New development pics of the McLaren P1

McLaren is just being cruel. Fresh from teasing us mercilessly at last year's Paris Motor Show with the very lovely and very orange P1 concept, they've just released new pictures of a camouflaged P1 undergoing testing. And it looks great.

Better, in fact, than the orange concept we saw last year. McLaren informs us that, in case we had forgotten - what with the plethora of new metal heading your way this year - they're still developing and testing what will surely become one of the finest cars of recent memory, especially if the MP4-12C is any standard bearer.

And tantalisingly, not much more information has been revealed. We're told that McLaren is working with Akebono to build a "highly-efficient braking system", Pirelli for the tyres, and Mobil 1 on cooling, lubrication and hydraulic fluids.

The company has marshalled its army of racing drivers and engineers to run a fleet of ‘XP' codenamed P1s "around the clock in some of the most demanding conditions, on roads and circuits across the globe".

We'll let you know more as soon as McLaren stops stroking its white cat of supercar domination. What we do know of course, is the upcoming P1 will feature a power-to-weight ratio of 600bhp per tonne, which is more than its predecessor. It also uses the MP4-12C's wheelbase and carbon tub, along with a KERS system too.

And this being McLaren, you can expect mind-blowing levels of aerodynamic trickery going on. The P1 will generate over 600kg of downforce, have a drag coefficient of 0.34Cd, and is equipped with a very lovely rear wing (which you can see above).

Just 500 will be built. Start saving.

Vijay Pattni