Before McLaren officially unveiled its “Senna” hypercar, previously known as “P15,” images of the vehicle were shared on social media by attendees at the company’s winter ball in 2017. Now, rather than unclear Twitter snapshots, we have high-quality images from their press release, along with detailed specifications for the eagerly awaited car. The Senna is classified within McLaren’s “Ultimate Series,” previously represented solely by the P1 and its variants. Named after the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, whose remarkable career is the subject of an award-winning documentary, this vehicle certainly carries a prestigious name.
First things first: let’s address availability. Even with a price tag of £750,000 (over $1 million USD), prospective buyers will not secure a Senna unless they have already been contacted by the company based in Woking.
The Senna shares some design elements with the exquisite 720S and is touted by McLaren as having the stiffest monocoque chassis among all its road-legal cars while remaining one of the lightest at a weight of 2,641 pounds (1,198 kilograms) minus driver and fluids.
Powered by a 4.0-liter dry-sump V8 engine, the M840TR generates an impressive 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its twin-scroll turbochargers. This makes it the most powerful internal combustion engine ever featured in a McLaren road car. This exceptional power coupled with a lightweight frame results in a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 598 horsepower per ton, just shy of the hybrid Ferrari LaFerrari.
To handle such immense power without losing control, the Senna is equipped with advanced active aerodynamics and a hydraulic suspension system. The aerodynamics were developed with such detail that they influenced the car’s design in ways that some might view as less than ideal. Featuring a dual-element rear wing, which measures 48 inches above the ground at its tallest point, the design works in tandem with a single-piece double diffuser to enhance rear stability even during aggressive acceleration. A robust front splitter aids in maintaining traction at the front end, regardless of the driver’s maneuvers with the car’s electro-hydraulic steering.
Access to the cockpit is gained via dihedral doors, reminiscent of the McLaren F1. Constructed from carbon fiber, except for the windows—which can be swapped for carbon fiber panels if desired—the doors provide limited storage capacity, featuring a small compartment behind the passenger seat designed to hold a couple of helmets and Nomex suits. The steering wheel is devoid of buttons, with controls limited to paddles that operate the car’s seven-speed seamless shift transmission, which can be utilized in automatic mode or manually by the driver.
Inside, the Senna’s cabin, adorned with either Alcantara or leather, ensures a unique auditory experience, with McLaren noting that the low-frequency sounds are transmitted through specially designed engine mounts, creating an immersive environment for occupants.
For braking, the Senna utilizes advanced carbon-ceramic disc brakes considered the most sophisticated ever installed in a McLaren road car. These systems work alongside Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires mounted on single-lug alloy wheels derived from motorsport technology to prevent wheel lock during hard braking.
McLaren plans to showcase the Senna to the public at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2018..
