The McLaren F1's successor is finally on its way

Described by the company as a “hyper GT”, project BP23 announced yesterday (November 16^th) will reprise the F1’s signature three-seat layout in a carbon-fibre coupe body, hints of which are given in the single visual image so far released.

Showing the car from above, the image clearly indicates a central driving position flanked by passenger seats set back on either side, just as in the F1. Of its design, McLaren says it will be a “streamlined body of great elegance.” Entry will be via powered dihedral doors whose openings will extend into the roof to aid entry and exit.

One hundred and six – the same number as were made of its iconic predecessor – will be produced by McLaren Special Ops under new boss, ex Lotus and Caterham exec Ansar Ali who took over at MSO in the summer. The “hyper GT” is  rumoured to cost around £2m – and, says McLaren, all 106 have been pre sold. A spokesman told GRR that there were three times as many enquiries for the car as there were build slots. The first examples will be on the roads in 2019.

McLaren describes BP23 as “the most exquisitely crafted and luxurious road-going McLaren to date.” 

McLaren Automotive chief Mike Flewitt says: “We are calling BP23 a ‘Hyper-GT’ because it’s a car designed for longer journeys, but with the high levels of performance and driver engagement expected of any McLaren. A hybrid powertrain will make it one of the most powerful McLarens yet created but the car will also deliver the highest levels of refinement, enabling significant journeys to be undertaken with up to three people aboard.”

The company’s first GT – the 570GT Sports Series model launched this year – has been a success for the company, winning approval for the nods to everyday comfort and practicality that it adds to the  expected supercar performance and handling.

A big GT brother to this car has been rumoured for some time. A “hyper GT” can be seen as going some way to appease those who wanted a more accommodating McLaren after the firm point blank ruled out any SUV model.

In great contrast to the F1 of the 1990s, BP23 will be powered by a hybrid powertrain, most likely combining the familiar twin turbo V8 with electric motors in the manner of the P1. McLaren isn’t confirming power output but reading between the lines suggests a figure  between that of the 675 and the P1, so maybe around 750hp. Everything so far known indicates a road car, with no specific mention of track capability.

Because BP23 is being built by MSO, much of the car will be bespoke, including all the switchgear. The firm says it will be working alongside owners on a wide range of personalisation options so that every BP23 is unique.

The advantages of a central driving position – no left- or right-hand drive conversions, extra visibility, passenger seats either side in a staggered formation – are real enough even if they have failed to convince any other car makers since the ground-breaking F1 came out. The format does come with disadvantages, such as potentially more difficult access for the driver… and a real stretch to the windows to pay those motorway tolls.

It is thought this last point was the main reason why the P1 had only two seats. Today, McLaren says their customers do not think paying tolls will be an issue…