THE MclAREN P1
I NTERIOR
Lightweight Sports Seats Good wasn’t good enough for the McLaren P1™, which is why we produced special lightweight seats with ultra-thin carbon fibre shells. Despite their low-mass construction, they are supremely strong, yet comfortable for longer journeys. The seats are mounted on lightweight brackets and their backs are fixed at an optimum 28-degree angle (although 32 degrees can be specified to increase helmet space). The finished seats weigh just 10.5kg each.
EXPOSED CARBON Carbon fibre doesn’t just save weight, it can also be beautiful – a point proved by the immaculately trimmed interior. The carbon and Alcantara steering wheel has been ergonomically designed, with buttons for the DRS and IPAS systems positioned within easy reach. Instrumentation is displayed on three TFT
GROUND-BREAKING TECHNOLOGIES Although the McLaren P1™ is one of the most technically complex cars ever created, the systems all work together to deliver both performance and driver reward.
MONOCAGE
In terms of the technology it carries, it’s fair to say the McLaren P1™ is closer to the complexity of an aircraft than a conventional car. As such, it’s a showcase for the knowledge and passion of the engineering team that created it. But there are no gimmicks or pointless features – everything is focused on putting the driver at At the heart of the car is the carbon fithe heart of the dynamic experience. bre MonoCage which serves as both the passenger compartment, the saThe IPAS electrical assistance sysfety cell and the chassis’ major structem is one of the most powerful hytural component. It’s a direct techbrid powertrains ever fitted to a car, nology crossover from Formula 1™, and has been designed to take on made from fibres with more than five the gruelling challenge of sustaitimes the strength of top-grade titaned track use. Active aerodynamics nium and twice the stiffness of steel. mean the McLaren P1™ can maxiThe entire MonoCage, including the mise downforce and reduce drag, roof, engine air-intake snorkel and and the RCC (RaceActive Chassis integrated battery compartment for Control) system gives the chasthe IPAS system, weighs just 90kg. sis unprecedented adjustability.
ENGINE The mid-mounted twin-turbo V8 engine is derived from the one fitted to the 12C, but with numerous and significant differences. A unique block casting is used to incorporate the IPAS electric motor, and the use of new larger high-pressure turbochargers. By itself, the V8 produces an already astonishing 737PS, but it has been designed to work in conjunction with the electric motor, which gives seamless performance and takes the powertrain’s combined output to a dizzying 916PS. IPAS The Instant Power Assist System is a powerful electric motor integrated into the powertrain. The motor weighs just 26kg and produces 179PS – more than double the power of a Formula 1™ KERS unit. It boosts performance, whether deployed through the IPAS button on the steering wheel or working automatically, but it also dramatically sharpens throttle response by filling the torque gap as the V8’s twin turbochargers spool up.
RACE ACTIVE CHASSIS CONTROL Probably the most advanced suspension system ever fitted to a road car, RCC uses independent hydro-pneumatic control of spring rate and damping at each wheel. This enables both roll and pitch to be countered and controlled, allowing the McLaren P1™ to combine outstanding body control and flat cornering. RCC also enables the car’s ride height to be altered when required, with Race mode lowering the body by 50mm and increasing ACTIVE AERODYNAMICS The importance of high-speed stability means the McLaren P1™ has been designed to produce more downforce than any other road car. Moveable front and rear wings can produce a peak of 600kg of downforce in Race mode, increasing both grip and driver confidence. The rear wing also incorporates a Formula 1™ inspired DRS (Drag Reduction System), which reduces the wing element’s angle to zero degrees when the DRS button on the steering wheel is pressed, reducing drag by 23 per cent.
CARBON CERAMIC BRAKES The astonishing performance of the McLaren P1™ requires equally powerful brakes. The system is closer to the performance offered by a GT3 race car than any road-going rival. A new type of ceramic carbon is used in the brake discs that can absorb 50 per cent more energy than conventional ceramic rotors. The McLaren P1™ also has Brake Steer – a McLaren-designed technology that has now been banned from Formula 1™ for providing us too much of an advantage. The system applies brake force to the inner rear wheel on fast corner entry to bring the car’s nose tighter to the apex. The same wheel is trimmed again on the exit of the corner, pushing the torque to the outer wheel for increased traction during acceleration.