McLaren is taking a deliberate and measured approach towards the future. The highly anticipated successor to the P1 won’t be arriving until closer to 2030, but when it does, it promises to redefine the McLaren DNA. Unlike other hypercars that focus on jaw-dropping power, McLaren’s forthcoming crown jewel will be an all-electric vehicle (EV), steering clear of a combustion engine. This approach aligns with industry trends, such as Porsche’s decision to replace the 918 Spyder with a pure EV.

McLaren also plans to introduce plug-in Hybrid Models based on V8 Engines

In a conversation with Autocar, McLaren Automotive CEO Michael Leiters emphasized that their approach won’t be about wild power numbers. He stressed that their goal is to control the weight penalty often associated with battery-powered vehicles, saying, “We don’t want to make a car that is 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) and 2,000 hp.” Leiters further emphasized that the company’s intention is to produce a zero-emission hypercar, similar in weight to the remarkable 750S, which weighs just 1,277 kg (2,815 lbs).

Electric

This innovative direction sets McLaren apart from rivals like Rimac Nevera, Pininfarina Battista, and Lotus Evija, all of which boast power in excess of 1,900 hp and considerably higher weight. Porsche‘s upcoming Mission X is also in the game but is yet to disclose full details.

Though McLaren could design an all-electric P1, internal studies show that customers aren’t demanding EVs just yet. The popularity of models like the 750S demonstrates that internal combustion engines (ICE) are still highly sought after, even as some enthusiasts show interest in pure electric performance cars.

During this pivotal transition period from ICE to EV, McLaren plans to introduce plug-in hybrid models based on a new V8 engine. Positioned above Artura’s V6 PHEV setup, these models will bridge the gap as the company meticulously shapes its electrified future.

In summary, McLaren’s future may lie in electric power, but it won’t be a mad dash for horsepower. Instead, it’ll be a calculated journey towards balanced performance, aligning power and weight to create a vehicle true to the very DNA of McLaren. It’s an approach that underlines innovation without losing sight of what makes McLaren truly distinctive.

RELATED:

(Via)