But a generation on, and McLaren is adhering to a similar recipe for the W1, pairing a hybrid system with a twin-turbo V8 displacing 4.0 liters to deliver 1,258 horsepower and 988 lb-ft of torque.

To build the most authentic next-generation supercar requires an all-new powertrain and at the heart of this is our new V8 twin-turbo internal combustion engine. Weve designed it to be much more ...

The sheer force of the impact cleaved the McLaren in two: its front half came to rest beside the tree, while the rear (including its V8 engine) was flung into the middle of the road.

The McLaren P1 used a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8, combined with an electric motor and KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), to send a whopping 903 horsepower to the rear wheels.