McLaren revealed today the details and specifications of the P1's engine and transmission. Well, it's going to be a hybrid. The McLaren P1 is going to be powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, which has a unique casting to incorporate the electric motor. The P1's internal combustion engine develops 737PS (727 bhp) at 7,500rpm and 720Nm of torque from 4,000rpm. Its electric motor adds 179PS (176 bhp) on top of that. So, the McLaren P1 has a total output of 916PS (903 bhp) and 900Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. To get even more umpf out of the P1's powertrain, McLaren also gave it a boost system called IPAS that gives up to 179PS instantly. The IPAS is used mainly to reduce the P1's turbo lag.
The McLaren P1 is equipped with a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission that sends to power to the supercar's rear wheels. The gearbox's upshifts are made faster by the e-motor. You'll be able to drive the McLaren P1 in electric mode only for up to 10 km.
The power and throttle response of the McLaren P1 are enhanced by the DRS (Drag Reduction System) and the IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) which are activated by two buttons located on the steering wheel. The DRS is similar to the system used in Formula 1. When activated the P1's rear wing is turned at an angle that reduces drag by up to 23%.
The McLaren P1's battery weighs 96kg and it's mounted high-strength Formula 1-grade carbon fiber MonoCage chassis and the supercar comes with a plug-in charger. The P1's battery can be recharged in two hours.
