McLaren P1 Roasted by Desert Durability Testing
When it comes to supercars the upcoming McLaren P1 will be tough to beat… unless you’re an engineer at the company. In that case it should be “beat up” because the car was photographed undergoing durability testing in the desert.
McLaren’s stylish two-door, seen undisguised, was being punished by some of the hottest and driest conditions the North American continent can serve up. The car was being pushed to its limits, forced to endure temperatures of more than 126 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hopefully the P1 can take all that abuse because this is one car we definably want to see in production. Once testing is complete McLaren is expected to build a limited number them, just 375.
SEE ALSO: 2014 McLaren P1 Video, First Look: 2013 Geneva Motor Show
Believe it or not the car is powered by a hybrid drivetrain. The heart of this system is a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. But this gasoline-electric combo is not about saving fuel, it’s designed for maximum performance. The system delivers a combined 903 horsepower, which is enough oomph to rocket the car from zero to 100 km/h (62 MPH) in less than three seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 217 miles an hour.
McLaren’s goal with the P1 was to build the best-driving car in the world, one that’s usable on the street and race-able on the track. With power and acceleration figures like the company is claiming it’s hard to believe it wouldn’t live up to that standard.
GALLERY: McLaren P1 Hot-Weather Testing
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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The more I see of this car, the more I love it.