McLaren is gearing up to unveil its latest addition to the Ultimate Series hypercar lineup on 6 October, marking a new era for the renowned British automaker. The long-awaited successor to the P1, which originally debuted over a decade ago, promises to set a new benchmark for high-performance vehicles.
In a teaser video released by McLaren, the upcoming hypercar is positioned alongside two legendary predecessors: the P1 and the 240mph F1. The video hints that "the next benchmark" is on the horizon, signalling McLaren's ambition to redefine the standards of hypercar engineering.
Here is the video:
What makes a ‘1’ car? A ‘1’ car challenges the limits of possibility, reflecting the fine poetry between design and engineering. These timeless, uncompromising vehicles epitomise a generation. Uncover the qualities that make a '1' car: https://t.co/tAtzHsVrQg#McLarenP1… pic.twitter.com/Tb2WPwjMFW
— McLaren Automotive (@McLarenAuto) September 25, 2024
Since the P1's launch 12 years ago, electrification has rapidly evolved, and McLaren is expected to harness these advancements in their new hypercar. While a fully electric McLaren supercar is still some time away, the forthcoming model will likely incorporate a high-output hybrid powertrain. This powertrain is anticipated to surpass the 903bhp that the P1 boasted, further elevating McLaren's performance capabilities.
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Michael Leiters opens up about the upcoming car.
McLaren CEO Michael Leiters has previously voiced the company's cautious approach to electric supercars, citing concerns over the weight of current battery technology. In an interview last year with Autocar, Leiters explained, “We don’t want to make a car that is 2000kg and 2000hp – anybody can do that. We want to make a car that is comparable to the 750 weight-wise."
This focus on maintaining a balance between power and weight underscores McLaren’s commitment to crafting a hypercar that offers more than just brute force. The automaker has made it clear that it will wait until battery technology advances enough to meet its strict standards for weight and performance. Leiters added that a fully electric McLaren supercar may be feasible “maybe at the end of the decade.”
The 6 October reveal is eagerly anticipated by car enthusiasts and McLaren fans alike, as it marks a significant moment in the evolution of hypercars. With McLaren’s history of delivering groundbreaking vehicles, expectations are high for this latest masterpiece to push the boundaries of speed, design, and innovation once again.