As McLaren Automotive attended its first international motor show, a huge crowd gathered on the first evening of the Paris show to see Ron Dennis unveil the new P1 for the first time. Reaction from the general public is predictably positive, but designers we’ve spoken to seem to share our opinion that the new form language – derived from the organic shapes of aero-influenced F1 cars – is not as successful as we’d hoped.
The overall form of the car is certainly dramatic and there’s little doubt that the car will make a staggering impression on the road, but on the show stand and in a not-so-complementary metallic burnt orange color and without visible interior or engine, the P1 seems like it’s trying a bit too hard.
The various scoops and cut-outs – especially the lacquered carbon side scoop – seem to distract from what is an otherwise sinuous, sexy, and original volume.
The impossibly low rear end sets it apart from any rivals it might have, while the tail lights that weave their way along the edge of the impossibly curvy engine venting are a great detail. For the most part, the details are the stars of the show here, with this prototype even having a bespoke titanium number plate. Not all are successful, however. The faux DLO graphic in particular is the very definition of form not following function, a far cry from McLaren’s usual no-nonsense approach.
Because the car was shown without access to the interior and engine bay, which meant many blocked-off exhaust outlets and vents, we’re going to withhold final judgement on the car until all is revealed in Geneva next March. Until then, we’ll let you enjoy a few photos and judge for yourselves.
Drew Meehan
