McLaren P1 Concept Car Revealed at 2012 Paris Motor Show
The McLaren P1 has finally been revealed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and boy, do we have some information to share with you! The P1, at the moment is currently only a design study, but it is scheduled to go into production next year. Speed is not the only factor that McLaren is touting with the P1, they also plan to focus heavily on both agility and handling, two necessary components of any sports car.
Let’s take a look at the body in further detail:
Aerodynamics play a critical part in any sports car that is meant to be agile and fast at once. To achieve this McLaren will be building the P1 with carbon fiber, with specially formed ducts and scoops to help improve the aerodynamics. It is estimated that the P1 will create approximately 5x as much down-force as the other McLaren models – namely the MP4-12C. It will be very close to the GT3 racing model in terms of figures.
Come along to the back of the car and you will notice the dramatic wing that is capable of extending out a whopping 11.8” while on the track. On the road, however, it will only extend 4.7”. The wing is not just designed for a touch of drama, it is also crucial to both the P1’s down force and in correlation, the aerodynamics. Add to the allure, it can be used as an air brake. This feature was designed using specialized development methods, and of course, McLaren’s software for Formula One.
One look at this vehicle and you can see its fighter jet stance. The design of the P1 was created by Frank Stephenson and features dramatic, sleek lines. The posterity of the McLaren P1 will be offset by the LED head lamps and for a touch of luxury, the design features a heat shield made of gold leaf.
The P1 will feature what is known as a MonoCage, for additional passenger safety. Speaking of safety, with what we can expect will be a powerful engine, the P1’s MonoCage will be responsible for channeling air into the vehicle, preventing the engine from overheating.
One disappointing aspect of the Paris Motor Show is that we still know nothing about the expected powertrain that will be part of this highly awaited new McLaren P1. We can expect that its mid-engine will be an upgrade on the most powerful engine that McLaren has today – the 3.8L of the MP4-12C. Speculation also calls for an estimated 800HP or more. I guess they figure they need to keep some details on the hush-hush to keep us coming back for more, and believe me…we will.
While engine specs have not been revealed yet for the P1, you can bet your hat that this is car is going to be blindingly fast – otherwise, it wouldn’t be worthy of bearing the name McLaren.
