McLaren is set to unveil the highly anticipated GT
tomorrow, but it’s far from the only new model in the pipeline. As part of the company’s Track25
business plan, McLaren will introduce 18 new cars or derivatives by the end of
2025. A handful of those models have already been introduced – including the
600LT Spider, 720S Spider and Speedtail – but that still leaves a number of
vehicles unaccounted for.
Now we’re getting a better idea of what to expect as
a mysterious mule has been spotted undergoing testing in Europe. Based on the
McLaren 720S, the car doesn’t look like anything special at first glance. However,
the company dropped a few hints thanks to “Hybrid Prototype” badging on the
side scoops and hybrid warning labels on the rear quarter glass.
The model looks like a traditional
720S. This suggests McLaren engineers have figured out some clever packing
solutions as they were able to fit the hybrid powertrain into the car without
making any visible modifications. Unfortunately, little else is
known about the model. That being said, the fact that the mule is based on the
720S could suggest McLaren is working on a hybrid successor for the
high-performance model.
The news isn’t very surprising as McLaren has
previously said 100 percent of their sportscar and supercar lineup will be
hybrid by 2025. The company has also revealed it is working on a “lighter,
superfast-charging, high-power battery system for performance applications.”
This should enable future models to have “over 30 minutes of electric range” on
race tracks.
That’s not much to go on, but the upcoming model
will likely use a next-generation carbon fiber tub developed and manufactured
at the new McLaren Composites Technology Center in the Sheffield. The facility
opened last fall and promises to be a “world-leader in innovating lightweight
carbon fiber and composites.” The center will begin building trial tubs this
year and is slated to become fully operational in 2020.
