McLaren P1 supercar spotted testing, readies for Geneva debut

The first "official" spy shots of a production-configuration McLaren P1 have been released by the automaker along with a video showing a fully camouflaged version of this dramatically styled mid-engine ultra-performance machine undergoing shakedown runs at speed. While McLaren offered no additional tech details on what’s being touted as "the best driver’s car in the world," it has confirmed a number of key tech partners involved in the P1 program. These include Pirelli for super-spec tires, Akebono for enhanced brakes, and Mobil for the coolants, lubricants and hydraulic fluids. All three also are part of McLaren’s hugely successful Formula One racing efforts.

          See: McLaren P1 Design Study breaks cover in Paris

Even fully disguised in a house-designed wrap featuring track diagrams of international racing circuits that have particular significance to McLaren, its clear the production version of the P1 retains virtually all of the design elements seen on the McLaren P1 "Design Study" revealed last fall in Paris. That includes the car’s sophisticated forward underbody aero flaps ahead of the front wheels and massive articulated rear spoiler. Power for the production McLaren P1 is still expected to come from a modified version of the twin-turbocharged V8 used in the automaker’s current MP4-12C and 12C Spider street cars linked to an F1-style KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) package that could bump pony count in this high-velocity hybrid to a total of 800 or more horses.

In addition to launching its most ambitious street car ever, the McLaren organization also will celebrate its 50th anniversary in September. Founded by New Zealander Bruce McLaren in 1963, the operation has gone on to become one of the truly legendary marques in international motorsport winning multiple championships in F1 and Can-Am, twice sweeping to victory at the Indianapolis 500 and seeing a competition version of its first road-going model — the stunning McLaren F1 – take the overall win at Le Mans in 1995.