McLaren Automotive Begins Real-World Testing of McLaren Speedtail

McLaren Speedtail

When McLaren Automotive finally revealed the McLaren Speedtail, the 'Hyper-GT' car the British carmaker claims would be its fastest-ever, it had lofty expectations for it, like the capability to exceed the 391 kph peak speed of the iconic McLaren F1 using a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that produces a combined 1,036 hp that, when optimized further in combination with its active aerodynamic elements, can even go as fast as 647 kph.

Since its work is cut out for it, McLaren Automotive has started its year-long test regime for the Speedtail, starting with the first hybrid powertrain prototype. According to McLaren, the Speedtail's grueling test program will see the hypercar 'Hyper-GT' prototypes running in Europe, North America, and Africa, initially at bespoke automotive test facilities before going out with the traffic on 'normal' roads disguised by a unique testing livery. Of course, McLaren will also conduct high-speed trials of the Speedtail with McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver and former IndyCar champion Kenny Bräck at the wheel.

"The start of real-world testing represents a major step in the development of the McLaren Speedtail," said Ben Gulliver, head of Vehicle Development, McLaren Automotive. "As the first fully representative prototype, ‘Albert’ will build on the invaluable work still being put in by earlier development cars, allowing us to sign-off vehicle attributes including chassis dynamics; brake performance; damper tuning; tires; NVH and aspects of ergonomics and comfort. With a huge amount achieved already, the McLaren Speedtail is well on the way to fulfilling its destiny as the greatest McLaren road car ever."

While the nose of the first Speedtail prototype is similar to that of McLaren's Super Series like the 720S, the car is essentially a Speedtail, with the production-level specification allowing the car's attributes to be proven in real-world conditions early in the development process, like the ingress and egress to the three-seat cockpit.

Production of the GBP1.75 million (over PHP120 million) McLaren Speedtail is due to commence at the end of 2019, with first deliveries in early 2020. As with the McLaren F1, 106 cars will be available and all have already now been allocated to owners.

McLaren Speedtail

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Aston Martin presents new Vantage S, makes 670 hp
    Aston Martin presents new Vantage S, makes 670 hp
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • ‘BMW Joy in Motion’ to showcase i5 eDrive40, X7 xDrive40d Pure Excellence
    ‘BMW Joy in Motion’ to showcase i5 eDrive40, X7 xDrive40d Pure Excellence
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Jetour Auto PH showcases T2 with community meet-up
    Jetour Auto PH showcases T2 with community meet-up
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Toyota’s ‘Rainy Season Deals’ eyed to brighten up Jul.
    Toyota’s ‘Rainy Season Deals’ eyed to brighten up Jul.
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • LMI confirms Dongfeng E70 Pro arrival
    LMI confirms Dongfeng E70 Pro arrival
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 07, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • 3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 03, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025