McLaren P1 to Make 903-HP From Twin-Turbo 3.8L V8 Hybrid

Colum Wood
by Colum Wood

McLaren Automotive has finally released full engine specs on its new supercar, the P1.

In total, the successor to the McLaren F1 supercar makes 903 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque thanks to a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine mated to an electric motor. The gasoline engine itself is a modified version of that found in the MP4-12C, making 727 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque, while an electric motor developed in-house by McLaren Electronics is mounted directly to the engine. It is capable of adding 176 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. Combined in a special IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) mode, McLaren claims the turbocharged hybrid engine delivers power, “more akin to a naturally aspirated engine.”

Also of note, the 212 lb electric motor is capable of propelling the car emissions free for up to 10 km (6 miles) in a special E-mode. While charged by the engine, a plug-in charger can also be used.

In addition to IPAS, the P1 will boast another nifty acronym: DRS. Familiar to fans of Formula One racing the Drag Reduction System will offer added power at speed by reducing wind resistance. While F1 cars like the McLaren MP4-28 have a removable flap on the rear wing, the P1 will reduce the angle on its massive rear spoiler by 23 percent. Activated by a button on the steering wheel, the system automatically deactivates when the button is released or if the brakes are pressed.

Look for the car’s full reveal at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

GALLERY: McLaren P1 Engine Details

Colum Wood
Colum Wood

With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.

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