The Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder, and McLaren P1 were the hypercars that defined the 2010s. Known as “The Holy Trinity,” iLusso says these three cars were the first hypercars to successfully utilize hybrid technology by adding an electric motor to the hypercar recipe.

At first, the public was skeptical – even I wasn’t sure if a hypercar adhering to the same principles as a Toyota Prius would be a good idea.

Fortunately, they proved everyone wrong. These plug-in hybrid hypercars gave a new meaning to the word speed. Between the three of them, there’s not a clear winner. But if I had to choose, I’d say the McLaren P1 takes the crown.

The Pursuit Of Performance Perfection: The P1

McLaren is no stranger to building ridiculously fast cars. Acting as the spiritual successor to one of the greatest supercars the world has ever seen, the McLaren F1, meant the P1 had some pretty big shoes to fill. And it did so with poise.

Behind the cockpit, there’s a 3.8-liter V8 engine that receives breathing help from two turbochargers and some additional push from a single electric motor. Its combined output of 903 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, and the McLaren P1 threw physics out the window, launching from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.7 seconds.

Heck, even in electric-only mode, the P1 only needs 10 seconds to reach 60 mph, outrunning bland econoboxes without even trying. McLaren’s engineers, who happen to be part-time wizards, made sure they gave it their all with the P1.

Although the McLaren P1 looks like something that’s straight out of Area 51, every single one of its body lines and curves serves a purpose. With a drag coefficient of just 0.34 and generating more than 1,300 lbs of downforce when traveling at 160 mph, it’s equally talented on straights and in the bends.

Just like the revered Porsche 992 GT3 RS, the McLaren P1 features a Drag Reduction System (DRS) that uses adaptive aerodynamic components, like the rear wing, allowing it to travel faster down the straights and stop quicker for the turns.

Of course, it’s not just the aerodynamics that plays a role here. As it uses a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, the curb weight sits at just over 3,400 lbs. McLaren found the perfect balance between science and style when they built the P1.

Why The McLaren P1 Is The King Of The Holy Trinity

Don’t get me wrong, each contender of the plug-in hybrid hypercar war is astonishing in their own right. And because their performance differences are marginal, I’d argue it’s unfair to say one is better than the other based on a spec sheet. Each one does have a distinct personality.

While the Ferrari LaFerrari is a piece of art with a naturally aspirated V12, and the Porsche 918 is a sensible all-rounder, the McLaren P1, on the other hand, is all about intensity.

It’s shouty and impractical, and a through-and-through racecar at heart. Some critics call it ‘unrefined’ or ‘too much,‘ while the rest admire its theatrics.  Like the latter, I praise the P1 for not caring about being ‘civilized.’ It just wants to make sure you feel alive every second behind the wheel.

Drivers can forget about the sophisticated fun offered by the competition because the P1 will keep them on the edge of their seat – like a true hypercar should. The P1 is also the rarest of the bunch, with only 375 units made for the world, whereas 499 LaFerraris exist, and Porsche built 918 examples.

McLaren’s Greatest Supercar Since The F1

When McLaren unveiled the P1, it completely revolutionized the brand. It was the brand’s first-ever hybrid and paved the way for other flagships like the Senna.

Honestly, there hasn’t been a McLaren that excites me since the P1 broke the internet. Every McLaren that came after it almost feels like it’s living in its big brother’s shadow.

While the Speedtail and 750S are undeniably impressive supercars, I can’t shake the feeling that McLaren is trying to catch lightning in a bottle… twice, in the same spot!

I’ll always have a soft spot for The Holy Trinity. These cars are a true testament to how competition between automotive giants can result in near-perfect cars.

Even today, more than a decade after they were unleashed upon the roads, these cars still look like brand-new models. Obviously, I wouldn’t turn down the opportunity to drive any of them, but I’d rather be handed the keys to a McLaren P1 than the LaFerrari or 918 Spyder.