McLaren Automotive, a British luxury car manufacturer, is part of the larger McLaren Group. McLaren Automotive was established in 2010 as a standalone entity responsible for producing road cars, though McLaren’s history in motorsport dates back to 1963, when Bruce McLaren founded the McLaren Racing Team.
While McLaren Group holds the majority ownership in McLaren Automotive, it also has private investors, including Mumtalakat, the sovereign wealth fund of Bahrain, which has a significant shareholding.
Market Position:
McLaren is a major player in the luxury sports car and hypercar segment, competing with brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Aston Martin. McLaren is particularly recognized for its F1 technology, which heavily influences the engineering of its road cars.
In 2023, McLaren Automotive generated a revenue of approximately £900 million. Though a smaller player compared to competitors like Ferrari and Porsche, McLaren is renowned for producing some of the most technologically advanced supercars in the world.
Interesting Facts About McLaren:
- F1 Legacy: McLaren has one of the most successful histories in Formula 1, with 12 Drivers’ Championships and 8 Constructors’ Championships, making it one of the most recognized names in motorsports.
- McLaren F1: Launched in 1992, the McLaren F1 was the fastest production car in the world at the time, reaching 240 mph. It’s still considered one of the greatest supercars ever made.
- Lightweight Construction: McLaren is known for using carbon fiber monocoque chassis in all its road cars, a practice that started with the McLaren F1. This technology stems from their Formula 1 expertise and significantly reduces vehicle weight without compromising strength.
- P1 Hypercar: The McLaren P1, launched in 2013, was one of the first hybrid hypercars, combining a twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor to produce over 900 horsepower. It set new benchmarks for performance and efficiency in the hypercar world.
- McLaren Senna: Named after legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, the McLaren Senna is one of the most track-focused road cars ever produced by the company. With only 500 units made, it emphasizes downforce and aerodynamics over comfort.
- Ultra-Limited Production: McLaren often produces extremely limited-edition vehicles, like the McLaren Speedtail, with only 106 units made. The Speedtail is the successor to the F1 and can reach speeds of 250 mph.
- Artura: In 2021, McLaren introduced the Artura, its first series-production plug-in hybrid supercar. This car marked a shift toward sustainable performance, combining McLaren’s engineering prowess with hybrid technology
- Racing Heritage in Road Cars: Every McLaren road car incorporates lessons learned from decades of Formula 1 success. McLaren’s motto, “Everything for a reason,” reflects its dedication to performance and innovation in both its road and race cars.
Famous Owners of McLaren:
- Rowan Atkinson: The actor, known for his portrayal of Mr. Bean, is a proud owner of a McLaren F1, which he drove for years before selling in 2015 for nearly £8 million.
- Elon Musk: The billionaire entrepreneur once owned a McLaren F1, which he famously crashed in 2000. Despite the crash, the F1 remains one of the most valuable and collectible cars ever produced.
- Jay Leno: The American comedian and car collector owns a McLaren P1 and is a known fan of McLaren vehicles.
- Floyd Mayweather: The boxer has a vast car collection that includes a McLaren 650S and a McLaren P1.