Skip to main content

Passing the torch: The McLaren P1 GTR hits the track with its inspiration, the iconic F1 GTR

McLaren P1™ GTR meets the iconic McLaren F1 GTR - Geneva preview
Did the reveal of McLaren’s P1 GTR, the 986 horsepower track-only variant of the P1 hypercar make you long romantically to see the F1 GTR that inspired it in action once again? wouldn’t it be kinda neat to see the two of them side by side on the track to see how things have changed over the years? Indeed it would be… and McLaren knows this, so that’s exactly what they did.

In anticipation of its Geneva debut, McLaren has released a video of exactly what we want to see. No talking, no erratic editing, just some footage of both cars ripping up the track and overtaking each other.

The P1 GTR takes the regular (if you can call it that) P1 and builds upon it to make it a track-attacking race car that puts out 789 horsepower from its 2.8-liter twin turbo V8 which works in conjunction with the 187 hp cranked out of its electric motor. This power is housed within a lighter P1 body with aerodynamic improvements found throughout its surfaces, not the least of which is a fixed wing that sits 400 millimeters above the rear bodywork, increasing downforce.

McLaren P1 GTR
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As for the classic McLaren, the F1 GTR chassis #06R was the race version of the legendary McLaren F1 that ran in the BPR series back in 1995. This car houses a naturally aspirated 6-liter BMW V12 engine that produced around 600 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. The Harrods livery is aped by the P1 GTR in tribute to the car’s heritage.

Both cars look stunning on their own, and each represent amazing, if not vastly different advances in racing performance. We’ll see much more of the P1 GTR in the future, particularly after its Geneva Auto Show debut. If anything, we’re thrilled that this debut gave McLaren the chance to roll the F1 GTR out of the garage once more and put the collection piece back on the track where it belongs.

Editors' Recommendations

Alexander Kalogianni
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Alex K is an automotive writer based in New York. When not at his keyboard or behind the wheel of a car, Alex spends a lot of…
Mercedes-Benz G580 first drive: old-school off-roader goes electric
2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 from three quarter view.

American car buyers mostly know Mercedes-Benz as a luxury brand. But for decades, the automaker has also produced the tough, rugged G-Class (also known as the Geländewagen or G-Wagen), an SUV not afraid to get its leather upholstery muddy. And now, this iconic Mercedes is going electric.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology — the final name of the SUV previously known as the EQG — isn’t the first electric off-roader. The Rivian R1S and R1T and GMC Hummer EV have proven that electric powertrains and off-roading are a great combination. But the electric G-Wagen is different because it’s based on an internal-combustion model — and a very traditional one at that.

Read more
Honda believes hydrogen semi trucks will make the case for fuel cells
Honda hydrogen fuel-cell semi truck.

Honda remains committed to hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, but the market for those vehicles remains limited. So Honda is looking at other uses for fuel cells -- including commercial trucks.

To show how that could work, Honda converted a semi truck to fuel-cell power, replacing its diesel engine with three fuel-cell modules. Together, the three modules produce a combined 321 horsepower, and can propel the truck to a top speed of 70 mph. There's enough onboard hydrogen storage capacity for a 400-mile range with a full load, Honda claims.

Read more
Mercedes-Benz G580 vs Rivian R2: Is the much cheaper Rivian actually better?
2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 from three quarter view.

Mercedes-Benz has finally taken the wraps off of the new "Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology." Yeah, it's a mouthful, but it's basically a new electric G-Wagon. It looks a lot like the G-Wagon you know and love, but with an electric powertrain and a battery. It's not the only electric SUV out there, however, and there are some great ones -- like the Rivian R2.

Both the Mercedes G580 and the Rivian R2 have a lot going for them, but they also approach the electric SUV slightly differently. Is one better than the other? I put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The approach that the two vehicles take to design is quite different -- and you might like one better than the other.

Read more