McLaren teases hypercar speedster
Limited-run open-cockpit hypercar is follow up to the Senna and P1, due in 2020, will focus on outright driving funMcLaren has previewed its latest member to join its 'Ultimate' series, a wild open-cockpit hypercar that's claimed will offer buyers "its purest driving experience yet."
Primed to make its debut in 2020, the new speedster will arrive a matter of months after the 106 Speedtail have been delivered to customers, McLaren says it will make just 399.
McLaren hasn't spilt the beans on the full specification for its latest Ultimate hypercar but claim it will be its lightest car yet – meaning it will weigh less than the track-bread Senna's 1309kg claimed kerbweight.
It's not known if it will be even lighter than the featherweight McLaren F1, that only tipped the scales at 1164kg.
What we do know is the model will employ a modified version of its MonoCell II carbon-fibre monocoque that underpins cars like both the Senna and the 720S.
The stripped-back hypercar will also be powered by the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that pumps out around 588kW and 800Nm in the Senna.
Combine that with a lack of weight and the alfresco Macca should deliver a 0-100km/h time of barely more than two seconds.
Instead of active aero and large wings, our first glimpse suggests sensuous curves will take pride of place with engineers tasked with making the speedster's handling as involving and engaging as possible.
Without the drag of a large rear spoiler the latest Ultimate hypercar should top at least 360km/h.
McLaren says it's already taking orders for its latest model, which is a natural rival for cars like the Ferrari Monza SP2.
Confirming it will be positioned between the £2.1 million ($A3.8m) Speedtail and the £750,000 ($A1.3m) Senna, a £1.4 million ($A2.5m) price tag for the open-cockpit McLaren is highly likely.
It's thought to avoid speculators with the latest speedster, the British car-maker will vet interested buyers and prioritise existing owners of past and current Ultimate series McLaren.
It’s not the first time McLaren has created an open-cockpit sports car.
Back in 2009, as part of its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, it produced the ultra-limited Mercedes SLR McLaren Stirling Moss.
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