What's the news?
McLaren has revealed six-year programme to introduce new models and technology; known as the Track22 Business Plan. Between 20 and 25 percent of the company's turnover will be invested in Research and Development. That means £1,000,000,000 available between now and 2022, leading to the launch of fifteen new models or derivatives.
McLaren Automotive has confirmed that its focus will remain on two-seater sports and supercars. After the launch of the 570GT at Geneva nothing else is planned for 2016 but a Spider derivative has been confirmed for 2017. The positive reception of the 675LT Coupé and Spider models has established the 'LT' label will become a track-focussed sub-brand with more vehicles in the future.
By 2022 McLaren has said that at least 50 per cent of its cars will feature hybrid technology. Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive, confirmed that the next hybrid model will launch towards the end of the six year plan. Flewett added that hybridisation was about delivering performance and enjoyment as much as cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Research engineers are also in the early prototype stages of developing a fully-electric powertrain; this will be evaluated for use in a future 'Ultimate Series' car.
Anything else?
Commenting on Track22 Mike Flewitt said: 'Since its inception, McLaren Automotive has launched world-class products and this has been made possible by continuous investment in our future. The launch of our new six-year Business Plan, named Track22 because I believe that we are on track to a very exciting and successful future, scopes our future investments and development strategy up until 2022. This will see us launch 15 all-new cars or derivatives within our existing Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series families. We will also develop an all-new engine architecture that will debut towards the end of the Business Plan period.