Supercars and hypercars with hybrid electric powertrains are becoming common as sportscar makers make the transition towards full electrification. McLaren, however, had a hybrid powertrain in its hypercar – the P1 – as far back as 2013.
The P1 was a pioneering hybrid hypercar, with 375 units produced between October 2013 and December 2015.
Even today, it is recognized for its technological advancements that leveraged McLaren’s advanced motorsport-based engineering.
The best driver’s car in the world
Created with the intention of being ‘the best driver’s car in the world on both road and track’, the design and technical specifications of the P1 provided the ideal foundation to deliver on this ambition.
The hypercar redefined automotive high-performance ground-breaking advances in weight reduction, packaging, high-speed performance, powertrain and aerodynamics.
LEGO Technic Ultimate Car Concept Series
Now a special tribute is being paid to the hypercar by LEGO and McLaren Automotive with the introduction of the LEGO Technic McLaren P1.
A new member of the LEGO Technic Ultimate Car Concept Series, the all-new 1:8 scale model consists of 3,893 elements with each one having a unique serial number.
The model has a 7-speed gearbox with 2 shifter drums, suspension, V8 piston engine, adjustable rear wing, and opening dihedral doors (with an advanced mechanism).
Cutting-edge functionality
The model was created by the LEGO Technic design team in close collaboration with McLaren Automotive and both teams were focused on implementing as much cutting-edge functionality in the model as possible.
“The real McLaren P1 is an incredible car – from the exterior with aerodynamic shapes to the interior and V8 piston engine. We wanted to capture these details in the best way possible with our LEGO Technic model and we did not want to compromise in any way,” said Kasper Rene Hansen, Designer, LEGO Group.
“Therefore, we worked on multiple variations of the car to test different designs. We also faced a huge challenge with the iconic butterfly doors because they needed a new mechanism to stay open. It was a great experience to recreate the McLaren P1 and I’m hoping all supercar enthusiasts out there are ready to explore the details and intricacies of the real McLaren P1 in LEGO Technic form,” he said.
The LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set will be available at www.LEGO.com/McLaren and LEGO Stores from August 1, 2024, priced at €449.99 (about RM2,300).