McLaren has confirmed that its long-awaited hyper-GT, so far referred to by its codename BP23, will be called the Speedtail. This new moniker has been chosen to emphasise the car’s F1-beating top speed and “highly streamlined design”, so McLarensays.
While not particularly evocative in name (it was only trademarked just over a month ago, suggesting that Woking might have had a few contenders in the pot), the few assurances made about the new £1.6m model suggest it will do justice to the idea of it being a spiritual successor to the iconic F1.
McLaren has reconfirmed that the Speedtail will be both its fastest (in a straight line) and most luxurious model, with a top speed greater than the F1’s 243mph and a level of usability prominent enough for it to earn grand tourer status. The latter will come in part thanks to a bespoke cabin layout with three seats, placing the driver in the middle and ahead of their passengers, just like the erstwhile F1.
As to what will power the car, all we know at this stage is that the Speedtail will use a petrol-electric hybrid system. It’s likely (i.e. almost certain) this will include McLaren’s 4.0-litre V8 engine, as first used by the 720S in 720hp form, and an electric motor offering the option for pure electric running.
The last hybrid McLaren, the P1, placed its electric motor alongside the engine to drive directly through the gearbox. Such a location was ideal for packaging and weight distribution, although it's feasible that Woking may have opted to separate the motor and engine, with the motor providing power to the front axle. This option could allow the motor to have its own gearbox and therefore increase the chances of it providing electric shove at very high speed.
Either way, McLaren remains tight lipped ahead of the car's reveal later this year, and will only reiterate that the Speedtail is not designed to chase lap times - a job already taken by the Senna (as we found out on circuit). Naturally the idea of its top speed is tied into that, although the extent to which Woking has exceeded 243mph is also still under wraps.
Just 106 examples of the Speedtail will be produced, which is exactly the same run number as the original F1, each in completely bespoke form by the McLaren Special Operations division. All cars have already been spoken for - in fact, they have been for some time, with the order book having been filled up before the car was officially announced in November 2016.
Even taking the limited build into account, the new hyper-GT will do well to emulate its ancestor's remarkable legacy. Number of McLaren P1s on sale in the classifieds? Thirteen. Number of F1s? One. And that's a GTR Longtail modified for road use. If the same can be said of the Speedtail in 18 months (ratio-wise), Woking will be remarkably pleased with itself.
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