The McLaren F1 redefined the very concept of the supercar when it was launched in 1993. Its spiritual successor, the P1™, would do the same 20 years later.
Much has changed since 1993. The technologies available to the current team at McLaren were barely feasible theories when the McLaren F1 was on drawing board. Some things, however, remain unchanged - an obsessive approach and the belief that anything is possible. Mark Roberts - Design Operations Manager, recalls the early days of the McLaren F1 project.
‘McLaren introduced the carbon fibre chassis to the world of Formula 1 in 1981 with the MP4/1, and we had the first carbon road car. We have always been at the cutting edge of vehicle aerodynamics, and all of this experience has gone into the McLaren P1™. Twenty years ago, with the McLaren F1, we raised the supercar performance bar. With the McLaren P1™, we have redefined it once more.’
‘IT’S AS THOUGH WE STUCK A TUBE INSIDE AND SUCKED ALL THE AIR OUT – A DRAMATIC, HONEST SHAPE, BUT ALSO A VERY BEAUTIFUL ONE’
The best-looking cars are the ones with real substance as well as style. The P1™ is a stunning piece of automotive design, but you won’t find any needless ornaments or frivolous styling features on it. Every surface has been designed to work, every part given the same aerodynamic consideration as if it was part of an aircraft or a Formula 1™ car.
Despite its strictly limited production, the P1™ underwent a comprehensive test programme, designed to ensure that the car and its state-of-the-art powertrain could deliver its extraordinary breadth of capability anywhere an owner might choose to take it. Prototypes, and the engineering team, travelled the world to ensure the car could function in the hottest and coldest climates. And, of course, the toughest environment of all – Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, and the need to meet the project target of a sub-seven-minute lap.
The McLaren P1 is the car of the future.
Submitted October 02, 2020 at 10:02AM by Bennett_Barreca https://ift.tt/3cP2hZW
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October 02, 2020 at 10:57AM
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