Automobiles Review

Tag: McLaren

Brooklands Museum hosts a special exhibition with McLaren Automotive

Today, the Brooklands Museum opens the new “Driven by Design” exhibition that showcases and explores the world of the beautiful McLaren Automotive vehicles.

As a part of the brand’s long-standing commitment to encouraging people to delve into science, technology, engineering, and design, the McLaren team loans three exhibits including the McLaren Senna GTR prototype car, a McLaren Senna GTR concept car, and a full-scale LEGO model of a McLaren 720S.

Also, the exhibition celebrates the brand’s 10-anniversary. Some of the events include the presentation of some of the 2,500 who design, engineer, test, and build the supercars.

Furthermore, the event will draw parallels between those involved in the development of the McLaren Senna GTR and Brookland’s personalities from the time as an engineering hub for the automotive industry.

The Senna GTR itself is the ultimate track machine, freed from any motorsport or road regulations. The prototype and concept vehicles will be on display at the event. Back in 2018, the concept car was presented to the audience at the Geneva Show. The vehicle then managed to set higher standards for the automotive industry and was the winning car of different events and races.

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This is also the first exhibition focused on cars to open at Brooklands Museum in over a decade. Driven by Design explores McLaren Automotive’s design and development process – what it takes to design a supercar and the skills needed to achieve groundbreaking engineering.

July 26, 2021
McLaren adds another model to the Ride-On lineup

McLaren reveals a new supercar in McLaren Automotive’s junior Ride-On model range – McLaren GT.

Based on the luxury supercar makers from today, the GT Ride-On follows the success of the P1, 720S and Senna.

The Ride-On features an impressive list of standard goodies including original McLaren design details. Working dihedral doors contribute for a more dramatic entrance and getaway and the functional storage is ideal for storing any junior driving essential. Also, just like the real thing, GT Ride-On features functional dashboard controls with key start.

Junior drivers will have the chance to feel the thrill of the working accelerator with revving sound and brake pedal with brake function and light working as they embark on their journey.

At McLaren Automotive, we aim to inspire the future generation of supercar enthusiasts. The new GT Ride-On allows even the smallest of fans to discover the magic of our pioneering supercars. We’re proud to develop and encourage younger minds and seek to create the next generation of drivers, engineers, and automotive designers., says Hayley Robinson, Merchandise, Licensing & Partnerships Manager, McLaren Automotive

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The GT Ride-On is available in six colors, including Burnished Copper, Silica White, Onyx Black, McLaren Orange, Amaranth Red, and Burton Blue.

July 22, 2021
McLaren will present new Artura at the first edition of the Milano Monza open-air motor show

McLaren Automotive will have a major presence at the Milano Monza Motor Show held between 10-13 June. Located in the fashion capital, the Autodromo di Monza, the McLaren team will display the all-new Artura.

The latest McLaren vehicle will blend the concepts of art and the future and will showcase a vehicle with high performance in mind, which also blends elegant and futuristic design. Furthermore, the vehicle will showcase TexLux interior trim, carbon-fiber accouterments, and ten-spoke super-lightweight alloy wheels. This new design approach will reflect the brand’s advanced and futuristic design language, but also remain true to some classic McLaren styling approaches.

In terms of performance, the new Artura will be able to accelerate 0-100km/h in 3.0 seconds; 0-200km/h in 8.3 seconds; and 0-300km/h in 21.5 seconds, thanks to its all-new 120-degree twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 power unit, generating a total of 680PSand 720Nm and the compact 94bhp axial-flux E-motor.

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Along with McLaren’s latest masterpiece, some more advanced vehicles will be on display – the elegant McLaren 720S Coupe with Azores Orange and Carbon Black Alcantara interior, Mclaren 765LT in Lantana Purple, White McLaren GT with a panoramic roof, and a 600LT, also in Silica White, with the MSO Club Sport Pro Pack and bespoke details.

June 9, 2021
McLaren presents Elva Roadster with a windshield

McLaren Automotive is about to unveil a production windscreen version of the Elva roadster. Especially designed for customers who prefer a physical screen rather than a barrier of air, the vehicle also comes with numerous advanced technologies.

Super-lightweight and extremely powerful, the Elva delivers the ultimate connection between a driver, the road and the elements. Created to celebrate the pure joy of driving, it’s one of the most distinctive – and exclusive – cars we have made. Roofless and without windows, whether you opt for the screenless model with its sophisticated AAMS technology that provides an invisible barrier of air, or the windscreen version with an additional level of enclosure, this is a roadster that rewards owners with the most exhilarating of open-air driving experiences, delivered as only a McLaren can.
Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive

The street legal Elva has undergone a comprehensive programme for optimizing its aerodynamics and performance, and takes full advantage of the 815hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine.

The performance rates are comparable with these of the McLaren Senna – Elva roadster accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 2.8 seconds and from 0 to 200km/h in 6.8 seconds.

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The Elva lineup pays homage to the McLaren race cars from the 1960s – the fist sportscars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren.

The first examples of the windscreen Elva will be delivered to customers towards the end of this year, following personalisation by McLaren Special Operations.

Source: McLaren

May 27, 2021
McLaren Automotive further expands its business relations

McLaren Automotive has expanded its partnership network and established a business relationship with Intelligent Money British GT Championship with a McLaren safety car set to lead a grid of other seven McLaren Customer Racing entries.

The official Safety Car comes with a 620hp twin-turbocharged V8 power unit that enables some quick sprints, measured at 0-100km/h coverage in mere 3.2 seconds. The top speed is 203mph. The vehicle also features a Proactive Damping Control suspension.

Back in 2020, the McLaren 720S GT 3 was established as a pace-setter in the GT3 class, with five pole positions and two overall race victories. There were also title challenge wins in the overall and Silver Cup categories.

SEE ALSO: McLaren Special Operations recreates the exclusive Gulf livery

Now, the program returns in 2021, with Team Rocket RJN partnering with McLaren Automotive to help find talented drivers.

We are delighted that McLaren has extended its official Safety Car status into the sixth season. The manufacturer has been ever-present at the front of our grid since 2016, and when the GT model made its first appearance in the role last year, it proved perfectly suited to controlling our race car pack. We look forward to seeing it at the head of the field again throughout 2021.
Lauren Granville, Intelligent Money British GT Championship Manager

Source: McLaren Automotive

May 18, 2021
McLaren Special Operations recreates the exclusive Gulf livery

The in-house bespoke arm of the luxurious automaker Mclaren, McLaren Special Operations has unveiled a bespoke Gulf-Oil-livered 720S model with brand’s well-known racing colors.

The project is a part of the renewed partnership between McLaren and Gulf. This is not the first time the teams partnered together – back in the day they established relationships in Formula 1 and Can-Am between 1968 and 1973, and some time later, in the 1990s they continued to compete together with the GTC Competition team’s legendary McLaren F1 GTRs.

Now, reunited again, both brands will continue to impress both skeptics and enthusiasts as the partnership will result in some incredible results both for the professional motorsport world and for the enthusiasts. In fact, a limited number of customers will have the opportunity to have their personal McLaren vehicle hand-painted by the MSO in Gulf livery.

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Also, in addition to the iconic color schemes, MSO will come up with new blends that will honor the partnership between McLaren and Gulf.

As it comes to the vehicle, the 720S remains the benchmark in the world of supercars. It is geared with a twin-turbo McLaren V8 power unit with a total of 710hp and 568lb-ft and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in mere 2.8 seconds.

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May 17, 2021
The first McLaren P1 ever produced will cross the block at Silverstone Auctions

McLaren P1 definitely was a game-changer. With its spectacular dynamics and adjustable front and rear wings, the vehicle features the massive 600kg of downforce at 160mph and is still one of the most agile vehicles ever produced.

A particular model in the lineup, the first one registered from the lineup of 375 units will be on display at a special exhibition at Silverstone Auctions. It will be accompanied by a historical letter from Frank Stephenson, the McLaren P1 designer, to this P1’s first owner and states that “It was with great pleasure that I was there with our team to witness you driving our very first baby out into the big wide world”.

This particular unit has had only two owners, who are from the same family and is finished in Volcano Yellow and features black leather upholstery. It has covered only 3,666 miles from new. The special car has been exclusively looked after McLaren’s main dealers, and the most recent service was carried out by McLaren Birmingham in 2020 for a battery replacement.

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Estimated at £885,000 – 985,000, it will be offered on Saturday 22nd May at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. This will be the first Silverstone Auctions sale where bidders can attend in person for over a year, alternatively, bidding will still be available online, by phone, or via commission too.

To view the car in person, contact Silverstone Auctions on 01926 691141 where you can make an appointment from 12th – 21st May at Stoneleigh Park.

Source: Silverstone Auctions

May 12, 2021
McLaren team reveals a street-legal version of the beloved 720S GT3

McLaren Customer Racing has confirmed that the unrestricted version of the 720S GT3 racecar, the 720S GT3X is available to order through the McLaren Retailer Network. Especially designed by the motorsport team of McLaren Automotive, the new vehicle comes with tons of power, an advanced drivetrain system and numerous cool features. Also, it is street-legal. Cool!

The heart of the beast is a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged power unit, optimized for a combination of both track and street capabilities. It features a unique blueprint cylinder head, strengthened pistons. Diamond-Like Carbon coating and lightweight performance exhaust system. The engine is paired to a six-speed sequential sporty gearbox and altogether they deliver a total of 720hp.

The entire project has been focused on innovative aerodynamics and efficient design with numerous fine-tuning approaches. The vehicle is performance-focused and comes with a special body shape based on the “Computational Fluid Dynamics” and F1 wind tunnel technology. The aerodynamically sculpted shape is hand-finished in metallic MSO Carbon Black Paint.

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The cabin features numerous carbon-fiber components and is exclusively designed to aid the driver in any high-performance journey. There’s a carbon-fiber and Kevlar FIA-approved set of race seats, and pedal box and steering wheel adjustment options for optimal comfort.

Source: McLaren

March 18, 2021
All-new Artura confirmed as McLaren’s next-generation high-performance hybrid supercar

McLaren Automotive will bring the full force of its expertise in hybrid powertrain engineering to the supercar class next year with the introduction of the new Artura, a High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) developed with the benefit of more than half a century of McLaren knowledge, experience and engineering achievements in race and road cars.

All-new in every respect, the Artura marks the beginning of a new era for the pioneering British company. Building on the expertise in electrification first showcased in the McLaren P1TM hybrid hypercar unveiled in 2012 and more recently the Speedtail Hyper-GT, which entered production this year as McLaren’s fastest ever car with a top speed of 403km/h (250mph), the Artura is McLaren’s first High-Performance Hybrid series production supercar.

“Every element of the Artura is all-new – from the platform architecture and every part of the High-Performance Hybrid powertrain, to the exterior body, interior and cutting-edge driver interface – but it draws on decades of McLaren experience in pioneering super-lightweight race and road car technologies to bring all of our expertise in electrification to the supercar class.”
Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive

The new Artura marks the debut of an all-new compact twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine, designed to combine with an electric motor in a new lightweight High-Performance Hybrid powertrain that retains the performance benefits of McLaren’s larger capacity V8 engines and has the additional attraction of improved torque response at low engine speeds to deliver scintillating acceleration. The Artura can also run on electric power alone for everyday emission-free urban journeys.

The first car to be built on an all-new, platform architecture optimised for electrification and designed and manufactured in the UK at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre, the Artura furthers McLaren’s commitment to super-lightweight engineering principles that have their roots in motorsport. The additional mass of the High-Performance Hybrid system, for example, has been largely offset by the application of weight-saving technologies throughout the chassis, body and powertrain. Additionally, the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) at the heart of the Artura not only enables the car’s class-leading weight advantage, it is also the base for the dynamic excellence inherent in every McLaren.

December 29, 2020
Uniting two icons of speed in one spectacular car: global debut for MclLaren Elva gulf theme by MSO at Goodwood Speedweek

Luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive today premieres the McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by MSO, a celebration of the renewed relationship between McLaren and the Gulf Oil brand and another example of how designs from McLaren’s racing history are inspiring the brand’s modern-day customers.

The unique McLaren roadster in blue and orange Gulf colours makes its world debut at Goodwood SpeedWeek, a ‘closed-doors’ live broadcast event bringing together the past, present and future of motoring and motorsport at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in the UK.

McLaren and Gulf recently confirmed a new partnership that renews a historic union between the two brands that originated in the 1960s, a decade when both companies made their first forays into motorsport. Gulf branding appeared on McLaren’s Can-Am, Formula 1 and Indy cars from 1968 to 1973. Two decades later McLaren F1 GTRs run by customer team GTC carried the famous Gulf livery in global GT racing, including at Le Mans.

Under the new partnership, McLaren Automotive customers will have the opportunity to commission Gulf-liveried cars directly from MSO. These follow cars inspired by the famous facing livery designed and produced by MSO prior to the renewed relationship being agreed. Most recently, a McLaren Senna GTR LM paying homage to the #24 McLaren F1 GTR that finished fourth in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans race was completed as one of five MSO-designed customer cars celebrating the McLaren F1’s domination of that race.

“The McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by MSO is a striking celebration of both McLaren’s history in sports car racing and our new partnership with Gulf Oil. McLaren Special Operations is committed to pushing the boundaries of the ‘art of the possible’ and projects like this showcase the increasingly extensive range of personalisation options we can offer customers – in this case, enhancing the authenticity of the livery by incorporating Gulf brand logos into the design.”
Ansar Ali, Managing Director, McLaren Special Operations

The Elva, which follows the McLaren P1TM, McLaren Senna and Speedtail in McLaren’s Ultimate Series, links McLaren’s heritage to its present and future with a name and style that recalls the McLaren-Elva sports racers of the 1960s. These were among the first sportscars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company he founded, and the new Elva evokes the true spirit of driving enjoyment symbolised by this era.

In line with McLaren’s on-going commitment to super-lightweight engineering, the new Ultimate Series roadster retains the lightweight construction philosophy of its forebear and is at the cutting-edge of automotive technology. The body design of the screenless, roofless Elva, for example, incorporates an innovative Active Air Management System (AAMS) that creates a virtual canopy over the seamlessly-integrated cockpit. The 815PS and 800Nm developed by the 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine ensure that the Elva delivers astonishing performance and incredible levels of driving enjoyment.

With deliveries of the Elva commencing this year, MSO has already completed the specification of the first cars and is well-advanced in discussions with customers to create further dramatic paintwork and liveries. Just 149 examples of the Ultimate Series roadster will be available to customer order, making it one of the rarest McLarens ever produced and, with an almost-limitless degree of personalisation available from MSO, each car will have its own unique identity.

November 20, 2020
Latest supercars and new road cars to feature at Goodwood Speedweek

The latest and most exciting supercars from iconic brands like Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Koenigsegg will take center stage at this year’s Goodwood SpeedWeek presented by Mastercard.

The Michelin Supercar Run and First Glance classes at the unique broadcast event will feature everything from the 300mph SSC Tuatara to the brand new Ford Puma ST, giving viewers the chance to see some of the most exotic supercars in action, alongside the very latest road cars.

The Duke of Richmond said: “It’s wonderful that we can welcome our global automotive partners to SpeedWeek and help them showcase their latest and greatest to an incredibly passionate global audience. SpeedWeek will be the first time many of these vehicles have been seen in action and we’re thrilled that they’re debuting here at Goodwood.”

One of the most exciting debuts will be Lotus’ new Evija. The Norfolk manufacturer’s first electric hypercar will make its dynamic debut at SpeedWeek. Lotus will also showcase its new Evora 410 Sport and Exige 430.

McLaren will be embracing the ‘Past, Present, Future’ theme of SpeedWeek with a range of different cars across the three days, in liveries evoking great McLaren color schemes from the past. Stars among them will be the new ELVA and 765LT, both of which will be making their debut in the Supercar Run.

Four other renowned British brands – Aston Martin, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, and Jaguar – will showcase their latest and most iconic models. Aston Martin will show its DBX SUV, alongside the DBS Volante, DB11 AMR, and Vantage, Land Rover will bring its new Defender 90 and Defender 110, Rolls-Royce will demonstrate the rakish elegance of the Wraith Black Badge, and Jaguar will run their new F-TYPE R, as well as the much-anticipated debut of the new Jaguar F-PACE PHEV.

Taking on the British supercars will be the SSC Tuatara from the United States. Powered by a 5.9-liter V8 pumping out 1,750bhp, the Tuatara has a claimed top speed of 300mph. It will take part in both the Supercar Run and SpeedWeek Shootout presented by Mastercard, where it will face stiff competition from, amongst others, the Koenigsegg Regera.

One of the stand-out cars in the First Glance category will be the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-e 1400. Developed jointly by Ford and RTR Vehicles (founded by drifter and Goodwood favorite Vaughn Gittin Jr), its 1400bhp and 1000kg of downforce make it one of the wildest vehicles at SpeedWeek. Like all the electric cars at the event, it will be powered by BP Chargemaster. Ford will also bring its 5.0-liter Mustang Mach-1 to add some V8 noise to the event, and the Puma ST, both of which will be making their debuts at Goodwood.

Fans of Italian exotica will be in for a treat. Ferrari will be at SpeedWeek in force, with the Roma, F8 Tributo, F8 Spider, 812 GTS, and Monza. Lamborghini, meanwhile, will take part in the Michelin Supercar Run with the Aventador SVJ and Huracan EVO RWD, while the Urus SUV will also be on display in First Glance.

From Germany, Audi will showcase a special edition R8 Green Hell, named after the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife, while its Group B era Quattro will also be on hand to entertain rally fans. From Stuttgart, Porsche will showcase its all-new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, the Cayenne GTS Coupe, and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, alongside the iconic 911 Turbo S and innovative, all-electric Taycan sports car. Meanwhile, BMW will show the all-new M440i xDrive Coupé and the new BMW M5.

Fans of rallying will also be able to follow WRC stars Kris Meeke and Jari-Matti Latvala as they shakedown the new GR Yaris – Toyota Gazoo Racing’s WRC car for the road, which will make its dynamic debut at Goodwood. Also from the Toyota Gazoo Racing stable will be the GR Supra in First Glance.

November 3, 2020
McLaren’s all-new high-performance hybrid supercar enters final stages of testing

The first series-production High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar from McLaren Automotive has entered the final stages of its development and test programmes, which includes running on public roads. Due to launch in the first half of 2021, the all-new supercar will open a new era of electrification for McLaren following the end of production of its Sports Series range.

The all-new, supercar will be the first McLaren built on a new carbon fibre structure, christened McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). Optimised for High-Performance Hybrid powertrains and latest-generation driver technologies, the architecture elevates McLaren’s pioneering lightweight chassis technologies to new heights, exploiting the company’s advantage in super-lightweight engineering – a benefit that has its roots in the brand’s motorsport origins.

Designed, developed and produced in the UK at the £50m state-of-the-art McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Sheffield region, the all-new flexible structure will underpin the next generation of McLaren hybrid supercars coming to market over the coming years.

The High-Performance Hybrid powertrain, which features an all-new V6 internal combustion engine, delivers astonishing levels of performance and a uniquely intense driver experience, as well as providing medium-range EV-only drive capability.

“This all-new McLaren supercar is the distillation of everything we have done to date; all that we have learned and achieved,” commented Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive. “This is a new kind of McLaren for a new era, an extraordinary drivers’ car that offers blistering performance as well as an all-electric range capable of covering most urban journeys. We see this new McLaren as a true ‘next generation’ supercar and cannot wait to show it to customers.”

McLaren’s all-new, ‘next-generation’ supercar draws on all of the technological expertise in designing, developing and building the world’s most innovative and desirable, super-lightweight hypercars and supercars.

“For us, light-weighting and high-performance hybrid technology go hand-in-hand to achieve better performance as well as more efficient vehicles,” explained Flewitt. “Our expertise in lightweight composites and carbon fibre manufacturing, combined with our experience in cutting-edge battery technologies and high-performance hybrid propulsion systems, makes us ideally placed to deliver uncompromised levels of electrified high-performance driving that until now have simply been unattainable.”

The all-new hybrid supercar will sit between the GT and the 720S in the McLaren range and its introduction will further strengthen the company’s presence in the supercar sector. The Sports Series designation – introduced in 2015 with the launch of the 570S – ceases from the end of this year with the limited-run, GT4-inspired 620R the last model produced.

October 28, 2020