Currently reading: McLaren P1 shows off its underside
Images show McLaren P1's high-tech underbody aerodynamics for the first time

Potential buyers of the forthcoming McLaren P1 have been given a preview of the car at a private event in Los Angeles, where these pictures were taken as the car was hoisted into the hotel location.

The images reveal some of the P1’s complex underbody aerodynamics with what looks like a flat underside made entirely from carbonfibre, and two enormous twin diffuser outlets at the rear. A double diffuser also has a pair of inlets under the car to control airflow more efficiently.

The P1’s active aero kit is rumoured to include active flaps in the front of the car, ahead of the front wheels. These will open and close to influence airflow under the car depending on its speed.

Much of the car’s exterior is designed to maximise airflow through the vehicle to improve cooling, hence the enormous intakes behind the doors. It is also likely to feature air pumps to push air over areas of the car, and adjustable ride height for track use to improve downforce.

The event, held a few blocks away at the McLaren Beverly Hills, previewed the car ahead of its public reveal the production P1 at the Geneva motor show in March. The finished vehicle is expected to look identical to this “design study” but the interior, hidden by the blacked-out windows, will be visible.

Update: McLaren has released official images of the production P1 in development. Fully camouflaged, the undisguised production model will not be revealed until its Geneva debut.

Autocar has produced digital books on the McLaren P1 hypercar as well as the F1 and 12C supercars.

Download the McLaren F1 digital edition.

Download the McLaren P1 digital edition.

Download the McLaren 12C digital edition.

Thank you to Dirk A. Photography, owner and photographer at SupercarFocus.com.

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NateHill 11 April 2013

Awesome Photographer

Mr. Dirk is an awesome photographer. His photos are really captivating. Just looking at how he was able to produce these car photo is already motivating. I hope I will be able to do the same in the future.

addam 11 March 2013

Once again McLaren rose up to

Once again McLaren rose up to their customers expectations, even the competition should be worried now. For the brand lovers this is an important event that they had been waiting for a long time. I wonder if there would be any problem to diagnose modern cars, once they get on the market.

dukebox9reg 25 January 2013

Looks stunning

I think it's looks stunning and I think its looks particularly good when they are dropping/raising it off the jack in the pictures. Can't wait to see what it can do.