McLaren Unveils P1 Supercar

McLaren Automotive says its carbon-fiber-bodied P1 supercar will generate more than 1,300 lbs of downforce five times that of its 12C supercar and far more than any other road car at velocities well below its 200-mph estimated top speed.

Much of the downforce, which contributes to high-speed cornering capabilities, will be developed by the car's large, active rear wing. McLaren publicly unveiled the P1 on Thursday at the Paris auto show.

The car's lofty goal is to be the world's best "driver's car" on and off the racetrack. McLaren plans to launch P1 production next spring and begin deliveries by late 2013. The company, which continues to dribble out details about the car, promises to reveal technical data when assembly begins.