McLaren will vie for victory in the Le Mans Hypercar championship in the year 2027
In a thrilling revival of its racing heritage, McLaren is set to make a triumphant return to top-tier endurance racing with the unveiling of its new Hypercar for the 2027 season. Thirty years after the iconic McLaren F1's victory at Le Mans, the British automaker is poised to make history once again.
The McLaren Hypercar, built to LMDh class specifications, is a testament to McLaren's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. This purpose-built, hybrid-powered racer boasts a carbon fiber monocoque chassis supplied by Dallara and features a bespoke body with extensive aerodynamic surfaces designed for racing performance.
Under the hood, the car is powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor, both driving the rear wheels. The total system output complies with LMDh rules, capping power at 671 horsepower (500 kW / 680 PS). The car incorporates a bespoke hybrid system, ensuring it stays competitive in the Hypercar class.
McLaren has also announced an exclusive customer program called Project: Endurance. This comprehensive package not only includes the car but also offers two years of arrive-and-drive programs, professional coaching, a dedicated pit crew, and race engineers. Customers will also have access to testing and development alongside the factory effort, providing an immersive customer racing experience.
The factory team running the car in competition will be known as McLaren United AS, a collaboration with the experienced endurance racing outfit United Autosports. James Barclay, former Jaguar Formula E boss, has been named team principal. McLaren's CEO Zak Brown indicated that the team will debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Hypercar class in 2027, with a potential IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship campaign following “at the earliest” in 2028.
The McLaren Hypercar's return to endurance racing is a significant moment in the company's history. It marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for McLaren Racing, as they join forces with United Autosports to take on the FIA World Endurance Championship. The roster for the Hypercar class already includes heavyweights such as Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot, Porsche, Toyota, and now, McLaren.
Ford and Genesis have also announced plans to enter cars in the Hypercar class, adding to the already intense competition. The McLaren Hypercar, with its blend of performance, innovation, and customer-focused racing experience, is set to make a strong impact in the world of endurance racing.
The customer program offers buyers an incredible chance to own an authentic race car and get closer to the action on-track. The program is reminiscent of the Ferrari 499P Modificata and the Aston Martin Valkyrie LM, providing a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to be a part of McLaren's racing legacy.
In addition, McLaren will offer a select group of customers the chance to purchase their own Project: Endurance cars. The program also includes an exclusive McLaren track day programme with cars transported to race circuits worldwide, offering customers an unparalleled racing experience.
As McLaren gears up for its return to Le Mans, it's clear that the company is not just reviving its racing past, but also creating a bold new future in the world of endurance racing. The McLaren Hypercar is more than just a race car; it's a symbol of McLaren's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, innovation, and customer experience.
- McLaren's new Hypercar, built for endurance racing, is a testament to the company's dedication to performance and innovation, with a focus on pushing boundaries.
- The McLaren Hypercar will be powered by a hybrid system, complying with LMDh rules, and will have a total system output of 671 horsepower.
- McLaren has announced an exclusive customer program, Project: Endurance, which includes the car, two years of racing programs, professional coaching, a dedicated pit crew, race engineers, testing and development access, and an exclusive McLaren track day program.
- Ford and Genesis have also announced plans to enter the Hypercar class, making the competition even more intense.
- The McLaren Hypercar offers customers a unique opportunity to own an authentic race car and immerse themselves in McLaren's racing legacy, much like the Ferrari 499P Modificata and the Aston Martin Valkyrie LM.
