McLaren announces Speedtail reveal date
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 16th Oct 2018
MCLAREN has revealed that its newest range-topping GT hypercar, the Speedtail, will be unveiled on October 26 ahead of production set to begin towards the end of next year.
The British supercar manufacturer has also announced the Speedtail will produce over 1000PS (735kW) from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, comfortably eclipsing the 673kW in the brand’s previous range-topping hybrid, the P1.
The Speedtail can also be expected to surpass the P1’s 900Nm torque figure, from what will likely be a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 teamed to a battery-electric motor.
Along with the announcement, McLaren also showed a single darkened teaser image of the Speedtail’s rear end, suggesting a long, low and wide stance for the Ultimate Series hypercar.
The photo shows a long, raking rear end with aerodynamic panels on the flanks that channel air alongside the car’s central cabin, finishing in a broad, subtle lip spoiler that encompasses the whole vehicle’s long rear.
A panoramic glass roof looks to give a peek at the mid-mounted powertrain lying underneath, while the Speedtail’s name is emblazoned across the rear of the vehicle.
Slim, narrow tail-lights are embedded underneath the lip spoiler, and what looks to be aero flaps sit at the back of the side air channels and behind the glass roof.
The Speedtail’s design suggests it will be the longest model in McLaren’s range, evoking the ‘Long Tail’ styling of the 600LT and 675LT.
Its aerodynamic design and monumental power output help the Speedtail to eclipse the 391km/h top speed of the F1 hero car of the 1990s, which inspired the Speedtail’s centrally mounted seating position.
All 106 examples of the strictly limited Speedtail have sold out, with McLaren asking £1.75 million ($A3.23m) plus on-road costs for the super-exclusive three-seater.
Every example will be available for extensive personalisation through McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the brand’s bespoke service that has created a number of new materials for the Speedtail.
McLaren is building the Speedtail not as an all-out race-bred monster like the Senna, but as a hyper-GT which customers will be just as comfortable taking on a long Sunday drive as they are a trip to the nearest track. McLaren also claims the Speedtail will also be the most luxurious model ever created by the brand.
More about the Speedtail, including its exterior and interior design, engine configuration and power output, will be revealed on October 26.
It has been confirmed for an Australian arrival, with customer deliveries set to commence in 2020.
Through the first three quarters of 2018, McLaren has sold 69 total vehicles, down 11.5 per cent over the 78 it managed to the same point last year.
