McLaren continues to slowly release the details for the upcoming P1 supercar that is going to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
McLaren continues to slowly release the details for the upcoming P1 supercar that is going to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Today McLaren has announced the official powertrain specs for the P1. The P1 will be powered by a mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and electric motor that together have a combined output of 903 horsepower.
The 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine in the McLaren P1 is a new version of the M838T unit, but in the P1 it has been significantly upgraded to improve its cooling and durability. The engine block has a unique casting to incorporate the electric motor. The engine produces 727 horsepower at 7,500rpm, and 531 lb-ft. of torque from 4,000rpm. The lightweight electric motor, developed by the McLaren Electronics arm of the Group, produces 176 horsepower. The motor produces 192 lb-ft. of torque instantly from a standstill. The electric motor is mounted directly onto the engine, and all drive is channeled through the dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox to drive the rear wheels.
The power available via the V8 engine and electric motor is further enhanced on the McLaren P1™through two steering wheel-mounted buttons which activate the DRS (Drag Reduction System) and IPAS (Instant Power Assist System). The Drag Reduction System is a technology similar to that employed on Formula 1 cars. Speed is increased by reducing the amount of drag on the rear wing and, where the MP4-28 has a moveable flap on the rear wing, the McLaren P1 has a wing that reduces in angle to lower drag by 23%. The system immediately deactivates when the button is released, or if the driver touches the brake pedal. IPAS is designed to deliver power rapidly for high performance acceleration, and provides 176 horspeower of instant additional power. In developing the IPAS technology for the McLaren P1, power delivery was prioritized over energy storage. This is achieved through a groundbreaking, lightweight battery pack, which offers greater power density than any other automotive battery pack on sale today.
The McLaren P1 can be driven in a variety of modes, powered by the engine and electric motor together, or solely by the electric motor. It can drive up to six miles in EV mode. In addition to the battery being charged via the engine, the McLaren P1 is also equipped with a plug-in charger which can recharge the battery, from empty, in only two hours.
