Mclaren P1 to produce 903bhp

The hybrid powertrain in the new McLaren P1 supercar will produce 903bhp and emissions below 200g/km, the company has revealed.

The car is set to feature a version of the 3.8litre twin-turbo V8 from the MP4-12C, which has been heavily modified for cooling and durability. On its own, the petrol engine is optimised to develop 727bhp at 7,500rpm and 530lb ft of torque from 4,000rpm. The electric motor that sits underneath it, developed by the McLaren Electronics arm of the group and unique to the McLaren P1, adds another 176bhp and 191lb ft of instant torque for optimised throttle response. Mclaren says the power available via the petrol engine and electric motor can be further enhanced through two steering wheel-mounted buttons which activate the drag reduction system (DRS) and instant power assist system (IPAS). The IPAS is designed to deliver power rapidly for high performance acceleration - providing 179PS of instant additional power - while the DRS is designed to increase speed by reducing the amount of drag on the rear wing. Further details about the McLaren P1 are due to be released in the coming weeks, before the car makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.