On December 6 2013, more than a month later, McLaren issues another press release which, in finely chosen terms, affirms that the last objective of the P1 has been achieved: a sub 7 minutes lap time on the Nordschleife. The lap time in question is however not communicated. Instead, McLaren writes that “an average speed in excess of 178 km/h (111 mph) [is] necessary to achieve the required lap time around the 20.8km (13 mile) circuit“. This short video is published as well:

An average speed of more than 178 km/h (but logically less than 179 km/h) sends us chasing decimals. Over a 20830 meter distance, arithmetics dictate that an average speed of at least 178.96 km/h is required to clock 6’59″00, or 419 seconds.

McLaren will most likely neither communicate nor document the P1 lap time over the Nordschleife. This lap time is probably less advantageous in PR terms than Porsche’s communication, even if, ironically, the average speed resulting from 6.57″ over 20’600m is 177.8 km/h, lower than the “in excess of 178 km/h” from McLaren. The Porsche 918 Spyder and the McLaren P1 are fantastic automobiles which apply kinetic energy recovery  systems and hybrid powertrains to achieve extreme performance. Such technological prowess deserves respect, more so than the performance of each manufacturers communication department. One can argue on the secondary importance of such lap times for the targeted customership, the intrinsic attractiveness of these halo cars or the impact on larger audiences. However, if the marketing message is built on lap times claims, these figures ought to be transparent and honest.  We look forward to Ferrari completing the development of the LaFerrari and joining the fray.

Links

Porsche 918 Spyder forum topic –  McLaren P1 forum topic – the list of tests – recent or related articles: