McLaren P1 review - A worthy successor to the McLaren F1 - McLaren P1 design

McLaren says you 'wont find any needless ornaments or frivolous styling features' on the P1, and they're right. Every inch of its curvaceous bodywork seems to have been honed for no other purpose than aerodynamics and cooling, with a shrink-wrapped feel not dissimilar to that of the Lotus Elise.

As a range-topper and originator of styling cues that quickly found their way onto the 650S, the P1 also define's McLaren's range. You'll find some similarities on the brand's less expensive vehicles, but the P1's appearance is focused enough that it's instantly identifiable as something special.

It's also a shape that changes dramatically according to the driving mode you're using. Sitting idle, its wingless form looks clean, simple and attractive; activate the track-only Race mode and it hunkers down 50mm, arches barely clearing the tyres, and its vast spoiler rises from the rear deck.