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McLaren Speedtail: A Unity of Art, Technology and Speed
McLaren Automotive has revealed the streamlined form of the McLaren Speedtail, billed as the next chapter in McLaren’s Ultimate Series.
The first ‘Hyper-GT’ from the British marquee, the Speedtail can achieve the highest maximum speed of any McLaren to date, reaching 403 km/h, while delivering a blend of contemporary craftsmanship, materials innovation and bespoke personalisation.
Just 106 units will be created and all of them are already reserved for customers, starting at an eye-popping price of £1.75 million.
“McLaren has never built a vehicle like the Speedtail before,” said Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer at McLaren Automotive.
“As our first ‘Hyper-GT’, the Speedtail is the ultimate McLaren road car; a fusion of art and science that combines an astonishing maximum speed with an iconic central-driving position and a truly pioneering approach to bespoke personalisation.
“A ground-breaking hybrid powertrain sits within a lightweight carbon fibre body reminiscent of sleek ‘streamliners’ that once set world speed records, while the luxurious three-seat cockpit offers a sublime combination of an incredible driving experience, unmatched individualism and innovative materials never seen before in a road-going vehicle."
As the most powerful and most aerodynamically drag efficient McLaren, the Speedtail can exceed the 243mph record peak speed of the McLaren F1, a feat made possible by intense collaboration between McLaren’s design and engineering teams to deliver a peerless blend of aerodynamic, powertrain and dynamic excellence.
The teardrop-shaped cockpit and aerodynamically optimised body are the foundation for the exceptional aerodynamic drag efficiency, with innovative features such as carbon fibre front-wheel static aero covers, retractable digital rear-view cameras (in lieu of mirrors) and patented active rear ailerons furthering contributing to the ultra-low drag achieved.
The Speedtail model is built around a bespoke McLaren Monocage carbon fibre structure and benefits from lightweight engineering throughout, including an all-carbon fibre body, aluminium active suspension and carbon ceramic brakes. The powertrain is a pioneering petrol-electric hybrid developing a combined 1,050PS to support the car's performance.
McLaren Automotive is a creator of luxury, high-performance sportscars and supercars. The company, launched in 2010, is now the largest part of the McLaren Group.