Since 2011, Ricardo has produced more than 30,000 powertrains for McLaren. The vast majority of those have been either the 3.8- or 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, but latterly has included the Artura’s 3.0-litre V6 as well. Now McLaren has announced that Ricardo will continue to supply its automotive division with power units as part of a ‘long-term investment deal’, which is set to include a brand-new hybridised V8.
Not so long ago, news of a supercar manufacturer sticking with a V8 would have barely registered; that McLaren can continue to make the case for an engine larger than the Artura’s feels hugely significant. A McLaren designed unit, the all-new engine will go into the next generation of Woking-built hybrid supercars, presumably kicking off with whatever the car after the 750S - a rival for Lamborghini’s plug-in V8 Huracan replacement, no less - turns out to be. Ricardo is set to invest further at its Shoreham engine production facility as part of the new agreement.
Interestingly, Ricardo CEO Graham Ritchie said that the deal “extends the long-term relationship between both companies into the next decade”, the assumption being that the new V8 McLarens will continue to exist in the 2030s. Expected, given the bulk of the firm’s output and the global nature of its sales, but it’s nice to read it in black and white. The company would not be drawn on how the exemption of e-fuels will affect its future, although it’s safe to say that Woking is studying the development every bit as keenly as its rivals. Which, of course, makes the continued production of a V8 rather convenient.
McLaren Automotive CEO Michael Leiters added: “Our new high-performance, hybrid V8 powertrain will form an integral part of McLaren’s next-generation product line-up delivering best-in-class performance and thrilling driver engagement…This new agreement with Ricardo is, therefore, an important part of our ‘Future of Performance’ strategy and builds on the enduring relationship between the two British companies, providing a boost for jobs and ensuring increased investment in what is a vitally important domestic engineering supply chain for future technologies.”
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