Here are some exclusive renders of a possible McLaren P1 Roadster created for us by our friend Wild Speed. We can’t help but dream a little bit of what a topless version of the P1 might look like, especially after our outstanding recent experience with the 12C Spider but more on that soon. The McLaren P1 Concept was launched at the Paris Motor Show 2012 just a few weeks ago and it brings McLaren back to the supercar scene for the first time since its iconic F1.
The P1 Design Study’s headline figure is the 600kg of downforce it produces from well below top speed. Thats five times more than the McLaren MP4-12C, while maintaining a drag coefficient of just 0.34! The active rear wing adjusts by up to 300mm on a racetrack, and by up to 120mm on the road. The P1 also uses a DRS system, much like the Formula 1 car to increase straight line speed, but instead of a flap, the P1 adjusts the whole rear wing.
The engine and performance figures are yet to be officially released, it has been made pretty clear to us though that McLaren will use a modified version of the 3.8 liter V8 unit found in the MP4-12C. Power ratings could be over 800hp at 9,000rpm from the standard setup and approximately 960hp with a next-generation Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) boost offering an additional 160hp.
These figures could make the new McLaren P1 the fastest accelerating production car in the world with a sprint time from zero to 100km/h in less than 2.3 seconds. The top speed will be hypercar-like, but stays short to the Veyron.
those color combos look good….