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In 2013 there was a disruption in the car industry as three of the largest supercar producers in the world butted heads to prove that they had created the greatest next-generation hypercar.
McLaren came out strong with the Mclaren P1, a 903 hp, 1.1 million dollar hypercar. This machine does 0-60 in 2.8 seconds and thunders on to a top speed of 217 mph. Designed to be the successor to the legendary Mclaren F1, the P1 had large shoes to fill and did not disappoint at all. With exposed carbon all over the interior of the vehicle, a RaceActiv Chassis Control Suspension system, and lightweight seats, the Mclaren designers spared no expense in the design and production of the P1.
The next brand to follow was Porsche. Porsche had not released a hypercar since the Carrera GT and with the Carrera’s reputation as one of the most raw and powerful cars of its time, it would sure be hard to top. But somehow they did it. Porsche released the 918 Spyder, a work of art with 887 hp, 0-60 in 2.4 seconds, a 214 mph top speed with one of the most beautiful exhaust notes you will ever hear in a car. The 918 was also responsible for beating the 7 minute lap time barrier on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, which is no simple task. Structured around a carbon-fiber monocoque, the 918 was supposed to check off every box that a car-lover had.
Finally, the third member of the Holy Trinity is the gorgeous Ferrari LaFerrari. Any car named after the brand itself has to be absolutely insane, and the LaFerrari is no exception. Covering the quarter mile in less than 10 seconds, producing 949 hp and going from 0-60 in less than 3 seconds are only some of the boxes Ferrari’s fastest road car ever ticks. With arguably one of the greatest racing heritages of all time, Ferrari spared no penny in bringing some of that racing credential to the streets but of course, it will set you back a considerable amount. Nowadays the car sells for millions of dollars and there were only 499 copies ever made.
Although these stats are very impressive by themselves, there is one stat that all of these cars have in common that I have not yet mentioned. All of them have a hybrid motor. The Mclaren P1’s 3.8L V8 is supplemented by a single electric motor that creates 120 kW of power. Porsche incorporates a very interesting technology known as a “wheel-hub motor”. This motor was actually developed by Porsche’s founder Ferdinand Porsche in the late 1800s but is still used in the 918. The wheel-hub motor and its promise in the future of the automotive industry will be discussed in a later article. But in this case, Porsche utilizes two motors, one on each axle to provide the 918 with instant torque and extra power. Finally, the LaFerrari uses a HY-KERS 120 kW electric motor to deliver another 160 hp.
The impact of these vehicles as well as a deeper analysis into the hybrid power systems these vehicles use will be presented in an upcoming article.
Also, if you want to hear the beautiful engine noises of these hypercars feel free to use the links below:
LaFerrari: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nix7WsdWZIc
Sources:
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