So here you go, this is the production version of the McLaren P1 hypercar, shown for the first time in its full glory. This set of pictures has been making the rounds on the Internet before its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show.
But wait a minute, haven’t we seen this car before? Yes and no, as McLaren first showcased the P1 as adesign study in Paris last year, then claimed that it’s 97% representative of the real deal. The start of 2013 cued the release of a few teaser shots plus a video showing the production model in action, and since then we’ve also seen the P1’s minimalistic interior.
How do we know for sure that this is the production model and not just a repainted version of the design study? Easy enough – the extra air vents placed ahead of the front tyres is the first clue, followed by the (more-production feasible) tighter mesh used on the giant rear air vent. Oh, and the fitment of road-legal tyres instead of show rubbers is a dead giveaway.
The differences are minute, and it can easily be confused with the earlier show car we’ve stared upon for months now. McLaren themselves haven’t helped things, unleashing the stunning results of a photoshoot of the P1 design study at the Bahrain International Circuit while in the midst of releasing teaser images andtechnical info of the production model.
Let’s do a quick recap. We now know that the P1 will be powered by an insane 916 PS/900 Nm hybrid powerplant (using the twin-turbo 3.8 litre V8 engine used in the MP4-12C as base) running the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It can also travel up to 10 km on electric power alone, helping it to emit less than 200 grammes of CO2 per kilometre.
And just like an F1 car, it has an active DRS (Drag Reduction System) to make it punch through the air quicker at the press of a button. The other button on the steering wheel activates IPAS (Instant Power Assist System), which gives you an extra 179 PS in an instant. Much like KERS on F1 cars then. Or the S+ button on the facelifted Honda CR-Z.
More pictures and details to follow once they emerge. For now, enjoy the leaked pictures below.
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