Ask any automobile enthusiast across the world on what they consider as the most complete supercar in the world and most of them would say McLaren F1. The F1, that was first unveiled in the year 1991, immediately redefined the term 'sportscar'. It not only looked visually stunning but also pushed the boundaries of physics to become the fastest production car of its time. Though cars like Bugatti Veyron and SSC Ultimate Aero have taken the record for higher top speeds henceforth, the McLaren F1 is still the fastest 'naturally aspirated' sportscar ever manufactured. Yes, it didn't have a turbocharger or supercharger forcing compressed air into the cylinders. But it's statistics like 6.1-liter displacement, 60-degree V12 engine configuration, 627 hp of power at 7400 rpm, 651 Nm of torque at 5600 rpm and a power-to-weight ratio of 550 hp/ton are enough to make any sane individual go weak on their knees.
When the successor of such an iconic supercar takes shape, its time for us to sit up and take notice.
After releasing a few teaser shots earlier, McLaren has released the first set of pictures of the P1 supercar, a week before its official preview at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Look at the car and you can immediately relate to F1, as the design theme - the short hood, the bubble-like passenger cell and the sculpted rear end with the radiator grille taking prime place, looks remarkably similar yet thoroughly modern. It's a classic case of evolutionary and revolutionary design elements mixed in perfect proportions. We particularly love those stunning LED taillamps that takes the shape of the expensive sheet metal. Overall, the McLaren P1 looks ravishing and we swear that the entire surrounding will pause and look at this car wherever it goes. Though McLaren says that this is just a design study, we expect the production version to be not much different when it is unveiled next year.
Talking about the P1, Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman, said, "P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage. Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with P1 is to redefine it once again". Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director further added, "Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit. It is the true test of a supercar's all round ability and a much more important technical statement. The P1 will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made".
You might think that these are pretty tall statements but those who were lucky enough to drive one will swear that each of the above statements were true with the McLaren F1. With such credentials behind, the P1 would be no different, we are sure. Though McLaren has not released any other details of the P1 yet, it has given a royal hint that the hypercar will sit above the MP4-12 C and MP4-12 C Spyder, both in terms of specifications and pricing.
now with ferrari enzo getting readied, the stage is all set for another supercar showdown.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. With Ferrari's Enzo successor slated for launch, we have a superb fight on hands with the McLaren P1.
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