McLaren has made animated history videos... interesting

found on http://flaviogomes.warmup.com.br/

NEWS: McLaren P1 Performance Figures Unveiled

McLaren's P1 hypercar performance figures have been released, and make for some unreal reading, in all areas! Check them out below...

Acceleration
0-100km/h (62 mph) 0-200km/h (124 mph) 0-300km/h (186 mph) Standing quarter mile (400m) V Max	2.8 seconds 6.8 seconds 16.5 seconds 9.8 seconds @ 245 km/h (152 mph) 350 km/h (217 mph) electronically limited
Braking
100-0 km/h m (ft) [sec] 200-0 km/h m (ft) [sec] 300-0 km/h m (ft) [sec]	30.2 (99) [2.9] 116 (380) [4.5] 246 (806) [6.2]
Fuel efficiency
mpg (combined) litres/100km	34.0 mpg 8.3 l/100km
Emissions
CO2	194 g/km

McLaren says:

Groundbreaking levels of performance
The McLaren P1™ has been designed from the outset with one clear goal: to be the best driver’s car on road and track. The confirmation of the performance figures underlines this, and gives further insight into the potential of the latest model from the Woking-based firm.
Fitted with a twin powerplant powertrain generating 916 PS (903 bhp) from the highly efficient 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine and the lightweight electric motor, the McLaren P1™ storms from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.8 seconds, and hits 200 km/h (124 mph) in 6.8 seconds – quicker than many hot hatches reach half that speed.
The relentless acceleration, delivered as a result of the instant torque offered by the electric motors and the optimised turbos, sees the McLaren P1™ reach 300 km/h (186 mph) in just 16.5 seconds. By way of a benchmark, this is a full 5.5 seconds quicker than the legendary McLaren F1. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph).
Despite these impressive figures, the McLaren P1™ still returns 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100km) on the EU combined cycle, with CO₂ emissions of 194 g/km. The electric motor offers a range of 11 km (6.8 miles) in full electric mode on the NEDC cycle, which sees emissions drop to zero.
The braking figures are equally as impressive for the McLaren P1™, with the levels of performance provided by the bespoke Akebono system. The specially formulated carbon ceramic discs, coated in silicon carbide, can bring the McLaren P1™ to a halt from 62 mph (100 km/h) in a distance of just 30.2 metres. This figure is even more impressive when compared to the recognised stopping distances, which suggests that more than three times the distance – 102 metres – is required to bring a car to a halt from 100 km/h (62 mph).

First customer takes delivery
In a year of celebration for McLaren, this week has seen another significant milestone in an important chapter of McLaren Automotive with the first customer delivery of the groundbreaking McLaren P1™. Series production of the latest addition to the McLaren range commenced over the summer, and the first car, finished in a striking Volcano Yellow and contrasting visual carbon fibre, rolled off the bespoke production line at the end of September – a fitting tribute during the month of the 50^th anniversary celebrations.
The first example of the McLaren P1™ was collected from the McLaren Technology Centre by its UK-based owner.
“We designed the McLaren P1™ from the outset with one clear goal: to be the best driver’s car on road and track. The confirmation of the performance figures underlines this. 
“I am very proud of our Woking based team and everything they have achieved with this ambitious project.  The handover of the first McLaren P1™ is another milestone in our 50 year history,” commented Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive Ltd.

The P1 production process 
A total of 375 examples of the McLaren P1™ will be produced, and will be hand-built in the state-of-the-art McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking, England. This £40 million Foster + Partners designed facility is an ultimate embodiment of McLaren values, fusing precise production techniques with hand craftsmanship and incredible attention to detail.
The McLaren P1™ is custom-built by a carefully selected team of 82 technicians in a four-stage assembly process. From start to finish, the build takes 17 days of skilled work. Once running at full capacity, the McLaren P1™ line will see one car completed each day, with production due to run until mid-2015.
Stage 1: Structural Assembly
The bespoke manufacturing process commences with the preparation of the carbon fibre MonoCage chassis. The one-piece MonoCage weighs just 90kgs, and includes the integrated roof structure, an integral roof snorkel and air intake ducts, as well as providing a fully sealed compartment for the battery.
Stage 2: Painting
In total the McLaren P1™ consists of seven lightweight panels, all of which are made from carbon fibre – front and rear clamshells, bonnet, doors, front and rear bumpers. Due to the extended painting processes involved, and to minimise disruption to the facility within MPC used for the 12C and 12C Spider, each McLaren P1™ is prepared and hand painted in a dedicated paintshop in the McLaren Technology Centre while the chassis structure is being prepared.
The complete set of body panels for each McLaren P1™ is painted together to ensure a perfect colour match. This process takes three days, including surface preparation of the carbon fibre panels to ensure flawless paintwork on every single car.
Stage 3: Trim Assembly
The fully prepared carbon fibre MonoCage chassis and the hand-painted carbon fibre body panels are brought together on a dedicated production line within the MPC. This ten-stage process is the most recent addition to the MPC, and sees the sub-assembly of battery, front sub-frame, doors, rear clamshells and bumpers fitted as it moves along the line.
Two dedicated McLaren technicians work on each of the production stages for the McLaren P1™, with each step taking a full working day to complete.
Stage 4: Final Assembly
As each car reaches the end of the McLaren P1™ line, it is then subjected to the same rigorous testing regime and sophisticated quality control procedures as the 12C and 12C Spider models to ensure it meets the required quality and performance levels. This phase of production takes a total of seven days to complete.
For the McLaren P1™, this includes a full day shakedown at a proving ground, testing every element of the car’s performance. The McLaren test drivers and a team of technicians run through the different settings and modes to examine and verify the performance ahead of final delivery to the customer.
Each example of the McLaren P1™ is then put through the Monsoon Test, in which 16,000 litres of de-ionised recycled water is released on to the car to ensure all seals are correctly finished. A complete underbody check and diagnostics review is then carried out, before the final dispatch audit confirmation.

Now we're just waiting for that Green Hell lap time and video...

NEWS: Paradigm Shifting 903bhp McLaren P1™ Details

More details of the McLaren P1™ emerged today – and what figures! How does 903bhp and 900NM torque grab you? That's going to add up to some pretty serious pace! 

The P1's huge power figures come not just from the mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 – which knocks out 727bhp and 720Nm – but also a lightweight, super high-tech, electric motor with IPAS (Instant Power Assist System). This offers instant power and straight-line speed, boosting a further 176bhp and 260Nm torque, from a standstill. And emissions will be less less than 200g/km, with a full E-mode offering in excess of 10km emission-free driving! Green and mean!  

The McLaren P1™team say: "The instant response of the electric motor provides a sharper throttle response more associated with a normally aspirated engine, and the significantly enhanced air-charging system enables the McLaren P1™ to have more top-end power – the perfect combination for high performance. The electric motor is mounted directly onto the engine, and all drive is channelled through the dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox to drive the rear wheels. Thus, the electric motor and 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine work seamlessly together, providing more than just added ultimate power and torque. A further benefit is that the e-motor can provide faster upshifts. This is achieved through the application of instant negative torque at the point of shift, making the engine revs drop as quickly and efficiently as possible to the required engine speed for the upshift. And in addition to the obsessive weight-saving measures demonstrated throughout the McLaren P1™, so too is the optimisation of usable energy. When off-throttle the electric motor provides additional drag torque, recovering energy to the battery that would otherwise be lost to the brakes."

The awesome McLaren P1™will also have a trick 'Drag Reduction System' – technology similar to that employed on Formula 1 cars. Ultimately, speed is increased by reducing the amount of drag on the rear wing and, where the MP4-28 has a moveable flap on the rear wing, the McLaren P1™ has a wing that reduces in angle to lower drag by 23%. The system immediately deactivates when the button is released, or if the driver touches the brake pedal.
And let's not forget the chassis here – a high-strength Formula 1-grade carbon fibre MonoCage chassis – matched to MP4-12C style fancy suspension, so we can expect the McLaren P1™to handle fabulously too. 

Further details of the McLaren P1™ will be released in the coming weeks, before the production-ready car makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Is the world ready? Is the McLaren P1™going to be a paradigm shifter, like it's older brother, the McLaren F1? We reckon so... what do you think? Is hybrid power adding to or ruining the hyper car? You tell us... 

Meantime, see more images here.

VIDEO: McLaren P1™ "The Best Driver's Car In The World"

Check out this beautiful short film about the next incredible McLaren to be unveiled soon – the McLaren P1™– shot here undergoing testing, in 'XP development car' spec, carrying race track-inspired camouflage, as you can see with pictures on our Facebook page. Incredible looking thing eh?
McLaren say: "The McLaren P1™ was unveiled to the world as a design study at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, and was met with the glare of a thousand camera flashes. Since then, development of the technology beneath the carbon fibre skin has continued at great pace. The team at McLaren Automotive has continued the relentless testing programme for the car. The goal being: to produce the best driver’s car in the world on road and track."
McLaren are pouring all their MP4-12C experience and five decades of F1 and motorsport know-how into the car and are promising "to raise the supercar performance bar."
They say: "Using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) aerodynamic modelling and bespoke Formula 1™-derived dynamics simulation tools, outstanding performance against aggressive targets was established even before the first prototype builds.  Detailed analysis has continued hand in hand with physical testing to accelerate the further development of the McLaren P1™. A dedicated team of McLaren engineers, technicians and racing drivers are running a fleet of XP-codenamed vehicles, around the clock in some of the most demanding conditions, and on roads and circuits across the globe. The rigorous testing procedures for the McLaren P1™ have seen the development team working closely with McLaren Automotive technology partners on bespoke components and developments, including Akebono on a highly-efficient braking system, Pirelli on high performance tyres and Mobil 1 on leading cooling, lubrication and hydraulic fluids. As all these activities converge on the final specification, a remarkable vehicle is emerging.  The McLaren P1™ is set to deliver truly outstanding road and track dynamics and performance, coupled with levels of driveability and refinement unprecedented in such a supercar. The obsession to detail which McLaren is known for carries through with the work being done by the McLaren P1™ development team. This fascination that everything should be designed for a reason has filtered down even to the striking camouflage being worn on the development cars. Designed in-house by the team behind the shape of the car, the graphic incorporates the outlines of famous circuits from across the world, each of which is significant in the history of the brand."
The race is now on for the McLaren P1™ ahead of the next public appearance… and tickets for that are going to fought over, for sure. Incredible stuff!

NEWS: Italian Debut For McLaren 12C Spider

You can almost here the Ferrari rioters mumbling now – as the news has broken that McLaren will be showcasing their new 12C Spider in Italy, at the 37th edition of the Bologna Motor Show, taking place 5-9 December. 

The new 12C has been developed alongside the MP4-12C as a ‘pure McLaren’ – and includes a revised 625PS 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, carbon fibre MonoCell and a fully automatic two-piece Retractable Hard Top (RHT) that can be raised or lowered in less than 17 seconds and on the move up to 30 km/h. 

McLaren say: "As with the mechanically identical 12C, the 12C Spider is a mid-engine two-seat rear-drive high performance sports car. Unlike rivals, it uses a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, the MonoCell. This confers major advantages in weight, strength and torsional rigidity – all improving handling, ride comfort and performance. The MonoCell is a unique one-piece moulded chassis that weighs just 75kgs (165lbs). It is 25 per cent stiffer than an equivalent all-metal structure and 25 per cent lighter than a comparable aluminium chassis (the difference with a steel chassis is even greater). It is also stronger and safer in a crash, acting as a safety survival cell, as it does in a Formula 1 car." 

And commenting on the Italian debut of the 12C Spider, Ado Fassina, Managing Director of McLaren Milan explained: "We are delighted to introduce such a prestigious sports car as the 12C Spider to the Italian market. It is a real satisfaction to see the McLaren range growing year after year, and we are confident that the introduction of new exciting models such as this, can reply to the needs of the fans in this exclusive sector."
Following the Bologna show, the 12C will be sold in Italy, in the face of Ferrari fans, only by Gruppo Fassina at McLaren Milan, located on Corse Sempione 34/2, 20154 Milano. Expect anti-McLaren riots there soon!

COMPETITION: Become an F1 Race Reporter @ Singapore GP!

Here's a cool competition offer – a chance to become a race reporter for F1 at the Singapore Grand Prix, brought to you by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Official Hotel Partner Hilton HHonors. The Facebook competition for UK-based GP bloggers runs until 19th August at: www.Facebook.com/HiltonHHonors. Entrants are being asked to submit a 250 words entry, along with a valid HHonors account number (signing up is complimentary), explaining why they would make an excellent Hilton HHonors team member and Grand Prix race reporter. Organisers say: "The lucky winner will be flown to Singapore and back for one of the Grand Prix season’s most exciting races. Over the four days, they will have a VIP experience and access to members of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team, getting as close as possible to the action. While acting behind the scenes, the winner will report on his or her personal blog and Twitter feed, which will be accessible via links on the Hilton HHonors social media channels. The winner will enjoy accommodation for four nights at the official Vodafone McLaren Mercedes host hotel, The Conrad Centennial Singapore, experiencing the same luxury and comfort as the team. And, prior to the race weekend, the winner will also have the chance to visit the Norman Foster-designed McLaren Technology Centre (MTC), in Woking, Surrey, to take an exclusive guided tour of the state-of-the art facility."
"Hilton HHonors is proud to launch a competition that recognises the time, effort and commitment that Grand Prix fans dedicate to their sport. The HHonors Grand Prix Race Reporter competition offers the most enthusiastic bloggers the opportunity to join us in Singapore and exercise their love of the race analysis – and of HHonors," said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, global customer marketing, Hilton Worldwide.
No purchase is required to enter the competition, which is open to Hilton HHonors members who are residents of the UK. Winners will be selected after the closing date on 19thAugust 2012. For additional information, visit www.hhonors.com/racing. To enter the competition, entrants must be Hilton HHonors members, to become a member visit HHonors.com. Membership is free.
Throughout the F1 race season, the HHonors Racing website, www.hhonors.com/racing is the ultimate pit stop for racing fans. The site provides a motorsport hub for race fans, delivering news, exclusive Hilton HHonors offers, features and twitter feeds from the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team and motorsport media.
Get involved bloggers!

Image by http://richardseymour.co.uk/

NEWS: Alain Prost Exhibition @ Goodwood FOS 2012

Goodwood's fabulous Festival of Speed, June 28th-July 1st, is drawing ever nearer – and top news this week is official time keepers, TAG Heuer (celebrating 80 years at the FOS also) will be staging "a unique and remarkable photographic exhibition" at the event dedicated to the legendary French racing driver, Alain Prost. Sounds great! Prost, whose outstanding career in Formula 1 resulted in 51 victories, 33 pole positions and 106 podium finishes between 1980 and 1993, became closely associated with TAG Heuer early in his F1 days driving for the TAG-sponsored McLaren team - with which he secured three of his four World Championship victories. Last year he returned to the fold of TAG Heuer ambassadors and one of his first, major roles has been to assist The Earl of March in curating the brand's inaugural Festival of Speed photographic exhibition, which tracks every milestone of Prost's path from schoolboy kart racer to the second most prolific Formula One winner in the sport's history. There will be over 100 great images on display. And speaking of fab images, our snapper pal, Richard Seymour will be covering the event for us with his unique, gifted style. Check out his work at: http://www.richardseymour.co.uk and his last ace FOS album in Road: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_5-shows
The 2012 Festival of Speed – with its theme of 'Young Guns – Born to Win' – will see a vast array of F1 cars and stars, offering its unique up-close-and-personal view on 2012 teams like McLaren, Lotus, Ferrari, Mercedes, Williams, Caterham, plus reigning Constructers World Champions Red Bull Racing, and faces including Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Mark Webber, Nico Rosberg, Bruno Senna, Sir Jackie Stewart, Martin Brundle, Murray Walker, Sir Frank Williams, Ron Dennis, Patrick Head, Ross Brawn, Christian Horner and Adrian Newey. Mega! 

Tickets and further information for the 2012 Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival can be found on the Goodwood website (www.goodwood.com/motor sport), or via the Ticket Hotline: +44 (0)1243 755055.
Follow Goodwood on Facebook:
Festival of Speed: http://www.facebook.com/festivalofspeed
Revival: http://www.facebook.com/goodwoodrevival
Or follow Goodwood on Twitter:
Festival of Speed: http://twitter.com/fosgoodwood
Revival: http://twitter.com/goodwoodrevival

Looks like another mega year for the UK's best car event. Look out for our report by Richard Seymour here on the blog, in the magazine (http://www.roadmagazine.co.uk) and our social media...