Autocar reports that the new vehicle, codenamed the
P15, will be faster than every McLaren before it on a track, except the P1 GTR.
More importantly, the new hypercar will ditch the heavy hybrid powertrain of
the P1 and P1 GTR and make do with the company’s familiar twin-turbo V8 engine
modified to deliver about 789 hp.
While that’s less than the 903 hp of the P1, the P15
will be considerably lighter, tipping the scales at less than 1,300 kg, a saving of over 250 kg. As a result, the P15 will have a
better power-to-weight ratio than its successor.
Straight-line performance isn’t believed to be a
priority for the project meaning acceleration times for the P15 will probably
slot between the 720S and P1. However, around a racetrack, the P15 should be
considerably faster than both, largely thanks to its extensive use of active
aerodynamics.
Underpinning the vehicle will be the marque’s
Monocage II carbon fiber monocoque that premiered with the 720S earlier this
year. Understandably, all body panels will be made from carbon as well. Despite
its track-focused nature, the P15 will be road legal. Just 500 units will be
produced and according to McLaren sources, no special edition or convertible
derivatives are on the cards. Prices should start at around 700,000 euros
(US$ 814,000).
