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.
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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.
