Over a decade has passed since the McLaren P1 began production, and the time might be ripe for a successor. McLaren has recently released a video featuring its '1' series cars, the F1 and P1, with various brand employees discussing what makes these vehicles so extraordinary. The video concludes with a date and time displayed on the screen: October 6th, 1:00 PM British Summer Time (or 8:00 AM Eastern Time). Will this unveil a P1 successor? We are certain to witness something, even if it's merely a teaser.
Earlier this year, McLaren reportedly showcased the new hypercar, internally referred to as P18, to dealers. It is expected to feature a new hybrid V-8 powertrain, a development McLaren confirmed last year, replacing the twin-turbo V-8 that has been in use since the MP4-12C's debut in 2011. The P1 successor will also introduce a fresh design language, a concept McLaren previewed earlier this year.
The P1 was unveiled in 2012 and, alongside the Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari, formed the 'Holy Trinity' of hybrid hypercars. Its hybrid twin-turbo V-8 powertrain delivered 903 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to its predominantly carbon-fiber construction, the P1 weighed approximately 3,330 pounds. It boasted a sophisticated hydraulic cross-linked suspension system and active aerodynamics, making it one of the fastest cars globally even today.
McLaren has since produced other hypercars, such as the Senna, Speedtail, and Elva, but none have achieved the same iconic status as the P1 or the F1 before it. With its latest '1' series car, McLaren aims to rekindle that magic. Meanwhile, Porsche is developing its own new hypercar, an electric vehicle previewed by the Mission X, while Ferrari is also working on a hybrid hypercar. All three brands have significant expectations to meet.
