The McLaren P1 is a steroidal, in-your-face monster that will make you revise any preconceived attitudes you might have had about hybrid cars. Powered by a twin-turbo V8 that delivers 900hp to the rear wheels via a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission, it’s a formidable competitor on the race track and a car that demands respect from the driver.
But it’s also a remarkably capable road car that offers the comforts and conveniences demanded by the 375 well-heeled connoisseurs who will eventually own one. On a hot afternoon at Willow Springs in early July, I’m riding shotgun with Quaife as we test a prototype of the P1—code-named XP7—on a fast, sweeping section of track known as Castrol Corner. It’s a banked 90-degree left-hander that dips, blends into a cambered right called the Rabbit’s Ear, and on to an endless series of apexes. It’s the kind of twisting, winding course that McLaren engineers use to check out the performance of their car-development simulations.
McLaren is unapologetic about the fact that the P1 was an engineering-led project. It’s a philosophy that extends back to the F1 and, in this case, resulted in a beautiful, striking supercar. But it’s also a design that prioritizes function over pure style. From the front to the rear, every surface on the car is designed to do a specific job. Even the gold heat shields adorning the engine bay are there to aid cooling, while serving as a nod to its spiritual predecessor.
In a world of supercars that offer an exhilarating ride and a mind-blowing number of technical innovations, the McLaren P1 stands head and shoulders above them all. It’s a car that delivers extreme track capability with perfect daily drivability, and it does so at a price that matches its astronomical capabilities.
If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of a McLaren P1 and would like to learn more about what this incredible car has to offer, contact us today!
At McLaren Special Operations (MSO) we offer a wide range of personalization options to complement the distinctive appearance of each of our vehicles. Whether you’re looking for bespoke stitching or a unique body color we can help. Currently over 80% of our mclaren p1 for sale customers make the most of MSO’s services. We’re always happy to discuss what options are available and how they can enhance your McLaren experience. So get in touch and let’s talk about how we can help you create a vehicle that’s uniquely yours.