Used 2014 McLaren P1

The scintillating 2014 McLaren P1 supercar is without question one of the most sought-after performance machines on the planet. To call the P1’s body "unique" is to do a disservice to the word. With styling to rival the Ferrari LaFerrari and Lamborghini Aventador, this lightweight carbon-fiber-and-Kevlar MonoCage sports car ranks among the world’s best exotic supercars. Cutting-edge technology envelops every inch of this car, but most notably in the engine bay where a 176-horsepower electric motor is mated with a 727-horsepower twin-turbo V8 to produce a combined output of 903 horsepower and 722 lb-ft of torque. Lap times reveal a sub-3-second 0-60 run and an electronically limited 217-mph top speed.

McLaren’s 2014 P1 exotic is a car designed for the track. Every ounce of weight savings is milked from the design to render a vehicle weighing in at a mere 3,100 pounds. Exclusive use of carbon fiber and Kevlar creates the lightweight MonoCage cockpit, to which subframes for the suspension and engine are attached. The P1’s RaceActive Chassis Control permits variable ride height and suspension travel for optimal cornering at more than 2g’s. Formula 1-derived technology abounds in the P1, most notably in its gas-electric powertrain that, under ordinary driving, produces 727 horsepower from its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8. But with the touch of button, an electric-assist motor adds another 176 ponies to the P1 party, helping to fill in the power gaps between shifts as well as boosting torque when it’s most needed.

For 2014, McLaren’s P1 exotic supercar has improved greatly over the old MP4-12C. Fit and finish are excellent, as is the positioning of the three TFT screens used to display instrument readouts. Alcantara covers the steering wheel, seats and roof, although if you desire carpeting or additional sound insulation, that will cost extra. We appreciate the artful use of carbon-fiber trim and the little details, such as the turbine-wheel design of the vents. Racing seats formed from carbon-fiber shells have limited adjustability but can be custom fit to the driver at the factory.

Everything about the McLaren P1 for 2014 revolves around weight savings and aerodynamics. The sleek shape sits low to the ground, with added ground effects that are functional but look rather low-rent compared to the rest of the body. Deeply sculpted front hood vents help move hot air away from the radiator as well as route air over the hood to keep the nose low. The rear exposes the most visually stunning part of the car, with a wide, deep-valley sculpted tail and an integrated hydraulically activated wing that serves double duty as both an air brake and downforce generator.

DUAL-CLUTCH GEARBOX WITH INTEGRATED ELECTRIC-ASSIST MOTOR
The McLaren P1 exotic sports car for 2014 employs a switch-activated electric motor built into its dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission. When set to E-Mode, the electric motor can power the P1 for up to six miles at speeds up to 60 mph.

BRAKES BY AKEBONO
Using material first developed for space rockets, the P1’s Akebono carbon-ceramic brakes are stronger than conventional carbon-ceramic brakes and can dissipate heat more effectively. They can also absorb 50 percent more energy at the contact point than ceramic brakes used on the previous McLaren MP4-12c.

The McLaren P1 for 2014 includes a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual capability and an electric-assist motor. Also standard are 19- and 20-inch wheels, Instant Power Assist Program (IPAS), RaceActive Chassis Control (RCC), Akebono layered carbon-ceramic brakes, a 7-inch navigation touch-screen monitor, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth and a Meridian sound system with AM/FM/USB/hard drive and iPod integration. Also on the list: a full Alcantara trimmed interior, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddle and IPAS activation button. Leather trim is a no-cost option.

Options are limited to carpet and insulation upgrades as well as some specialty paint and exterior color treatments.

Powering the 2014 McLaren P1 supercar is a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. The electric motor can instantly add an additional 176 horsepower to the V8’s 727 horsepower for a combined 903 total output. Power is routed from the mid-engine drivetrain through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic featuring four modes for various stages of automatic or manual shifting (via steering-wheel paddle shifters). The modes, which include Normal, Sport, Track and Race, also adjust the suspension settings. There’s also an E-Mode for full electric operation and a Launch Mode for instantaneous starts.

3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 + electric motor assist
727 horsepower @ 7,300 rpm
903 horsepower @ 7,300 rpm (combined with a 176-horsepower electric motor)
531 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
722 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm (combined)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17 mpg combined, 18 mpge (electric/gas hybrid mode)