There are two types of vehicles that McLaren refuses to produce: sedans and SUVs. However, that would change with the marque’s newfound leadership.
In a report by UK’s Auto Express, McLaren Automotive’s new CEO Michael Leiters, insists that an EV hypercar that can rival the nearly 2,000-hp Lotus Evija is not a priority as the company dives into electrification. Leiters claims that the technology is not advanced enough for this to happen. Instead, the focus is on the more conventional types of electric vehicles, cars with “more lifestyle, more purpose.”
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“Words like ‘utility’ or ‘lifestyle’, you’re bound to jump to certain conclusions. I think the key measure for McLaren is potentially something with the ability to share with more passengers in the car. Not necessarily driving taller, but it could be,” Leiters said in his report.
Leiters, the former CTO of Ferrari, is known for his strict lightweight philosophy. That, along with McLaren DNA, can be expected in upcoming practical electric vehicles. The price tag is also expected to be at least £200,000, which Leiters believes is the minimum for McLaren ownership.
“We need to focus on profitability, not volume,” Leiters said.
Just last month, Leiters hinted with Car magazine that an electric SUV is being developed. However, that is not confirmed, as various quotes from the McLaren CEO are unconvincing. But with this latest development, what we can expect from this British brand is a more practical EV which can be either a sedan or an SUV. The timeline, however, is not set at this point.
Speaking of EVs, McLaren’s journey towards electrification begins with the Artura (pictured above). The 671-horsepower (500-kilowatt), 530-pound-feet (719-Newton-meter) hybrid electric powertrain supercar developed with BMW.
