McLaren P1 prototype storms Paris motor show

Twenty years after McLaren first entered the supercar ranks, the now-mythical F1 has a true spiritual successor--the P1.
The range-topping McLaren debuts as a prototype at the Paris motor show. A production version will be revealed in 2013 and it's expected to launch within a year. It joins the MP4-12C coupe and spider to form a potent lineup aimed at netting McLaren as many as 4,000 sales worldwide by the middle of the decade.
The P1 is believed to be a working title that will give way to a definitive production name carrying the famed MP4 designation used on all of McLaren's Formula One cars since 1981. The supercar is expected to draw power from an upgraded version of the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 used by the 12C, fortified with a kinetic-energy recovery system.
The P1 is based around a modified version of the MP4-12C's carbon-fiber monocoque, with unique front and rear subframes supporting an advanced chassis.
McLaren aims to challenge the likes of Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche as a maker of the world's most sought-after supercars on the back of an illustrious history in Formula One racing. Its goal for the P1 is simple: “to be the best driver's car in the world—on road and track.”
Rumors suggest the two-seater has already established lofty road-car lap records at various circuits where it has undergone preliminary testing, including Britain's revered Silverstone track. But with a good deal of development work still to be completed, company officials say it will be more than a year before independent testers get a chance to verify these claims.
Official details regarding the P1's mechanical package remain scarce ahead of its debut at the end of September. But sources close to McLaren suggest it will pack up to 963 hp. In road-going mode, the hi-tech driveline is said to push out some 803 hp at a dizzying 9,100 rpm. This will be boosted by about 160 hp in track mode through the addition of KERS. The engine is mounted longitudinally behind the cabin, with drive sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox.
Yet, despite the car's high power output and a reported curb weight of less than 2,900 pounds, McLaren says the P1 is not measured on top speed alone.
“Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed, but to be the quickest and most rewarding series-production road car on a circuit,” McLaren managing director Antony Sheriff said. “It is the true test of a supercar's all-round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.”
Sporting a highly contemporary design penned by Frank Stephenson (formerly with Mini, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo), the P1 is far more individual in appearance than the MP4-12C. Its overall shape has been heavily dictated by extensive work carried out in McLaren's wind tunnel and the need to provide sufficient cooling air to the engine compartment at the rear.
The curvy headlamp graphic has clearly been inspired by McLaren's corporate logo and is expected to appear on a facelifted version of the MP4-12C. Stephenson has also paid homage to the F1 in the shape of the air scoop on the roof.
“The P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road-car heritage,” McLaren boss Ron Dennis said. “Twenty years ago, we raised the supercar-performance bar with the McLaren F1, and our goal with P1 is to redefine it once again.”
The P1 is based on a modified version of the MP4-12C's carbon-fiber monocoque with unique front and rear subframes supporting an advanced chassis. State-of-the-art features are believed to include active damping and active roll control.
The chassis has been conceived to work with an active aerodynamic package that could conceivably allow a reduction in ride height in track mode to lower the car's crucial center of gravity while increasing downforce.
The 2012 Paris motor show, or as it is officially known – Mondail de l'Automobile – will take place Sept. 27 through Oct. 14, 2012. It occurs every two years alternating with the Frankfurt motor show in Germany. The Paris motor show is a spotlight for the latest in design, but automakers will also be showing off their latest concept cars, green cars and supercars.

PRESS RELEASE

McLaren releases three images of its new supercar, the P1
McLaren Automotive will use its first ever international motor show appearance to preview its next generation ultimate supercar – the P1 – which takes much of its technological and spiritual inspiration from the company's Racing division. P1 has one simple goal: to be the best driver's car in the world on road and track.
At the Paris Motor Show, Mondial de l'Automobile 2012, P1 is previewed as a design study. Next year a production version, which the company aims to put on sale within 12 months, will be revealed.
'P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage,' says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis. 'Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with P1 is to redefine it once again.'
'Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit', says McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff. 'It is the true test of a supercar's all round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.'
When P1 goes into production later next year, it will sit above the 12C and 12C Spider, in terms of both price and performance.
More information will be released following the McLaren Automotive press conference scheduled for 17.45 CEST (16.45 BST), on Thursday 27 September 2012.