportioned for the P1. Can't wait till someone from the automotive journalist fraternity drives the car and tells how he feels. One thing is certain. P1's spiritual father, F1 rewrote the automotive history like never before. And with the P1, historians shall better be ready with their notepads. Or tabs, may be.
Image source - Motor Authority
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