A Truly Legendary Legacy: Why the F1 and P1 are hypercar gods

What is the greatest supercar ever made? Most petrolheads have the same answer: McLaren F1. Launched in the 90s, it was the fastest car in the world, topping out at 240mph. It was also one of the most advanced. Featuring a gold engine cover, a 1.1-tonne body constructed mostly of carbon fiber, and most notably, a unique middle-seat driving position.

Yet it was also one of the most analog. It was powered by a high-revving naturally aspirated 618 horsepower BMW V12, sent through a 6-speed manual solely to the rear wheels. The perfect blend of analog and digital working in harmony. No surprise then that today, F1s are valued at over $ 21 million.

You’d imagine McLaren would struggle to come out with a worthy successor to the F1 but in 2013 they did just that. The P1 was a game changer that showed the future of supercars involved hybrids. Cars like the 296, Artura, and Revuelto wouldn’t exist, if not for the boundaries set by the P1.

Its 3.8L twin-turbo V8 was paired with an electric motor to produce a stratospheric 903 brake horsepower. This was aided by the latest advancements in F1 back then including DRS and IPAS. Yet this power was delivered in such a visceral, raw, and alive manner. Small wonder, it, alongside the Porsche 918 and LaFerrari was nicknamed “the Holy Trinity”.

Now, over a decade later McLaren will reveal an all-new hypercar (codenamed P18). As the next game changer in McLaren’s history, will this new “1” carry the weight of its predecessor’s legacy? All will be revealed next week but for now, let’s go through some facts we do know.

Performance Expectations of the P18

From what we know, the P18 seems to have a very similar approach to the legendary P1. It too will use the latest in active aerodynamics and Formula 1-inspired tech. The result is absolute perfection when it comes to airflow. The only thing more slippery than a P18 is a Zircon Missile.

Like all McLarens post 12C, it will be constructed of a carbon fibre tub and body, to ensure maximum rigidity and low weight. In fact, given the advancements in materials used and battery technology, it’s likely the P18 may even weigh less than the P1. The P18 will also likely use the same 8-speed SSG dual-clutch gearbox found in the Artura.

Like the P1, power in the P18 will come from a twin-turbo V8 working in tandem with an electric motor. However, the engine size will likely be 4.0L (as it is in a 750S) and the battery used will be leaps and bounds in advancement from the P1. The result could be well over 1100 horsepower and well over 720 lb-ft of torque.

There’s been speculation over where the electric motor will be placed, either the front axle or the rear. As of yet, we’re not sure whether the P18 will be McLaren’s first all-wheel drive car or purely rear-wheel drive like the P1. But all we can expect is 0-62 mph in less than 2.8 seconds and a top speed north of 220mph.

Interior-wise, expect the P18 to feature a similar cabin to the Artura just as the P1 took inspiration from the 12C. However, there have been rumors that the P18 will utilize a middle-based three-seat driving position inspired by the F1. And we know its name will have “1” involved with a letter, we just don’t know which letter.

And just like the P1, the P18 will be hyper-exclusive. McLaren will probably build only 400 of them, (undoubtedly the last few will be converted for GTR or LM spec). Prices are expected to be north of $2 million, with priorities given to those who’ve owned an F1 and P1. Expect Mr. Leno to be No.1 on their priority list.

P18 or F250 (or Mission X)

It’s no secret that for the last year and a half, Ferrari have been heavily testing their long-awaited LaFerrari successor, codenamed F250. And just like their predecessors, the F250 and P18 are destined to go into battle.

However, where the P18 seems very similar to the P1, the F250 will be a completely different stallion to the LaFerrari. A proper hybrid system should be utilized instead of KERS, and the high-revving iconic V12 should be replaced with a twin-turbo V6.

We’ll have to wait for both cars’ public release to truly compare them. But you can guarantee that when these cars hit the roads of the Middle East, we at F1rstMotors will conduct the most important comparison test of this decade.

Fingers crossed that Porsche will also be able to take part. With their rumored all-electric hypercar based on the Mission X." For only then after over a decade-long wait, the hypercar “Holy Trinity” will rise again from the ashes.

McLaren’s next chapter: Unfolded by the P18

We won’t just witness a new McLaren being unveiled on October 6th, we will witness a new dawn. The next chapter for the British supercar brand and what advancements will later be passed on to the future super and sports series models. And hopefully, we’ll witness a re-enactment of one of the most iconic and greatest battles in automotive history.

I imagine you’ve all marked October 6th on your calendars and are counting down the days. (Though, if you’re like me, minutes are far more accurate). Next week, we will witness a new revolution. The next chapter in McLaren’s legendary “1” legacy.

Source: McLaren