Is McLaren's Electric Supercar the Next Automotive Game-Changer
McLaren, a name synonymous with innovation and high performance, is getting ready to make its mark on the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. With Ferrari set to release its first production battery-electric vehicle in 2025, McLaren isn’t resting on its laurels. At the SMMT International Automotive Summit 2024, McLaren's chief executive, supercar-revolution-future">Michael Leiters, offered a much-anticipated update.
The Electrified Path Ahead
Before we witness McLaren's electrifying new addition, considerable investments into the domestic automotive supply chain are essential. This is particularly true for low-volume manufacturers like McLaren. Leiters emphasized that the company is actively seeking a high-voltage battery supplier that complies with origin rules to avoid tariffs. This battery is the cornerstone for McLaren's plug-in hybrid project, still shrouded in mystery.
Details about this secretive plug-in hybrid powertrain are scarce, but it’s widely speculated that Ricardo is collaborating with McLaren to deliver an electrified V8 setup for their next-generation lineup. Hence, the much-anticipated successor to the 750S is likely to boast this advanced twin-turbocharged V8 configuration.
BMW and McLaren: A Fruitful Partnership
McLaren's choice of BMW lithium-ion batteries for the Artura model, featuring a 120-degree V6 engine with twin turbochargers, is well-documented. This partnership harks back to the legendary Gordon Murray-designed F1. With whispers of BMW underpinnings for McLaren’s debut SUV, it's clear the synergy between these two giants is stronger than ever.
At the Autocar interview, Leiters disclosed that McLaren has initiated an “engineering program” to define its first full-fledged electric vehicle. While this indicates that McLaren's EV isn't arriving imminently, it's clear they are meticulously planning for their electric future. The company isn’t entirely pleased with today’s high-voltage battery technology, which they believe falls short of McLaren's stringent performance and dynamic standards.
Striking a Balance Between Power and Weight
Leiters made it clear: “It’s not a supercar if it weighs two tons and has 2,000 horsepower.” Indeed, the true essence of a McLaren supercar lies in its power-to-weight ratio, finely-tuned chassis, suspension technology, and aerodynamics. These elements contribute to that unmistakable McLaren feeling, making even Ferrari break into a sweat.
Unlike some of its competitors, McLaren isn’t considering overseas production for its electric supercar, profoundly contrasting with auto giants like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. BMW's Neue Klasse EVs will be assembled outside Germany, and Merc’s G 580 with EQ Technology is put together in Austria by a contract manufacturer. McLaren's move to keep production domestic underscores their commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
Leiters anticipates that by 2030, 90% of their global sales will be hybrids, hinting at the eventual replacement of the McLaren 750S. Ferrari's SF90 series already features a twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid delivering an impressive 1,016 horsepower, although the McLaren Senna still holds an edge in power-to-weight ratio. The competition is heating up, and McLaren’s electric ambitions are sure to set the stage for a new era of supercars.
The Road Ahead
As McLaren gears up to join the electric supercar league, the automotive world watches with bated breath. With rigorous engineering standards and an unwavering commitment to performance, McLaren's entry into the electric market is bound to be a game-changer. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, one thing is for sure: when McLaren's electric supercar does arrive, it will be nothing short of spectacular.