Start your kid on the right track with McLaren’s toy supercar

By Andrew Hard September 27, 2016

At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt laid out a business plan called Track 22. In the plan, McLaren promised to release 15 new products, invest over $1 billion into R&D, and develop new powertrain technology by 2022 with a major focus on electrification. Today, the British automaker kept on course by releasing an all-electric car inspired by the legendary P1.

In many ways, the battery-powered P1 has everything a supercar lover could want: exotic looks, instant acceleration, dihedral doors, and an open-top configuration. This particular machine is made for youngsters though, with a recommended age range between 3 and 6.

“Handy if you’ve arrived at the wrong playground,” McLaren said.

Yes, the Ride On Electric McLaren P1 is technically a toy, but this Volcano Yellow supercar is not your typical children’s plaything. It can reach its top speed of 3 mph in as little as 2.0 seconds, and just like the iconic McLaren F1, it features a single center-mounted seat for improved visibility. It also equips a three-speed forward transmission with reverse for more comfortable cruising, as well as ventilation, lights, a push button start, and an MP3 player preloaded with nursery rhymes like Hickory Dickory Dock. Needless to say, your preschooler would be the coolest ankle-biter on the block with this thing, but you might be able to fit in a ride for yourself if you’re willing to squeeze.

Starting this October, the electric P1 will be sold at McLaren dealers for 375 pounds ($486.43), with availability at global toy retailers coming online sometime after.

Speaking of McLaren, we recently spent a few days testing the 2017 570GT around our office in Portland, Oregon. We certainly had a bit of fun with it, so stay tuned to DT Cars for a full review and video.

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Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

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