McLaren P1 GTR revealed

McLaren has revealed the final production version of the P1 GTR. It is the ultimate track-only incarnation of the Woking firm’s P1 hypercar.

The 986bhp P1 GTR was first seen in design concept form at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August 2014. Now in its final form, the P1 GTR will star at the Geneva motor show 2015 with its design further optimised for aerodynamic performance and cooling.

The Instant Power Assist System powertrain’s power output has been significantly boosted over its application in the road-going P1. The twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 now produces 789bhp (up from 727bhp in the standard P1) and the electric motor has 197bhp (up from 176bhp). The combined output is 986bhp, up from 903bhp. Weight has also been saved by removing powertrain features designed specifically for road use.

The aerodynamic package on the P1 GTR is even more extensive than on the P1 road car. The most striking element is the large, fixed rear wing, which sits 400mm above the bodywork, 100mm more than the adjustable rear wing on the road car at its highest setting. This wing works with the aerodynamic flaps in front of the front wheels, and the whole package produces 10 percent more downforce than the P1 road car, at 660kg at 240kph. The Drag Reduction System of the P1 road car has been retained.

As with the design concept, the P1 GTR production car has an aerodynamic blade running along the lower bodywork, which is said to smoothen airflow. A more aggressive front splitter is also used. Lightweight features on the P1 GTR reduce the P1 road car’s 1,490kg weight by 50kg. These include the use of motorsport-spec polycarbonate for the side window, carbonfibre panels for the roof and engine bay in place of glass, and twin exhaust pipes made from an Inconel and titanium alloy.

The front track of the P1 GTR is 80mm wider than that of the P1 road car, and it sits 50mm lower to the ground on a fixed ride height. It runs on 19-inch centre-locking motorsport alloy wheels with slick Pirelli tyres.

This P1 GTR is finished in the same yellow and green livery as the Harrods-sponsored F1 GTR chassis #06R that finished on the podium at Le Mans in 1995. Offered for sale to only the 375 existing P1 road car owners, the P1 GTR includes entry to the McLaren P1 Driver Programme. This is similar to Ferrari’s XX programme, and includes a driver profiling session with McLaren that includes a bespoke seat fitting, a design and livery consultation with design chief Frank Stephenson and a go in McLaren’s simulator. An initial testing session for owners will take place at Silverstone, before a proper track session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain.

Rivals for the hardcore P1 include the LaFerrari FXX K and the recently announced Aston Martin Vulcan.

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