McLaren P1 hybrid supercar infused with 903 horsepower
(February 20, 2013) The McLaren P1 hybrid supercar will have the combined force of two highly-efficient powerplants, offering the optimum mix of superb throttle response, day-to-day drivability and top speed. A mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 gas engine and a highly effective electric motor give a combined output of 903 horsepower and a maximum torque of 664 pound-feet, ensuring instantaneous throttle response through the rev range, more akin to a naturally aspirated engine.
The McLaren P1 will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
Emissions of less than 200g/km on the combined cycle are reduced to zero in full electric drive mode, while the Formula 1-derived DRS and IPAS technologies offer an increase in straight-line speed and an instant boost of power.
The 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 gas engine in the McLaren P1 is a new version of the familiar M838T unit, that has been significantly upgraded to optimize cooling and durability under the higher loads. The engine block has a unique casting to incorporate the electric motor.
The gas engine produces 727 horsepower at 7,500rpm, and 531 pound-feet of torque from 4,000 rpm. To optimize efficiency of the gas engine, extensive testing and development work has always been carried out with McLaren Automotive technology partner Mobil 1 on lubrication and hydraulic fluids.
The lightweight electric motor, developed by the McLaren Electronics arm of the Group, produces 176 horsepower, and is unique to the McLaren P1. The motor produces maximum torque of 191 pound-feet instantly from a standstill, greatly increasing the throttle response of the McLaren P1, and peak combined torque delivered from just 4,000 rpm.
In addition to this, the McLaren-developed "boost" system, IPAS, provides up to 176 horsepower instantly. The instant response of the electric motor provides a sharper throttle response more associated with a normally aspirated engine, and the significantly enhanced air-charging system enables the McLaren P1 to have more top-end power – the perfect combination for high performance.
The electric motor is mounted directly onto the engine, and all drive is channelled through the dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox to drive the rear wheels. Thus, the electric motor and 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 petrol engine work seamlessly together, providing more than just added ultimate power and torque.
A further benefit is that the e-motor can provide faster upshifts. This is achieved through the application of instant negative torque at the point of shift, making the engine revs drop as quickly and efficiently as possible to the required engine speed for the upshift.
In addition to the obsessive weight-saving measures demonstrated throughout the McLaren P1, so too is the optimization of usable energy. When off-throttle the electric motor provides additional drag torque, recovering energy to the battery that would otherwise be lost to the brakes.