NEWS: Paradigm Shifting 903bhp McLaren P1™ Details

More details of the McLaren P1™ emerged today – and what figures! How does 903bhp and 900NM torque grab you? That's going to add up to some pretty serious pace! 

The P1's huge power figures come not just from the mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 – which knocks out 727bhp and 720Nm – but also a lightweight, super high-tech, electric motor with IPAS (Instant Power Assist System). This offers instant power and straight-line speed, boosting a further 176bhp and 260Nm torque, from a standstill. And emissions will be less less than 200g/km, with a full E-mode offering in excess of 10km emission-free driving! Green and mean!  

The McLaren P1™team say: "The instant response of the electric motor provides a sharper throttle response more associated with a normally aspirated engine, and the significantly enhanced air-charging system enables the McLaren P1™ to have more top-end power – the perfect combination for high performance. The electric motor is mounted directly onto the engine, and all drive is channelled through the dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox to drive the rear wheels. Thus, the electric motor and 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine work seamlessly together, providing more than just added ultimate power and torque. A further benefit is that the e-motor can provide faster upshifts. This is achieved through the application of instant negative torque at the point of shift, making the engine revs drop as quickly and efficiently as possible to the required engine speed for the upshift. And in addition to the obsessive weight-saving measures demonstrated throughout the McLaren P1™, so too is the optimisation of usable energy. When off-throttle the electric motor provides additional drag torque, recovering energy to the battery that would otherwise be lost to the brakes."

The awesome McLaren P1™will also have a trick 'Drag Reduction System' – technology similar to that employed on Formula 1 cars. Ultimately, speed is increased by reducing the amount of drag on the rear wing and, where the MP4-28 has a moveable flap on the rear wing, the McLaren P1™ has a wing that reduces in angle to lower drag by 23%. The system immediately deactivates when the button is released, or if the driver touches the brake pedal.
And let's not forget the chassis here – a high-strength Formula 1-grade carbon fibre MonoCage chassis – matched to MP4-12C style fancy suspension, so we can expect the McLaren P1™to handle fabulously too. 

Further details of the McLaren P1™ will be released in the coming weeks, before the production-ready car makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Is the world ready? Is the McLaren P1™going to be a paradigm shifter, like it's older brother, the McLaren F1? We reckon so... what do you think? Is hybrid power adding to or ruining the hyper car? You tell us... 

Meantime, see more images here.