Carbon Fibre Monocoque w/Front Upper Sub Frame, Active Aerodynamics
Brake types :
Unassisted Vented & Crossdrilled Discs
Steering :
Unassisted Rack & Pinion
Front brake size :
332 mm / 13.1 in
Front tires :
Goodyear F1 P235/45ZR-17
Rear brake size :
305 mm / 12.0 in
Rear tires :
Goodyear F1 P315/45ZR-17
Performance
Top speed :
386.4 kph / 240.1 mph
60-0 braking :
N/A
0-60 mph :
3.2 seconds
Lateral Acceleration :
N/A
0-100 mph :
6.7 seconds
EPA city / Hwy :
16 mpg
0-¼ mile :
11.6 seconds
Article:
The idea of creating the ultimate and most exciting road car was conceived as early as 1988. Following a meeting of minds led by designer Gordon Murray, McLaren declared its intention to build the F1 using technology generated in its Formula One racing program, “regardless of cost.”
The result was a most sensational combination of styling and performance. The car featured a 60–degree, 6.1–liter V12 engine with four valves per cylinder and continuous variable inlet valve timing. The dry sump magnesium–cast engine fed power through a transversely mounted six–speed gearbox mated to a triple–plate carbon clutch with aluminum fly wheel. Aside from the mechanical specifications, the body was unique, fabricated entirely in carbon fiber, a three–seater that placed the two passengers to the sides and slightly aft of the center–positioned driver, with luggage space in side compartments on both sides of the car.
With a power–to–weight ratio of 560 hp per ton, or 3.6 pounds per horsepower, the F1’s performance was electrifying: 0–60 mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 231 mph, as reported by Autocar.
The prototype was launched in Monaco in 1992, where potential customers were able to choose their personal options and even specify their preferred steering wheel and pedal locations. From this debut it then took nearly two years for the first customer–ordered cars to be delivered. Praise was unanimous.
The McLaren F1 has continued to hold its title as the ultimate supercar since the first ones rolled out of Woking in 1994. McLaren built a grand total of 106 F1s, of which only 64 were road cars, guaranteeing the F1’s status as not only the best, but also the most exclusive modern sports car.
Priced at £600,000 (about $1,000,000) when new in 1994, the F1 is one of the few supercars that have gone up in value while still nearly new, and it is extremely unlikely that we’ll ever see these cars depreciate. Very few have traded hands publicly, and acquiring one is far more difficult than scoring any of the new supercars, the Ferrari Enzo, Porsche Carerra GT, or Mercedes SLR McLaren.
