Rumors of an electric supercar from McLaren have been circulating for quite some time, but the British luxury car manufacturer has emphasized its commitment to taking its time in developing a zero-emission performance machine that aligns with the company’s philosophy of lightweight, driver-focused vehicles. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, McLaren CEO Michael Leiters shared that the company is indeed exploring the possibility of an electric supercar. However, he stated that the technology required to meet their specific performance requirements, particularly in terms of weight and range, will likely not be ready until the end of the decade.
Leiters expressed that McLaren is not interested in following the path of current electric supercars, which typically weigh around 4,500 pounds and require 2,000 horsepower. Instead, they are aiming for a much lower weight of around 3,300 pounds. To put this into perspective, McLaren’s latest plug-in hybrid supercar, the Artura, has a curb weight of approximately 3,300 pounds. This highlights the brand’s dedication to maintaining their lightweight design philosophy even in their electric offerings.
Furthermore, Leiters emphasized the importance of range for an electric supercar. In 2018, his predecessor, Mike Flewitt, stated that any McLaren electric supercar would need to last at least 30 minutes on the racetrack with a single charge. This requirement showcases the company’s commitment to ensuring that their electric vehicle offerings can deliver the same exhilarating performance as their combustion engine counterparts.
While McLaren continues to explore the realm of electric supercars, their immediate focus lies in expanding their core range of supercars. This includes the introduction of both hybrid and internal-combustion engine models. The newly unveiled 750S, which serves as a significant update to the 720S, has been well-received by McLaren’s dedicated customer base. Additionally, the company is actively developing a next-generation V-8 engine designed specifically for hybrid applications. Speculation suggests that this engine could find its way into a successor to the iconic McLaren P1.
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Interestingly, McLaren is also considering venturing into the SUV segment. While the idea of an SUV was previously met with reluctance, the success of high-riding models from rival brands such as Aston Martin, Lamborghini, and Ferrari has made McLaren reconsider. Leiters stated that McLaren is exploring new segments and opportunities, and an SUV could potentially be one of them. This expansion into the SUV market would allow McLaren to cater to a wider range of customers’ preferences and capitalize on the growing demand for luxury SUVs.
Leiters’ diverse background in the automotive industry adds further credibility to McLaren’s ambitions. Prior to joining McLaren, he served as chief technical officer for Ferrari, overseeing the development of the Purosangue SUV. Previously, he also worked as a senior engineer at Porsche, where he played a pivotal role in the early adoption of hybrid technology and the development of the Cayenne line.
In conclusion, McLaren’s commitment to delivering an electric supercar that upholds their core principles of lightweight design and driver-focused performance is admirable. While the technology required to meet their specific requirements may not be fully mature until the end of the decade, McLaren remains dedicated to expanding their core range, introducing hybrid powertrains, and potentially venturing into the SUV market. With Leiters’ extensive experience in the industry, the future looks promising for McLaren as they continue to push the boundaries of automotive innovation.
