McLaren has managed to keep itself busy over the past few years by producing the SLR for Mercedes-Benz, but the SLR’s production run is set to end in the not-too-distant-future, which will leave the British automaker with some extra capacity. The company’s P11 supercar should take up some of that slack, but McLaren will likely fill the rest of that void with two additional models.
According to Car Magazine, McLaren is planning to offer three in order to truly compete with the world’s supercar makers. The P11 will be the first model to hit the market – likely in 2009 when SLR production ends – but it will be followed by no less than two all-new models.
A model to slot above the P11 is said to be in the works, which will likely take on another Ferrari model. The yet-to-be-named McLaren model will probably be more GT than pure sports car, but will have a heavy emphasis on performance, none-the-less.
But the big news is that McLaren is planning a new ‘entry-level’ model, which would take on the likes of the Porsche 911 and be priced from about £60,000 – just under $100,000 U.S. At that price point the P11’s composite materials would likely be out, so expect the entry McLaren to use aluminum and steel.
No word on what engine is earmarked to power the smaller McLaren, but a Mercedes-Benz-sourced powerplant is a distinct possibility.
10/29, 11:50 AM
posted by:
Tecknik
That sounds awesome. I can’t wait to see what these new McLarens look like. I’ve always been a fan of the McLaren F1.
10/29, 11:51 AM
posted by:
A4
that sounds like a piss poor idea… at least itll be in much more limited numbers than the 911
10/29, 12:01 PM
posted by:
eliteski2
That sounds like a great idea. The F1 is one of the greatest cars ever built. I just can’t wait to see what the new ones look like.
10/29, 12:03 PM
posted by:
A4
Mclarens ought to stay in the upper echelon of supercars, and i dont think their designs have ever been much to write home about… they are very bland next to the competition
10/29, 12:08 PM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
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10/29, 12:22 PM
posted by:
zeeck
McLaren should do what is best for it, if that means expanding their name, then so be it. I would welcome more McLarens around, maybe it will be enough push on the 911 to make the 911 actually change a little bit.
Can’t wait to see the new styling direction, and the styling is actually efficient, compared to the competition, all the hard edges on other cars just means more drag.
10/29, 1:49 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
A4 how could you call the F1 bland? I mean I just don’t see what your talking about that design is not only awesome but timeless.
10/29, 1:50 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
Also I forgot to mention that the F1 never had any competition =)
10/29, 2:37 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
You know what the cool thing about all the super cars, guys like me pay less for a more common car like a Mustang of a Evo Lancer or older Camaro, and will put some money in to this cars and drive them almost ever day, and we pull up to a super car and just kill it, and the look they have on there face, price less….
10/29, 5:50 PM
posted by:
nowei
So how is McLaren planning to sell these cars? Are they going to be using the Mercedes dealer network or what?
It really wouldn’t surprise me to see most of these cars sold in Europe, and the vast majority of those sold inside the UK.
10/29, 8:25 PM
posted by:
qpt_dude
Haha yarddog, are you serious?
Are you saying that entry level daily driver almost sports cars can outrun cars that are often compared to jets in looks, speed, and technology?
You must be thinking of how someone can buy an old car and not spend a lot of money to give it a lot of horsepower.
I literally laughed out loud when I read your article (someone’s a bit jealous; “Oh so, I pulled up next to a Murcielago at a red light and easily outrunned it with my mom’s Mustang”)
On the subject, I think Mclaren is becoming like Lamborghini and Ferrari. Lambo has 3 models if you don’t include the Reventon and convertibles (LP640, LP560-4, Estoque)
These cars look like they have a bright future, but I’m afraid the entry-level will ruin Mclaren’s name.
They used to make only the F1, like Koenigsegg only makes the CC and Bugatti only makes the Veyron. I wish they had gone upscale uber-coupe again, making a direct successor the F1.
Lets hope Gordon Murray had a hand in designing these 3
10/30, 2:02 AM
posted by:
Blakkarr
The idea of “entry-level” should be taken as I presented, in quotes. I find nothing wrong with that concept as entry level means different things for differing manufacturers.
A McLaren “entry level” will likely eat a Porsche Cayman alive, being the most bad@$$ car in that class. Hardly Entry-level, as in “cheapo-il-crappo”, just the least expensive model on the list. Much as the the Cayman is to Porsche yet no one complains that that car is “Entry Level”.
I doubt McLaren will or can top the F1 anytime soon. I mean how do you top one of the best sports cars ever? You don’t. you go look at what other people are doing and say, “We can do that better!” and go to it.
Making cars is big business so this is not a snap decision. In a few years Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini could have McLaren to contend with EVRYWHERE they normally go.
Frankly I wouldn’t mind having a new name to discuss, and if I can get a new McLaren for $60K, then let me at it. Besides, I’m sure for those “It has to cost as much as a wing off an F-117 people”, McLaren will still roll out a half Mil or Mil-plus car once a decade or so.