Although there are already faster or more advanced Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche models, the hybrid hypercar Holy Trinity, introduced in 2013, has become canonical with prices continuing to grow. Let’s see who they are and what makes this trio so wanted by car lovers and collectors.
Ferrari LaFerrari
The first Ferrari hybrid, the LaFerrari model (which means “The Ferrari” in Italian), was the most powerful among Ferrari’s stable in 2013 when it was unveiled.
With F1-derived hybrid drivetrain combining Ferrari’s V12 with two electric motors, capable of the combined output of 949 hp and more than 663 lbs/ft of torque, it couldn’t be different. LaFerrari is packed with F1 technologies, such as the KERS system, driving the energy from braking and traction control back into the battery, seven-speed gearbox, and the lower front wing used on F1 cars.
All 499 LaFerraris were sold out before the car was available, with the price tag exceeding $1.4 million US dollars. Today’s offers range between $2.3 and $3.2 million, demonstrating a great return on investment.
McLaren P1
Another member of hypercar Holy Trinity, McLaren P1, is considered the successor of the British brand’s legendary F1 model. Although the new hybrid hypercar doesn’t have McLaren’s famous three-seat layout, it is packed with Formula 1 technology, including KERS regenerating braking system and Drag Reduction System rasing the rear wing in race mode, just to name a few.
Compared to its Ferrari and Porsche rivals, the McLaren hybrid uses an electric motor in another way. The 176 hp electric motor is used to “torque fill” (in McLaren’s own language) the gaps in the output of the 3.8 twin-turbocharged engine, providing smooth and seamless acceleration with the combined power of 903 horses and torque of 664 lbs/ft.
The starting price of the P1 model in 2013 was set at $1.15 million, depending on the customization. With only 375 cars being built, the current offers range between $1.4- $1.7 million. Meanwhile, the Lanzante modified P1 GTR-18 models are selling twice as high, approaching $3.7 million.
Porsche 918 Spyder
Although not as powerful as LaFerrari and P1, and heavier than any of them, Porsche 918 Spyder is the only “true-hybrid” among Holy Trinity.
While both LaFerrari and P1 show 14 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent), Porsche 918 Spyder gets an impressive 67 MPGe. 918 Spyder is also the only plug-in hybrid in this famous trio. Finally, neither LaFerrari nor P1 is rated for all-electric range, with Ferrari hiding the vehicle electric ability to drive in all-electric mode and McLaren P1 unable to drive all-electric at all. Meanwhile, 918 Spyder is rated for 12 miles of electric-only range.
Powered by a 4.6-liter engine and a pair of electric motors, 918 Spyder boasts the combined output of 887 h.p. and 917 lbs/ft of torque. The hybrid drivetrain has the larger electric motor on the rear axle with the smaller motor on the front, providing an all-wheel drive grip and stability.
Porsche’s tag price equaled $845,000 for a “standard” 918 Spyder (if Porsche cars can be considered “standard” at all) plus $84,000 for the Weissach package. The latter customization focused on reducing weight and increasing performance by adding magnesium wheels, titanium bolts, ceramics for wheel bearings, which allowed acceleration from 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds.
With only 918 cars being built, today’s prices for Porsche 918 Spyder range between $1.2-1.5 million dollars on average.
Is Hypercar Holy Trinity Already a History
Today LaFerrari, P1, and 918 Spyder are neither the fastest nor most advanced hybrid hypercars. The next hybrid Ferrari Stradale is faster than LaFerrari, McLaren Speedtail is much more powerful than P1, and Porsche Taycan is already all-electric with a driving range of 201 miles.
Still, the hypercar Holy Trinity was the first to disrupt the stereotype that all hybrid cars are Priuses and the first dive into electric technology by big-name hypercar manufacturers. LaFerrari, P1, and Spyder 918 remain the milestones in the world of hybrid hypercars and, as such, are a precious part of any hypercar collection.