McLaren

All posts in “McLaren”

McLaren wants to revolutionize engine efficiency with an all-star partnership

McLaren Automotive is reporting strong growth, as its sales volume almost doubled during the previous year; from 1,654 sold cars in 2015 to 3,286 cars in 2016. To keep that upward trajectory a reality, the company is aiming to overhaul its powertrain technology with help from BMW Group along with other strategic partners.

In a statement of intent published today, McLaren is announcing a project to develop “new combustion technology that will produce a higher output per capacity than currently possible”, while still achieving reduced CO2 output. A McLaren spokesperson told Autoblog that reduced emissions is also a goal of the combustion improvements. We expect to see the results of this effort sometime around 2020.

The McLaren-led project is backed and partially funded by the UK Government, through the Advanced Propulsion Centre. The APC is a think tank formed in 2013, itself standing as a 10-year joint effort between the UK Government and the automotive industry. There are five other partners in addition to McLaren, including McLaren’s engine-manufacturing partner Ricardo. BMW Group and casting experts Grainger & Worrall, which also produce parts for Aston Martin DB11 engines, are also in the list. Then there is Lentus Composites with their material know-how, and the University of Bath, who will be utilized for their advanced R&D capabilities. The project is sure to boost the existing credibility of the middle of England as an advanced automotive technology powerhouse, and it will be interesting to see which kind of power figures the end products will churn out – and in what kind of bodies the high-tech engines will be mounted.

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January 31, 2017 / Comments Off

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VIDEO: McLaren P1 Supercar Spy

December 16, 2012 / Comments Off

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McLaren Releases Images of Its New P1 Supercar

McLaren Automotive released three new images of its P1 Supercar ahead of the P1’s Paris Motor Show debut. The design study will go into production for next year and is scheduled to go on sale in 12 months.

MacLaren has positioned the supercar, inspired by the company’s racing division, with the goal, “to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track” and states the the P1 will sit above, in both price and performance, the 12C and 12C Spider.

Earlier today they released this statement: ‘P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage,’ says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis. ‘Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with P1 is to redefine it once again.’

‘Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit’, says McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff. ‘It is the true test of a supercar’s all round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.’

The company plans to release more details at a Sept. 27th press conference. Two days later, the McLaren P1 will make its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

September 18, 2012 / Comments Off

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OFFICIAL: McLaren Special Operations Shows X-1 Supercar At Pebble Beach

McLaren’s Special Operations (MSO) program has come up with something extra special to show at this years Pebble Beach. MSO will unveil the McLaren X-1 in an exclusive event held at the Quail Lodge today.

It may be billed as a one-off-supercar, but the X-1 is so much more than a concept and it’s rumored that may be hinting at elements of the upcoming ‘P12’ F1 successor.

The X-1 was brought into fruition some three years ago for an unnamed buyer, before the MP4-12C was launched. Said unnamed buyer requested a car with the capabilities of the MP4-12C, but with a unique body reflecting the buyer’s style and personality – specifying a “timeless and classically elegant” design inspired by the likes of the 1961 Facel Vega, the 1959 Buick Electra, the 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K and the 1971 Citroen SM.

Designers spent months creating sketches before clay models were approved and 18 months later the process was completed.

The result was a rear drive automobile, with benefits from the MP4-12Cs mid-engine, rear drive layout for improved handling.

Specs:
Carbon fiber body panels
Piano black finish
Natural carbon fiber body sides – oversprayed with lacquer for a unique finish.
Headlights and taillights inspired by the McLaren Speed Marque logo
Brightwork made of machined aluminum – nickel-plated for durability and consistency in appearance
Enclosed rear wheels via carbon fiber panels
Interior is based on the MP4-12C
McLaren Red Nappa leather
Nickel-plated switchgear
Carbon fiber trim – incorporates a titanium weave for added dimensionality
3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 rated at 617 horsepower

Acceleration and top speed have not been released yet.

Following its Pebble Beach debut, the X-1 will be returned to MSO for final pre-delivery inspection and then delivered into the hands of its new owner.

August 17, 2012 / Comments Off

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OFFICIAL: McLaren 12C Can-Am Concept

McLaren’s debuting a new concept car – a tribute to one of the greatest racing endeavors, the Can-Am – at Pebble Beach.

The concept is offset by carbon fiber and sating bllack touches and bright McLaren orange – a nod of respect to Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme’s success in racing in the ’60s and ’70s

McLaren upped the power from 3.8-liter V8 to 630 horsepower, making it the most powerful 12C derivative offered yet.

It looks similar to the GT3 version and includes race seats, a roll cage, a GT3 steering wheel, racing alloys, upgraded brakes, making it the “ultimate track car.”

August 15, 2012 / Comments Off

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VIDEO: McLaren MP4-12Cs Get Ready For 24 Hours Of Spa Endurance Race

This weekend is the 24 Hours of Spa endurance race. Nine MP4-12C GT3’s and 6 teams will be taking part. The video below highlights the MP4-12C GT3 in its first year of racing with the company’s chief test driver laying out some of the challenges of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

July 24, 2012 / Comments Off

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VIDEO: McLaren’s MP4-12C Spider In ACTION

July 17, 2012 / Comments Off

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OFFICIAL: McLaren Announces MP4-12C Spider With Retractable Hard Top

McLaren Automotive announced the MP4-12C Spider. Almost identical to the MP4-12C, McLaren kept the 616 horsepower, 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which is capable of 0 to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds. The McLaren engineers, however, tuned down the maximum speed of 207 mph to 207 mph.

With the flick of a switch on the center console, the metal hard top automatically retracts. McLaren designed the hard top to operate even while the vehicle is moving. McLaren also built in a rear windscreen that can be raised or lowered.

Originally, the MP4-12C was designed with a convertible in mind, thus, there was no need for McLaren engineers to reinforce any of the structural components to afford the hard top, except the additional 88-pounds from the retractable hard top system.

The MP4-12C Spider should be available come this November at all 38 McLaren dealerships for the price of BR£ 195,500, or US$ 310,000.

July 3, 2012 / Comments Off

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Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Nürburgring Crash Video

April 2, 2012 / Comments Off

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