The Gentleman Magazine Issue 12 | December 2018 | Page 18

THE McLAREN SPEEDTAIL:
A MOMENTOUS UNITY OF ART, TECHNOLOGY AND
VELOCITY
McLaren Automotive today reveals the stunning, streamlined
form and sensational specification of the McLaren Speedtail.
The next chapter in McLaren’s Ultimate Series, the Speedtail
is the first ‘Hyper-GT’ from the pioneering British company
recognised for producing luxury sportscars and supercars
that deliver extraordinary driving experiences. The Speedtail
can achieve the highest maximum speed of any McLaren
to date, reaching 403 km/h (250mph), yet will also deliver
an unprecedented blend of contemporary craftsmanship,
materials innovation and bespoke personalisation. Just 106*
will be created and all are already reserved, at a price of from
£1.75million plus taxes.
“McLaren has never built a vehicle like the Speedtail before. As
our first ‘Hyper-GT’, the Speedtail is the ultimate McLaren road
car; a fusion of art and science that combines an astonishing
maximum speed with an iconic central-driving position and
a truly pioneering approach to bespoke personalisation. A
ground-breaking hybrid powertrain sits within a lightweight
carbon fibre body reminiscent of sleek ‘streamliners’ that
once set world speed records, while the luxurious three-seat
cockpit offers a sublime combination of an incredible driving
experience, unmatched individualism and innovative materials
never seen before in a road-going vehicle.”
Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive.
As the most powerful and most aerodynamically drag efficient
McLaren, the Speedtail can exceed the 243mph record peak
speed of the legendary McLaren F1, a feat made possible
by intense collaboration between McLaren’s design and
engineering teams to deliver a peerless blend of aerodynamic,
powertrain and dynamic excellence. It is also significant that
this is the first of 18 new cars or derivatives that McLaren will
introduce as part of its Track25 business plan.
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The teardrop-shaped cockpit and aerodynamically optimised
body are the foundation for the exceptional aerodynamic drag
efficiency, with innovative features such as carbon fibre front-
wheel static aero covers, retractable digital rear-view cameras
(in lieu of mirrors) and patented active rear ailerons furthering
contributing to the ultra-low drag achieved.
The Speedtail model is built around a bespoke McLaren
Monocage carbon fibre structure and benefits from lightweight
engineering throughout, including an all-carbon fibre body,
aluminium active suspension and carbon ceramic brakes. The
powertrain is a pioneering petrol-electric hybrid developing a
combined 1,050PS to support the extraordinary performance.
A speed of 403km/h (250mph) is achieved in a unique Velocity
mode, which has been developed specifically for the Speedtail.
Velocity mode optimises the hybrid powertrain for high-
speed running, while also tailoring the angle of the active rear
ailerons. Additionally, the digital rear-view cameras can be
retracted to further improve drag. Furthermore, the Velocity
Active Chassis Control can lower the Speedtail by 35mm,
leaving the highest point of the vehicle just 1,120mm from the
road surface.
The hybrid powertrain enables a relentless increase in vehicle
speed regardless of engine rpm and the low weight of the
Speedtail – only 1,430kg dry – hastens this ability. The straight-
line acceleration of the Speedtail sets a new benchmark for a
McLaren, with 0-300km/h (0-186mph) achieved in just 12.8
seconds; McLaren Automotive’s previous Ultimate Series
hybrid, the McLaren P1™, could reach this speed in 16.5
seconds. A bespoke P-ZERO™ tyre designed for the Speedtail’s
extreme speed has been developed with McLaren technology
partner, Pirelli.
, Security in Motion”