McLaren distances itself from Ferrari’s SUV plans

McLaren has used Ferrari’s SUV announcement this week to distance itself yet again from the idea of building its own high-riding creation.

The British supercar manufacturer’s Asia Pacific managing director George Biggs has told motoring.com.au there are no plans for a Macca SUV, irrespective of how successful the forthcoming Ferrari Purosangue may or may not be.

“It’s certainly not changed our views on SUVs, no,” said Biggs.

“We’ve been very clear on the fact we’re not building an SUV. Ultimately we’re focussed on producing the best sports cars; that’s what we do and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”

Ferrari isn’t alone in bending to the SUV trend. Lamborghini, Bentley, Maserati Porsche and Aston Martin have are will soon have their own high-powered SUVs in production.

Asked specifically whether the pursuit of an SUV would distract McLaren from what it specialises in – superlative supercars – Biggs deadpanned.

“It’s more to do with the fact we’re very clear on our strengths, and that’s building competitive sports cars. That’s what we want to focus on and do the best job of that.”

Biggs was less dismissive of the prospect of a future McLaren other than a two-door supercar. But alas, he gave very little away.

“We haven’t given any communication on that, but more broadly than that it’s about sports cars that you can have the best driving experience in,” he said.

“That’s what we’re about and that’s exactly where we sit in unique way in the market. We’re happy with that position,” Biggs explained.