More than 100 McLaren 'hypercars' recalled

The P1 had a top speed of 395km/h and could reach 100km/h in 2.8 seconds. Photo / Supplied

More than 100 spectacular McLaren "hypercars" have been recalled over fears the car's bonnet could pop open without warning.

375 of the hybrid cars were made and the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said up to 122 cars were affected.

"The affected vehicles have a secondary hood latch that may not properly re-engage. As a result, if the primary latch is released inadvertently, the hood may open while the vehicle is moving," the NHTSA said in a recall notice.

"If the hood opens while driving it may increase the risk of a crash."

McLaren would notify affected owners, the NHTSA said, and dealers would replace the hood latch with a newly-designed latch for free.

McLaren Automotive was inspired by the legacy of late New Zealand racing driver Bruce McLaren and his eponymous racing team.

Last January, NZME reported McLaren delivered one of the cars to a New Zealand citizen. The buyer, who requested anonymity, reportedly paid $1.8 million for the car.

Other media said the car was delivered to a new owner in Hawkes Bay.

The car was not currently listed on the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) safety recalls database.

An NZTA spokesman was investigating.

A McLaren Auckland staff member said he wasn't aware of the recall and couldn't comment at this stage.

The P1 had a top speed of 395km/h and could reach 100km/h in 2.8 seconds. It had a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine coupled to an electric motor.

Top Gear said every P1 took around 800 hours to produce, with 105 different people involved in the making of each one.

North and South America received about 34 per cent of the cars and Europe about a quarter, Top Gear added.

McLaren launched its first road car, the F1, in 1993.

New Zealander Roger Donaldson, who directed The World's Fastest Indian, is directing the documentary McLaren, about the race car driver's life.