Next McLaren Ultimate Series rumoured

Faster than a P1, V8 sans hybrid and limited to 500 - the 'P15' is set to be something incredible

Nothing is official yet, OK? And even if it does happen, the 'P15' will of course be extremely rare. But last time Autocar suggested another Ultimate Series McLaren was on the way, it became the BP23. So we're inclined to believe them again, particularly if the end result is as awesome as the speculation suggests.

Front can change a lot if you don't need a boot...

You know how a McLaren P1 is a bit meek, a bit heavy, and not all that great on track? Each of those concerns is to be addressed with the P15. Alright, so we're being a tad silly, but the premise of the P15 is as that facetious statement suggests: it's described as a "track weapon", with bodywork only where required and a power-to-weight ratio beyond a P1.

How so? No hybrid system. Instead the P15 will use the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 - can we call it 'venerable' yet? - with around 800hp but crucially a kerbweight of below 1,300kg; a P1 is nearer 1,500kg. Moreover it's set to be more stripped out than the P1, with two seats about as far as practical concerns stretch. There won't be any luggage space, excess bodywork or concessions to everyday usability, though the P15 will remain road legal.

Advances made since the P1's introduction will help as well, with MonoCage II - as seen in the 720S - to be used for the P15, saving precious kilos from the structure. The latest evolution of the dual-clutch gearbox from the latest Super Series car will also be employed. Beyond that active aero is likely to feature significantly at the front and rear of the P15; can't let Lamborghini have all the fun now...

Any excuse to use this pic again, right?

These are Autocar impressions of how the car might look, with the design said to have been signed off by new design director Rob Melville; prospective customers are likely to see the car later this year, ahead of the car being shown to the public at Geneva in 2018. Autocar's McLaren source said of the look: "This is the ultimate distillation of form following function. Whichever part of the car you look at, you will visually understand the function of the components."

All sounds rather exciting. Autocar is already suggesting 'ring lap times and GTR variants, but we'll proceed a little more cautiously for now. A price? If you're eligible you've probably already been contacted, though for the moment somewhere around £850,000 is being suggested. More news as and when we have it...

[Source: Autocar]

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