Road - McLaren - MkIII

Looking more like a hospital operating theatre than a car factory, the first customer-spec McLaren P1 rolled off the production line earlier today. McLaren also revealed some of the performance figures which places this car firmly in the ‘supercar’ category.

The McLaren P1 will accelerate from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.8 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 6.8 seconds, and 300 km/h (186 mph) in just 16.5 seconds, while braking from 100 km/h to zero is accomplished in 30.2 metres. Don’t just dismiss that figure lightly, give it some thought. 30 metres is just over the length of two artic trucks!

The 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 generates 916 PS (903 bhp) aided by a lightweight electric motor, and top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph).

The electric motor offers a range of 11 km (6.8 miles) in full electric mode and the quoted EU combined fuel consumption is 34.0 mpg – just in case you’re worried about running costs.

But here’s the thing. Under ever more strict Health & Safety Euro legislation, each car comes with a small plaque on the dashboard. This advises those owners who are hell-bent on exploiting the performance that should they be wearing a toupe they must place on hand on top of their head when braking or accelerating hard. Honest guv, would I tell you a fib?

They wouldn’t tell me the price!