Secrets Behind McLaren Speedtail's Astonishing Performance Revealed

It's been over a year since theMcLaren Speedtailwas unveiled as the automaker's fastest production car ever. After the Speedtail recently completedhigh-speed testing at NASAwhere it reached its top speed of 250 mph more than 30 times, McLaren is ready to unveil the secrets behind the Hyper-GT's stunning performance.

Key to the Speedtail's astonishing performance are its advanced aerodynamics, low weight, and potent hybrid powertrain. While we knew this setup produces a over 1,000 horsepower, the powertrain details have been kept under wraps - until now.

McLaren has confirmed the Speedtail is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 featuring technology that has evolved from McLaren's first hybrid hypercar, theP1. A new lightweight air-intake system, improved cylinder head cooling and a revised piston design contribute 746 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, while an electric motor derived from Formula E technology generates 308 horsepower.

This gives the Speedtail the "highest performance installation - including cooling and integration - of any electric motor currently in use on a production road car". Power delivery is 8.3kW/kg - that's twice the efficiency of an average sports car.