McLaren is developing an SUV but don’t call it that

British supercar company McLaren has finally confirmed that they are working on a performance SUV, even if they don’t call it that.

Speaking to the American publication Road and TrackMcLaren CEO Michael Leiters said the company will expand its model range and will likely include an SUV developed jointly with another automaker.

“To realize our full potential as a company, we believe there will be a second phase to expand and expand our lineup beyond the segment where we are today.”

“We call this ‘shared performance’ because you can share performance with more people than you can in a McLaren today.

“I think the smart way is to collaborate on technology, find partners and create synergies but without losing anything that is core to McLaren and the DNA of our brand.”

Shortly after being appointed CEO nearly two years ago, Mr. Leiters expressed an interest in bolstering McLaren’s range with an SUV.

This CEO plays an important role in the development of Porsche Cayenne – often considered the savior of the brand – and held a senior position at Ferrari before introducing this model. Purosangue.

Like McLaren, the Italian brand has never called the Purosangue SUV that, calling it the ‘Ferrari Multi-Purpose Vehicle’. BMW also refused to use generic terminology and named it ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’.

While previous reports suggested that McLaren’s SUV would be electric, Mr Leiters said it would likely use one of the brand’s existing engines and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. .

“If we produce a PHEV, we want to know if we can use our own powertrain. To integrate our powertrain into the existing platform – that would be the ideal world,” he said.

McLaren’s Artura The supercar is equipped with a twin-turbo V6 engine combined with a plug-in hybrid system, and it is also rumored that a V8 PHEV is being developed to replace it. 750S.

Based on Road and TrackMr. Leiters did not elaborate on which automakers the company might partner with to help develop and possibly build this SUV, but previous reports suggested that BMW was a brand on the list. Compact.

BMW already has experience with performance PHEV SUVs through its flagship XMcombines a twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric powertrain to become the most powerful model in its lineup.

A McLaren SUV is expected to be priced closer to premium rivals such as the aforementioned Purosangue and Lamborghini Urus than the BMW XM, may give the latter brand more reason to help as its own sales will be less at risk of cannibalization.

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