McLaren P1 hypercar successor inches closer

The long-awaited McLaren P1 hypercar successor could make its global debut this year and will likely feature a 746kW-plus V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain.

That’s the latest word from insiders talking to Automotive News Europe as hype builds in the lead-up to a new Holy Trinity: a new McLaren P1, a Porsche 918 successor and a La Ferrari replacement.

The Aston Martin Valhalla and Lamborghini Revuelto hyper-PHEVs are also in the mix as Automotive News quotes well-placed sources who suggest that the incoming McLaren halo car will be underpinned by an all-new carbon-fibre monocoque, ride on 3D-printed suspension components and will ditch the brand’s signature butterfly doors for gullwings.

The hybrid system is said to be some 70 per cent lighter than the current generation, but whether that’s referring to the Artura’s hardware or the P1 remains to be seen.

The latest intel aligns with previous tip-offs from McLaren’s retail network, where it’s been suggested that the P1 successor is being developed with more of an emphasis on ultimate performance than lap times, as per the P1, with a targeted top speed of more than 400km/h.

“It’s supposed to be a bonkers car,” a dealer told Automotive News.

“McLaren is putting everything into the car.”

Meantime, a debut this year suggests McLaren’s nominated timeline for the project is on schedule after nominating a 2024 global reveal all the way back in 2020, however the market introduction isn’t expected until 2026.

By that time, Ferrari will have revealed the F250 hypercar and Porsche will be hard at work (officially) on the production-spec Mission X EV, which is expected to be locked in later this year.

The Lamborghini Revuelto is also in the market and enjoying huge success, while the Aston Marton Valhalla should also be in showrooms.

But we can’t forget about Bugatti – a brand that’s traditionally risen above this hypercar battle – and its new V16 petrol-electric missile due to debut in June, with the company already promising Chiron-busting levels of performance.

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