VTEC gains boost

Honda have stuck fast to their VTEC engine technology - claiming it will last the test of time....well it hasn't. New emissions laws and increased pressure from other performance hatchbacks have landed Honda in hot water - they've made the decision to throttle back VTEC and throw in boost!

Three new Honda engines have been announced, a 1litre 3 cylinder, as well as 1.5litre and 2.0litre 4 cylinder lumps. All turbocharged. 

The idea is that the VTEC technology will now be put to use in making the engines economical at low revs, whilst the turbochargers develop the power higher up the rev range - herolding the potential end of screaming Civic Type R's at 9,000rpm. 

It was the only obvious choice for the Japanese auto-maker, with their latest Type R producing a gob-load less power than its rival hatchbacks, not to mention the unforgivably low torque figures - a side effect of using VTEC to gain power at high RPM. We know Honda can make awesome engines and utilize incredible engine technologies, hopefully now they'll prove this whilst producing similar HP/Torque figures as their rivals. 

Words: Andy Pilcher             Images: Honda UK

F-Type adds hardtop and awesomeness!

Jaguar have had a rocky 15 years - nobody can deny that. Anyone who can remember the likes of the S-Type and the last run of the old XKR's will have fond memories of the bloated weight, off styling and a noticeable loss of quality. 

Put that all aside though, as the past few years; under the ownership of Indian manufacturer Tata of all people, have been more than prosperous for the luxury brand. It all turned around with the XF saloon; that showed the world that Jaguar was ready to be cool again. A string of new models have come since then, the latest being the F-Type - a gorgeous and devilishly fast drop top, heralded as the long awaited offspring of the 60's E-Type. 

Well Jaguar have stunned crowds again by launching the F-Type Coupe. Adding a fixed hard top roof and somehow making the already beautiful F-Type offensively gorgeous - supermodels used to front covers and red carpets resemble the type you would only pray on at last orders in comparison to this hard top stunner!

Starting at £51,235 for the base V6 coupe ranging up to £85,000 for the top of the line R-Coupe with the snorting V8 Jaguar couldn't be pitching the F-Type more at the Porsche line up. We already know how much of a focused driving machine the F-Type is, with the extra rigidity of a fixed hard top the coupe can only be even more awesome! We salute Jaguar for their new found confidence. 

You can watch the unveiling of the F-Type Coupe here, courtesy of Jaguar UK:

Words: Andy Pilcher             Images: Netcarshow

Why we'll miss Paul Walker...

It is with sadness that we have to write this little article but we feel it necessary to clear up exactly why the untimely death of Paul Walker is so important and has caused such a sad 'buzz' on all the social media sites. 

Paul Walker is best known for his role as Brian O'Conner in the hit movie franchise "The Fast & Furious" . It is always a sad time when any celebrity passes away - due to the inherent nature of a single person 'touching' a massive audience through the media, Paul's passing is perhaps even more distressing thanks to that film series. 

The Fast & Furious is not just any old film, it is a franchise that a whole generation of motoring enthusiasts grew up with, us included. Every modifier under the age of 30 (and most over too) will remember vividly that very first scene with Brian (Paul) maxxing out his lime green Mitsubishi Eclipse fondly, it was the start of a film that opened the eyes of many teenagers to the world of car modifying. 

As the series went on and those teenagers grew up they learned to take the films realism with a pinch of salt, every 'meme' page has at least one referencing the seemingly endless gearboxes the Fast & Furious cars had. Be that as it may, put simply - without those films the amount of modified cars on the roads today would be but a fraction of what they are. We all love the modifying culture, so we inherently love the Fast & Furious franchise. 

What does this mean for the franchise? Nobody knows yet - barely 12 hours from the fatal incident and rumours are already circulating the internet about what will happen with the latest planned installment (Fast 7) - as filming was underway when the accident occurred, is it at a point they can finish? Should they? I personally say yes - what greater tribute could there be than to publish the final hurrah of such a terrific actor and gentleman. 

What can we take from this sad incident? This very unfortunate accident disproves what the movies unknowingly told us - even modifiers aren't invincible. Hopefully this will teach people that while owning and modifying fast cars is no-doubt fun, racing them on the streets is not only illegal - but incredibly dangerous! Keep the racing on the tracks and drag strips. 

We salute you Mr Walker, a fine actor - a legend to millions and a charitable, loving family man. 

Words: Andy Pilcher

Lexus unveils sporty coupe

Lexus are desperate to shake off the image of their vehicles being mundane and their buyers ancient and dull. The LFA did a lot to remove this preconceived notion, with its mental powerplant and £350,000 price tag. 

That was a bit unrealistic for most though, what they needed was a small sports coupe with edge and raw visual appeal - paired with a meaty motor. They have delivered. 

The new RC Coupe has been unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show and more than satisfies the above demands; sharp lines, short - wide wheelbase and a proven powerful powerplant. The RC is 70mm shorter than the IS saloon - yet wider and lower, giving it a squat and purposeful stance. Two engines were rumored, the eco-favourite 2.5litre petrol engine twinned with electric motors, and the petrol-heads favourite, the 3.5litre V6 that has shown its flexibility within the IS range over recent years, paired to an 8 speed sequential transmission. 

The aggressive styling might upset loyal Lexus buyers of old, but is that a bad thing? It shows Lexus are moving with the ties, we see more than a hint of the vicious BMW 1-M Coupe in that gorgeous rear end. 

Of course the cherry on the cake with this being a Lexus - is the stylish, well built and luxurious 4 seat interior, which should be a useful 4 seater, rather than the "2+2" setups recently launched by the likes of Audi and Porsche that require the two rear passengers to not own legs. 

No pricing information has been released yet but we'd expect the RC to be pitched right at the Porsche Cayman/Audi TTRS area of the market, so expect the brochures to list a £40,000 start price. We like, keep this up Lexus!

Words: Andy Pilcher           Images: Lexus UK

New Civic Type R hits the track!

We find ourselves a little hard for words when it comes to writing this piece. We've just received news that the development of the new Civic Type R by Honda has been hitting the track for further handling and performance testing. 

That in itself is not cause for speechlessness. However, in the press release I have in front of me it states the official power figure for the new Type R. Now the previous generation Type R, utilizing the VTEC engine system, packed a massive......198hp. This is barely enough to pull the skin of custard and other hot hatch manufacturers snorted with derision as their turbocharged models punched past the 250hp barrier. 

Their snorts may soon be silenced however. I'll just say it, the new Type R will have 280hp. Honda have done quite well in not only matching their rivals, but one-upping them too! That puts the Civic well and truly in the heavyweight division of hot hatches, with its key rivals being the Audi S3 and Focus RS. However it does look to be a big ole beast - making it likely to be a heavy old beast, can it shed its hp to weight ratio and fight the big fight? We'll soon see! One things for sure though - the Civic Type R just got interesting. 

Words: Andy Pilcher              Images: Honda UK

Gadget overload puts lives at risk!

We are living in a wonderful time for technology, it would seem that no period of 24 hours can pass without some new, amazing, incredible microchip or processor allows us to have more entertainment or make more contact with the ones we love. Mobile phones have shrunk in size dramatically and have developed from simply being cordless phones to housing our entire music libraries, allowing us to watch films or the latest television, even telling us where nearby is good to eat! We have satellite navigation, gone are the days of trawling for hours through maps days before a long drive - planning the best route and a backup should you encounter traffic, all this is available in a tiny box that does the thinking for you! 

And that is precisely why UK roads are less safe now than they have been in recent years, according to insurer Zurich anyway. 

Their studies show that mobile phones AND satellite navigation units both rank in the top 10 risks to road users, despite it being illegal to operate a mobile phone whilst driving. Other items on the list include in-car media, such as touchscreen radios and digital TV receivers. 

Our cars are getting posher and posher, packing more and more of the technology we are used to at home - some cars even have built in Wi-Fi now!! Thankfully manufacturers are also working on making those tech-filled cars safer; with curtain airbags now standard on most new vehicles, we just have to make sure the tech-progress doesn't get the better of us and we maintain a high level of concentration on the road when driving!

Words: Andy Pilcher

Another all new Mini...again

BMW really should consider employing some more people in their model naming department, until then, we shall introduce this as the All New....All New Mini! Which isn't really all new at all, but we'll get to that later. 

BMW have decided that late 2013/early 2014, as the UK recession is starting to clear up for good, is the perfect time to give the Mini a bit of a facelift and relaunch!

On the face of it, all they have done is made it more......unique...looking. That's the only word we can really use without sounding too mean. Lets face facts though, the new Mini definitely requires a lot of rose tinted spectacles to make its slightly wide eyed expression look palatable. 

What IS reassuring is the announcement that the rock bottom OTR price of the new range is at the low £15k region - shunning a huge price hike that most manufacturers seem to adopt when botoxing an old model. 

How Mini is it? 

Not very! Oh this isn't off to a good start is it... The new model is a whopping 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm TALLER than its predecessor, which is hardly a shrinking violet. 

Does it do well at being an economical city car? 

We probably could've made that question a bit punchier...moving on. Yes! The new Cooper D will host a 3-cylinder diesel engine, outputting 114bhp and claiming 80mpg average economy!

Do we get a sporty one?

Yes! The Cooper S will return with a 4-cylinder engine producing 189hp, which sounds a lot for a Mini, but lets not forget the size of this "mini", and the inherent weight such size brings - it won't win any straight line drags against its rival hot hatch brothers (the smaller, lighter Ibiza Cupra/Polo GTI has just 6hp less - but boasts a more consistent hp/torque curve across the range AND both feature the fantastically quick and slick DSG gearbox) hopefully though it will retain its point-and-shoot-ability that BMW managed to retain up until now. 

The new Mini will officially launch Spring 2014 and be built at the firms famous Oxford plant. 

Words: Andy Pilcher             Images: BMW UK

Audi unveils A3 drop-top due next Spring

Audi have released information and images to unveil the all new Audi A3 Cabriolet due for Spring 2014. 

The last A3 soft-top was a little underwhelming, it was considered even more hairdresser than the TT and although being a strong well built car it didn't sell as well as Audi bosses would've liked. Unperturbed though they're bringing it back for the new shape A3. 

The 2014 A3 Cabriolet features much sharper lines and bolder curves, overall it is a much more dramatic and in-your-face drop-top. Sharing a lot of styling cues from its big brothers like the A5 - one of Audi's most popular products. 

So what if you want your cabriolet to drive from your solar powered house to the local green party meeting? Well no worries! The 2014 A3 Cabriolet can be specced with a 1.4 TFSI engine which features the new COD (Cylinder On Demand) technology, a system that cuts two cylinders off when you're just pottering around town, firing them back up when you plant the throttle. This results in 114g/km of CO2 and a claimed 56.5mpg! Impressive figures - if they prove true. 

What if you want a droptop that can get the wind in your hair at an alarming pace? Again - no worries! The performance engine fitted to the 2014 A3 Cabriolet is the 1.8 TFSI that is fitted to just about every Audi on sale; proving its reliability and all round capability. Punching 180PS of power out it can hit 150mph on a straight road and demolish 0-60 in 7.8 seconds, linked up to Audi's awesome 7-speed S-Tronic twin clutch transmission it. 

If you are prepared to wait though we have caught wind of rumours that Audi WILL be releasing an S3 Cabriolet! With 300PS and Quattro all wheel drive that should 'man-up' the A3's hairdresser image!

Words: Andy Pilcher       Images: Audi UK

Like Hertz...but with Ferraris

You get what you pay for. A statement that sits true to many aspects of life, none more so than renting a car. The average cheap rental car, and the experience of the rental, often leaves a lot to be desired. Upgrade to Supercar hire though - and it is a totally different kettle of fish. Whether it be an extravagant way to get from A to B or as a treat you can expect a lot more than the usual rental experience. 

So how does it all work?

Well Supercar Experiences try and make the process of renting your favourite exotic motor as quick and streamlined as possible. You might expect extreme credit checks and to not be allowed near them if you've ever been stopped for doing 31 in a built up area but actually its a lot more like your standard rental company than you'd think. Earning it the headline. 

"Like Hertz...but with Ferraris."

Why not just do a track day?

Good question, if you'd no experience of either track days or hiring a supercar you would obviously feel that a race track is the more suitable location for a V8/10/12 performance motor - however you are often VERY restricted on track days. You are on a set route, told when to change gear - accelerate - brake and it's rare you break 100mph, regardless of how much more the Lamborghini/Ferrari/whatever will give. 

Go down the hire route however and you have an awesome machine for however long you choose, be it just a day, a week or however far your wallet can stretch. You have the entire UK road network at your disposal (although mileage limits apply - obviously) and you get to do what you want (within reason!) be it posing down the high street or enjoying the scenic route of a country lane. 

How did the recession affect such a luxury business?

The recession can not be seen in a good light no matter who you are or however many millions you have in the bank. The fact Supercar Experience still exists after 4 years of nationwide financial turmoil is testimony to the business structure Nik has developed. Obviously it had an impact, insurance got more expensive, less clients were partaking of a Porsche for the week and finance companies more or less shut their doors for the period, but the worst of it is over now and that's why Nik has more plans afoot. 

Oh, so what is next?

Understandably, as a shrewd businessman Nik wasn't willing to turn over all the details for where he wants his business to go in the next few years - but he did admit there are plans. With the attitude of wanting to be the best in everything he does we can see what he's got planned; expect more cars and a lot more media presence. 

A demonstration of that willingness to get out into the media is us being let inside the inner-workings of this company. Being allowed access to their idyllic HQ buried away deep in Hertfordshire only a very select few people ever actually get to see what we did and we will forever be grateful to Nik for giving us such privileged access. 

It's really good to see someone who has a genuine passion for exotic motors in charge of the UKs most prominent hire company, take it from us with Nik's attitude; Supercar Experiences is only set to get bigger and better. 

If you are interested in making a dream come true by hiring a supercar, head over to www.supercarexperiences.com and Nik will make it happen for you! 

Full Photoset: (click for full size) 

Words: Andy Pilcher           Images: Andy Pilcher

Are you the next Schumacher?

The world of professional motor racing can at times seem reserved totally for the professional elite and seriously wealthy. Not any more though!

Industry legends iZone are usually responsible for training up aspiring and promising teens for a potential future life behind a racing steering wheel. For the first time ever though, they are opening their doors and letting joe-public in. 

They have launched 'gift experiences' that entitle you (or someone whom you love very much) to get a sneak peak at exactly what it is like to be a young racing trainee, as well as a chance to demonstrate their racing abilities. We think this unique gift experience is a real treat, not only do you or your loved one have an awesome day and get to spend time behind generally closed doors, but if there is actual talent on show - those who have the option of honing and refining said talent are the hosts! Think of it as an audition where even if you fail you've had a blast!

Prices start at £149 inc vat, visit www.izonegiftexperiences.com for more information. 

Words: Andy Pilcher                   Images: iZone

Lexus Turn To DeviantART For Inspiration

Lexus are not really known for outlandish designs and racey looking production cars, bar perhaps the legendary LFA. 

So it might come as a surprise that Lexus themselves have turned to DeviantART - the worlds largest group of digital modifiers and artists - to give the new IS model a touch of aggression. Obviously there's no saying that Lexus will take what the artists give them and produce an insane range of IS models with carbon bonnets and F1 inspired rear wings (unfortunately) but we can still drool at some of the images from DeviantART and long for the day the luxury saloon looks that bad-ass!

Words: Andy Pilcher             Images: Lexus/DeviantART

Motorway Fuel Price Comparison Scheme Given The Go Ahead

The Ministry Of Justice recently released a few measures they wished to implement to "target the rising cost of living" that had a direct affect on our motoring lives. 

For once though us motorists are getting a helping hand, we are so used to the costs associated with motoring rising that this really was quite a surprise to us! So what are they planning then? 

Well the key talking point was their plan to install signs along motorways informing drivers of the fuel prices at the next few service stations. What good will that do? We hear you scream, well, the government hasn't the power to implement a maximum price the fuel companies can charge you at the pump, however they hope the new signs will make rival companies lower their own prices in order to compete on the motorways. This is actually a well thought out plan and as good as we are likely to get from the government for the time being. 

So thought out was the plan that it has already been given the go ahead! We don't know exactly when we will be seeing the first signs installed but we welcome anything that convinces the fuel giants to drop their prices down, especially as the average extra cost per litre on the motorway compared to in town is 7p! That can steal an extra fiver from your wallet to fill your tank, which if you are a regular motorway commuter/user can add up at a scary rate! 

Other planned initiatives include implementing a maximum cost of an MOT, more on that later. 

Toyota Show-off at SEMA

SEMA is the worlds largest gathering for the aftermarket and customisation businesses, based in the ever-showy Las Vegas. 

Toyota are stealing the show with some one off custom versions of their new GT86 (alongside daughter company SCION). 

Looking at shots of some of the beasts they came out with we can understand why the motoring world is abuzz with it!

Words: Andy Pilcher         Images: Toyota

Colburn & Giddings Representing Britain at Clio Cup Final

Renault Clio Cup race winner James Colburn and fellow racer Jake Giddings are off to the infamous Aragon circuit in Spain this coming weekend during the one-off winner takes all Clio Cup finals. 

Colburn alongside Giddings will be flying the flag for Britain competing against some of the worlds best Clio Cup drivers. The prize is worth fighting for too, a shiny brand new fourth generation Clio Cup racer; packing a 220hp turbo engine, for use in the 2014 series. 

"I've never seen the circuit, never been to the circuit, and I'm sure there will be a lot of Spanish drivers taking part who will have an advantage with track knowledge", he said, "Hopefully me and Jake [Giddings] can go out there, though, and prove the Renault UK Clio Cup is the best of the national Clio Cup championships.

Colburn seems confident, so lets hope he can pull it off and bag the UK some more pride, and of course bring that wild Clio back. 

Follow the action over at https://www.facebook.com/UKClioCup

Words: Andy Pilcher            Images: Jakob Ebrey Photography

#Meanmower

A Honda lawnmower isn't normally something worth writing about, except in 2013; as Honda unveiled their simply unhinged #Meanmower!

They took a standard ride on lawnmower, stripped it down and rebuilt it as a one off custom machine packing a 1litre 109hp engine. Now 109hp is a respectable amount in a small car - put it in a lawnmower and you have 532hp per ton! We really don't want to be accused of exageratting the sitation...but come on that is Bugatti Veyron levels of power to weight. 

Unfortunately without the extra (and expensive) goodies that the Veyron has, the #Meanmower can only do 133mph - which to be fair to Honda - is more than sufficient for a lawnmower!

The #Meanmower is now leaving UK shores for its debut at the Las Vegas SEMA show, a gathering for tech heads the world over. If you want to see what this mental creation is capable of, head on over to YouTube and search #Meanmower , sit back and enjoy the Japanese being their crazy selves. 

Words: Andy Pilcher            Images: Honda UK

Video of the day - Speed-Shopping

Now we don't normally advocate any mode of transport that has a mere 340cc powering it - however we simply can't ignore this!

A standard issue shopping trolley has been rescued (or stolen...) and been twinned with a 340cc petrol engine! As if that wasn't barmy enough, the engines tweaked to get as much power as 340cc's can deliver AND they are claim to be adding nitrous oxide soon. 

We'll keep track of this hilarious machine and post when they do, enjoy this teaser!

Self Parking Cars Plan Crashes

Self parking cars have been under development for years and now some manufacturers reckon they are pretty close!

We already have cars capable of assisting you in parking, such as some new Lexus models, however the idea of a car that can put itself in a parking space totally by itself - activated remotely (from an app for example) is only just bearing some fruit. 

Ford are on the ball with this one and want to get them out there as soon as possible, however it's not as simple as getting the technology itself to work! Oh no, the problem comes, weirdly, from the law! Hidden deep inside the highway code is a little rule that states you can't leave a car with its engine running - whilst not being in the driver seat. It is considered dangerous and is doing a good job now of holding up these self parking cars. 

Car manufacturers trade bodies are in talks with Europe officials with the goal of getting that rule removed or altered to allow for self parking cars to be released 'into the wild'. 

The good side of this hold up though, is that full testing of the systems will have to be completed with evidence shown to the officials - meaning your nice new Focus shouldn't go crazy and smash into the Bentley you wanted to park next to...which can only be a good thing. 

Video of the day - Jap Mad

Video of the day - Today we bring you a sweet 2minute video from the team at HeavySet with their coverage of the JDM meet at North Trafford. Approximately 400 of Britains finest Jap motors (and the odd police car) attended and feature in this awesome little film!

F1 - Economy & Awful Sounds

This morning Honda gave us a "treat" in the form of a YouTube video. "What was in this YouTube video?"I hear you ask. Well not a lot - would be the short answer. 

The video was in fact an audio track they have recorded of the latest development on their 2015 series F1 engine. Fans of the racing series will know that Honda engines will be powering McLaren race cars in 2015 - when regulations will have changed meaning the engines must be 1.6 litre 6-pot turbo'd lumps. 

We have been told this is to increase the racing excitement and make competition fiercer, we can't help but feel though there is some green-party nonsense working in the background to make the sport more eco-friendly and kind to Jonny-polar bear. 

Now we aren't evil, Mr Polar Bear should keep his home but is it right to throttle back - if you excuse the pun - such a serious racing series? How this will affect the speeds the cars reach, and consequently how quickly they get there - nobody really knows yet. What we are sure of though is how the new engines will sound; and I for one am not impressed. 

What we have done to demonstrate clearly to you exactly what we mean, is list two videos below. The top one is video and audio footage of a 90's Renault V10 F1 engine, the bottom - Honda's video plucked fresh from YouTube this morning. YOU tell US which sounds fiercer!

Click to view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=431h20gvm3M

We really hope this is a well engineered prank...

Words Andy Pilcher        Images Rick Dikeman

Video Of The Day - Rock & Röhrl

Today's video might be in a foreign language but it's entertainment value makes it too good to miss!

If you don't know who Walter Röhrl is then there is something very wrong with you, we suggest you go educate yourself on him before watching today's video, but in a nutshell he is a very experienced racing driver who famously piloted several Audi Quattro Group B rally monsters back in the 80's. 

Here he is, aged 66 - still terrifying passengers. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHSeuaoZ-mI

Mk7 gets Milltek'd - Press Release

It is often the case that new cars are released at such an alarming rate that modifiers simply can't keep - ending up working on previous generation cars!

Milltek are on the ball though and have already got a proper choice of aftermarket exhausts available for the Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk7. Built in the same UK factory that the Milltek racing exhausts are, these systems are also made of the same top quality stainless steel as the race units. The system is made up at a chief diameter of 3inches and is designed to offer an increase in power, torque and an improved throttle response. 

Available in a variety of system types and tips for more information and prices head over to www.millteksport.com

Words Andy Pilcher        Images Milltek Sport

Video Of The Day - Mighty UK!

In today's video we bring you YouTube legends Mighty Car Mods and their first ever UK modified car show!

It is really refreshing to see a ton of cars of differing styles and backgrounds all representing the UK together. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VpfSWxo7d0

Air-ride - Is it all things to all men?

Air-ride has been the subject of much debate in the motoring world for a long time now. Almost as much of a fight as Evolution vs. Impreza. 

Coilover purists will tell you that air-ride is uncomfortable and simply can't handle as well as a properly sorted car on premium coilovers. Air-ride purists will laugh at the coilover boys as they scrape over speedbumps. 

So Matt Farah of 'The Smoking Tire' got his hands on Accuairs supercharged Audi S4, kitted out with their latest all-bells-and-whistles air ride system with remote adjustment to see if air ride really can offer the awesome lows when parked up, handle as well as coils in the corners and ride without breaking your back. The results make for some interesting viewing, its safe to say - bags are here and they are here to stay. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTrupjf-QFQ

We want to know your opinion! Are you an air-ride activist or a coilover connoisseur? Let us know in the comments 

Video Of The Day - The ultimate game of paintball

Today's video of the day is a promo video fresh from Audi featuring the un-hinged Audi RS6 estate with over 500hp. 

So what do you do when you have ex-stig Ben Collins and a 500hp estate car to play with? You play the most awesome game of paintball ever of course! There are also a few behind the scenes videos that we also recommend you watch. Turn the volume up for that awesome exhaust note :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?hd=1&v=lInd8GimJJc&src_vid=03ShU0P8lIs&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_4202978331

Video Of The Day - In Tune With Porsche

Today's video is more an aural pleasure than visual. 

Porsche celebrate 7 generations of their legendary 911 by using them to perform their own happy birthday tune! Who needs a piano when you've a bunch of flat 6 engines to play with...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPaeC0llaaE

McLaren P1 - Lean Green Race Machine!

In 2011 McLaren made a comeback as a performance car manufacturer with the MP4-12C road car. The first mass-production McLaren-only car ever! Essentially a comfy road car that took a few motorsport inspired parts; such as the carbon tub, to transform it into a fantastic supercar. It was and still is a hugely successful car, claiming a host of awards and putting McLaren firmly back on the motoring map!

Not wanting to rest on their laurels, McLaren have come back again now and brought us the brief for the McLaren P1 road car. Not intended to be as mass produced as the 12C (only 375 units will be produced) they could spend more and cram it with even more racing technology. They really didn't hold back. 

Perhaps the most important element of the P1 is the fact it is officially a hybrid. Hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular, however this is probably one of the first times electric power has been used in such a racey road car. The 'old fashioned' gas-guzzling engine is a 3.8 litre twin turbo petrol, once you add the electric motor into the mix the P1 has an official power figure of 903hp! Electric or not you really can't argue with that kind of horsepower. As any electrician will tell you, power from electricity is instantaneous, which is why the P1 has a gross amount of torque no matter where you are in the rev range - giving it a key advantage over its class rivals. The wave of boost and electricity will see the P1 and its lucky driver up to a governed top speed of 217mph, fast enough to beat the 12C, not as fast as the old record setting F1. That's the only area where the P1 is outdone by the F1 though, the stopwatch shows the P1 hitting 300km/h (186mph) in an astonishing 17seconds. Lets put that in context:

• McLaren F1 - 22seconds
• Ferrari Enzo - 26 seconds
• Audi R8 Le-Mans Racecar - 17seconds

That's right, this road legal "eco-car" will run to nearly 190mph as fast as an official LeMans race car. If that doesn't make you take electric motors seriously - we don't know what will!

Another truly staggering part of the P1 is its monocage structure, which is mainly carbon fibre with trace elements of kevlar and is five times the strength of titanium...despite weighing a mere 90kg, which for some people is a light lunch.

The body is littered in aerodynamic aids, key of which is the adjustable rear wing that can adjust its distance from the body and tilt angle dependent on conditions and speeds to provide maximum downforce and traction. The suspension is also fully adjustable and can raise/lower but crucially, stiffen. Testing has shown with the suspension in Race mode the P1 can generate a ridiculous 2G in the corners. 

As with most supercars these days there are a good number of acronyms thrown into the spec-list, thankfully those used with the P1 are all masculine-sounding and derived from McLarens F1 developments. IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) is a direct development of the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) used in F1 - which provides additional power 'at the touch of a button' Who wouldn't want that?!

The P1's good looks are almost totally by chance, the car has been designed from the ground up to have one of the lowest drag coefficients of any road going production vehicle (a goal it has achieved!) and to provide extreme levels of downforce for optimum handling and traction (600kg at 161mph by the way, which is a fair bit to say the least) - McLaren firmly believe in function over form. We can't help but admire the way this thing sits though, all squat and jet-fighter like, really the mental angles and smooth lines would seem more at home on a Lamborghini than a British engineering marvel. 

Inside the P1 is adorned with the usual trappings of carbon fibre and alcantara; perhaps the two most traditional "race road car" materials, however you also get a nice touch screen display and a bunch of kit you expect on a Grand Tourer more than this ultra-light weight tech-fest racecar, satellite navigation, TFT displays for the driver information displays and a Meridian surround sound system! That's right the same blokes who kit out Range Rovers audio needs. 

The tricky bit for the majority is of course the price tag; full carbon monocages and Meridian stereos don't come cheap, hence the £866,000 OTR price. Yeah we feel faint too. Not that it matters, since production is strictly limited to 375 units...and we hear they're all sold. 

Words Andy Pilcher      Images McLaren Automotive