McLaren Automotive has announced five key design principles that will shape the future design of their supercars. These design keywords not only reflect the company’s 60-year history but also lay the foundation for the design of next-generation models grounded in racing heritage.
Firstly, the fundamental design principles that will determine the aesthetics and dynamics of McLaren supercars will integrate their innovative approach based on motorsport engineering with cutting-edge lightweight supercar design. This approach is expected to be applied to new segment models and future powertrain technologies that McLaren plans to launch.
The five key design principles revealed in this new McLaren design DNA are: Epic, Athletic, Functional, Focused, and Intelligent. This encapsulates the philosophy that “form follows function,” emphasizing that the design is aligned with achieving the best performance.
The first design element, Epic, refers to the concept and enhancement of the aesthetic aspects of the supercar. This indicates an intention to strive for an aesthetically appealing design that instinctively attracts attention. It continues to reflect the aerodynamic structural technologies embodied in McLaren race cars from events such as F1 and Can-Am. Examples include the centrally positioned driver’s seat in the McLaren F1 road car, the fighter-jet-style sliding canopy of the Solus GT, and the full titanium exhaust system with quad outlets on the 765LT.
The second element, Athletic, signifies a commitment to achieving exceptional performance and agility through design. This focuses on maximizing aerodynamic efficiency while minimizing weight to create a body structure that is as robust and muscular as possible. The aim is to achieve efficient setups of high-performance powertrains and chassis components while eliminating unnecessary elements for weight reduction, which is referred to as ‘Vacuum Formed’ design.
The third principle, Functional, involves incorporating technical elements into the design that support powerful performance. By adhering to the mindset that “everything in a car must have a reason,” McLaren seeks to ensure that agility, superior driving capabilities, and ultra-light weight directly influence the design, manifesting a perfect harmony between design and engineering. Notable examples include the advanced aerodynamic technology seen in the McLaren Senna and P1™, as well as the cooling systems applied in the Artura Spider and 750S’s double-skin doors.
The fourth element, Focused, relates to ergonomic designs that enhance the driver’s experience, including performance-centered design of driving positions, ensuring wide visibility, and perfect harmony between analog and digital information displays. Future McLaren models will feature a ‘wrap-around’ cockpit inspired by McLaren’s racing DNA to empower the driver to focus solely on driving with expanded visibility.
The final principle is Intelligent, aimed at delivering peak performance through the use of innovative and lightweight materials. This includes a commitment to developing materials that not only boast lighter weight and superior durability but also allow for expanded usability and sustainability.
Tobias Schulman, chief design officer at McLaren Automotive, stated, “Racing is an unwavering part of McLaren’s heritage, and the beauty of design stems from the relentless pursuit of performance.” He added, “The future design DNA unique to McLaren will not only be linked to lightweight supercars but also to new model launches, brand differentiation strategies, and an era of design that strengthens performance at its core, rooted in 60 years of motorsport legacy.”
Meanwhile, the signature design of McLaren supercars is fundamentally derived from the combination of motorsport history and cutting-edge high-performance engineering.
Specifically, the front end of the supercar is epitomized by two design elements: horizontal orientation and a low nose, which are symbolic of McLaren’s identity. These features are inspired by the legendary McLaren F1 race car, the MP4/4. This design influence has also been applied to models such as the McLaren F1, LM, and GTR variants. Additionally, the large air intakes located just below the front bumper headlights and the unique ‘eye-socket’ headlights that integrate the intakes used in the McLaren 750S are also distinctive features.
The shoulder line defining McLaren’s side design draws inspiration from the race cars that have competed in Can-Am and F1, as well as the McLaren P1™, emphasizing a dynamic stance with short front and rear overhangs, creating an impression of a forward-leaning body. The rear design signature includes the open back end—a design feature introduced in F1 that has been widely reinterpreted in McLaren supercars—enhancing the exhaust of internal heat. Moreover, linear and horizontal design elements create an impression of increased body width and reduced height, completing the impression of a crouched posture akin to a race car.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr