McLaren P1: The number cruncher

The figures for the McLaren P1 are out and they are nothing less than astonishing. The race-inspired Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) gives the supercar the ability to finish the century sprint in less than three seconds and less than seven seconds to 200km/h. It will even reach the 300km/h mark in less than 17 seconds. Putting that into perspective, that's five seconds faster than the legendary McLaren F1 road car. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h.

McLaren has been engaging with potential customers actively in the last few months to get their views on the McLaren P1, about the car's styling. Their unanimous verdict on the styling was not to change the car presented last September in Paris.

So unusually, the McLaren P1 has translated to production form with very little change. In fact just one, the addition of LTR ducts ahead of each of the front wheels to further aid cooling and optimise downforce.

The McLaren P1 comes comprehensively equipped as standard with an array of colour and trim alternatives from which the customer will be able to choose as well as visible carbon fibre in the cabin. The options list is limited to only bespoke content that a customer might wish to add through McLaren Special Operations, and fitted luggage.

As already announced, the McLaren P1 will have the combined force of two highly efficient powerplants, offering the optimum mix of superb throttle response, day-to-day drivability and top speed.

A mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine is substantially enhanced featuring, for example, larger turbochargers and a highly effective electric motor, to give a combined output of 903bhp and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm.

This ensures instantaneous throttle response through the rev range, more akin to a naturally aspirated engine. Emissions of less than 200g/km on the combined cycle are reduced to zero in full electric drive mode, while the Formula 1-derived DRS and IPAS technologies offer an increase in straight line speed and an instant boost of power.

One surprising feature is that the car can also be driven solely in electric mode. In city driving, with an average speed of 50km/h, this could mean up to a 20km range.