McLaren breaks decades-old tradition and announces hybrid SUV for 2028

McLaren announced on Wednesday (16) an investment of £500 million (about R$ 3.5 billion) in its engineering and manufacturing operations in the United Kingdom. The contribution, funded by L’IMAD, a sovereign fund linked to the Abu Dhabi government that controls the automotive division and has a stake in the Formula 1 team, will finance the development of the first SUV in the history of the British brand.

Treated internally under the code P47, the model represents a break from tradition for the Woking-based automaker, which has never mass-produced a car with more than two seats. According to information presented to dealers, the utility will have four doors, five seats and a body larger than that of any McLaren ever launched.

A clay model shown to the chain featured 24″ wheels and heavily sculpted surfaces, a sign that the brand does not intend to make a conventional family crossover.

The manufacturer confirmed that the SUV will be born electrified, with a hybrid system from the start of sales. For the first time, McLaren will also design and produce its own engines, starting with two new powertrains and two transmissions, instead of relying on external suppliers.

The money should also expand the research and development centers, double the production team and create at least a thousand direct and indirect jobs by 2032.

On the trail of Ferrari and Lamborghini

The SUV’s arrival at dealerships is scheduled for around 2028. The model is a centerpiece of CEO Nick Collins’ strategy to raise the company’s profit margins to levels close to those of Ferrari and Lamborghini, rivals that have already entered the segment with the Purosangue and the Urus — the latter, today the Italian brand’s best-selling model.

Ahead of the SUV, McLaren plans to launch a mid-engine hybrid super sports car, known as the P34, scheduled for 2027, with a twin-turbo V6 of around 810 hp. The automaker is also working on a front-engine grand tourer and says it aims to introduce at least one new model per year by 2028.