- McLaren is readying their first hybrid powertrain under the non-Ultimate Series.
- Might be launched next year as a replacement for the Sports Series line-up.
- The electrified prototype was wearing 'MVY04-BP23' codename.
McLaren was spotted testing a 720S test mule in southern Europe recently. But on closer inspection, we could see that the prototype was wearing a legally mandated ‘hybrid test vehicle’ stickers.
We already know that McLaren is developing a proper hybrid powertrain in the wake of P1 and the more recent Speedtail. The yet-to-be-named model was wearing an ‘MVY04-BP23’ codename on top of the windshield. If we remember correctly, McLaren had showcased a prototype of the BP23 which was promised to be the fastest McLaren ever. BP23 stands for "bespoke, project two, three seater." But if we already have the Speedtail, which indeed is the three-seater in McLaren’s growing line-up, we are still wondering which prototype is being tested under the 720S body.
However, what we are sure of is that this new model is a part of McLaren’s ‘Track25’ business plan. Under this scheme, there are plans of introducing no less than 18 new cars between 2018 and 2025. Of the 18 cars, some have already been revealed like the Speedtail and the more recent Grand Tourer. Moreover, McLaren also has plans to go hybrid across its entire range by the middle of the next decade.
Although details are unclear at the moment, according to reports, the new hybrid powertrain would most likely swap the V8 for a Formula 1 style V6-hybrid powertrain. The turbocharged six-cylinder will be backed up with new hardware and chassis development, thus saving weight and increasing efficiency, in order to make up for the loss in cylinder capacity. This Sports Series model is also expected to get a charging port, rather than the recuperative hybrid system found in the P1. It will also put both petrol and electric power through the rear wheels only, making it a plug-in hybrid.
