McLaren teases three-seater BP23 ‘hyper-GT’

McLaren has released teaser images of its upcoming three-seater BP23 “hyper-GT”, inspired by the company’s legendary F1 supercar from the 1990s.

The images reveal a heavily-camouflaged McLaren 720S with the driver’s seat and steering wheel placed in the centre of the cabin, the same layout as the old F1, with two passenger seats placed either side.

“New technologies” are being developed for the car, says Auto Express, including “digital mirror tech that could feature on the final model.”

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It’s expected to be powered by “a hybrid powertrain that’s likely to comprise a powerful electric motor and the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 seen in the new 720S”, the magazine says.

Performance details of the BP23 are scarce, but the company’s Ultimate Series chief, Andy Palmer, told Autocar: “It’s just faster – that’s all we’re saying at the minute.”

“The goal of this car is to give customers the ability to have a high level of luxury, bespoke elements on the car, high performance, high speed – a very much road-focused grand tourer,” he adds.

In March, the company released a design sketch of the “hyper-GT” that looked like a combination of Aston Martin’s Valkyrie hypercar and Mercedes-AMG’s F1-powered Project One.

Only 106 examples of the BP23 will reach production, says Evo, all of which have already sold out.

“Each customer car will be specified to the owner's specific taste,” the magazine reports, “and judging by its recent projects like the fuchsia 720S that graced Pebble Beach, taste will not be guaranteed.”

McLaren releases design sketch for F1 successor

22 March

McLaren has released another teaser image for its ultra-exclusive three-seat "hyper-GT", which the company says has been influenced by its legendary F1 supercar.

The design sketch reveals a body style unlike any other in the range. While the new 720S and 675LT have relatively high rear-ends with large electronic wings, the new car, codenamed BP23, appears to have a very low tail section and a colossal diffuser.

Autocar says the Formula 1 successor will be the first McLaren to feature a hybrid powertrain since 2013's P1 hypercar. A similar technology will be rolled out "across the mainstream models" in 2020.

It could use a tuned version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine which made its debut in the 720S at the Geneva Motor Show and is expected to be at the heart of most of the company's future projects.

The BP23 will also incorporate elements of McLaren's next-generation carbon fibre architecture, which Autocar says will allow it to build "more diverse and distinctive models".

AutoExpress says the BP23 may use a dihedral door design and a three-seat layout in the cabin, with the driver sat in the middle for a more involved driving position. It's also being developed by McLaren's special operations team, who developed the track-only P1 GTR.

Chief executive Mike Flewitt told the magazine the "low-drag, super-aero" BP23 is one of the fastest cars the company has made, but didn't reveal any details about performance figures.

Only 106 examples of the BP23 will be made - and McLaren says they have all been "pre-sold" - and will reach buyers in 2019.

McLaren tease F1-inspired 'hyper-GT'

17 March

Bespoke three-seater GT to be produced by MSO, and it's completely sold out.

McLaren has announced plans to produce an ultra-exclusive, three-seat 'hyper-GT' car, expected to arrive in early 2019.

Codenamed BP23, it incorporates the same seating layout as the record-breaking McLaren F1 of the early 1990s, where the driver sits in the centre of the car. It will also feature dihedral doors, which are not only reminiscent of F1, but also provide easier access to the central driving position.

McLaren is labelling the BP23 as a 'hyper-GT' because it combines the performance of a hyper car with the comfort of a cruiser. "It's a car designed for longer journeys, but with the high levels of performance and driver engagement expected of any McLaren", says McLaren CEO Mike Fewitt.

No power figures have yet been released, but McLaren say the BP23, which will feature a hybrid powertrain, will be the most powerful car it's ever produced. It could use a tuned version of the company's 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8 that has featured in all of its models since the launch of the MP4-12C in 2011, yet Evo suggests that it may instead feature a "V6 rumoured to power the 650S".

All 106 examples have already been sold and will be handled by McLaren Special Operations, the division know for tailoring customer cars and bespoke projects. Owners will be involved in choosing unique colour schemes and trim levels, as well as various other personalised touches.

McLaren have yet to reveal how much the BP23 costs, but Autocar predicts it will cost in the region of £2m.