Frank Stephenson Shaped McLaren P1 With 903-HP Sailfish and Cheetah Biomimicry
Updated
Updated · Jalopnik · Jul 5
Frank Stephenson Shaped McLaren P1 With 903-HP Sailfish and Cheetah Biomimicry
3 articles · Updated · Jalopnik · Jul 5
Summary
Frank Stephenson said the McLaren P1’s design drew directly from a sailfish and a cheetah, using animal forms to shape both the hypercar’s aerodynamics and its tightly wrapped bodywork.
A 68-mph Caribbean sailfish became a research model after Stephenson bought one, sent it to McLaren for laser scanning, and studied how its scales and body features reduce drag and smooth flow.
Those findings fed into the P1’s details: replica scale textures were applied to engine inlet ducts to improve airflow to the 727-hp twin-turbo V8, while foil-like bumps inspired mirror-arm elements that cut buffeting and wind noise.
The broader result was a 903-hp hybrid halo car with active aerodynamics and a high-9-second quarter-mile, showing how biomimicry helped McLaren compete with Porsche and Ferrari at the top of the hypercar market.