When McLaren debuted its P1 supercar concept at last year’s Paris Motor Show, it was greeted with mixed reaction. On the one hand, who doesn’t love the idea of a new world-class supercar from McLaren? On the other hand, its shape is best described as “controversial,” with perhaps too much attention paid to function over form. The original McLaren F1 was a stunning car, and its current MP4-12C can certainly fit into the “beautiful” category, but even calling the P1 “handsome” was a stretch for some.
The next version of the P1 is reportedly going to make its appearance at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March, and McLaren has just released a video showing the latest P1 test mule going though its testing routing on track. It’s wearing a unique camouflage wrap, too: those squiggly lines are really track diagrams from all over the world, a subtle reminder from McLaren that the P1 will be backed by a lot of racing experience.
McLaren’s P1 supercar prototype – image: McLaren
McLaren hasn’t published much detail on the P1 yet, but rumor has it using a version of the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 found in the MP4-12C, enhanced by a Formula One-style Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) for added acceleration. We’ve seen estimates of 800+ horsepower, which should be more than sufficient given the car’s lightweight carbon fiber construction.
It will use active aerodynamics, too, including a rear wing with a variable angle of attack (for downforce in corners, or additional speed in straights) and a moveable front air dam to further increase grip as needed.
McLaren’s P1 supercar prototype – image: McLaren
Pricing remains a big mystery, but we’ll remind you that it’s meant to go head to head against the likes of the Koenigsegg Agera R and the Pagani Huayra. In that price bracket, performance is a more critical design goal than cost, so prepare to spend accordingly.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
