[f1mclaren] McLaren P1: The Silent Killer

McLaren P1 Makes Record Breaking Lap of Top Gear Test Track...Really Quietly

If you're like me, and let's face it, why wouldn't you be, you've probably been wondering how quick McLaren's newest superduperhypercar will go around Top Gear's famous test track using only it's little electric motors. The answer is....oh, about a minute and 12 seconds. Which, if you keep up with these kinds of things, is quicker than any other "real" car that's ever been around it. Which really pisses this reporter off. Greenies rejoice.



While not official, it's obvious that the P1 is VERY quick, even using only electric power. If you ever have to get somewhere within a 12 mile radius (the range of the car in E-Mode) extremely quickly, and you have a spare million or so USD laying around, I would strongly suggest you consider the offering from McLaren. According to the man onboard whose GoPro captured this footage, it felt like time warp.



The McLaren P1, as you may know, uses an electric motor in place of the traditional starter. These motors, salvaged from discarded washing machines, are used to start up the twin-turbo V8 engine and supplement its power in times of need. As an added benefit designed to satisfy people who believe whatever they are told by Brian Williams, it also enables the car to run solely on electricity for about 12 miles. Combined, the E-Motor and the 3.8 liter V8 petrol engine make 916 horsepower, enough to take the rear-wheel-drive P1 from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and onto a limited top speed of just north of 217 mph.

BY THE NUMBERS
(Courtesy of McLaren.com)