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