McLaren

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First US-spec McLaren F1 will be auctioned in August

To own any McLaren F1 would be a special experience. It was the fastest car in the world for many years with a top speed of over 230 mph, courtesy of a glorious 627-horsepower V12 from BMW M. But as special as each individual F1 is, there are some few with that extra something, and among them is this 1995 F1 that will be offered by Bonhams at its Quail Lodge auction in August. This particular 1995 F1’s extra something is the fact that it was the very first to be imported to the US and made fully street-legal. Not only that, but it’s only had one owner from the day it was purchased.

According to Bonhams, the owner of this car, number 44 of 64, bought it in 1996. He took delivery of it at McLaren’s factory in Woking, Great Britain, and he immediately took it on a grand road trip across Europe. Following the trip, he had it shipped back to America for a company called Ameritech to go about updating the car to meet US safety and emissions regulations. In the 22 years that the original owner had it, he put 9,600 miles on the odometer.

The lucky buyer of this McLaren will get a thoroughly clean and complete car. The interior and engine bay are immaculate. Even the fusebox and other tertiary parts are in excellent shape. The original tool roll and luggage are included, as well as the complete toolbox for maintaining the car. Also, the original owner returned the car to European specifications after importing it, but he retained all of the parts necessary to make the car US-legal. All of those parts are included with the car in case the new owner wanted, or needed, to reinstall them. All things considered, this McLaren will likely run a very high price, but it could very well be worth it for whomever brings it home.

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July 21, 2017 / Comments Off

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McLaren ponders Acura NSX-style hybrid all-wheel-drive system

As cars get faster, there will come a point where horsepower will exceed the grip level of even the stickiest tires. There are all sorts of ways to manage traction, from trick differentials to traction control to torque vectoring, but the most tried and true way is adding all-wheel drive. While this isn’t ideal for a number of reasons, sending power to all four wheels generally improves performance. That’s why McLaren is investigating all-wheel drive systems for future products.

Car and Driver spoke with McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. He confirms the automaker is looking at adding AWD on future products, though if and when that happens could be a long way off. He argues that with horsepower and torque levels creeping ever higher, we’re getting close to the limits of what a tire can handle.

Unlike traditional mechanical all-wheel drive systems like those found on the Nissan GT-R, Audi R8, and Porsche 911 Turbo, look for electric motors to drive the front wheels, similar to the Acura NSX. Not only would a hybrid system help packaging, electric motors give McLaren much more control over what’s happening at each individual wheel.

McLaren told Autoblog that the automaker’s plan through 2022 involves mid-engine two-seat sports cars, so don’t look for an all-wheel drive SUV to come out of Woking anytime soon.

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July 10, 2017 / Comments Off

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McLaren 720S reaches series production, first car built

The first production example of the McLaren 720S has been finished at the supercar maker’s Production Centre in Woking, England. A 400-car launch edition series follows Job 1, and all of these have been sold already, according to McLaren. In addition to these cars, a batch of 800 720S models are expected to be built in 2017, and next year will see 1,500 cars roll out of the factory gates.

The 720S was formally launched at Geneva in March. It represents the second generation of McLaren’s so-called Super Series cars, and the manufacturer has now moved to the P14 designation from the earlier P11 series of cars. The P11 platform was unveiled in 2009 as the wraps came off the 12C model, which reached production in 2011. More than 7,000 P11 cars have been sold, including the 650S models introduced in 2014.

A landmark moment – The first production #McLaren 720S is ready, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the McLaren Automotive story pic.twitter.com/cnripl5sLB

— McLaren Automotive (@McLarenAuto) April 11, 2017

“The new McLaren 720S entering volume production is a momentous occasion for McLaren Automotive, marking the first time since the company was formed in 2010 that we have replaced a model family with an all-new generation,” says McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt.

The 720S model name stands for the 720 horsepower put out by the supercar’s four-liter V8 engine, and the manufacturer promises an impressive 2.8-second 0-60 mile per hour time and a 212-mph top speed. Launched from standstill, the car will reach 200 km/h (124mph) in just 7.8 seconds. The various ways a 720S can be configured can be seen in this Autoblog gallery.

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April 11, 2017 / Comments Off

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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’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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McLaren Production Centre Gets MIPIM Award

In 2012, the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) is responsible for production of eight MP4-12Cs every day, for distribution to 35 McLaren retailers in 18 countries.

MPC was awarded Best Industrial and Logistics Development by MIPIM at a recent ceremony in Cannes, France.

As one of the most spectacular car assembly plants in the world, it was only a matter of time before the McLaren Production Centre was recognized for their outstanding production.

Now that the new McLaren Production Centre is fully operational, the company anticipates that it will build up to 4000 cars across its model range annually by the middle of the decade.

project specs:

dates: 2009-2011
foster + parnters team: norman foster, david nelson, nigel dancey,
iwan jones, dominik hauser, nina linde, chris johnstone, kathleen mark, nicholas papas
client: mclaren group
structural + civil geothermic, fire, acoustics, CDM: buro happold
services and environmental consultant: PHA consult
landscape architect planning consultant: terence o’rourke
quantity surveyor: gardiner + thebold
gross area: 34, 500 square meters
external plant area: 620 square meters
building height: 6.6 meters
building length: 200 meters
building width: 100 meters
length of tunnel: 100 meters
number of levels: 2

March 19, 2012 / Comments Off

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