The McLaren P1 will cost Australians close to $2 million but will be confined to racetracks, with confirmation it will be produced exclusively in left-hand drive.
Following yesterday’s gallery of leaked official images, McLaren has today revealed the full specifications of the 673kW hybrid hypercar, including its sub-3.0-second 0-100km/h ability, electronically limited 350km/h top speed and POUND 866,000 price tag.
McLaren Australia spokesman Chris Crea told CarAdvice the P1 would likely cost about $1.8-1.9 million in Australia, in base specification including local taxes, with options potentially pushing that figure to $2 million and beyond.
While brand-new left-hand-drive vehicles cannot be registered for road use in Australia, Crea confirmed a number of local enthusiasts had registered their interest in purchasing a McLaren P1 for private and track use. He is hopeful “one or two” of the 375 planned for production will make their way onto Australian soil.
After racing from rest to triple figures in less than three seconds, the speedo needle crosses 200km/h in under seven seconds and reaches 300km/h in 17 seconds – that final figure coming up five seconds sooner than in the P1’s muse, the legendary McLaren F1.
While it’s quicker off the line, it’s not clear yet if it will be faster overall than the F1. McLaren has limited to the P1’s top speed to 350km/h. With rev limiter in place, the F1 topped out at 372km/h, and hit 391km/h with the limiter removed.
The McLaren P1 will be powered by a 673kW/900Nm hybrid drivetrain comprising a 542kW/720Nm 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8, a 132kW/260Nm electric motor, a battery pack and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends drive to the rear wheels.
As well as facilitating mental speed – a factor helped by the P1’s Formula One-inspired Drag Reduction System (DRS) and Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) technologies – the new flagship McLaren has a zero-emission, pure-electric range of up to 20km when driven at an average speed of 50km/h.
McLaren claims combined cycle CO2 emissions of less than 200g/km, roughly translating to an impressively low average fuel consumption figure of 8.4 litres per 100km.
The Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres and Akebono carbon ceramic brakes have been developed specifically for the P1 to optimise grip, handling and stopping power.
An array of paint colours will be offered, while McLaren Special Operations will work to ensure bespoke customer personalisation desires can be realised.
Now fully revealed, the McLaren P1 will make its international debut at the 2013 Geneva motor show on March 5.
