The McLaren P1 remains fresh in our minds but the British marque is primed to reveal an even faster, track-focused vehicle in its Ultimate Series later this here.
Autocar reports that the new vehicle, codenamed the P15, will be faster than every McLaren before it on a track, except the P1 GTR. More importantly, the new hypercar will ditch the heavy hybrid powertrain of the P1 and P1 GTR and make do with the company’s familiar twin-turbo V8 engine modified to deliver about 789 hp.
While that’s less than the 903 hp of the P1, the P15 will be considerably lighter, tipping the scales at less than 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs), a saving of over 250 kg (551 lbs). As a result, the P15 will have a better power-to-weight ratio than its predecessor.
Straight-line performance isn’t believed to be a priority for the project meaning acceleration times for the P15 will probably slot between the 720S and P1. However, around a racetrack, the P15 should be considerably faster than both, largely thanks to its extensive use of active aerodynamics
Underpinning the vehicle will be the marque’s Monocage II carbon fiber monocoque that premiered with the 720S earlier this year. Understandably, all body panels will be made from carbon as well.
Despite its track-focused nature, the P15 will be road legal. Just 500 units will be produced and according to McLaren sources, no special edition or convertible derivatives are on the cards. Prices should start at around 700,000 euros ($814,000).
McLaren has been contacted about this story. Update to follow.
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