The McLaren F1 still stands as the granddaddy of the modern supercar, but one ex-McLaren designer is planning a proper descendent for the mighty F1. However, unlike the original F1, the new model promises extreme performance and zero-emissions.
Jim Dowle – a former McLaren employee and founder of the design firm JJAD – has announced his intentions to produce an all-new gull-winged sports car. The new car, dubbed the P1, has been under development for some time now, but Dowle has recently made a major change to the Lotus Exige-fighter.
Instead of using a conventional powertrain, Dowle has decided to opt for an all-electric setup for the new car. As such, the P1’s name has been appropriately changed to the P1-E.
Despite the P1-E’s environmental friendliness, it promises to post some performance figures that would even make the F1 green with envy. According to a press release from JJAD, the P1-E will tip the scales at a scant 2,320 pounds – including the weight of its lithium-ion batteries – which will allow the sporty EV to reach 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. Moreover, the P1-E is said to have a range of 230 miles and carry a price tag of just $75,000 – undercutting the Tesla Roadster by tens of thousands.
No word on when the P1-E will hit the market, but JJAD hopes to have a prototype up and running by later this year.
