Ruf CTR

The Ruf CTR (Group C, Turbo Ruf) also known as the CTR Yellowbird or simply Yellowbird, was a limited-production, high performance sports car manufactured by Ruf Automobile of Germany.

Introduced for the 1987 model year and based on the Porsche 911, the CTR featured an enlarged and highly tuned version of Porsche's 3.2 litre flat-six cylinder engine, lightened body panels, an integrated roll cage (adding chassis stiffness in addition to occupant safety), upgraded suspension and braking systems, a custom-designed transmission, and several unique trim pieces such as polyurethane bumpers, and the use of the side mounted oil filler (a Porsche feature for the 1972 MY only) necessitated by relocating the oil tank forward to clear the intercooler on that side.

The car received its nickname, "Yellowbird", during testing by Road & Track magazine, whose staffers noted the contrast created by its yellow paintwork against the overcast skies on the day of their photo shoot.[History

CTR2 engine view with Alois Ruf
The CTR (abbreviation of "Group C Turbo Ruf") was based on the 1987 911 Carrera 3.2 as opposed to the 930, Porsche's factory turbocharged version of the 911, a decision made because of the 3.2's slightly lower curb weight and drag coefficient. Factory body panels including the doors, hood and engine cover were replaced with aluminum pieces, helping to knock an additional 200 kg (441 lb) off the vehicle's factory curb weight. Shaved rain gutters to reduce drag, fiberglass front and rear bumpers and a pair of intake ducts on the rear flares to allow airflow to the intercoolers topped the list of body modifications. The rear arches were also increased in width very slightly to accommodate the larger Speedline wheels.

In addition to the lighter panels, considerable modifications were made to the engine, including boring the cylinders out to 98 mm (3.86 in) to increase displacement from 3.2 L; 193.1 cu in (3,164 cc) to 3.4 L; 205.5 cu in (3,367 cc), adding an uprated Bosch Motronic 2.1 fuel injection system, and switching to the ignition setup originally designed for the Porsche 962 race car. A specifically designed turbo system featuring large twin-turbochargers and twin intercoolers topped the engine work, bringing total output to 469 PS (345 kW; 463 bhp) at 5950 rpm and 553 N⋅m (408 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 5100 rpm. The sound from the blow-off valve was also curiously close to the chirp of a canary, helping the name "Yellowbird" stick.[citation needed]


Ruf CTR Yellowbird powerplant.
At the time, Porsche offered the 911 3.2 with a 5-speed manual transmission, but the 930 featured only a 4-speed transmission, chosen because it was the only unit manufactured by the company that could handle the turbocharged engine's high output. Not content with only four forward gears and unable to satisfactorily modify the 5-speed unit, Ruf chose to use a new five-speed transmission of their own design on the CTR, which also gave them full freedom to customize gear ratios. To ensure absolute control, an upgraded suspension system, 17 inch Ruf Speedline alloy wheels, 330 mm (13.0 in) diameter Brembo braking system, and Dunlop's Denloc system performance tires were used.

The company debuted the vehicle at the end of 1987 with pricing set at $223,000 per unit, although that number could vary depending on whether a given customer ordered their car directly from Ruf or brought in a unit purchased via dealer for conversion. Ruf made only 29 CTRs from chassis bought from Porsche; about 20-30 were built from customers' Carreras.[3]

Specifications
Ruf rated the CTR at 469 PS (345 kW; 463 hp) and 408 lb⋅ft (553 N⋅m) of torque. It is said that the power output of 469 PS (345 kW; 463 hp) was the lowest dynamometer reading of all the CTR engines tested while the average figure was closer to 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) or even higher.[3][4][2]

Much attention was given to aerodynamic considerations, with the body being de-guttered/seam welded and the use of filler panels for the door pillars and 935-style mirrors. Prototype models had NACA-style intercooler intake ducts over the rear fenders (later dropped, as it was discovered that air was pulled out, rather than in, at speed due to a low-pressure area), while later models had additional slots in the rear bumper corners for the air to exit.

Weighing in at 2,535 lb (1,150 kg), the CTR had a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration time of 3.65 seconds and a top speed in excess of 338 km/h (210 mph). Although the Porsche 959 was faster in terms of acceleration to 97 km/h (60 mph), the Yellowbird could outperform all competition when it came to top speed, topping out at 342 km/h (213 mph), a top speed that made it the fastest production car in the world at the time of its introduction.[3][5][6]

Technical specifications[7][8]
Engine configuration: Twin-turbocharged SOHC 2 valves per cylinder flat-six engine
Bore X Stroke: 98 mm × 74.4 mm (3.86 in × 2.93 in)
Displacement: 3,367 cc (3.4 L; 205.5 cu in)
Compression ratio: 7.5:1
Power: 469 PS (345 kW; 463 hp) at 5,950 rpm
Torque: 553 N⋅m (408 lb⋅ft) at 5,100 rpm
Redline: 6,800 rpm
Curb weight: 1,150 kg (2,535 lb)
Gearbox: 5-speed manual transmission (6-speed optional)
Tyres: 215/45ZR-17 front, 255/40ZR-17 rear
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive.
Performance

Interior

The Recaro seats in a CTR
The CTR could generally outperform most of the other high performance cars of the time, including the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach.[9] In addition, despite being slower than the Porsche 959 in accelerating from 0-60 mph (97 km/h), it could outperform the Porsche 959, Ferrari F40 and the Lamborghini Diablo accelerating from 0-160 km/h (99 mph) and attain a higher top speed.[2][6]

The CTR was also a highly competent track vehicle, and for several years it held the unofficial lap record at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife track.[10]

Test results by Autocar:

0–48 km/h (30 mph): 1.69 seconds [5]
0–97 km/h (60 mph): 3.65 seconds [5]
0–161 km/h (100 mph): 6.71 seconds [5]
0–241 km/h (150 mph): 14.59 seconds [5]
0–322 km/h (200 mph): 35.57 seconds [5]
Standing mile: 27.7 seconds at 304.34 km/h (189.11 mph) [5]
0–161–0 kph: 11.85 seconds [5]
0–322–0 kph: 47.20 seconds [5]
Test results by other magazines:

0–100 km/h (62 mph): 4.1 seconds [1]
0–200 km/h (124 mph): 10.5 seconds [11]
Standing 1/4 mile: 11.7 s at 215 km/h (133.5 mph)[9]
0–1,000 m: 20.9 seconds [1]
Top speed: 342 km/h (213 mph) [6]
Other Media
The Ruf CTR had its first appearance in April 1987 at the "World's Fastest Cars" contest held by American car magazine Road & Track where it was designated "The Fastest Production Car in the World". It did 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.0 seconds, 0-100 mph (161 km/h) in 7.3 seconds, 0-124.3 mph (200 km/h) in 10.5 seconds, ​1⁄4 mile (402 m) in 11.7 seconds at 133.5 mph (215 km/h) and reached a top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h), beating the competition by 10 mph (16 km/h). Paul Frère shouted "This is faster than I've ever gone in my life!" during a ride.[9][12][11]

In 1988, Auto motor und sport organized a high speed test at Nardò Ring where the Ruf CTR was the fastest reaching 342 km/h (213 mph), surpassing a Porsche 959 s (339 km/h (211 mph)), two Ferrari F40s (321 km/h (199 mph) each) and a Mercedes AMG 6.0 32V (288 km/h (179 mph)). At one point it achieved an unofficial 215 mph (346 km/h).[6][12]

In 1989, test driver Stefan Roser drove the CTR around the Nürburgring. The laps were captured on camera and released by Ruf in a video called "Faszination on the Nürburgring".[4]

In 2004, an old Ruf CTR was able to keep up with new supercars like Porsche Carrera GT, Enzo Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren at the Autocar 0-100-0 challenge and impressed the audience,[5] so did another one - with more than 100,000 kilometers on its odometer - at the Road & Track standing mile contest 2005. Steve Millen, after testing a CTR, stated: "That thing's a blast. It accelerates hard. It's a real old-school car with a lot of torque and power. Just awesome. What a rush. It pulled the whole way through."[13]

The Ruf CTR is a playable/drivable car in the video games "The Duel: Test Drive II", "Project Gotham Racing 3", "Project Gotham Racing 4", "Driver: San Francisco", "Forza Motorsport 4", "Forza Horizon", "Assetto Corsa", "Project CARS", and most of the "Gran Turismo" series games.

Successor
The CTR was succeeded in 1996 by the CTR2 based on Porsche's newer 993 Generation 911.

Revival

2017 Ruf CTR on display at the Geneva Motor Show
At the 87th Geneva Motor Show held from 9 to 19 March 2017, exactly 30 years after the original CTR was launched, Ruf presented a new model paying tribute to the original CTR. The new CTR utilises an in-house developed carbon fibre body bearing resemblance to a Porsche 964 along with an aluminium chassis resulting in a dry weight of 2,640 lb (1,197 kg). The car is not 911 based unlike the original CTR. The new CTR is powered by a 3.6-litre water cooled twin-turbocharged Flat-6 engine producing 700 hp (710 PS; 522 kW) at 6750 rpm and 880 N⋅m (649 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4000 rpm.[14] The car is capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in just under 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 360 km/h (224 mph). The car also sports retro components based off the original CTR such as the 'whale tail' rear wing, five-spoke wheels, interior and the steering wheel. Only 30 examples of the 2017 CTR will be produced with each car costing €750,000.[15]

Koenigsegg Agera RS (2015–2018)

Koenigsegg Agera RS (2015–2018)

Koenigsegg Agera RS at the Geneva Motor Show 2015
The Koenigsegg Agera RS was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, along with the prototype version of the Koenigsegg Regera. The Agera RS is an advanced version of the Agera R, implementing some of the new technology and features of the One:1 and combining the features of the Agera R and the Agera S.[23] Koenigsegg billed it as "the ultimate track tool" due to its lightweight features and track optimized technologies. The Agera RS produces 450 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. The 5.0-litre V8 engine now produces 865 kW (1,160 hp) on regular pump gasoline. The optional 1-megawatt package increases the engine's power to 1,000 kW (1,341 bhp). The Agera RS is limited to 25 units. Each Agera RS can be fully customized by its owner. Some of the customised versions of the Agera RS include: Agera RS Draken, Agera XS, Agera RS Gryphon, Agera RSR, Agera RS Naraya, Agera RS1 and Agera RS ML.

The last Agera RS rolled off the production line on 4 April 2018.[2

Koenigsegg One:1 (2014–2016)

Koenigsegg One:1 (2014–2016)

The Koenigsegg One:1 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Koenigsegg One:1 was presented at the March 2014 Geneva Motor Show.[21] Koenigsegg built six cars apart from the car presented at the Geneva Motor Show. All of which were already sold. Koenigsegg took two cars to the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where they were displayed alongside other hypercars such as the McLaren P1, the Ferrari LaFerrari, the Porsche 918 Spyder and the Pagani Huayra.

The car is fitted with a variant of the same 5.0 L twin-turbocharged V8 engine used in the other Agera variants. It generates a maximum power output of 1,360 PS (1,000 kW; 1,341 hp) at 7,500 rpm and 1,371 N⋅m (1,011 lb⋅ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm.[22] The transmission is a 7-speed dual clutch paddle shift as used in other variants of the Agera.

The name One:1 comes from the power-to-weight ratio (1,360 PS to 1360 kg) giving the car 1 PS per 1 kg weight. The 1,360 PS power output is the equivalent of one megawatt, which Koenigsegg claims makes the One:1 the 'world's first megacar'. The car is track focused as opposed to the previous cars made by Koenigsegg. Koenigsegg had to sacrifice a few things to be able to achieve their goal with the car. There is an airscoop on the removable roof and an extra set of radiators in the front compartment, so it would not have been possible to stow the roof in the boot like previous models. As such, Koenigsegg have taken advantage of this and modeled the front to create more downforce, which reduces boot capacity by 40%.

Koenigsegg Agera S (2013–2014)

Koenigsegg Agera S (2013–2014)

Koenigsegg Agera S
Koenigsegg presented the Agera S model in 2013. Built for markets lacking E85 biofuel, the Agera S has most of the upgrades of the Agera R compared to the normal Agera including the dynamic wing, but is optimized for running on low-octane gasoline generating a maximum power output of 1,044 PS; 768 kW (1,030 hp) and 1,100 N⋅m (811 lbf⋅ft) compared to the 973 PS; 716 kW (960 hp) and 1,100 N⋅m (811 lbf⋅ft) of an Agera R running on the same fuel.[18] In 2013, one Agera S was the 100th Koenigsegg ever produced, celebrated by a specially-built car with gold leaf inlays named "Hundra" (Swedish for hundred).[19]

On 10 June 2014, NAZA Swedish Motors launched the Agera S in Malaysia. It was the second Koenigsegg after the CCXR to arrive in the country, thus setting a new market for Koenigsegg. It was priced at RM5,000,000 before taxes and it was estimated that it will be priced at RM15,000,000 with government tax and duties—making it one of the most expensive cars in the country. The Agera S is the only model offered in Malaysia due to the absence of E85 biofuel there.[20]

Koenigsegg Agera R (2011–2014)

Koenigsegg Agera R (2011–2014)

Koenigsegg Agera R
The Agera R made its debut at the March 2011 Geneva Motor Show with a Speed Racer livery, and special Michelin tyres. It can accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 2.8 seconds and reach a theoretical top speed of 439 km/h (273 mph). The Agera R has a drag coefficient of Cd=0.37, or Cd=0.33 at high speed due to its adaptive rear wing, while producing 300 kg (660 lb) of downforce at 250 km/h (155 mph). This adaptive rear wing system is lighter than conventional hydraulic/electrical adaptive systems, and has the unique ability to compensate for head/tailwind due to its spring-loaded design. Furthermore, the pylons holding the wing play not only a role in the Agera R's aerodynamic performance, but also assist in extracting hot air from the engine bay.[10]

On 2 September 2011, during test sessions in Ängelholm, the Agera R broke six world land speed records for a production car, including 0–300 km/h (0–186 mph) in 14.53 seconds, and 0–300–0 km/h in only 21.19 seconds.[13] The braking performance required to maintain this record is enabled in part by the Agera's stability, demonstrated by Koenigsegg test driver and drivetrain technician Robert Serwanski, who was recorded by passenger Rob Ferretti (founder of the group "Super Speeders") braking from 300 km/h to 0 without holding the steering wheel.[14]

The Agera R can produce lateral cornering forces of 1.60 G,[15] due to a combination of mechanical balance and high levels of grip from the specially developed Michelin Supersport tyres.

The 2013 version of the Agera R premiered at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Upgrades included carbon fibre wheels, enhanced aerodynamics, and engine upgrades allowing the Agera R's twin-turbo V8 engine to produce 1,150 PS (1,134 hp; 846 kW) at 7,100 rpm and 1,200 N⋅m (885 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,100 rpm on E85 fuel.[16] Koenigsegg's Flex Fuel Sensor technology allows the ECU to respond to varying fuel qualities and alcohol content by reducing power levels as a means of protecting the engine. On standard low-octane fuels, power is reduced to 973 PS (716 kW; 960 hp).[15]

The Agera R was featured prominently in the Need for Speed franchise, prominently in Criterion Games' Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012), Ghost Games' Need for Speed Rivals (2013), and the 2014 film Need for Speed. It is also featured in the 2013 mobile game Real Racing 3. All the three Agera R's featured in the film Need for Speed were replicas.[17]

The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4

The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 

The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined sports car, designed and developed in Germany by the Volkswagen Group and manufactured in Molsheim, France, by Bugatti. It was named after the racing driver Pierre Veyron.

The original version has a top speed of 407 km/h (253 mph).[5][6] It was named Car of the Decade and best car award (2000–2009) by the BBC television programme Top Gear. The standard Bugatti Veyron also won Top Gear's Best Car Driven All Year award in 2005.

The Super Sport version of the Veyron is recognised by Guinness World Records as the fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a top speed of 431.072 km/h (267.856 mph).[7] The roadster Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse version is the fastest roadster in the world, reaching an averaged top speed of 408.84 km/h (254.04 mph) in a test on 6 April, 2013.[8][9]

The Veyron's chief designer was Hartmut Warkuss and the exterior was designed by Jozef Kabaň of Volkswagen, with much of the engineering work being conducted under the guidance of engineering chief Wolfgang Schreiber. The Veyron includes a sound system designed and built by Burmester Audiosysteme.[10]

Several special variants have been produced. In December, 2010, Bugatti began offering prospective buyers the ability to customise exterior and interior colours by using the Veyron 16.4 Configurator application on the marque's official website.[11][12] The Bugatti Veyron was discontinued in late 2014.

Porsche 918 Spyder

The Porsche 918 Spyder is a mid-engined plug-in hybrid sports car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Porsche.[3] The Spyder is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.6 L (4,593 cc) V8 engine, developing 608 PS (447 kW; 600 bhp) at 8500 rpm, with two electric motors delivering an additional 210 kW (286 PS; 282 bhp) for a combined output of 887 PS (652 kW; 875 bhp) and 1,280 N⋅m (944 lbf⋅ft) of torque.[4][5] The 918 Spyder's 6.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivers an all-electric range of 19 km (12 mi) under the US Environmental Protection Agency's five-cycle tests.[1]

Production began on September 18, 2013, with deliveries initially scheduled to begin in December 2013, and a starting price of ~ €611,000 (US$845,000 or GB£511,000).[6][7][8] The 918 Spyder was sold out in December 2014 and production ended in June 2015.[9]

The 918 Spyder was first shown as a concept at the 80th Geneva Motor Show in March 2010.[6] On July 28, 2010, after 2,000 declarations of interest, the Supervisory board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, approved series development of the 918 Spyder.[10] The production version was unveiled at the September 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.[11] Porsche also unveiled the RSR racing variant of the 918 at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, which combines hybrid technology first used in the 997 GT3 R Hybrid, with styling from the 918 Spyder.[12] The 918 Spyder was the second plug-in hybrid car from Porsche, after the 2014 Panamera S E-Hybrid.[13]

McLaren SLR

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

In 1999, McLaren agreed to design and manufacture the SLR in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz. DaimlerChrysler was the engine supplier to McLaren Racing through its Mercedes-Benz division. The final stages of production of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren took place at a designated assembly facility at the McLaren Technology Centre.

The SLR featured a 5.5 litre supercharged V8 engine that produced 626 bhp (467 kW; 635 PS). It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and 0 to 100 mph (0–161 km/h) in 6.3 seconds.

In 2006, the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 Edition was announced. The "722 Edition" produced 650 bhp (480 kW; 660 PS), with a top speed of 340 kilometres per hour (210 mph) (6 km/h more than the standard SLR). A new suspension is used with 19-inch (480 mm) light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and 0.4 inches (10 mm) lower body.

In 2007, the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Convertible was announced, which has been available from late 2007. The car uses the same supercharged 5.5 litre V8 that is in the coupé.

A limited edition called the SLR Stirling Moss was introduced. The car was the final SLR produced and a tribute to Stirling Moss. Beneath the scissor-doors is a plaque with Moss' signature on it.

McLaren 12C

12C (Coupe & Spider)

McLaren 12C

Formally known as the McLaren MP4-12C, the McLaren 12C was the first production car wholly designed and built by McLaren since the McLaren F1. Launched in 2011, nearly two years since the car’s final design by Design Director Frank Stephenson was unveiled in September 2009, the 12C features a carbon fibre MonoCell chassis.

A convertible version of the car, the MP4-12C Spider was later renamed the McLaren 12C Spider in 2012. The 75 kg ‘MonoCell’ required no additional strengthening for the Spider model. The result is a sports car almost identical to its fixed roof equivalent in performance terms, and weighing only 40 kg more with the addition of a convertible roof system.

With the roof raised, the area under the tonneau can be used for storing more luggage and provides 52 litres of additional storage space.

McLaren F1

McLaren F1

Standard McLaren F1 with all user accessible compartments opened.
In 1988, McLaren took the decision to expand from Formula One and design and build what it described as “the finest sports car the world has ever seen”.[28] In March 1990 the team that was to create the F1 came together for the first time and three years later, in December 1993 the first production car was born. Even by today’s standards, the McLaren F1 road car is considered by many to be one of the greatest road cars of all time.[29]

McLaren F1 was the world’s first carbon fibre road car featuring the Formula 1 inspired monocoque weighing only 100 kilograms.[30] The car also defined the McLaren road car DNA: low weight, clever packaging, superb quality and innovative design, resulting in an outstanding driving experience.[31] The revolutionary central driving position was designed for visibility and no compromise on control positions for the driver.

The F1 was launched in 1994, and over the course of the next four years 64 F1, 5 F1 LM and 3 F1 GT road cars were produced, together with 28 F1 GTR race cars. Six additional prototypes were also manufactured.

In 1994, after pressure from owners, McLaren developed a racing version of the F1 road car to run in the FIA GT1 category in the 1995 season. Despite a design and development period of just 3 months, the F1 GTR won the 1995 GT1 Championship, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans on its debut where it finished in 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th places. The F1 GTR secured for McLaren a unique position in motor racing history, as the only manufacturer to win all of the Formula 1 World Championship, the Indianapolis 500 and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Production of the McLaren F1 ended in 1998. In August 2015, Sotheby’s auctioned off a 1998 McLaren F1 for a reported £9 million, underlining the F1’s status as one of the great motoring icons.[32]

McLaren M6GT

McLaren M6GT

The McLaren M6GT project started when Bruce McLaren decided to enter Le Mans endurance racing in the late 1960s. The plan was to take an M6 Can-Am car and develop a coupe body that would be competitive in long distance racing. Regulations at the time required that a minimum of fifty cars be manufactured. However, homologation problems led to the project being abandoned.

Having always harbored an ambition to build his own road car, Bruce McLaren wanted to turn the project into the ultimate road car. He wanted to build the fastest and quickest accelerating car in the world, using expertise developed on the racetrack to create the definitive road-going sports car. In early 1970, McLaren began work on the GT to use it on the road to find out what problems the design would have to overcome.

Together with chief designer Gordon Coppuck, McLaren planned to refine the prototype, eventually aiming to produce up to 250 cars per year. Only two M6 GTs were ever built — the original prototype and a second built by a coach-building company called Trojan. The original prototype became Bruce's personal transportation, and remained so until his death at Goodwood 1970.

McLaren Senna

McLaren Senna

The latest addition to The Ultimate Series by McLaren is named after the late Brazilian driver and three times Formula 1 world champion, Ayrton Senna. McLaren and the Instituto Ayrton Senna made an agreement that granted McLaren the rights to the Senna family name. The organization and McLaren made the name exclusive to the car only thus, no other company can use the name at all.

The main focus for the McLaren Senna is quick lap times, as noted by its aerodynamic and lightweight design.[25]

The Senna is largely based on the 720S, using modified versions of its carbon fibre monocoque and twin-turbocharged engine. The Senna is powered by a modified version of the 720S' 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine dubbed the M840TR, with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that drives all 789 hp (588 kW; 800 PS) and 590 lb⋅ft (800 N⋅m) to the rear wheels and the rear wing made 800 kg of downforce which 200 kg more than P1.[26][27] Unlike the previous iteration, the Senna does not use an electric motor, as the car already weighs very little, at 1,198 kg (2,641 lb), allowing for a power-to-weight ratio of 658 hp (491 kW; 667 PS) per ton.[26] This allows for a 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h). Only 500 units will be produced, with all of them already sold out.

McLaren P1 GTR

McLaren P1 GTR

To celebrate 20 years since their victory in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, McLaren announced that they would resurrect the GTR name by launching a track-only version of the P1, the McLaren P1 GTR. The concept car made its debut at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the P1 GTR production model was officially unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. It is available only to existing McLaren P1 customers.

The McLaren P1 GTR has been modified from the road-going McLaren P1. The front track is 80mm wider and the car sits 50mm lower to the ground on centre-locking 19-inch motorsport alloy wheels.

The lightweight windscreen from the McLaren P1 road car has been retained, while the side windows of the P1 GTR are motorsport-specification polycarbonate with a sliding ‘ticket window’ on the driver’s side. The chemically toughened glass panel in the roof has been replaced with carbon fibre to give the cabin a more enclosed, cocooned environment, as has the engine bay cover. The weight saving measures on the McLaren P1 GTR combine to strip out 50 kg over the road-going model.

Significant updates and modifications to the IPAS powertrain have also been made with significant focus on track performance. The McLaren P1 GTR integrates a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine with an enhanced lightweight electric motor. Combined, they generate 1,000PS (986 hp); 800PS (789 hp) is produced by the petrol engine, and 200PS (197 hp) available from the electric motor.

McLaren P1 GTR owners have an opportunity to become a member of the McLaren P1 GTR Programme. The programme offers full access to the know-how and resources available at McLaren and is designed to hone and optimize driving skills. It offers drivers insight into the steps McLaren race drivers take after signing for the team and teaching them how to get the best of themselves and th

McLaren P1

McLaren P1

The McLaren P1 debuted in production form at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. According to McLaren their ultimate objective was to create the best driver’s car in the world on road and track.[23] The last of the limited run of 375 McLaren P1 supercars was delivered to its customer in December 2015.[24]

The McLaren P1 uses an IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) petrol-electric powertrain comprising a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, coupled to a single electric motor, collectively known as M838TQ. Combined power output is 916 PS (903 hp). As important as absolute power is the electric motor provides instant torque and offers a range of 11 km (6.8 miles) in full electric mode on the NEDC cycle, which sees emissions drop to zero. In non-electric mode, the P1 returns 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100 km) on the EU combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 194 g/km.

Top speed is limited to 217 mph (349 km/h), with a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 2.8 seconds. The McLaren P1 will power from rest to 200 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and on to 300 km/h in 16.5 seconds – 5.5 seconds quicker than the McLaren F1.

The McLaren P1 features a bespoke braking system developed with Akebono. The specially formulated carbon ceramic discs, coated in silicon carbide, bring the McLaren P1 to a halt from 62 mph (100 km/h) in a distance of 30.2 metres.

Two areas of Formula 1 technology evident on the McLaren P1 include IPAS (Instant Power Assist System), a development of KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) used on Formula 1 cars, and DRS (Drag Reduction System), used to give extra power and straight-line speed at the touch of a button. Similar to Formula 1 cars, the McLaren P1 is made entirely of light-weight carbon fibre.

In addition, the McLaren P1 also features adjustable ride height as part of the new hydro-pneumatic suspension. A RaceActive Chassis Control (RCC) can lower the car by 50mm in Race mode, to produce ground effect aerodynamics.

The McLaren P1 name is also inspired by Formula 1. P1 refers to ‘first place’ or ‘position one’. The name, historically, can also trace back to the McLaren F1 - initially known internally within McLaren as Project 1, or P1.

McLaren 720S

McLaren 720S

At the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, McLaren released their latest car in the Super Series lineup, the 720S. Powered by a 4.0 twin turbo V8, a much developed version of their original 3.8, its 720PS (710BHP) and 568 ft.-lb of torque propels it from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, up to 124 mph in 7.8 seconds, onto a top speed of 212 mph. It retains the carbon fibre tub from the McLaren range. It weighs an approximate 1,419 kg (3,128 lbs).

The 720S is on sale and vehicles are expected to be delivered in May 2017 at an expected price of £208,600.[22]

McLaren 675LT

McLaren 675LT

The McLaren 675LT was launched at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show[17] and is the first modern McLaren to wear the LT (’Longtail’) badge. It takes inspiration from the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ that debuted during the 1997 race season. According to McLaren, ‘focus on outright performance, weight reduction, and ultimate levels of driver engagement’ define a ‘Longtail’.[18] Embodying the ‘Longtail’ ethos, McLaren have focused on reducing the weight, optimizing aerodynamics and increasing downforce to generate more performance on the track[19] just as with the original ‘Longtail’ F1 GTR.

McLaren’s aim with the 675LT was to create the most track-focused road legal model in the Super Series. To achieve this, McLaren reduced the weight by 100 kg to 1,230 kg[20] through an increased use of carbon fibre and lighter components. With a newly developed M838TL 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the 675LT achieves a top speed of 330 km/h, sprinting from 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.9 seconds.[20]

The 675LT is fitted with adjustable settings for both Handling and Powertrain though the Active Dynamics Panel rotary switches. The Sport and Track settings are uniquely calibrated to the 675LT with the track experience in mind.

The car has been designed with a focus on track use and features P1-inspired carbon fibre grearshift paddles mounted on a rocker behind the steering wheel.

In December the 675LT was joined by a Spider variant. Both Coupé and Spider guises were limited to only 500 units globally.

In 2016, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) created a very limited high-performance version of the 675LT called, "HS," or High Sport. The HS has the same 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the regular 675LT; however, it is tuned to generate 679 bhp and 516 lb.ft of torque. The body of the HS features more aggressive aerodynamics, including a fixed wing and canards. To save weight, a number of components were crafted using lighter materials such as carbon fiber and titanium.[21] Only 25 cars were produced, each being bespoke to the owner.

McLaren 650S

650S (Coupé & Spider)

McLaren 650S

The McLaren 650S was launched in 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show and is available in both Coupé and Spider derivatives. Both the Coupé and Spider models feature the same 3.8-litre twin-turbo M838T V8 engine, producing 647 bhp and 500 lb-ft (678 Nm) of torque. However, because of the Spider's higher weight (1,370 kg versus 1,330 kg of the coupé), the performance numbers are a bit different. According to the manufacturer the coupé accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.0 seconds and 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.4 seconds with a maximum speed of 333 km/h (207 mph). On the other hand, the Spider, again according to the manufacturer, reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.0 seconds and 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 329 km/h (204 mph). The 650S features a range of Formula 1 inspired technologies such as a carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, optimized powertrain, braking and suspension systems, mid-engine architecture, carbon ceramic brake discs, and active aerodynamics.

With McLaren’s design ethos of “form follows function”[16] in mind, the 650S design is inspired by the McLaren P1 which results in more downforce generated by the vehicle.