Finally, it's here ladies and gentlemen.
After months of making us salivate on spy shots and promo stills the McLaren
P1 has arrived in its production form and gladly most of it remains unchanged
from the magnificent concept that was showcased in Paris a year ago. We had too
many things going on in the last month's issue that we ran out of pages to tuck
in a write-up on the unveiling of the P1 at the Geneva Auto Show. The
Lamborghini Veneno and the LaFerrari chewed into the layout space that was
saved for the P1. To make up for that we decided to give it a proper welcome
right here, right now. So here we go.
The
McLaren P1
The McLaren P1 is going to be noted as one
of the greatest-looking cars of all time. Unlike its rather bland stable mate -
the MP4-12C - the P1 is the epitome of showmanship. Comparing the two would be
like drawing up a comparison chart between Mika Hakkinnen and Michael
Schumacher. The former is all methodical and sober and the latter is equally
good, but has that element of fun, excitement and above all showmanship, which
is what the crowds really cheer for. The MP4-12C may be perfect in all rights,
but the P1 has the suit which goes well with the perfection. Look at it, those
lines would have stuck to a concept car and would have lived and died a short
life atop a spinning podium. It didn't. It came alive and now it is going to
burn the roads and please the eyes, wherever it goes. When the concept was
showcased for the first time, we had bets on arguing that the tail lights won't
be making the final cut and that the design will be toned down. But we were
wrong. It's still there - in all its futuristic glory. So is that enormous rear
spoiler, which unlike tea cup tray at the back of the Veyron, is stunning to
look at.
The
McLaren P1 is going to be noted as one of the greatest-looking cars of all
time.
This could very well be one of the few
hybrids which will make Clarkson less cranky. You read it right, the P1 is a
hybrid. Two highly efficient power plants - a V8 and an electric motor -
deliver a combined output of 903bhp and 663 pound-feet of torque. Assessing the
units independently pops up impressive numbers too. The V8 engine is the
twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter M838T unit borrowed from the MP4-12C, and with the
right dose of modifications, it delivers 727bhp and 530 pound-feet of torque.
As far as the electric motor is concerned, it belts out 176bhp and 191
pound-feet of torque which is a quite a cracker in its own right. McLaren
claims that the electric motor also allows faster upshifts of the gearbox. A
braking package developed by Akebono, McLaren's brake specialist in F1,
consists of new type of carbon ceramic disc, used for the first time on a road
car. Along with better cooling capacity, the new system also ensures
exceptional stopping power. Shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires which have
been developed based on the lessons learnt in F1, the handling of the P1 is
also expected to be significantly better than its competitors.
This
could very well be one of the few hybrids which will make Clarkson less cranky.
On the inside, the McLaren P1 isn't exactly
as luxurious as one might come to expect. It's more about purpose than about
style. Carbon fiber dominates the trim and a digital gauge cluster complete
with a race-inspired digital dash readout occupies the center console. There is
room for two but there isn't much storage area. So if you are planning to go
for a long drive, this isn't the car you should turn to.
On
the inside, the McLaren P1 isn't exactly as luxurious as one might come to
expect.
Though not faster than the McLaren F1, the
P1 is quicker than its predecessor. 0 to 60mph comes up in 3 seconds, 124mph in
7 seconds and 186mph in 17 seconds - all these figures makes it a hell lot
quicker. But the top speed is where the F1 still reigns supreme. The P1's top
whack has been limited to 217mph which is way less compared to the F1. However,
McLaren took a moment to clarify their point here. They never wanted it to be
the fastest. They wanted it to be the most rewarding series production car on
the circuit and on that level they really have succeeded. Priced at $1.15
million, the P1's production will be limited to 375 copies and as you might
have guessed by now, most of them will eventually be making their way to
Moscow, Dubai and Monaco.
Quick question though, McLaren. The guy who
names your cars, why is he still there?
P1? Really? That's the best that he could
come up with?
