McLaren’s next flagship — a Formula-1-inspired two-seat model — will debut a lightweight hybrid system.
At its global retailer meeting on Tuesday, the British supercar brand revealed details of the Ultimate Series model, which should arrive around 2026.
An in-house developed V-8 engine and the hybrid system will power the two-seater, according to two dealer sources who attended the meeting in Woking, England.
The hybrid system is about 70 percent lighter than the current generation, a source told Automotive News.
The powertrain “produces much more horsepower and delivers the power more directly to the transmission,” the person said.
A McLaren spokesperson declined to comment on the discussions at the dealer meeting.
Executives also hinted at plans to expand into the four-door vehicle market during the event, which was held in a temporary structure at McLaren’s bucolic headquarters.
Without revealing details, McLaren told retailers it will “bring in another class of automobile in 2028,” according to the dealers. They quoted McLaren’s director of product strategy, Jamie Corstorphine, saying “Stay tuned. It may have four doors and four seats.”
Last year, Corstorphine told Automotive News the automaker was exploring the idea of a utility-type vehicle.
“How high-riding it is, whether it’s a crossover … that’s to be decided,” he said at the time.
McLaren will develop the vehicle and its platform in-house.
“They’re not going to partner with any other manufacturer to build that car,” a dealer said.
