Anyone who visits MTC, the McLaren Technology Centre, in Woking, UK, experiences an aha moment. The architecture designed by Lord Norman Foster creates a unique ambience for new developments and innovations in both the Racing and Automotive divisions. Inside the distinctive rotunda, whose organically curved façade merges with a water surface, you embark on an exciting journey through time: next to the life-size statue of Bruce McLaren, the milestones that describe the brand’s impressive success story are lined up: display cabinets with hundreds of trophies won by the drivers in the various racing disciplines (and returned here) tell of magnificent achievements. You can marvel at original racing cars and road vehicles, including the unique McLaren Solus GT, of which only 25 will ever be made. Transcending boundaries, rewriting the rules – the McLaren mantra comes to life here. Everything for a reason: for the top performance of true sport supercars.
McLaren Group
Racing | Automotive
Alleineigentümer: Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company B.S.C.
McLaren Racing
Formula 1 | Indycar | Formula E | Extreme E | Gaming
Owners:
McLaren Group, MSB Sports Capital, UBS Group
From enthusiastic schoolboy, Grand Prix winner and racing team founder Bruce McLaren to a world-renowned British corporation: this is the impressive distance that today’s McLaren Group has covered in around 65 years. The Bahraini sovereign wealth fund is a strong owner behind the parent company, while companies such as the American investment specialist MSB Sports Capital and the major Swiss bank UBS Group are on board as shareholders in the subsidiary, McLaren Racing. The McLaren strategy is clearly focussed on the future – also in the automotive sector. The developers’ many years of expertise in the field of electric engines has long been put to good use; hybrid systems and high-tech materials such as carbon fibre have been used for many years. Virtual reality has long been transforming intuitive ideas into tangible solutions in the design process. Functionality determines design – not the other way round. For Tobias Sühlmann, head of design at McLaren Automotive Head, five principles form the benchmark for every new model: an epic appearance with a heroic performance; athleticism stemming from motor racing DNA; functionality resulting from the constant pursuit of perfection; focus on the essentials: a breath-taking driving experience; and intelligence that innovates. Test drives in the new McLaren 750S Spider and the McLaren Artura Spider reveal what this looks like in real life.
McLaren 750S
Pure aerodynamics. Finely curved design and flowing details. The retracted side line, characteristic of McLaren sport supercars, drawing sculptural shadows. With a total weight of 1,438 kg, lighter than ever before, and with 750 hp, a pure powerhouse. The McLaren 750S Spider has it all – power and lightness, sportiness and elegance. Climb in and imagine you’re in the cockpit on the racetrack. Then the first dynamic roar of the powerful 4-litre V8 engine, which can unleash its unbridled power in a matter of seconds. The Hard Top that retracts in a silent glide of just 11 seconds, letting the sky in. The successor to the legendary 720 S represents further development at the highest technical and optical level, with new components and customised calibration. It offers a driving experience that gets under your skin, is comfortable and ultra-light, yet tough: it even masters the challenges of the winding, pothole-strewn English country roads around the McLaren headquarters with ease. I could continue like this forever, but the Artura Spider is waiting for me.
McLaren Artura Spider
The wind blows through my hair. I’m intoxicated by the intense sensation of speed. I let the spectacular soundtrack of the engine roar and take the bends with powerful dynamics, as if on tracks. Then a seamless transition to silent electric cruising, which the neighbours are sure to appreciate. Now simply close the invisible retracted Hard Top. The Artura Spider is definitely a next-generation sport supercar convertible that raises driving pleasure to new heights. The first hybrid convertible from McLaren wins you over at all levels: pioneering technology with classic power drive and integrated electric engine. A blend of futuristic sportiness with cool elegance, thanks to its lightweight construction and outstanding design architecture. And above all, the tangible bond between driver and vehicle. With the new Artura Spider, McLaren proves once again how progress happens – and that everything is created for a reason: Every detail, inside and out, is scrutinised, perfected and wisely integrated into the big picture. Anyone who wants to surpass this level of top performance has another good reason to knock on the door of McLaren Automotive: the MSO Bespoke team makes individual wishes come true with customised personalisation. So then, which of the McLaren sport supercars makes your heart beat faster?
