By Cheryl Tay

McLaren Automotive debuts the McLaren P1 in production form at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, and finds occasion to declare its goal for the new model: To be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track.

In order to achieve this objective, McLaren Automotive has used all of its 50 years of racing experience and success, especially in the fields of aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fibre technology.

"McLaren introduced the carbon fibre chassis to the world of Formula 1 in 1981 with the MP4/1, and we had the first carbon-bodied road car," says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis.

"We have always been at the cutting edge of vehicle aerodynamics, and all of this experience has gone into the new McLaren P1."

The McLaren P1’s name was inspired by Formula 1, to mean ‘first place’ or ‘position one’ in qualifying. The choice was apt, as it brings to mind McLaren's 182 Grand Prix victories and 155 pole positions so far in its 47-year history in Formula 1.

Incidentally, the McLaren F1 was also known internally as Project 1 or P1 during its development. 

The P1 houses a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine coupled with a single electric motor to produce a total of 900bhp and 900Nm. On its own, the engine produces 727 bhp at 7,500rpm and 720Nm of torque from 4,000rpm. With its highly efficient IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) – a development of KERS used on Formula 1 cars – and the DRS (Drag Reduction System), the P1 gains instant bonus power and straight-line speed at the touch of a button.

While its top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h, its century sprint time is less than three seconds. To get to 300km/h from rest, the P1 needs less than 17 seconds, a whole five seconds quicker than the McLaren F1.

The P1 has an E-mode that gives zero tailpipe emissions and (almost) silent running. It can be driven in this electric-only mode for more than 10km at speeds of over 160km/h. Once battery power runs out, the petrol engine will automatically start and charge the battery. Efficiency is as important as performance and the P1 has pretty healthy emission levels of less than 200g/km.

McLaren P1 programme director, Paul Mackenzie says, "It may not be the fastest car in the world in absolute top speed, but that was never our goal. Rather, we believe it is the fastest ever production car on a racing circuit, a much more important technical statement, and far more relevant for on-road driving. It is a true test of a supercar’s all-round ability."

Drawing from technologies in Formula 1 past and present, much work has been put into the aerodynamics of the production model. To achieve optimum performance, the P1’s aero-led design produces immense downforce of up to 600kg and its carbon fibre MonoCage full-body structure weighs just 90kg.

Another Formula 1 technology is the revolutionary layered carbon ceramic brakes, developed for the road by McLaren’s Formula 1 partners Akebono. Both extra power and straight-line speed utilizing IPAS and KERS are also  available at the touch of a button. Finally, an outlawed Formula 1 technology in the form of Brake Steer helps improves cornering behaviour and cornering speed.

To own the P1, you have to apply and wait while McLaren assesses your relationship with them, and also your supercar portfolio.

Greg Levine, McLaren Automotive Sales and Marketing Director explains: "To maintain exclusivity, we have closely monitored demand, and announced a production number of just 375 units – a figure that will ensure the McLaren P1 will remain a rarity and, if spotted on the road, an unforgettable sight."

For more information, to to //www.mclarenautomotive.com