[LRHunter]

I'm absolutely thrilled about the upcoming launch of the McLaren P18! From everything we've heard so far, it sounds like McLaren is pushing the boundaries of design and performance once again. The P18 seems poised to be a real game-changer, possibly even eclipsing the P1 in terms of innovation and driving experience. Here’s what I’m particularly excited about:

1. Advanced Aerodynamics: Can't wait to see the cutting-edge aero features McLaren has developed for this hypercar. It's always fascinating to see how they balance downforce and drag.
2. Lightweight Materials: McLaren’s expertise in carbon fiber is unmatched, and I’m eager to see how they’ve reduced weight even further with the P18.
3. Hybrid Powertrain: The blend of electric and combustion power is bound to offer insane acceleration and efficiency. I’m curious about the new tech they might introduce here.
4. Track Performance: McLarens are known for their track capabilities, and I’m expecting the P18 to set new benchmarks in lap times and driving dynamics.
5. Design Aesthetics: The design language of McLaren has always been stunning, and I’m excited to see how the P18's form will follow its function.

It’s going to be exciting to see it take its place in McLaren's lineup and, of course, on the track. Anyone else counting down the days until we get more details?

All very cool things, but the one thing nearly every manufacturer is missing these days is amazing sound. IMO I'd take a car that was a little slower, but sounded amazing, than cutting edge hybrid performance that (on paper) is the fastest thing ever.

Here's hoping that the P18 has done something amazing as far as engine sound goes.

 

[LRHunter]

Yep, I've looked at building a road car with a Judd before, but that rebuild interval would be brutal.

 

[LRHunter]

McLaren Uno

 

[LRHunter]

Fiat have that!

Of course! Damn it!

 

[LRHunter]

I’ll reserve judgement until I see the official release. Those renders are not attractive to me at all.

 

[LRHunter]

Not really moved by the design but the specs and engineering in this is insane. Bravo McLaren

I agree with this. It's definitely better than the renders, but the design certainly doesn't "wow" me like the P1 did. It doesn't look bad, even good, but not great.

The specs on paper are amazing though.

 

[LRHunter]

One detail I really like is how the side mirrors are integrated into that vertical fin of the air duct behind the front wheel. I really like stuff like that vs just bolted on to the side of the car.

 

[LRHunter]

It's not ugly. I agree it doesn't look as good as a P1, but things have changed since the P1. It has to compete with the latest hypercars which make much more use of aero, which means that to compete, the aero has to be prioritized over form. I think it looks a lot better than the Merc, all the K-eggs, and the latest Lambos. It doesn't look as good as Pagani, but Pagani aren't chasing ultimate performance as this car is. The only car in its performance bracket that I think looks better is the Valkyrie, but my guess is that it's going to piss all over the AM when it comes to usability, comfort and reliability.

I get the aero thing, but I still see issues with the design. The front has a lot more angular elements, while the rear is more organic. It's a little disjointed to my eye in that regard. And typically McLaren has made more organic "flowing" designs. I just think for $2M it should look better.

For example, as I mentioned before, one detail I really like about the W1 is how the side mirrors integrate into the vertical fin in the vent/air outlet behind the front wheels. That is very cool to me, and I love how that fin flows into the side mirror.

But then you have the lower front vents and headlights that have a bunch of angular elements to them. It doesn't look bad, but I just wish they carried things like the fin/mirror/flowing design throughout the whole car.