McLaren to go hybrid: half the range to get electric boost by 2025 ~ station of gear

McLaren is preparing for an onslaught of new models, says CEO, and will roll out hybrid tech to half of them within 10 years

2015-06-26 16:25

McLaren CEO, Mike Flewitt, has told Auto Express he wants at least 50 per cent of McLaren’s model range to be hybrid in less than 10 years. And there’s plenty of new metal to come, including two new versions of the new Sports Series and an exotic new hypercar to bridge the gap between the 650S and P1.

Speaking at the announcement of McLaren’s annual financial results at the manufacturer’s Woking HQ, Flewitt expressed his desire to see hybrid technology extend beyond that of the Ultimate Series, currently made up of the P1 and P1 GTR.

“I have said in 10 years I expect half of our cars to be hybrids, but I actually think it will be faster. And I think it could be more than half,” said Flewitt. “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.”

McLaren’s current strategy is to introduce one new model or model derivative every year, but Flewitt confirmed his next project will not use hybrid technology. Another addition to the new Sports Series range, likely to be GT version of the 570S, is expected next from McLaren, while an open-top Spyder variant will follow in 2017. But there’ll be no shortage of new metal with another addition to the Ultimate Series also on the way, bridging the gap between the 650S and P1. Flewitt told us it will be price around the £400,000 mark but focused differently to the P1.

The news follows the announcement that McLaren’s profits and sales are up, with 1,649 cars sold in 2014 – an increase of 18 per cent over 2013 – with operating profits increasing by 68 per cent to £20.8m over the same period. By 2017 the British supercar maker is aiming for annual sales of 4,000 units, with production to be capped to maintain exclusivity if required.

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Jonathan Burn

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