It’s fair to assume that most of us have had a lot of time to think during lockdown. And while the question of whether or not it's acceptable to spend five consecutive days working from bed is probably a more pertinent subject than wondering how the McLaren Speedtail gets to 250mph, the manufacturer is adamant that we're all keen to find out. Consequently it has gone into further detail about how the electric side of the coin helped its new hypercar set a new benchmark for the brand.
The Speedtail reached terminal velocity on more than 30 occasions during testing back in 2018, with runs taking place in quick succession - a fairly rigorous challenge when you've got large batteries to keep cool. The hybrid V8 model’s electric hardware is based around a 308hp motor that produces 11hp per kg, which is said to be twice as efficient as an average sports car. As such, despite the large number of innovations in the Speedtail, it’s the high voltage energy system that McLaren highlights as its paramount achievement.
The hybrid system uses a high-power cylindrical cell of 1.647kWh, said to be at the cutting edge of present battery technology thanks to its extremely compact size and industry-leading power-to-weight ratio. McLaren says the power density of this battery is “four times that of the unit in the McLaren P1” with 5.2kW/kg and an output of 362hp – a decent slab of the car’s 1,070hp combined figure, produced alongside the turbocharged 4.0-litre V8.
The electric gubbins are also said to use a higher performance cooling system than any other in a road car. The temperature of the battery cells is controlled by a non-conductive cooling system, which is immersed in a lightweight, electrically insulative oil that quickly takes heat out of the cells. The setup is the first of its kind in a production road car – and remains the only one in 2020 – allowing the batteries to power “harder for longer”. Which in the case of a 250mph hypercar, is pretty high on the agenda.
In short, the Speedtail’s party piece – that elongated, streamlined body – is apparently not its actual party piece. The electrical hardware aboard the hybrid machine is, not just enabling that 250mph top speed and an eye-popping 0-186mph time of just 13 seconds, but also ensuring McLaren remains at the forefront of electrified powertrain development in a time when some car makers are seriously contemplating making the switch to full electric power. McLaren believes hybrid power will remain in use for some time, and it’s probably no coincidence that McLaren is bragging about its expertise with electric hardware in the months preceding the launch of its all-new PHEV Sports Series model…
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