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McLaren P15 Flagship Coming in 2017, Could Get Honda Hybrid Tech

Now that the McLaren P1 is sold out, the British company has already started working on the next model that will sit atop its range. It seems that McLaren’s next flagship is wearing the P15 internal code, with the vehicle set to arrive sometime in 2017.
McLaren P1 1 photo
Photo: McLaren
At the moment, the vehicle is still early into its development process, but, as Car and Driver reports, this will be full production model, not a limited run vehicle like the P1. Instead of the insanely expensive P1, which was offered for $1.15 million, McLaren will use a more down-to-earth approach, so the P15 should cost about half that amount.

For one thing, you can consider that the P15 will be slotted in between the P1 and the recently launched 650S. This will pit the supercar against machines such as the Lamborghini Aventador and the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, even though the flavor will be entirely different to that of the two Italian supercars. The distance will be greater than in the case of the 12C setting itself apart from the 458, for instance.

We’ll remind you that McLaren uses an interesting sharing strategy within its line-up. All current McLarens, including the upcoming P13 entry-level model, are built around two common elements: a carbon fiber tub and a powertrain comprising of at least a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. For instance, while the P1 adds electric power to that, the P13 will come with a downtuned version of the 3.8-liter engine.

The P15 will also use this as a starting point, but, like we said, it will not go as high as the P1. Nonetheless, Car and Driver reports that the P15 could get hybrid power, with the system being developed together with Honda. The argument that backs this speculation up is the fact that Honda will supply the power for McLaren’s F1 cars starting with the 2015 season.

In addition, Honda is now almost ready to offer us a new NSX, which has been confirmed to use a hybrid powertrain. Mind you, the NSX will mix a twin-turbo V6 with three electric motors. It is not all that likely to see this electric configuration in the P15, but this does stand as proof that Honda has the know-how to handle such a project.

Via: Car and Driver
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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