McLaren P1: when a hybrid became a hypercar
The P1 still looks unusual beside almost anything built since. Its hybrid system helped make performance the reason for adding a battery.
The P1 combines a 3.8 liter twin turbo V8 with one electric motor. Together they deliver 903 HP and 664 lb ft. Its seven speed dual clutch gearbox sends that power to the rear wheels. McLaren lists a 217 MPH maximum and a 2.8 second run to 62 MPH. That last figure is a 0 to 62 test, rather than a 0 to 60 result.
The battery is part of the performance story, but airflow does plenty of work too. Moving front and rear aerodynamic elements can trade drag for downforce. McLaren quotes a peak of 1,323 pounds of downforce. It is a maximum operating figure, rather than something the car produces at every speed.
The MSO interpretation in the viewer is the model you selected. Bring it around to the side and follow the gap between the cabin and the outer bodywork. Then look back toward the rear wheel and wing. The body has openings and curves that a single front view barely shows.
Would you put it in a collection, or keep finding excuses to drive it? The P1 makes that a difficult choice. I would start by studying the details up close, then step back until the whole silhouette fits on screen. The roofline and tail are just as distinctive as the headlights.
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Photograph: McLaren. P1 MSO model and cover: bohmerang, CC BY NC SA 4.0.