McLaren to launch $1.3 million limited-edition supercar at Geneva

British carmaker McLaren has confirmed the performance and price figures for its latest model the P1 ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva Motorshow and, frankly, they're off the chart.

When Bugatti debuted the 253mph Veyron in 2005, the world's motoring journalists were both amazed and saddened. Though the car's performance was absolutely unbelievable, driving one was a bittersweet experience as everyone was certain that the vehicle represented the car industry's 'Concorde' moment. This was the fastest car ever made and nothing would ever surpass it. In fact, due to the growing congestion on the world's roads and a new commitment to the environment, pollution and sustainability, carmakers from Ford to Ferrari have spent the past 10 years making a concerted effort to make engines smaller, less powerful and less thirsty.

Clearly, McLaren didn't get this memo. Although the P1 is technically a hybrid -- it has a petrol and an electric engine and can be driven for a total distance of 20km on the battery only -- the British Formula One and supercar company has used this technology chiefly to increase acceleration, up torque and to offer the driver boosts of power not unlike the KES system used in modern Formula One cars that recuperates energy lost under braking and delivers it again when the car is on the straight.

The result is a car that produces 903bph, can accelerate from 0-100kph in under 3 seconds, from 0-200kph in under 7 seconds and from 0-300kph in 17 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 350kph.

The figures don't quite match those of the Bugatti, which could hit 408kph, but unlike the McLaren, the Veyron is equipped with an 8-litre, W-16 engine complete with four monstrous turbochargers. The reason why the P1 is off the charts in terms of performance is because it offers all of those performance statistics with nothing more than a 3.8-litre V8 engine with two turbos supported by a small electric motor with a battery pack. Making the P1 a truly incredible feat of engineering.

However, the biggest number of all is £866,000, ($1.3 million) -- the amount it will cost when it goes on sale after making its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show. McLaren has also revealed that production will be strictly limited to 375 units.

Ready for road or track, the P1 can be specified with any number of bespoke interior fittings and finishes and will be available with the option of fitted luggage to make optimum use of the vehicle's storage space.

Of the decision to limit production, McLaren said '[375] is a figure that will ensure the McLaren P1 will remain a rarity and, if spotted on the road, an unforgettable sight.'

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