McLaren has provided some insight into the design language that will shape the automaker’s next generation of supercars and hypercars.
The new design language, which was formulated under the current head of design Tobias Sühlmannis based on elements inspired by six decades of automotive heritage, as well as some important models, namely the F1 supercar. These elements will be interpreted for the future, McLaren said, so don’t expect retro designs.
A key feature is what McLaren calls the Performance Line. This is a characteristic shoulder line that has appeared on most of McLaren’s road cars in the past, including the F1, and results in cabin-forward designs with short overhangs and a low front end.
For the front of the vehicles, the designs will feature two main symmetrical elements with horizontal orientation on the lower panel, likely serving as entrances. The headlights will also use the eyepiece-style design with integrated inputs similar to what is found on the 750S and its predecessor 720S.
First drive of the 2024 McLaren 750S, Las Vegas, February 2024
At the rear, McLaren will maintain the open panel design that was used in F1 and has been carried over to all modern McLaren road cars. Also borrowed from F1 will be a wraparound dashboard design that McLaren will use in its new interiors.
At a higher level, McLaren said the design language is built on five core principles: Epic, Athletic, Functional, Focused and Intelligent. Most are self-explanatory, but in the case of the Intelligent principle, McLaren is referring to the use of advanced materials, as well as a deeper, more seamless integration of various design elements.
Crucially, McLaren said the design language is flexible enough to allow for an expanded range whilst also catering for future powertrain technologies.
McLaren hasn’t said when and where we’ll see the first application of its new design language, but a likely bet is the successor P1 it is rumored to premiere later this year. A recent report suggested that the new hypercar will continue with a V-8-based plug-in hybrid powertrain like the P1, but will introduce a much lighter hybrid system and even roof-mounted gullwing doors.
