The Gentleman Magazine Issue 7 | February 2018 | Page 23

In addition, and in recognition of the brand’s commitment to
North America, the US saw the opening of a new 7,500-square
foot North American Regional Distribution Centre, which
became the first McLaren parts distribution centre outside the
company’s UK headquarters.
Key 2017 corporate highlights
February – intention to build the new McLaren Composites
Technology Centre in Yorkshire
McLaren Automotive announced that it will in-source future
production of carbon fibre Monocell and Monocage chassis,
leading to the creation of around 200 new jobs at the company’s
first bespoke facility outside of the McLaren Technology Centre
campus.
The new facility started construction in 2017 and is expected
to be officially opened in late 2018 to start building carbon
fibre development tubs, with full operation planned for 2019.
Formed through a partnership between McLaren Automotive,
the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing
Research Centre and Sheffield City Council, the new McLaren
Composites Technology Centre is the result of a combined
investment of nearly £50 million. The target is that the new
Centre will deliver £100 million of GVA (gross value added)
benefit to the local economy by 2028.
March – McLaren 720S revealed
The new McLaren 720S made its global debut at the 87th Geneva
International Motor Show as the second generation of
McLaren’s Super Series.
Its carbon fibre chassis is based around the Monocage II
carbon fibre central structure that is key to the 1,283kg lightest
dry weight and unparalleled interior space and visibility. It
features a luxurious, driver-focused cabin, the finest leathers
and aluminium switches.
The 720S delivers outstanding driver engagement, with best-
ever Super Series aerodynamic efficiency and a new generation
of McLaren’s active chassis system, Proactive Chassis Control
II, to ensure the widest breadth of dynamic capability of any
McLaren, ranging from precise, controlled comfort to the most
extreme handling prowess. With a new, twin-turbocharged
4.0-litre V8 engine producing 720PS and 770Nm, the 720S has
a power-to-weight ratio of up to 561PS per tonne.
June – McLaren 570S Spider – a convertible without
compromise
The two-seat, rear-wheel drive 570S Spider is the third
bodystyle in McLaren’s Sports Series portfolio, lining up
alongside the 570S Coupé and the 570 GT.  Compared to the
Coupé, the 570S Spider added a neatly integrated, retractable
hardtop that when lowered delivers an even more immersive
and exhilarating driving experience.  
The 570S Spider combines all the high-performance dynamic
attributes and refinement of the 570S Coupé with the added
exhilaration of open-air driving.
The Duke met some of the company’s 2,100 workforce who
design and hand-assemble McLaren cars, the majority of
which are exported around