Simply Abu Dhabi XI

ever production car on a racing circuit, a much more important technical statement, and far more relevant for on- road driving. It is a true test of a supercar’s all-round ability. Plus many owners will use the car on the circuit, at a special track and test days.” That, to me, really sums up McLaren’s approach in a nutshell. Now it may be because I’m British and thus a little old- fashioned, but I love the fact that this car hasn’t been built purely to beat a top speed set on a racetrack somewhere or to stamp someone else’s claimed 0-60mph figure into the dirt. It’s been conceived, designed and built to be the best all- round performing car for both road and track that McLaren could possibly build. The only standards to beat being the ones they set for themselves with every car that rolls out of their workshop. Anyway, enough speech-making and flag- waving! Let’s talk about how the P1 performs on the road. Setting off in hybrid mode the EV motor's ‘brain' monitors conditions 200 times a second to ensure the P1 strikes the perfect balance of deployment and recharging. In everyday terms, that means it can run on electric power alone for up to six miles. It will also cruise at 100mph in pure electric mode, recharging itself quickly enough to allow those lucky owners out for a Sunday drive in the country to meander through villages in silent EVmode before reengaging the twin-turbo V8 back on the open road. It’s a neat trick, but one I wouldn’t recommend to everyone. Can you imagine walking along one of those country roads, enjoying the silence broken only by birdsong, then suddenly coming face-to-face with an equally silent P1 bearing down on you at 100mph? Just a thought. Of course, once that mighty V8 kicks in, the P1 becomes another beast entirely, producing figures that show its true track credentials. With 903bhp on tap, it will hit 62 mph in less than three seconds, reach 186 mph in less than 17 seconds before hitting a claimed top speed of 217 mph. So take your choice. Silent running on environmentally friendly and economical electric power while you take in the beautiful views that nature provides. Or scream around the track at 200mph plus, while the V8 roars in your ears and the view becomes somewhat blurred. Whichever you favour, the P1’s split personality will take you there. 2 4 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I