Downforce is Approximately 5 Times That of the MP4-12C

McLaren Automotive, making its first appearance at a motor show in Paris, presented the "P1" concept model of its next-generation super sports car. Following the "McLaren F1"MP4-12CMP4-12C Spider, this P1, announced as the next road model, has been developed to provide the world's highest level of driving experience by feeding back the advanced technology McLaren has cultivated in the racing field to a road car.



The source of this innovative styling lies in wind tunnel experiments and advanced fluid simulations, similar to the development of F1 machines. The body shape, with its boldly laid-out aerodynamic parts, is quite complex.



Most notably, the large rear wing is a distinctive feature. To achieve optimal downforce, its movement is automatically controlled, capable of moving upwards by up to 300mm, backwards by up to 120mm, and with a pitch of up to 29 degrees. The adoption of a double wing, along with its operating system and software, are all derived from F1 technology. The resulting downforce of 600kg is nearly the same as that of McLaren's circuit-only machine, the "12C GT3," and approximately five times that of the road model MP4-12C.



Furthermore, the P1 is equipped with DRS (Drag Reduction System), which generated buzz when it was introduced on the 2011 F1-GP. Similar to F1 machines, by altering the rear wing's shape, it temporarily reduces downforce on the car, allowing for increased speed on straights.



While details regarding the powertrain and its specifications were scarce, the power-to-weight ratio has reportedly been significantly updated from the MP4-12C's 2.14kg/ps (468ps/t) to over 1.67kg/ps (600ps/t).



Despite its immense performance, McLaren's development team emphasizes, "It must not be just a road-going machine, but a sports car capable of natural and comfortable driving even in the city." While equipping it with performance comparable to a circuit machine alongside a comfortable suspension might seem contradictory at first glance,The Performance of the MP4-12C I Recently Test Drove, the likelihood of its realization appears quite high.