McLaren P1 Test Video Captures The Black Beauty In American Deserts

Updated: Friday, September 6, 2013, 16:33 [IST]

McLaren did reveal its P1 hypercar at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. However, the car is reaching production readiness only now, customer deliveries set to commence as McLaren continues 50th anniversary celebrations. Through the months after its unveiling, engineers tested the P1 thoroughly, taking it to its limits each time they did so.

The automaker has now released a development video, which shows the P1 being taken through the drill in one such recent tests. We have some amazing images to show you in the gallery below, at the end of which you will treated to a breathtaking video featuring the McLaren P1.

The McLaren P1 was tested not just in its home country of UK, but also in the United States. Why? That's because a significant number of P1s are destined to end up in rich men's garages all across the U.S.

Several of these tests were conducted in summer, in some of the most hostile environments. Dry and hot places such as Arizona, California and Nevada.

During testing in the deserts, temperatures sometimes reached as high as 52 degrees Celsius. But all components of the P1 performed flawlessly.

The tests were conducted not just on public roads, but also in circuits. California's Willow Springs International Raceway being one of them.

Production of McLaren P1 is limited to just 375 units, but each one of those cars have already been spoken for. That's months before the car has even gone into production.

McLaren P1 features a hybrid powertrain. There is a 3.8 liter twin turbo petrol engine and one highly advanced battery powered electric motor.

The combined power output generated is a staggering 903 HP and 900 Nm of torque, enabling it to reach 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds.

Keep the throttle down longer and the P1 will reach 200 km/h before the needle ticks 7 times. Keep going further and 300 km/h is dispatched in under 17 seconds. An electronically limited top speed is finally reached at 350 km/h. All this while emitting less than 200g/km of CO2.

In this video you see a Carbon Black finished, sleek and menacing-looking McLaren P1 captured on the road undisguised for the first time, working through a number of final durability tests.