The final chapter in the
production of the McLaren P1 has now been written as the 375th and final
example was completed, bringing the curtain down on the most technologically
advanced and dynamically accomplished supercar ever made. From launch, the groundbreaking model was
designed with one key goal: to be the best drivers’ car on road and track.
Since headlining the debut motor show appearance for McLaren Automotive at the
2012 Paris Motor Show as a design study, the first model in the McLaren
Ultimate Series has been writing headlines, breaking lap times and thrilling
owners the world over.
Production commenced during
the summer of 2013, with all cars sold prior to the first car being delivered,
and the first car – finished with Ice Silver paintwork and extensive levels of
visual carbon fibre – rolled off the production line during the 50th
anniversary celebrations of McLaren in September 2013. A fitting tribute to
Bruce McLaren; the man whose dream it was to produce the ultimate drivers’ car.
Following this, each and every car was custom-built to the exacting
specifications of its owner, in consultation with the team at McLaren Special
Operations (MSO), ensuring that no two cars are the same. Running at full capacity,
the bespoke Ultimate Series production line within the McLaren Production
Centre (MPC) finished one car per day, with each individual model taking 17
days to complete on average.
The final production example
of the McLaren P1 is finished extensively in stunning pearlescent orange,
achieved through a unique tinting process. The colour echoes the shade of the
64th and final McLaren F1 roadcar, chassis #075, which went on to inspire
Volcano Orange, available today across the McLaren Automotive range. It features
subtle styling elements in raw carbon fibre weave, with the finish only visible
externally on the splitter, diffuser and the aerodynamic blades along the lower
body, while the super-lightweight wheels are finished in silver. A blend of
refinement and purposeful intent is evident inside the cabin with bespoke
styling touches by the team at McLaren Special Operations (MSO) including gloss
black detailing for the switchgear, instrument bezels and air conditioning
vents. The lightweight carbon fibre-shelled racing seats include further MSO
craftsmanship, with the final McLaren F1 roadcar again the inspiration for the
final design. Upholstered in black and orange Alcantara, the contrasting
details are carried across to the stitching on the steering wheel.
The powertrain comprises a
3.8-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine with a lightweight, highly powerful
electric motor which, together, produces 903bhp at 7,300rpm, and 900Nm of
torque. Through the seamless integration of the 176bhp electric motor, 130Nm of
torque is available immediately, providing
‘torque fill’ to offset any turbo lag as a result of the larger turbos
fitted to the combustion engine. Through this innovative approach, the McLaren
P1 is propelled from a standstill to 100km/h in 2.8 seconds, with 200km/h
reached in 6.8 seconds and 300km/h achieved in just 16.5 seconds – a full five
seconds quicker than the legendary McLaren F1. Top speed is limited to 350km/h.
This performance is kept under control through a bespoke braking system,
developed specifically for the McLaren P1, using materials previously used on
the Ariane space programme. Formula 1 technology and expertise ensure optimal
performance in every area, providing progressive and predictable braking in the
most extreme of conditions, such as high speed track work.
Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive
Officer at McLaren Automotive commented: ‘The McLaren P1 has achieved more than
we ever expected of it since it was first previewed little over three years
ago, both as a new generation of supercar, and in enhancing the McLaren brand
globally.
‘As the direct ancestor to the
fabled McLaren F1 – and the first in a new breed of hybrid-powered supercars –
it had big shoes to fill, and it has more than succeeded. It has established
itself as a true contender, proving to be more than a worthy rival on both road
and track against long established rivals. It has done a fantastic job of
becoming the halo product for the McLaren Automotive brand as we have grown the
business into the three tiered, profitable outfit that we are today.’
Source: McLaren