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Chris Harris Teases LaFerrari, P1 and 918 Spyder Hypercar Showdown

Chris Harris has released a teaser video previewing his long-awaited comparison of the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder, with Tiff Needell also involved.

By Editorial Desk Updated
Ferrari LaFerrari at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show
Ferrari LaFerrari at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show Clément Bucco-Lechat / CC BY-SA 3.0

Chris Harris has published a teaser video previewing his comparison of the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder. The video promises the long-awaited head-to-head between the three hybrid hypercars, with Tiff Needell also set to appear in the full feature.

Ferrari LaFerrari at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show
Ferrari LaFerrari: 6.3-litre V12 hybrid, 950hp, RWD

The so-called “holy trinity” of hypercars has proved almost impossible to gather for an independent comparison. Manufacturer restrictions and disagreements over conditions have kept the LaFerrari, P1 and 918 apart in official tests. Harris’s video is the first time an independent journalist has secured all three for a direct, on-track evaluation.

What sets the three hypercars apart?

Each car represents its maker’s interpretation of the hybrid hypercar formula. The LaFerrari combines a 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V12 with an electric motor for a total of 950hp and 900Nm, sending power to the rear wheels. The McLaren P1 uses a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 and electric assistance for 903hp and 978Nm, also rear-wheel drive. The Porsche 918 Spyder differs with a 4.6-litre V8 and two electric motors, producing 887hp and 1,280Nm, and uniquely features all-wheel drive.

2015 McLaren P1 in Track Silver
McLaren P1: 3.8-litre V8 hybrid, 903hp, RWD
Key specifications of the 'holy trinity' hypercars
Ferrari LaFerrari6.3L V12 hybrid, 950hp, 900Nm, RWD
McLaren P13.8L V8 hybrid, 903hp, 978Nm, RWD
Porsche 918 Spyder4.6L V8 plug-in hybrid, 887hp, 1,280Nm, AWD

The LaFerrari and P1 both launched in 2013, with the 918 Spyder arriving later that year. All three use hybrid powertrains, but only the Porsche is a plug-in, capable of running for short distances on electric power alone.

Anticipation for the full comparison

No official release date for the full video has been given, but the teaser confirms that filming is complete. The involvement of Tiff Needell adds further credibility to the project. Harris’s previous video reviews, including his recent BMW M3 feature, have drawn large audiences, and this hypercar comparison is expected to generate even more interest.

For those interested in Harris’s other recent work, his full BMW M3 review is also available (see here).

2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, production model, front view.
Porsche 918 Spyder: 4.6-litre V8 plug-in hybrid, 887hp, AWD

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