Friday 19th October 2018

McLaren confirms development of bespoke BC-03

Cloak-and-dagger hypercar expected to use McLaren's 1,150hp hybrid Vision GT concept as a blueprint

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Want proof that it's all going on in Woking? In the midst of the build up for its Speedtail launch, McLaren's Special Operations Division is also working on another model that could take influence from the 1,150hp Vision GT concept. McLaren confirmed the existence of the project, codenamed BC-03, to PistonHeads, stating: "BC-03 is a bespoke customer commission being created by McLaren Special Operations," but it withheld any details "because the specifics of the project are confidential between MSO and its client". Boo.

Nevertheless, it's thought that BC-03 (short for Bespoke Commission 03) will take the form of a track-focused, carbon fibre-bodied hypercar, one that's expected to be lighter and more focused than the hyper-GT Speedtail, as well as more potent than the Senna. If we consider that this is a one-off likely priced considerably higher than those models, such advantages seem less absurd.

Such a car would also fit the bill of a Vision GT-inspired model, and would likely be powered by a hybrid system combining the 720S's 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and front-axle electric motors. The Vision GT uses two pod motors for this, with each powering their own wheel. This setup, you'll note, is a vast contrast to the 'through-the-gearbox' electric drive implemented in the only other hybrid McLaren, the P1.

If this all turns out to be accurate, BC-03's hybrid setup would point to a predicted change of philosophy for future hybrid McLarens - of which there'll be many. As part of the Woking car maker's Track25 plan, all McLaren Sport Series and Super Series models will use hybrid power by 2025, with many capable of pure-electric running, allowing them to be driven in zero-emission zones.

[skidskid]

The customer is on instagram and posted this a few days ago. He said they are making three of them for him and his friends.

[Jas-2jxyw]

I wonder if it will feature the 'Motor Cycle' driving position like the concept??

[C.A.R.]

Now that looks like it should be in Hotwheels packaging!

Love it. Looks like something of a Pixar creation for the next Cars movie...

[Dwayne Dibley]

C.A.R. said:

Now that looks like it should be in Hotwheels packaging!

Love it. Looks like something of a Pixar creation for the next Cars movie...

Ha! Couldn't have put it better myself!!

[giveitfish]

Foundation for next Le Mans car under new "Hypercar" rules?

[thegreenhell]

A car that nobody can buy and they can't reveal any details due to client confidentiality. Thanks for letting us know about this.

[anonymous-user]

Pity the Senna didn't look like this.

[Fetchez la vache]

Is this thing road legal with all those slicers?

[Roundm]

Any bets it’ll be delivered before the AMG one? 😀.

Of course they are not competing in any way .... much!

[greyarea]

Interesting way for Leon Haslam to celebrate winning his 1st championship for 20 years...

[delta0]

I see a 2020 Le Mans entrance

[Rich_W]

skidskid said:

The customer is on instagram and posted this a few days ago. He said they are making three of them for him and his friends.

Link?

[anonymous-user]

Fetchez la vache said:

Is this thing road legal with all those slicers?

I don't know but as it doesn't appear to have any doors, once the driver is sealed in there the cops cant get you so you'll be fine

[JohnG1]

If this is bespoke commission 03 then what are 02 and 01?

[Buzz84]

JohnG1 said:

If this is bespoke commission 03 then what are 02 and 01?

It could be a reference to the fact that there will be three of these made?

They have done bespoke commissions before, like the X-1, there may be a second one out there somewhere for someone else who didnt wan to publicise it.

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general-pistonhea...

Edited by Buzz84 on Saturday 20th October 07:02

[Yaffler]

BP23 (bespoke project 2, 3 seats) was the second one.

Buzz84 said:

It could be a reference to the fact that there will be three of these made?

They have done bespoke commissions before, like the X-1, there may be a second one out there somewhere for someone else who didnt wan to publicise it.

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general-pistonhea...

Edited by Buzz84 on Saturday 20th October 07:02

[bloomen]

How bespoke do you think they get?

I would like something with 600-700 bhp that would fit a couple of mates, my camping gear, rip down single track lanes requiring plenty of ground clearance and would fit in your typical supermarket parking space.

[Plug Life]

Is the customer "Lord" Aleem?

[GranCab]

Nah .. it's DimboRambo