The McLaren P1 test mule has given us his sound! In the video below you will be able to here the 3.8 liter twinturbo engine roaring its way through the French landscape. The video follows earlier spy shots showing the same test mule.
The overall shape has hints of the MP4-12C with the rear central exhaust and the layout of the rear facia. However, it’s obviously a more extreme design with an aggressive layered diffuser, front air intakes that remind us of the Aston Martin One-77 and a set of headlights that look visually similar to the McLaren Automotive logo.
The P1 was designed from the outset to prioritise aerodynamic performance. As a result, the designers spent many hours in a wind tunnel and behind the computer with CFD (computational fluid dynamics) aerodynamic modelling. It produces a staggering 600kg of downforce from well below top speed, five times more than the McLaren MP4-12C. In fact, it’s closer to the GT3 racer than anything else.
McLaren are yet to reveal the engine of choice. Instead, the latest release states that the P1 will have ‘an immensely powerful engine, superb brakes and state of the art suspension controls.’ Power to weight ratio will exceed 600hp per tonne, however, downforce and aerodynamic excellence will be key to package.
The McLaren P1 uses a mid-engine design with a development of the 12C carbon fiber monocoque and roof structure safety cage. It’s called MonoCage and also serves to guide air into the engine through an integral roof snorkel and air intake ducts, saving weight in the process. All the body panels are carbon fiber.
Ahhhhh …… once again folks . The P1 doesn’t have ‘ hints ‘ of the MP4-12C . It IS the MP4-12C with a few body mods and a chipped and tuned engine . All for Pagani/Keonigsegg etc prices I might add . McLaren having now adapted Audi ( and AudiGhini’s ) Badge Engineering strategy .
To my knowledge only the floor is from MP4-12C. The body is first grade carbonfiber from Formula One grade – Material 1001. Engine is heavily modified from 12C. The Internal parts have been replaced and developed to much higher standards than the 12C!
Gearbox is also a very very special unit! Interior is much more interesting than the 12C! Suspension is racy 4 the road! Ride comfort is said to be fantastic 4 being a supercar for the track! Not less fantastic than the 12C. Fuel consumption is as a 12C but in urban areas using the KERS system, it’s simply better than the 12C! Despite having another +300 hp!
Cars weight is about 2700 lbs or less. Watch this space! +240 mph? 0-60 mph in 2.3-5 seconds, and 0-402/m in 9.1 seconds? Laptimes comparable to a GT3 car (GP track)?
some questions 2 be answered but it looks as if F70 got a match on it’s hand! Which one would get the upperhand? Only time will tell…. To be continued
M&M
@GS you are the master at bagging anything you can never afford..
Sad to see but expected from the economy side of things (the economy of “not” knowing — which of course you hold a masters degree in).
To the unexpecting viewer you come across as knowledgable but you know f** alll about anything as tested time and time again!.
Never bag anything as it is poor business practise.
You know how to put sentences together but have no business ethics..who knows someone could have picked you up on a site as this and you could have made some real $$$’s.