Top 10 Things You Should Know About the McLaren P1

9. 903 Brake Horsepower

A 3.8-liter gasoline-fed V8 engine is mounted amidships. That’s not a very big powerplant considering how absurdly fast the P1 is. Making up for its displacement deficit are two turbochargers, which force air down its gullet, greatly enhancing output. An electric motor augments the engine and helps deliver a system total of 903 brake horsepower, though the motor is primarily there to enhance throttle response and improve drivability. Torque is quoted at 900 Newton metres. In real numbers that’s about 664 lb-ft. McLaren calls this drivetrain IPAS, short for Instant Power Assist. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission handles all the power and routes it to the rear wheels.