The first interior photos of the McLaren P1 GTR have been released, along with undisguised pictures of the car on test in Bahrain. Inspired by the company's 2008 Formula 1 championship-winning racer, the interior is designed to help the driver get the best out of the car.
Such is the strength of the 'MonoCage' chassis from the P1 road car there is no need for a conventional roll cage in the GTR. As a result there is no loss of interior space, which, along with standard air conditioning and ergonomically shaped racing seats, is one of the few concessions to interior comfort. The cockpit contains only the essentials with all the controls concentrated on the steering wheel for easy access.
Everything is designed to be operated by a driver in full race suit, helmet and gloves. Each P1 GTR will be built to suit its intended driver with the DTM-style seats mounted directly to the chassis - saving the weight of adjustable mountings.
McLaren's engineers, technicians and development drivers investigated the performance of the IPAS powertrain, handling balance on Pirelli slick tyres and the aerodynamic performance of the fixed wing and Formula 1-style Drag Reduction system. Work was carried out at the Bahrain International Circuit in the heat of the desert climate. It is reported that the P1 GTR met or exceeded all the targets set for the testing with more testing scheduled to take place in Europe through the winter.
Anything else?
P1 GTR customers will be enrolled in the 'McLaren P1 GTR driver programme'. As well as use of the car they will get access to certain 'off-limits' areas of the company's Technology Centre. A variety of facilities are available to help drivers get the best out of themselves and the car. Six events have been arranged for the first year each taking place at a Formula 1 circuit around the world. Drivers will get a race team including a driver coach and head engineer to work on the driver's technique and the set-up of the car.