2015 McLaren F1 – Future Cars

What It Is:

The replacement for the mighty McLaren F1. For those who don’t remember the original F1, know that it was a 618-hp carbon-fiber missile that cost $1,000,000 back in the mid-’90s. The F1’s replacement will be an ultralightweight road dart that will deliver Bugatti Veyron–like performance but with less than 1000 horsepower. Unlike the styling pastiche that is the MP4-12C, the new F1 will be a forward-thinking design by McLaren’s Frank Stephenson; he described it to us as a “cross between a falcon, a sailfish, and a cheetah.”

Why It Matters:

The world has waited for a replacement ever since McLaren discontinued the F1 in 1998.

Platform:

Initial reports indicate that the F1 successor will be loosely based on the carbon-fiber structure of the MP4-12C. Unlike the original, there won’t be three seats with the driver in the middle; this version will be a conventional two-seater. Switching body panels from fiberglass and aluminum to carbon fiber will save a few pounds versus the MP4-12C.

Powertrain:

While the original received a tailor-made BMW 6.0-liter V-12, the successor will get a more powerful and modified—perhaps larger—version of the MP4-12C’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8.  A “kinetic energy recovery system” similar to what’s used in Formula 1 will allow the car to recoup energy under braking and store it in either a flywheel or a battery. The stored energy will then be used to power an electric motor to augment the twin-turbo V-8 on demand.

Competition:

Ferrari’s Enzo replacement, Lamborghini Aventador.

What Might Go Wrong:

McLaren may decide to give the car a part number instead of a real name.

Estimated Arrival and Price:

The company has its hands full with the MP4-12C and its new factory. The F1 replacement should arrive in about 2015, with a price tag in the $700,000-to-$800,000 range.