McLaren Speedtail 

​A pure fusion of science & art in automotive form.



Introduction

McLaren has revealed the stunning, streamlined form and sensational specification of the McLaren Speedtail. A part of 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 limited-production Speedtail (only 106 will ever be made) 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.

Design

Being at the wheel of a Speedtail promises to be a truly sensational experience and unlike that enjoyed in any other car. The driver is positioned centrally in the luxurious cockpit, with seating for two additional passengers set slightly rearwards. There is luggage space within both the nose and tail of the vehicle and a bespoke luggage set is available to every owner, the carbon fibre, leather and metalwork on the cases being matched to the interior specification of their Speedtail.


Ahead of the driver is a state-of-the-art control system, with high-definition displays and touchscreens that sweep across the dashboard and remove almost every button and switch traditionally found in a car. The controls to start the engine, turn on the Active Dynamics Panel and engage Velocity mode – as well as those to open the windows and doors – are in panels above the driver’s head. These controls and the other switches and dials are milled from aluminium, and then hand-brushed and polished.

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.

Highlights

This McLaren Ultimate Series, previously codenamed BP23, is called the Speedtail
The name is evocative of an extremely high peak speed and flowing, highly streamlined design:
∙ Fastest McLaren to date.
∙ Features exquisite materials encouraging boundless tailoring through McLaren Special Operations (MSO).
∙ Centrally-mounted driving position with two seats either side inspired by F1 road car.
∙ Limited production of 106 cars.

Reviews

“Yes, the Speedtail is rare and exotic, but far more importantly, it’s an exquisite thing just to be aboard. And even if there is another that can get close to what this car does, I don’t believe any can do it the way the Speedtail does. Because it’s more than just powerful and fast: it’s light and clever, too. A McLaren, in other words.”
Autocar

Read more athttps://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mclaren/speedtail