McLaren Speedtail Breaks Cover

McLaren Automotive Ltd. has unveiled its upcoming Speedtail hypercar.

Billed as the fastest McLaren ever, the car’s hybrid powertrain generates a combined 1,035 hp. The rear-wheel-drive car can accelerate from zero to 186 mph in 12.8 seconds and has a top speed of 250 mph.

Like the 1990s-era F1 supercar to which it pays homage, the Speedtail features a three-seat layout with the driver sitting in the center ahead of an offset second row.

The sleek coupe features a teardrop-shaped design with a long tapering tail that McLaren says makes it the company’s most aerodynamic model. The 202-inch long Speedtail has a dry weight of about 3,150 lbs, thanks to its carbon-fiber monocoque construction with an aluminum suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and lightweight leather seats.

Top speed is achieved in the car’s Velocity drive mode, which optimizes the powertrain and aerodynamic components for all-out performance. This includes retracting side-view cameras—which are used in place of traditional mirrors—and lowering the active suspension by more than an inch.

Other aero elements include active rear spoilers, several air ducts and fixed front wheel covers. Air flow to the engine comes from a small snorkel intake.

The number of body panels is minimized to create a streamlined design. This includes a one-piece rear clamshell that McLaren says is the largest carbon fiber body piece it's used.

The panoramic windshield and roof is the largest glass panel used on a McLaren car. Drivers can darken the electrochromic glass, which McLaren says eliminates the need for traditional sun visors.

The interior features a center-mounted instrument panel sandwiched between a pair of infotainment screens.  At the base of the front pillars are two smaller screens that show feeds from the door-mounted cameras. The engine start button, window and door controls and other buttons and knobs are located in the headliner.

Customization options include specialized colors and unique stitch patterns for the seats. Buyers also can have their names or an image included in the interior or exterior design.  

McLaren plans to limit production of the Speedtail to 106 units—the same number of F1s it made—all of which have been pre-sold. Pricing starts at about $2.2 million. Deliveries are expected to begin in early 2020.