McLaren P1 vs Porsche 918 Spyder

Next year, the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder will square off against each other in what promises to be a battle of two of the fastest road cars ever to turn a wheel.

And our spy photographers have caught prototypes of both cars testing at the same private proving ground giving some context to the McLaren P1, which is clearly the smaller of the two supercars.

Both cars use similar powertrains. The McLaren is expected to use a heavily revised version of the 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine from the 12C, boosted by a KERS hybrid system, developing around 850bhp in total.

The Porsche 918 Spyder is a plug-in hybrid, and uses a non-turbo 4.6-litre V8 enhanced by two electric motors - one between the engine and seven-speed PDK gearbox and another on the front axle, developing a total of 795bhp.

Alongside similar powertrain solutions, which promise sub-three second 0-62mph sprints for both cars, the McLaren and Porsche boast carbon-fibre chassis and active aerodynamics, including automatically adjusting rear wings.

Both cars will also be introduced on significant dates. The McLaren P1’s launch late next year coincides with the company’s 50th anniversary, while production of the Porsche 918 Spyder will begin on 18 September, or 9/18 if you’re from Porsche’s key North American market.

The McLaren P1 will cost between £700,000 and £800,000 when it goes on sale next year, while the Porsche will start from around £550,000. The McLaren and Porsche won’t be the only choices for rich supercar enthusiasts either, with the successor to the Ferrari Enzo also set to arrive next year.