Those are different days when a traditional exotic carmaker turns his attention also to the electric drive. And why not, an electric motor has a lot to offer.
Those are fascinating times when even the more gasoline heads in the racing world start to turn their attention to the electric motor. Much more efficient than a gasoline engine moreover it can be tuned to help the car accelerate or save energy, is it any wonder McLaren chose a hybrid platform for their P1? The long-awaited successor to the mighty F1, if it ever reaches its illustrious predecessor, will sport a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor for a total combined thrust of 903 HP with 663.80 LB-ft of torque.
Technically Speaking. The new twin-turbo V8 engine for the McLaren P1’s is a new reworked version of the older M838T. This engine powered the McLaren MP4-12C. It not only has significantly tuned out more power form it but also allowed to increase the cooling and durability. The new engine offers 727 HP at 7,500 rpm with 531.04 LB-ft of torque from 4,000 rpm.
Original McLaren F1. If the original and never matched F1 was raw, in your face and never lowered itself to relying on traction or other so-called driver’s help, this new P1 is resignedly another car, another era. Gone IS the bare bone feel, this is a floating computer. Onboard systems now include; the company’s own IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) and DRS (Drag Reduction System) borrowed from its Formula 1 cars experience. The IPAS system delivers up to an additional 176 HP and the DRS lowers the P1‘s rear wing to reduce drag by 23 percent. Both of these systems offer instant power boost, and increased straight-line speed, respectively.
So what is the bottom line here, especially from a small supercar manufacturer that has graced us with a car that will never be forgotten, the McLaren F1 to now this futuristic rolling hybrid supercar? McLaren’s P1 is also part of the increasingly growing number of traditional exotic supercar makers turning their attention on the electric drive. In essence an electric motor in a McLaren P1 is as much for its gasoline engine efficiency, as well as for the ultimate performance, both lowering pollution and raising efficiency.
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