These exclusive spy shots of the production version of the new McLaren P1 hypercar confirm that it will stay true to the concept recently revealed at the Paris motor show.

The P1 is tipped to appear for the first time in full production form as early as the Geneva motor show in the spring, before going on sale later in the year.

At the Paris show, McLaren sources revealed that the concept’s exterior was “more than 95 per cent” representative of the production car. These pictures appear to back that up.

Although the heavy disguise covers the styling intricacies, it cannot hide the heavily sculpted bodywork that is carried over from the Paris concept. McLaren design chief Frank Stephenson said that the P1’s looks have been inspired by a Le Mans racer.

McLaren revealed few specific technical details of the P1, the successor to the F1, at the concept’s launch in Paris.

However, sources have revealed that it will use a modified version of the 12C’s twin-turbo V8 mated to an F1-style KERS hybrid boost system, with a total power output of about 720bhp. The power-to-weight ratio will be more than 600bhp per tonne.

McLaren has said it is not interested in making the world’s fastest or most powerful production car. Instead, it wants to make “the best driver’s car in the world”.

The P1 will be left-hand drive only and be offered in a limited production run. It will be priced from £700,000 to £800,000 when sales start late next year.

Thanks to: Autocar