Standouts of the week!

McLaren P1

While we already know what the McLaren P1 looks like, we didn’t have much information about its powertrain until this week.  All we knew was that the P1 would have a re-worked version of the MP4-12C’s engine, as well as an electric motor.   McLaren have finally confirmed that the P1 will produce a total of 916hp and 900Nm of torque, coming from a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and electric motor.

The twin-turbo V8 produces 737hp and 720Nm of torque on its own, while the electric motor kicks out 179hp and 260Nm – drawing power from a 96kg battery (which can be charged by the engine as well as a plug-in charger).  McLaren is naming the electric motor assist system IPAS (Instant Power Assist System), while the P1’s DRS (Drag Reduction System) will help increase speed even further by reducing the angle of the rear wing at speeds.

There is still no word on performance figures or pricing, but hopefully McLaren will make them available by the time the Geneva Motor Show arrives in a few weeks’ time.

Audi RS Q3

The latest Audi to wear the RS badge is the Q3, and whether that will vex hardcore Audi RS enthusiasts all depends on whether or not the new RS Q3 will be able to deliver the same level of thrills as its more established RS4, RS5, and RS6 siblings.

Under the bonnet is Audi’s five-cylinder turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, giving out 310hp and 420Nm of torque.  It has an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h and can get from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds.  Power is sent through a seven-speed S-tronic double-clutch gearbox, then on to its Quattro all-wheel drive system.

The RS Q3 will be at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Order books will be open this summer, with first deliveries expected late this year.

Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley have revealed the new Flying Spur sedan, and together with an updated exterior and interior it comes with an equally updated powertrain.  While power comes from the same 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine as before, it has more grunt at 625hp and 800Nm of torque, and also has a new eight-speed automatic transmission – its all-wheel drive system has a 40:60 torque split front to rear.

Acceleration from 0-100km/h will take 4.6 seconds and top speed peaks at 322km/h.  We expect more details to emerge as the Geneva Motor Show opens its doors to the press on 5th March.