Pictures of McLaren P1 Supercar Leak

The rumors have been circulating for years, that Mclaren was going to produce a replacement for the legendary F1 - the fastest car in the world for quite some time.  Today, we know what it's called - and what it'll look like.  Meet the McLaren P1, the brand's range-toping supercar to slot above the MP4-12C.

There's not a lot to say about the car as we have no technical specification, and I'm not keen on technical speculation on such an important car.  The rumor mill says it will have an uprated version of the MP4's biturbo V8 with a kinetic energy storage hybrid system added on, but we'll know when we know.

McLaren says this is just a design study, but the real thing will be coming along next year.  It will compete with uber-exotica like the Porsche 918 and the upcoming Enzo replacement from Ferrari, as well as the Pagani Huayra.  So you can expect it to be rapid and technologically advanced.  For now, let's just take a look at the styling.

The big talking point for the P1 will probably be the large, curvaceous retractable wing in the back.  It sits flush with the bodywork, but rises up nearly to the level of the roof when erect - very neat.  The thin strip of LED tail lights below is a nice touch, showcasing the full capabilities of the technology.  The twin diffusers in the rear sit below a rather high-mounted center exit exhaust in the middle of the fascia.

The cabin of the P1 is remarkably Zonda-esque: set low and far back, with the rear pinching into a teardrop as it flows towards the bumper.  Praise doesn't come much higher than calling something Zonda-esque, but surely some will complain of a certain derivative feeling to the styling.

And maybe I can see where they'd be coming from.  The exposed carbon fiber on the side has a touch of Koenigsegg to it, the wheels are very anonymous (almost aftermarket looking), but then we get to the front end - which screams McLaren, and loudly.  It's got a much stronger identity than the MP4.

It must be convenient for a manufacturer to have a "swoosh" as their marquee, since it's easy to replicate in the design of their cars - witness the headlight housing shape.  Imagine Peugeot making a car with an angry-lion shaped headlight!  The diffuser in the front is integrated nicely as well.

We should be seeing a full press release from McLaren shortly, but for now enjoy the high-resolution gallery below!