The Next Chapter Has a Name
McLaren has confirmed that a new supercar called the McL 820 will debut in 2027. Like many McLaren models, the number represents its power output, which, in this case, is 820 PS or 809 horsepower. What the press release didn’t confirm is whether the McL 820 will replace the brand’s flagship series-production model, the 750S.
However, that will likely be the case, which makes sense given that the latter is nearing the end of production and is taking final orders. The 750S is a heavily updated version of the 720S, which debuted in 2017 as the successor to the 650S. The Artura, on the other hand, isn’t expected to be discontinued until 2028. Still, with the British marque yet to confirm which model the new supercar will replace, nothing is set in stone.
Building Its Own Muscle
Whatever the case may be, the McL 820 could benefit from McLaren’s plans to develop and manufacture engines and transmissions in-house under its expansion strategy. Historically, the automaker relied on British engineering company Ricardo to manufacture engines for its road cars, including the twin-turbo V8s used in the 750S lineage.
With McLaren developing new hybrid powertrains, the McL 820 could feature some form of electrification. Its 809 hp is up 69 hp over the 750S and 32 hp over the 788HS, a limited-edition model marking the end of the outgoing supercar’s production run.
McLaren has already shown its capabilities in the hybrid segment with the W1 hypercar, which combines a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and an electric motor to produce 1,258 horsepower. Still, the 809-hp output puts the new supercar in the same ballpark as the Ferrari 296 GTB with its 819-hp hybrid V6, Ferrari 12Cilindri with its 819-hp NA V12, and Aston Martin Vanquish with its 824-hp twin-turbo V12.
McLaren
A Bigger Garage for McLaren
The McL 820 will be one of the new models joining the lineup this decade, alongside a potential 2+2 grand tourer and a confirmed SUV. The latter will let McLaren tap into the lucrative SUV segment, which has sustained demand, as seen with other supercar brands like Lamborghini and Aston Martin joining the fray with the Urus and DBX, respectively. What isn’t coming, at least anytime soon, is an all-electric model, something Ferrari has already embraced with the Luce.
In the U.S., McLaren is reportedly considering expanding its dealer network by up to 40% over the next two years amid growing demand stateside. The expansion could help the brand reach more buyers as it rolls out its next generation of supercars and enters new segments.
About the author
Rex Sanchez
News Editor