McLaren's ultimate road car, the $ 2 million Speedtail Hyper-GT



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The Speedtail is McLaren's first Hyper-GT, joining the "Ultimate" family of the brand.McLaren

This is the Speedtail, McLaren Automotive's first hyper-GT model, which joins the pinnacle of the "Ultimate Series" brand. With speeds of up to 250 km / h, it is the most powerful road car built by the British company. The Speedtail honors the McLaren F1 icon with its inventive three-seater cabin design. It is also ultra-exclusive, with production strictly limited to 106 copies, whose price is around $ 2 million. All models have been pre-sold – their interest far exceeding production forecasts – for the delivery of their customers in 2020.

The power comes from a gasoline-electric hybrid engine housed in a lightweight carbon fiber body. Mike Flewitt, the company's general manager, said it reminded him of the "elegant streamliners that once set world records". The Speedtail offers a combined acceleration of 1,050ps for acceleration to 186 mph in just 12.8 seconds, to be faster than the most powerful McLaren machine, the P1. For more power, the "Velocity" mode optimizes the engine and activates the aerodynamics by lowering the bodywork by 35 mm so that the highest point of the car is only 1120 mm from the road.

The Speedtail has a slim and elongated 137mm bodyMcLaren

The goal was to design a hyper-GT three-seater in the spirit of F1. "It had to be the purest expression of what you need from a car like this. For McLaren, the design must be authentic, "says Creative Director Robert Melville, as we walk around the car in a well-kept safe in the McLaren Technical Center. "The proportions must match the car and every material used must match that car."

The tapered rear has flexible carbon spoilers that raise and adjust depending on driving styleMcLaren

It is an exceptionally accomplished product. The exterior is focused on the best of aerodynamics. The Speedtail is therefore the most efficient McLaren road car in terms of drag resistance ever built. This is largely due to the extremely thin and elongated 137 mm carbon body and teardrop-shaped cockpit, which keeps the air close to the sculpture and gently directs it outwards. A single large piece of glass covers the entire volume to replace the structural panels, increasing weight loss and aerodynamic efficiency. The tapered rear has flexible carbon spoilers that lift and adjust depending on driving style to improve drag.

A piece of glass covers the volume instead of the structural panels for increased aerodynamic efficiencyMcLaren

"For us, it's always about taking risks – pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved is at the heart of our design," says Melville. Here, every detail has been taken into account to help achieve the ultimate aerodynamic efficiency while adding character to the car. Retractable digital reversing cameras replace traditional mirrors, while aerodynamic static carbon elements cover the front tailor-made "P-Zero" Pirelli tires. This is fundamental to ensure that the air remains attached to the body, but keeping the rear wheels bare also adds an unusual aesthetic and constitutes a statement of non-compliance.

Each element of the Speedtail is considered for its aerodynamic efficiencyMcLaren Speedtail

Other areas highlight the exceptional technical skills of the McLaren Materials team. Melville admits that "material history is unlike anything we have done before." The engine is covered with a carbon foil displaying a technical classification color in fine carbon armor. The front splitter, diffuser and side skirts are made from a titanium-based carbon material that contains only 1,000 fibers per wire, instead of the usual 3,000. The Jacquard weaving process creates a complex pattern. In addition, customers can specify that the titanium is anodized in a specified color, interwoven with a custom message. Finally, the McLaren badge and the name of the Speedtail are equipped with Thin-Ply Technology (TPT), a technique developed with the Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille, a partner of the brand, and are created in white gold.

The cabin pays tribute to the legendary McLaren F1 with its three-seat designMcLaren

The interior is very impressive too. While the first McLaren road cars had remained simple enough to become authentic sports cars, the company is now confident enough to add a touch of luxury to its cabins. The center driver design, flanked by two passenger bucket seats, is sensational. "As a boy, I had a picture of the McLaren F1 on my wall. It's a dream project for me, "smiles Melville, really pleased to have worked on the Speedtail.

McLaren brought a touch of luxury to the interior of the SpeedsterMcLaren Speedtail

Thin carved seats are covered with tactile leather; the driver's seat is adjustable and the two rear seats are fixed. You can order intertwined carbon titanium deposit materials and digitally grained, fully aniline and lightweight leathers from McLaren Special Operations' custom division. Two digital displays located on each side of the driver provide the necessary traffic information. Two luggage compartments located at the front and back of the suitcase, with a capacity of 162 liters, allow storing a suitcase and two smaller bags, customized by the team McLaren. Finally, a switch darkens the top of the windshield, eliminating the need for sun visors. Here, everything is about smart solutions.

McLaren has a moment in history. This boutique brand has been busy developing a family of sports cars that push the boundaries of technology and design, go beyond exploring new shapes, new materials – ultra-carbon weaving. lightweight in unprecedented forms and forms in the history of the automobile. . There is beauty in this seriousness, but in one way or another, McLaren cars risk losing the sense of automotive beauty.

Speedtail brings McLaren a sense of automotive beautyMcLaren

The Speedtail introduces the grace, the appeal, of the golden age of automotive design. There is so much drama in the form of the drop and the tapered back; and a much needed smile in the three-seat design. Melville had fun and, after a little contemplation, described the project as a "classical futurist – rooted in history and in the future".

This is the first of 18 new vehicles and derivatives promised in the Track25 Master Plan. "McLaren has never built a vehicle comparable to the Speedtail," says the CEO. Mike Flewitt. "As our first hyper-GT car, this is the ultimate McLaren road car – a fusion of art and science that combines amazing top speed with an iconic central driving position and approach truly innovative customization.

Read my interview with Mike Flewitt, McLaren Automotive CEO, on his vision of the brand here

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The Speedtail is McLaren's first Hyper-GT, joining the "Ultimate" family of the brand.McLaren

This is the Speedtail, McLaren Automotive's first hyper-GT model, which joins the pinnacle of the "Ultimate Series" brand. With speeds of up to 250 km / h, it is the most powerful road car built by the British company. The Speedtail honors the McLaren F1 icon with its inventive three-seater cabin design. It is also ultra-exclusive, with production strictly limited to 106 copies, whose price is around $ 2 million. All models have been pre-sold – their interest far exceeding production forecasts – for the delivery of their customers in 2020.

The power comes from a gasoline-electric hybrid engine housed in a lightweight carbon fiber body. Mike Flewitt, the company's general manager, said it reminded him of the "elegant streamliners that once set world records". The Speedtail offers a combined acceleration of 1,050ps for acceleration to 186 mph in just 12.8 seconds, to be faster than the most powerful McLaren machine, the P1. For more power, the "Velocity" mode optimizes the engine and activates the aerodynamics by lowering the bodywork by 35 mm so that the highest point of the car is only 1120 mm from the road.

The Speedtail has a slim and elongated 137mm bodyMcLaren

The goal was to design a hyper-GT three-seater in the spirit of F1. "It had to be the purest expression of what you need from a car like this. For McLaren, the design must be authentic, "says Creative Director Robert Melville, as we walk around the car in a well-kept safe in the McLaren Technical Center. "The proportions must match the car and every material used must match that car."

The tapered rear has flexible carbon spoilers that raise and adjust depending on driving styleMcLaren

It is an exceptionally accomplished product. The exterior is focused on the best of aerodynamics. The Speedtail is therefore the most efficient McLaren road car in terms of drag resistance ever built. This is largely due to the extremely thin and elongated 137 mm carbon body and teardrop-shaped cockpit, which keeps the air close to the sculpture and gently directs it outwards. A single large piece of glass covers the entire volume to replace the structural panels, increasing weight loss and aerodynamic efficiency. The tapered rear has flexible carbon spoilers that lift and adjust depending on driving style to improve drag.

A piece of glass covers the volume instead of the structural panels for increased aerodynamic efficiencyMcLaren

"For us, it's always about taking risks – pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved is at the heart of our design," says Melville. Here, every detail has been taken into account to help achieve the ultimate aerodynamic efficiency while adding character to the car. Retractable digital reversing cameras replace traditional mirrors, while aerodynamic static carbon elements cover the front tailor-made "P-Zero" Pirelli tires. This is fundamental to ensure that the air remains attached to the body, but keeping the rear wheels bare also adds an unusual aesthetic and constitutes a statement of non-compliance.

Each element of the Speedtail is considered for its aerodynamic efficiencyMcLaren Speedtail

Other areas highlight the exceptional technical skills of the McLaren Materials team. Melville admits that "material history is unlike anything we have done before." The engine is covered with a carbon foil displaying a technical classification color in fine carbon armor. The front splitter, diffuser and side skirts are made from a titanium-based carbon material that contains only 1,000 fibers per wire, instead of the usual 3,000. The Jacquard weaving process creates a complex pattern. In addition, customers can specify that the titanium is anodized in a specified color, interwoven with a custom message. Finally, the McLaren badge and the name of the Speedtail are equipped with Thin-Ply Technology (TPT), a technique developed with the Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille, a partner of the brand, and are created in white gold.

The cabin pays tribute to the legendary McLaren F1 with its three-seat designMcLaren

The interior is very impressive too. While the first McLaren road cars had remained simple enough to become authentic sports cars, the company is now confident enough to add a touch of luxury to its cabins. The center driver design, flanked by two passenger bucket seats, is sensational. "As a boy, I had a picture of the McLaren F1 on my wall. It's a dream project for me, "smiles Melville, really pleased to have worked on the Speedtail.

McLaren brought a touch of luxury to the interior of the SpeedsterMcLaren Speedtail

Thin carved seats are covered with tactile leather; the driver's seat is adjustable and the two rear seats are fixed. You can order intertwined carbon titanium deposit materials and digitally grained, fully aniline and lightweight leathers from McLaren Special Operations' custom division. Two digital displays located on each side of the driver provide the necessary traffic information. Two luggage compartments located at the front and back of the suitcase, with a capacity of 162 liters, allow storing a suitcase and two smaller bags, customized by the team McLaren. Finally, a switch darkens the top of the windshield, eliminating the need for sun visors. Here, everything is about smart solutions.

McLaren has a moment in history. This boutique brand has been busy developing a family of sports cars that push the boundaries of technology and design, go beyond exploring new shapes, new materials – ultra-carbon weaving. lightweight in unprecedented forms and forms in the history of the automobile. . There is beauty in this seriousness, but in one way or another, McLaren cars risk losing the sense of automotive beauty.

Speedtail brings McLaren a sense of automotive beautyMcLaren

The Speedtail introduces the grace, the appeal, of the golden age of automotive design. There is so much drama in the form of the drop and the tapered back; and a much needed smile in the three-seat design. Melville had fun and, after a little contemplation, described the project as a "classical futurist – rooted in history and in the future".

This is the first of 18 new vehicles and derivatives promised in the Track25 Master Plan. "McLaren has never built a vehicle comparable to the Speedtail," says the CEO. Mike Flewitt. "As our first hyper-GT car, this is the ultimate McLaren road car – a fusion of art and science that combines amazing top speed with an iconic central driving position and approach truly innovative customization.

Read my interview with Mike Flewitt, McLaren Automotive CEO, on his vision of the brand here

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