McLaren’s successor to the P1 hypercar will be unveiled later in the year with gullwing doors and a V8-based plug-in hybrid powertrain, Automotive News (subscription required) reported on Wednesday, citing broker sources.
The power train described is similar to that used by McLaren for P1, the force is expected to be much higher than the P1’s 903 hp. Gullwing doors fixed to the roof would be a first for McLaren, whose cars historically feature doors fixed near the base of the A-pillar, a design known as gullwing doors.
The new car, codenamed P18, will be the next installment in McLaren’s Ultimate series, which recently ended with the arrival of the Speedtail grand tourer and Elva sprinter.
A report last year said the car would arrive in 2026. Porsche is expected to launch an electric hypercar at that time, and electric hypercars are already on sale from Lotus, Pininfarina, and Rimac.
McLaren logo
However, McLaren is not yet in a position to launch an electric hypercar. The company has been testing the EV generation since at least 2017 and is consistent with the stance that the generation is likely not in a position to supercar and hypercar programs until the end. of the decade, basically due to the fact that electric vehicles can offer sustainable functionality on the market.
Ferrari is expected to launch a hybrid successor to its LaFerrari, prototypes of which are being tested lately, and Bugatti this week announced a V-16 hybrid successor to the Chiron. The Bugatti will be unveiled in June and the Ferrari is expected to make its debut this year.
Other main points discussed in the Automotive News report include a hybrid formula that is about 70 cents lighter than McLaren’s existing technology, a new carbon fiber tank with bowl-mounted seats for increased rigidity and reduced weight, as well as a Formula 1 car. Recessed headlights, like those found on the Artura and 750S on cars, would also make a difference.
The P1 has been touted as the successor to the legendary F1, McLaren has given that specific honour to the latest Speedtail. Meanwhile, F1 designer Gordon Murray unveiled his own successor to F1 in the form of the T. 50 supercar.