Supercar extraordinaire McLaren is all about sharing. Most of the brand’s current lineup is built around the same carbon fiber monocoque chassis, and under every hood, you’ll find the the same 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V8 in various states of tune. Despite that, the U.K. automaker only makes one hybrid — the 903-horsepower P1 — but that may be changing soon.
McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt recently told Auto Express that he wants at least 50 percent of his model range to employ hybrid technology by 2025, meaning the British supercar lineup is set to receive a big electric boost in the coming years. If it were up to Flewitt, though, he wouldn’t stop there.
“I have said in 10 years I expect half of our cars to be hybrids, but I actually think it will be faster,” he said. “And I think it could be more than half. Will we put that on all vehicles? If I could get the cost and weight right I absolutely would. Our strategy is to use technology to produce the best driving cars.”
Strengthening emissions standards and fuel economy are likely catalysts for the move, but as we all know, hybrid tech can pay serious dividends on the performance side as well. McLaren is sticking to its strategy of introducing one new model or derivative each year, so there’s clearly room for the technology to fit in below — and possibly above — the P1.
Despite Flewitt’s sentiments, McLaren’s next project will not be a hybrid. Likely dubbed the Gran Turismo, the 570S-based supercar will feature a fastback body style, softened suspension, and improved luxury accoutrements inside the cabin. It is also expected to be a bit more spendy than the 570S, which retails for $185,000.
