McLaren confirms F1-inspired hyper-GT launch

McLaren has confirmed that it will launch a hybrid three-seater inspired by the original F1 in 2019. Only 106 examples of the new model will be made – the same number as the original F1 – and each has already been sold.

A teaser image of the model has been released by McLaren, which reveals its most significant feature – a three-seat layout, with the driving position in the middle and a seat on either side – just like the F1.

Codenamed BP23, the new model is being billed as a ‘hyper-GT’ rather than a hypercar in the mould of the original F1 and its P1 successor. According to McLaren, this means it is “a car designed for long journeys but with the high levels of performance and driver engagement expected of any McLaren”.

Owners have been told that the model will be produced as a coupé only, with no open-top or track-focused GTR variants planned. This is in keeping with McLaren’s brief to make a hyper-GT. The firm reckons a fixed roof is most befitting of the ultimate grand tourer.

McLaren has given little away about the unnamed model’s powertrain, save for the fact that it is a hybrid. It has also revealed that the car will be one of the most powerful McLarens yet produced.

As with all McLarens, a version of the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine will be at its heart, but this time it will be hooked up to an electric motor and a battery pack, as with the P1. The fact that its power output is described as "one of" the largest yet seen suggests it will not top the 916hp of the P1, but will exceed the 675hp of the 675LT. Insiders previously mentioned a figure far greater than 710hp.

The car will showcase the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division’s ability to develop its own models, with insiders promising a “streamlined” exterior “shrink-wrapped in a carbon fibre body of great elegance” and an exquisitely finished interior with bespoke switchgear. Each of the 106 owners will work with MSO to create bespoke colour, trim and personalisation combinations for their individual cars.

While McLaren hasn’t revealed much about the styling of the car, it has revealed that its dihedral doors, a feature of all McLaren Automotive models to date, will be powered for the first time and extend into the roof, as on the F1. Sources have revealed to our sister publication Autocar UK that there will be other nods to the F1 in the styling, with a roof-mounted air scoop among the features.

In addition to performance, McLaren will also focus on making the F1 homage its most refined car yet. A McLaren statement read: “The car will deliver the highest levels of refinement, enabling significant journeys to be undertaken with up to three people aboard.”