McLaren is using a modified 720S as a development
mule for the Hyper-GT three-seater hypercar which is set to go on sale in 2019.
Codenamed BP23, the new McLaren will play the role of the Grand Tourer in the
company’s Ultimate Series but its key feature will of course be the central
driving seat, accompanied by two passenger seats on each side.
The similarities with the iconic F1 won’t stop there
as McLaren plans a limited - and already sold-out - production run of just 106
units of the BP23 (Bespoke Project 2 with 3 seats), which will eventually
become “the fastest ever McLaren” and despite being more focused in grand
touring.
McLaren isn’t talking numbers right now but it’s
safe to expect a hybrid powertrain with a thoroughly reworked version of the
twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 found in the 720S sitting in the middle. Power will be
north of 1,000 hp and closer to the 1,100 hp mark while top speed will be greater
than that of the F1’s 240 mph.
Each one of the new Hyper GTs is priced at around US$ 2.5 million but this won’t be the only Ultimate Series model McLaren will
launch, as a track-focused hypercar is also expected to show up in the next two
years.