McLaren’s all new “Hyper GT” has been highly anticipated as one of the most exciting vehicles to be unveiled in 2018. McLaren initially provoked our attention with the release of teaser images of the Speedtail this past spring; the few details that were shared evoked a modern interpretation of the famed McLaren F1 in the heads of motor enthusiasts. The Speedtail is the latest addition to McLaren’s ultra exclusive “Ultimate Series,” which already includes the Senna and P1.
Upon immediate view, the Speedtail is undeniably sleek with impressive futuristic elements that make the car appear like it is in motion while even in a car park. The McLaren Speedtail is positioned to steal the title as McLaren’s fastest production vehicle to date with a mind numbing top speed of 250 miles per hour that’s made possible by the vehicle’s hybrid powertrain, which unleashes a staggering 1,035 brake horse power. The Speedtail’s claimed acceleration metrics for 0-60 mph have not yet been released, however, experts estimate it to be somewhere around 2.5 seconds; on the bright side, we have been given a not to 186 mph time of just under 13 seconds. To handle these extraordinary speeds, the vehicle is crafted from an exceptionally rigid ultra lightweight bespoke carbon fibre monocage body. Additionally, the Speedtail’s tires were custom made by Pirelli to ensure uncompromising performance.
“McLaren has never built a vehicle like the Speedtail before. 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 personalization. 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.” said Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive.
The aerodynamics and weight saving measures of the Speedtail are some of the most advanced in the industry. McLaren engineers and designers worked in collaboration to deliver low-profile, retractable, digital rear-view cameras instead of side mirrors. Extraordinary elements also include carbon fibre front-wheel static aero-covers and patented active rear ailerons, which reduce friction. To top it all off, the Speedtail team sculpted the vehicle’s body with drag reduction as the key element behind what contributes to being the most aero-drag efficient McLaren road car ever made.
“The McLaren Speedtail is a vehicle unlike any other, not simply because of the astonishing visual drama, extreme speed and aerodynamic excellence that distinguish it, but because it sets unprecedented standards in technical luxury and bespoke customization. The same boundless innovation and creativity that drives McLaren to push the limits of physical performance have challenged us to craft an exquisite interior defined by pioneering design and the absolute pinnacle of materials quality.” said Rob Melville, Design Director, McLaren Automotive.
Reminiscent of the McLaren F1, the Speedtail’s pilot is seated right front and center with passenger seats setback on each side of the captain’s chair. The magnificent interior is outfitted with materials that are a step above finishes commonly seen on vehicles of this caliber. The finest lightweight leather hides adorn nearly every surface in the cabin and perfectly pair with the vehicle’s carbon fibre accents. Glass panels allow ample natural light to flood the vehicle’s cabin, however, cutting edge technology allows the windows to be dimmed at a moments notice and act in lieu of sun visors. McLaren allows owners to customize a wide array of aspects of the vehicle, including the option of selecting an 18-karat gold McLaren badge.
In homage to the F1, McLaren will be making just 106 examples; the same amount of F1s were created back in the 1990s. All examples of the Speedtail have already been purchased at a price of 1.75 Million GBP, excluding tax. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2020.
Images courtesy of: McLaren Automotive
