The McLaren P83 is a 3,799 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine developed jointly by McLaren and Ricardo, produced between 2011 and 2015. It features a flat‑plane crankshaft, dry‑sump lubrication, and dual overhead camshafts per bank (32‑valve total). In the MP4‑12C application it delivered 441 kW (600 PS) and 600 Nm of torque, enabled by high‑revving architecture and precision direct fuel injection.
Fitted exclusively to the first‑generation McLaren MP4‑12C, the P83 was engineered for responsive throttle behavior and linear power delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through port and direct injection (‘PDI’), variable valve timing, and a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter system, allowing Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the variable valve timing (VVT) phaser solenoids, highlighted in McLaren Service Bulletin MSB‑13‑018. This stems from thermal cycling stress on early-design solenoid seals, leading to oil leakage and timing correlation faults. From mid‑2013, revised solenoid housings with improved thermal shielding were introduced to enhance durability.
All production years 2011–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8765).
The McLaren P83 is a 3,799 cc naturally aspirated V8 engineered for the MP4‑12C supercar (2011–2015). It combines dry‑sump lubrication with dual direct/port fuel injection to deliver high-revving responsiveness and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 5, it balances track capability with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,799 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32‑valve, flat‑plane crank | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 69.0 mm | |
| Power output | 441 kW (600 PS) | |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Combined port and direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual radiators | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, dual per bank) | |
| Oil type | McLaren MSO 5W‑40 (fully synthetic) | |
| Dry weight | 190 kg |
The P83 delivers linear, high-revving power ideal for spirited road and track use but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals to protect VVT solenoids and dry-sump pump. McLaren MSO 5W-40 oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability and compatibility with dual-injection systems. Extended high-RPM operation without cooldown increases thermal stress on solenoid seals. Fuel must meet EN 228 Super Plus (RON ≥98) to prevent knock. Post-mid-2013 engines feature upgraded VVT solenoids per McLaren MSB‑13‑018; earlier units benefit from updated service kits. Catalytic converter integrity is essential for emissions compliance and should be inspected during scheduled maintenance.
Oil Specs: Requires McLaren MSO 5W-40 specification (McLaren SIB MSB‑13‑018). Not interchangeable with generic ACEA A3/B4 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2011–2015 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8765). No Euro 6 variants exist for P83.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 600 PS output requires RON 98+ fuel and ambient temperatures ≤30°C (McLaren TIS Doc. P83‑A110).
McLaren Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P83‑A101, P83‑A105, MSB‑13‑018
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8765)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The McLaren P83 was used exclusively in McLaren's MP4‑12C platform with longitudinal mid‑engine mounting and no external licensing. This engine received track‑focused adaptations—lightweight reciprocating components and dry-sump oiling—and from mid‑2013 the updated 12C Spider adopted revised VVT solenoids, creating minor service part distinctions. No third‑party partnerships exist for this engine. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left cylinder bank near the rear main seal housing (McLaren TIS P83‑A103). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('3' for P83 series). All units feature matte black cam covers with exposed titanium hardware. Critical differentiation from M838T: P83 is naturally aspirated with dual injection and flat-plane crank (180° firing order), while M838T uses twin-turbocharging and cross-plane crank. Service parts require production date verification—VVT solenoid kits for engines before 06/2013 are incompatible with later units due to thermal shielding redesign (McLaren MSB‑13‑018).
The P83's primary reliability risk is variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid seal failure, with elevated incidence in high-temperature or track-focused usage. McLaren internal durability reports from 2014 indicated a notable share of pre-mid-2013 engines requiring solenoid replacement before 20,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions failures due to robust catalyst design. Repeated high-RPM operation without cooldown makes thermal management critical.
Analysis derived from McLaren technical bulletins (2011–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MACLAREN P83.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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