In 2013, the automotive world witnessed the debut of what is now considered the “holy trinity” of hypercars, forever reshaping the definition of high-performance vehicles. The McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, and Porsche 918 Spyder set new technological benchmarks, proving that hybrid power could be seamlessly integrated into extreme-performance supercars, giving rise to the hypercar category.
These three engineering marvels recently faced off in a quarter-mile drag race organized by carwow to showcase their capabilities. The McLaren P1 features a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor, delivering 916 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with launch control.
The Porsche 918 Spyder, with its 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 and two electric motors, produces 887 horsepower and 1,280 Nm of torque, benefiting from all-wheel drive for better traction. Meanwhile, the Ferrari LaFerrari boasts a 6.3-liter V12 hybrid system, generating 963 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque, also routed through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels.
For years, car enthusiasts have debated which hypercar reigns supreme among the Holy Trinity: the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder, and Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta. Which of these three machines will take the win? You’ll have to watch the video to find out.