McLaren’s F1 successor is nearing production, so here’s all you need to know about the new Speedtail.
The rear-drive 2020 Speedtail has a hybrid system that develops a total of 1035 horsepower courtesy of its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine and electric motors. Combined with an incredibly aerodynamic shape and ultra-lightweight construction, the Speedtail can reach a claimed top speed of 250 mph.
McLaren says it will accelerate from zero to 186 mph in 12.8 seconds. That makes it significantly quicker than the almighty McLaren P1, which did the deed in 16.5 seconds. It has a set of Pirelli P Zero tires that were specially developed to handle extreme speeds and wrap the staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels. The hybrid hypercar also can be lowered by 1.4 inches and includes a Velocity drive mode that optimizes aerodynamics and powertrain settings for high-speed runs.
The 2020 Speedtail provides a more luxurious experience. Swing open the power-operated dihedral doors that reveal its teardrop-shaped cockpit and behold a three-seat layout that was last seen on the F1. The unique setup features a central driving position with a passenger seat on either side. The interior features lightweight and premium materials, along with touchscreens that replace most of the traditional switchgear. A strip of electrochromic glass with adjustable darkness is used instead of sun visors to protect passengers from the sun.
The Speedtail’s unmistakable exterior is made entirely of carbon-fiber body panels and sports distinct details such as retractable rearview-camera mirrors and static aero covers on the front wheels.
The first customer example of the Speedtail is now in production at McLaren’s headquarters in Woking, United Kingdom. Deliveries commence these days (in February 2020) and just 106 will be built, the number matching the run of McLaren F1s. Buyers in the U.S. will need to import the car via “Show and Display” rules since the car isn’t street legal here, due to its F1-style three-seat layout and cameras serving as side mirrors.
