The first look is at the 4.0-liter, twin turbo V8, which uses technology derived from the P1. It makes 757hp and 590lb ft (800Nm) of torque all on its own, with a new lightweight air-intake system, improved cylinder head cooling and a revised piston design.
Yet, impressive as that is, it’s the electric motor that is really a technological marvel. Derived from Formula E technology, it adds 312hp, mounted to the seven-speed gearbox’s input shaft. Power delivery is 8.3kW/kg, giving it twice the efficiency of an average sports car, according toMcLaren .
Even the battery system is leading edge. The 1.647kWh pack has the best power-to-weight ratio of any car battery available, with a power density four times that of the unit in the P1 at 5.2kW/kg and an output of 270kW. The battery is permanently immersed in an oil bath and dielectrically cooled for higher efficiency.
The new Speedtail, featuring a center-driver cockpit like that ofthe legendary F1 and slippery aerodynamics, will have a limited run of just 106 cars built, at £1.75 million (more than $2 million USD) each. And as you’d expect, they’re already sold out.
*Images courtesy of McLaren Automotive
