Need another excuse to drool over the iconic McLaren P1? Worry not, because the hybrid hypercar is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week.
When the P1 first broke cover at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013, McLaren told the world it had been ‘designed, engineered and built to be the best driver’s car in the world’.
And what petrolheads sit up and take notice was the P1’s plug-in hybrid powertrain - a set-up that rivalled the plug-in hybrid Porsche 918 Spyder and hybrid Ferrari LaFerrari.
The P1 was strictly limited to just 375 customer cars, all of which sold out within a matter of weeks despite a price tag of £866,000.
It’s not hard to see the appeal - with the P1 boasting Formula 1-inspired aerodynamics, including a DRS (DRS: Drag Reduction System) and colossal power of 916 PS.
That oomph comes from a 3.8-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine developing 737 PS, which is mated to a lightweight electric motor producing 179 PS.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes place in just 2.8 seconds and drivers will hit 124 mph in 6.8 seconds - which is a full five seconds quicker than the legendary McLaren F1. Top speed for the P1 is a face-melting 217 mph.
A cutting-edge carbon fibre monocoque ensured the P1 weighs just 1,395 kg.
And while the P1 is now a ‘Legacy’ model and consigned to history, McLaren says that its new Artura (in orange on the left, below) supercar builds on the P1’s success. Talk about standing on the shoulders of giants…
The Artura, like the P1, is a plug-in hybrid which combines a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine with a compact hybrid battery.
It’s capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in just 3.0 seconds flat, 0-124 mph in just 8.3 seconds, and then on to a top speed of 205 mph.
And yet despite that track prowess, the Artura is also able to travel for around 20 miles using electricity alone. The 7.4 kWh battery can also be charged from 0-80% in around 2.5 hours. You can read more about charging EVs with our electric car charging guide.
The Artura is, then, a supercar that’s as much a daily driver as it is a circuit weapon.
If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of a supercar like a McLaren, Porsche, Ferrari or Lotus, contact our dedicated Select Car Leasing Specialist Division.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- MG4 EV is ‘UK Car of the Year 2023’
- The Ford Puma ST just got more affordable
- Kia Niro triumphs at Women’s World Car of the Year awards
-
Cold weather tip that could swerve an expensive repair bill
- In celebration of the UK's skilled female motorists
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
