McLaren Speedtail
Fans of McLaren have been clamoring for a successor to the iconic F1 for decades now, and it's finally arrived. Dubbed the Speedtail, McLaren's latest offering in its Super Series of hypercars is what the company calls a Hyper-GT. Powered by an evolution of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the 720S, as well as the fashionable hybrid assistance you'd expect of a modern hypercar, the Speedtail produces 1,035 horsepower and 848 lb-ft of torque, all of which is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. While its looks are not what one may consider traditionally beautiful, the McLaren way is to produce a functional design first and a pretty form after. Thus, McLaren's fastest and most aerodynamic vehicle takes on something of a teardrop shape. However, is a three-seat layout enough to make the Speedtail worthy of succeeding the historic F1? No, but there's more than just nostalgia at play here.
What’s New?
Although based on the brilliant 720S, the Speedtail is an all-new vehicle with all-new technology. A carbon tub is a familiar piece of that technology, but it, too, is new and features built-in passenger seats. A full glass canopy with electrochromic glass that darkens at the push of a button is something new too, but keen-eyed observers will notice the lack of wing mirrors. Another new feature is a pair of retractable rearview cameras that cause less turbulent air than traditional mirrors would. Fixed wheel covers at the front also aim to smooth the air while the rear features flexible carbon fiber ailerons instead of a traditional hydraulic spoiler. Essentially, every part of the car is completely new and totally special.
Speedtail Exterior
No car has ever been as swoopy as this one, but some similarities with past automobiles are present. Those carbon wheel covers fixed in place over 20-inch front wheels call to mind the Jaguar XJ220, while the rear end with its low tail is reminiscent of that of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. A pair of exhaust tips are housed in a massive rear diffuser, while a vertical brake light is a nice futuristic touch. The front headlights are vaguely Aston-like, until you notice the running lights that curve downward into radiator vents, thus bringing the McLaren swoop detail into play.
Dimensions
Official dimensions of the Speedtail have not yet been released, but we do know that it is 23.3 inches longer than the 720S, bringing the car to a total length of 202.2 inches. Curb weight also hasn't been announced yet, but without fluids, the lightweight hypercar tips the scales at just 3,153 pounds.
Exterior Colors
The Speedtail is intended to be fully customized by each buyer, and any color can be matched and applied to the bodywork. The paint itself will be something special too, with ultra-fine pigments that are intended to make the body look wet at all times. Various custom carbon finishes can be had too, and even words or images can be integrated into the weave, while the badges and other details can be finished in your choice of precious metals including platinum, gold, or anything else you may like.
Speedtail Performance
The Speedtail is McLaren's fastest and most aerodynamic car yet, thanks in part to a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid system that produces a total of 1,035 hp and 848 lb-ft of torque, along with a titanium-infused carbon fiber body. However, while it's the quickest and fastest car McLaren has ever produced, it doesn't have the F1's once-held title of being the fastest car in the world. Instead, the Speedtail is limited to 250 mph. However, its acceleration figures are good enough to best some of the fastest cars ever. While the previous McLaren halo car, the P1, took a leisurely 16.5 seconds to get from 0-186 mph, and the Bugatti Chiron takes 13.6 seconds, the Speedtail undercuts them both with an incredible time of just 12.8 seconds, thus proving that aerodynamics and weight are just as important when it comes to performance as all-out brute force from a big engine. As usual for McLaren, the Speedtail sends its power to the rear wheels exclusively.
Engine and Transmission
The 720S donated its M840T engine to the Speedtail, although it has been modified for use in the Speedtail. Along with electric assistance, the whole powertrain now produces 1,035 hp and 848 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission makes a reappearance here too, and thanks to our experiences in other cars equipped with this system, we can safely assume that the Speedtail will provide lightning-quick shifts at speed, and smooth gear changes when cruising at low speeds. Thanks to that hybrid system, acceleration is as phenomenal as the figures above would imply, and we expect throttle response to be just as incredible. Still, this car is billed as a GT, albeit a very extreme one, so it should be just as good at long-distance trekking should you wish to take the Speedtail on longer trips.
Engine4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 Hybrid
Transmission7 Speed Dual-clutch Automatic
DrivetrainRWD
Handling and Driving Impressions
With claims of such astonishing acceleration, the Speedtail will surely be incredible in a straight line. However, with such a long slippery body, it remains to be seen how good it is in the corners. Still, McLaren is not the type of company that does things in halves, so handling should be phenomenal, and thanks to an adaptive suspension system and aspirations of being a "hyper-GT", it ought to be remarkably comfortable too. While that expansive glasshouse will provide unparalleled levels of visibility for all occupants, it may take some time to adjust to seeing the images from the rearview cameras on either side of the dash, rather than looking towards where mirrors would normally reside. At the rear, flexible carbon fiber ailerons inspired by the aeronautics industry will help with downforce and are capable of acting as one airbrake system, so stopping will certainly happen at a phenomenal rate.
Speedtail Gas Mileage
No official figures or claims have been made available in terms of the Speedtail's economy figures, but thanks to the hybrid powertrain and the aerodynamic body, we expect it to perform very well.
Speedtail Interior
The interior of the Speedtail is remarkably spacious for a hypercar, thanks to a three-seat layout. It seems all the more spacious thanks to the glass roof too. Buttons on the dash are few and far between, with most controls above the driver on the roof, another aeronautic cue, but also an attempt to keep the driver focused on the road ahead. Three screens sit ahead of the driver, with one for vehicle settings and functions, another for infotainment and media, and the central screen for typical driver info. Leather is used for almost every surface, with a highly durable form of the stuff even replacing traditional carpeting on the floor. As unique as the exterior of the Speedtail is, so the interior, too, stands out from anything else in production at the moment.
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