McLaren is expected to unveil the long-awaited successor to the fabled P1 hybrid hypercar at the end of this year and like its predecessor, it is tipped to include a powerful V8 engine.
It has been over a decade since the P1 premiered and the British firm has been hard at work developing its replacement. The new model, codenamed P18, will sit at the top of its Ultimate Series of models and be underpinned by a new carbon fiber chassis with integrated seat backs.
Power is expected to come from a V8 engine – likely a twin-turbocharged unit – that will be supplemented by a new-generation hybrid system said to be roughly 70% lighter than its current generation. Making the car all the more intersting is that it will reportedly be the first McLaren without dihedral doors and come standard with gullwing doors instead. The P18 is expected to produce over 1,000 hp.
Read: Seven-Figure McLaren P1 Comes With $160,000 Battery Replacement On Order
Speaking with Auto News, retailers who were recently shown the car say it has headlights similar to those of the Artura and 750S while also sporting a retractable rear spoiler. It will also rock 3D-printed suspension components and have “F1-style aero design elements.”
While many had expected McLaren’s next hypercar to be a battery-electric vehicle, product strategy director Jamie Corstorphine says that the technology for a BEV is still not there to deliver a vehicle capable of delivering the road and track performance required.
“The [hybrid] powertrain allows us to continue to deliver the emotional engagement and the performance we expect from a McLaren,” he said. “Customers certainly appreciate the electric elements of a hybrid powertrain.”
One retailer says the new model is “supposed to be a bonkers car,” adding that “McLaren is putting everything into the car.”
