McLaren P1 revealed

The McLaren P1 hypercar has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, and we have the full details on its staggering 903bhp petrol-electric powertrain, which allows for 0-124mph in less than seven seconds – quicker than a Bugatti Veyron Super Sports.

The outlandish design has made the transition from concept to production almost unchanged. There are new brake cooling ducts ahead of the front wheels, but you won’t spot too many other tweaks.

The P1 uses a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 – developed from the one in the 12C – and an electric motor. Both send power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The 3.8-litre engine delivers 727bhp at 7,500rpm and 720Nm of torque from 4,000rpm, while the electric motor produces
176bhp and maximum torque of 260Nm from zero rpm.

Performance is staggering, with 0-62mph in under three seconds and 0-186mph in less than 17, which is nine seconds quicker than the McLaren F1 hypercar of the nineties. Top speed is limited to 217mph. Despite these awesome figures, the hybrid powertrain allows the P1 to emit less than 200g/km of CO2 – only slightly more than the Toyota GT 86.

An IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) button on the steering wheel allows for the full 176bhp from the electric motor to be instantly available, providing an electric boost like the KERS system on a Formula One car.

Another F1-inspired feature is the Drag Reduction System (DRS). Activated by another button on the steering wheel, it reduces the angle of the wing to lower drag by 23 per cent.

An E-mode is available for the powertrain, which allows the P1 to run for around six miles on electric power alone. The battery is charged by the engine, but can also be plugged in for a full recharge in about two hours.

Just 375 P1s will be sold across Europe, and each will cost from £866,000 – pitching it against the new Ferrari Enzo successor, which is also set to debut at Geneva.