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McLaren P1 to utilise two powertrains for a combined output of 903bhp

21 Feb 2013|3,326 views

With the near-production ready car to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, McLaren releases details regarding the powertrain of the P1 halo car.

The electric motor is mounted directly onto the engine, and the power is transferred to the rear wheels via the dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox

The McLaren P1 will combine the familiar 3.8-litre twinturbo V8 with a highly effective electric motor for a combined output of a staggering 903bhp and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm. The 3.8-litre twinturbo V8 is a revised unit with optimised cooling and durability and is engineered with a unique casting to incorporate the electric motor.

The V8 on its own is capable of producing 727bhp and 720Nm of torque while the electric motor produces 176bhp and 260Nm of torque. Despite being a turbocharged 'hybrid', McLaren claims the P1 will respond in similar levels to a normally aspirated engine.

The McLaren P1 can be driven solely by the power derived from the electric motor for more than 10km in low emission zones and near-silent residential driving. Like the Fisker Karma, when the battery is empty, the petrol engine will automatically start to maintain drive and charge the battery.

Despite being a supercar, the McLaren P1 emits less than 200g/km of CO2 that can be reduced to nought when the supercar operates in full electric mode

The Formula 1 derived DRS (Drag Reduction System) and IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) technologies will offer an increase in straight-line speeds on top of an instant 176bhp boost of power. Two steering wheel-mounted buttons activate the DRS (Drag Reduction System) and IPAS (Instant Power Assist System).

The DRS is akin to the technology utilised by Formula 1 teams where speed is increased by reducing the amount of drag on the rear wing. The McLaren P1 has a wing that reduces in angle to lower drag by 23 percent. The system is deactivated when the button is released, or if the driver touches the brake pedal.

McLaren prioritised power delivery over energy storage for IPAS, and made it work thanks to a lightweight battery pack that weighs just 96kg. The battery pack is mounted onto the underbody of the carbon fibre MonoCage chassis.

On top of the engine, the McLaren P1 also contains a plug-in charger which can recharge the battery is just two hours. While the plug-in charger can be stored in the luggage compartment, McLaren advices customers to store it in a garage or the pits - to save weight.

McLaren is obsessed with two things - technology and weight. With their new halo car - the McLaren P1 - they achieve to address both issues by utilising light weight construction and to incorporate technology derived from F1 for a unique supercar experience.

The McLaren P1 will combine the familiar 3.8-litre twinturbo V8 with a highly effective electric motor for a combined output of a staggering 903bhp and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm. The 3.8-litre twinturbo V8 is a revised unit with optimised cooling and durability and is engineered with a unique casting to incorporate the electric motor.

The V8 on its own is capable of producing 727bhp and 720Nm of torque while the electric motor produces 176bhp and 260Nm of torque. Despite being a turbocharged 'hybrid', McLaren claims the P1 will respond in similar levels to a normally aspirated engine.

The McLaren P1 can be driven solely by the power derived from the electric motor for more than 10km in low emission zones and near-silent residential driving. Like the Fisker Karma, when the battery is empty, the petrol engine will automatically start to maintain drive and charge the battery.

The Formula 1 derived DRS (Drag Reduction System) and IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) technologies will offer an increase in straight-line speeds on top of an instant 176bhp boost of power. Two steering wheel-mounted buttons activate the DRS (Drag Reduction System) and IPAS (Instant Power Assist System).

The DRS is akin to the technology utilised by Formula 1 teams where speed is increased by reducing the amount of drag on the rear wing. The McLaren P1 has a wing that reduces in angle to lower drag by 23 percent. The system is deactivated when the button is released, or if the driver touches the brake pedal.

McLaren prioritised power delivery over energy storage for IPAS, and made it work thanks to a lightweight battery pack that weighs just 96kg. The battery pack is mounted onto the underbody of the carbon fibre MonoCage chassis.

On top of the engine, the McLaren P1 also contains a plug-in charger which can recharge the battery is just two hours. While the plug-in charger can be stored in the luggage compartment, McLaren advices customers to store it in a garage or the pits - to save weight.