McLaren Automotive Unveils Next-Gen Design: Embrace the Future of Performance!
McLaren Automotive unveils its future design language today, drawing from 60 years of racing heritage and remarkable supercars. This next phase of McLaren's design will embody five core principles that will shape the design essence of McLaren's next-generation cars.
The new design ethos references McLaren's innovative approach to motorsport engineering and lightweight supercar design, merging with the brand's successful racing history. This multifaceted approach sets the stage for a fresh design language suited for McLaren vehicles across new segments and future powertrain technologies.
Tobias Sühlmann, Chief Design Officer at McLaren Automotive, states, "Racing is in our DNA, and beauty emanates from our relentless pursuit of performance. We draw deep inspiration from six decades of McLaren history while forging ahead into new territories. Our Design DNA positions McLaren as a brand that encapsulates 60 years of motorsport heritage in phenomenal lightweight supercars and beyond. It's a new era, with new vehicles, heightened product diversity, and Performance by Design at its core."
The McLaren Design DNA articulates five principles encapsulating Performance by Design, serving as the foundation for McLaren's new design direction:
1. EPIC:
- Bold vehicle design evoking automatic, emotional responses.
- Influences from Formula 1, Can-Am, and GT racers' aerodynamics.
- Incorporation of extreme design elements like the central seating position of the McLaren F1 and unique exhaust systems.
2. ATHLETIC:
- Muscular bodywork enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and weight savings.
- Efficient packaging of high-performance powertrains and chassis components.
- Embracing 'Vacuum formed' volumes to eliminate unnecessary mass.
3. FUNCTIONAL:
- Design elements are driven by performance and functionality.
- Integration of technical components in harmony with design.
- Innovations in aerodynamics and cooling systems as showcased in previous McLaren models.
4. FOCUSED:
- Ergonomics tailored for performance driving.
- Integration of analogue and digital information streams.
- Every aspect contributes to maximising the driving experience.
5. INTELLIGENT:
- Use of innovative, lightweight materials for enhanced performance.
- Development of materials for increased strength and sustainability.
- Seamless integration of design elements augmenting the driving experience.
These principles manifest into key Design Signatures inspired by McLaren's motorsport legacy and commitment to high-performance engineering:
- Front view: Symmetrical elements with a low nose inspired by legendary McLaren racers.
- Side view: The Performance Line, influenced by McLaren Can-Am racers, the McLaren F1, and the McLaren P1™.
- Rearview: Open back end for enhanced heat dissipation, with straight-line graphics creating a more comprehensive, lower profile.
- Cockpit: This is a 'wrap-around' design inspired by McLaren's racing DNA, offering clarity of vision and a spacious, comfortable feel.
In summary, McLaren's future designs promise to continue the legacy of performance-driven excellence while embracing innovation and evolution in automotive design.
