McLaren P1 details revealed
* P1 will cost around £1m * Convertible version has been ruled out * Plans for new entry-level supercar revealed...
The McLaren P1 – the unofficial successor to the F1 supercar – will cost around £700,000 plus taxes when it goes on sale next summer, meaning it will cost around £1m.
McLaren has also revealed that the P1's production run will be limited to no more than 300 examples of the near-600bhp supercar.
Precise engine details for the P1 haven't been released, but it's believed to feature a twin-turbocharged powerplant – a logical development of the 3.8-litre, McLaren-developed V8 that's used in the MP4-12C.
The manufacturer has confirmed, however, that the P1 will have a power-to-weight ratio of more than 592bhp per tonne. It also expects higher levels of downforce than any current road car – 600kg at well below maximum speed.
Design-wise, McLaren has said the production P1 will look very similar to the concept car revealed at the Paris motor show last month. It embraces the design language showcased on McLaren's MP4-12C supercar, but exaggerates it with deep, scalloped flanks, a relatively short nose and an extremely complex rear end that blends a high-mounted central exhaust, a thin surrounding line of LED tail-lights and an intricate mesh grille.
However, McLaren has ruled out a convertible version of the P1. This is because the P1 uses a carbonfibre 'monocage', while the MP4-12C uses a carbonfibre 'monocell' that has facilitated the recently revealed 12C Spider.
McLaren has confirmed, though, that the P1 will be followed by a smaller car that will sit below the MP4-12C, with prices starting at an estimated £100,000.
This smaller, cheaper supercar will use a carbonfibre monocell, so expect a coupe model to be followed by a Spider version. Styling of this new model will be strongly influenced by the P1's.
First deliveries of the P1 supercar will start in September 2013, which coincides with the manufacturer's 50th anniversary.
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