McLaren P1 DRS IPAS 01

The McLaren P1 is set for a much anticipated world debut at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show starting on the 5th of March 2013. McLaren has just issued official details on the powertrain of the P1. As anticipated, the P1 uses the 3.8 litre twin turbo V8 we’ve seen on the MP4-12C but optimized for the P1. In addition to this mill, the P1 gets additional power from a lightweight electric motor which bumps power by a staggering 176 bhp. The P1 also has been bestowed upon DRS, courtesy of McLaren’s Formula 1 prowess.
McLaren P1 Powertrain 01

The mid mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, a variant of the M838T engine that does duty in the MP4-12C, and a ‘highly effective’ lightweight electric motor work together to give a combined output of 916PS/903 bhp and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm! McLaren points out that this additional push from the electric motor ensures instantaneous throttle response through the rev range negating any appreciable effects of turbo lag.

The M838T engine was upgraded to the current avatar to optimise cooling and durability under the higher loads. The engine block has a unique casting to incorporate the electric motor. The V8 makes 727 bhp at 7500rpm and 720Nm of torque from 4,000rpm. The lightweight electric motor, developed by the McLaren Electronics, adds 16 bhp. The electric motor produces maximum torque of 260Nm instantly from Zero and makes the engine respond like a normally aspirated mill with no turbo lag.

McLaren P1 Powertrain 02

The electric motor is mounted directly onto the engine and power is laid on the tarmac through the dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox through the rear wheels. The electric motor also facilitates faster upshifts says McLaren. Not unlike how you would roll off the throttle in a motorcycle during a clutchless upshift, the electric motor can apply instant negative torque at the point of shift, making the engine revs drop quickly and match the engine speed for the upshift.

McLaren P1 Bahrain International Circuit 05

DRS and IPAS

DRS. That tech from Formula 1 where a moveable flap changes the aerodynamics of the car is applied here, where the rear spoiler tilts by an angle to reduce drag by 23% This is of course activate by the driver using a button on the steering wheel and is deactivated when the button is released or when the driver brakes.

IPAS is activate by the other button where the electric motor is called upon for duty, to deliver the additional 176 horses.

The 96 kg battery is also charged by KERS and when operated in the E-Mode (electric only) provides the McLaren a range of 10 km. The battery has been mounted on the underbody of the high-strength Formula 1-grade carbon fibre MonoCage chassis, which seals the unit in the vehicle without the need for additional packaging. The battery can also be stored using the plug in charger stowed in the luggage compartment.

McLaren P1 Bahrain International Circuit 07

images from the Bahrain International Circuit ahead of the McLaren P1 UAE debut

McLaren P1 Bahrain International Circuit 06
McLaren P1 Bahrain International Circuit 04
McLaren P1 Bahrain International Circuit 03
McLaren P1 Bahrain International Circuit 02