McLaren Set to Launch a New Supercar in 2018

2015 McLaren 650S (Credit: © McLaren)

The McLaren 650S has had a great ride, but like all McLaren models, it is not long for this world. In fact, the British supercar manufacturer plans to replace it with an all-new model in 2018, according to a report from Autocar.

The report claims that the new supercar, which will reportedly carry the P14 designation while in development, will continue to carry the brand’s tried-and-true 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8. In order to separate the new supercar from the 650S, McLaren will bump the output from 641 horsepower to around 660 horses. In increasing its output, McLaren needs to use caution not to exceed the range-topping 675LT’s power.

At 660 horsepower, the new supercar could easily take on the Ferrari 488 GTB and deliver a performance that would met or beat the prancing horse without encroaching on McLaren’s Long Tail. This output would likely result in a sub-three-second 0-to-62 mph time and a top speed in excess of 205 mph.

As for the looks of the P14, reports indicate that this will be a “clean slate” design, meaning it will have an all-new look. In fact, Frank Stephenson, McLaren’s design director, said that the P14’s design will be “crazier” than the P1’s look. Despite this craziness, you can expect to see signature McLaren bits like the side air intakes and the design of the front bumper to keep the P14 true to its roots.

Like the 650S that predates the P14, look for McLaren to develop both coupe and convertible versions of this new supercar. Prices will likely be a tick higher than the current 650S, which checks in at $265,500 as a coupe and $280,225 in Spider form.

Given we are only a few years away from this new model, expect McLaren to start releasing teasers of the new model soon. Stay tuned for more.