McLaren Automotive and engine-supplier Ricardo have unveiled a long-term partnership to develop and produce next-generation V8 engines for hybrid supercars.
This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize the automotive industry by fusing cutting-edge technology with traditional British engineering expertise.
In a groundbreaking move, British supercar manufacturer McLaren Automotive has announced a multi-year partnership with renowned engine supplier Ricardo to create its next-generation V8 power unit. This collaboration comes as part of a long-term investment deal and signals a significant step in McLaren’s Future of Performance strategy.
Developed by McLaren’s in-house powertrain team, the innovative high-performance V8 engine will propel the next generation of lightweight, high-performance hybrid supercars. This partnership marks a continuation of the long-standing relationship between the two UK-based companies. Ricardo has been building both V6 and V8 engines for McLaren’s existing and future high-performance hybrid supercars.
Since the launch of McLaren’s first series production supercar, the 12C, in 2011, Ricardo has produced approximately 34,000 McLaren powertrains at its purpose-built assembly facility in Shoreham-by-Sea. These powertrains are then transported to the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, where McLaren meticulously designs and hand-builds its supercars.
The new agreement guarantees that Ricardo will supply both hybrid and non-hybrid variants. The two companies will also make considerable investments in the high-performance engine production facility in Shoreham, employing over 100 expert manufacturing engineers and technicians dedicated to supplying McLaren’s high-performance powertrains.
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Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, remarked, “Our new high-performance, hybrid V8 powertrain will form an integral part of McLaren’s next-generation product lineup, delivering best-in-class performance and thrilling driver engagement.” He added that the new agreement with Ricardo is a crucial component of their “Future of Performance” strategy and strengthens the enduring relationship between the two British companies. This collaboration not only boosts job opportunities but also ensures increased investment in a vital domestic engineering supply chain for future technologies.
Graham Ritchie, CEO of Ricardo, expressed his delight at concluding the new engine supply agreement with McLaren Automotive for their next-generation high-performance V8 powertrain. He said, “Like McLaren, Ricardo has a proven track record of engineering excellence, delivering high-performance technology and the highest standards of product quality supported by the upstream supply chain.” Ritchie looks forward to continuing their successful relationship with McLaren into its third decade.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the partnership between McLaren and Ricardo stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. With their sights set on the future, these two giants are poised to redefine high-performance hybrid powertrains and set new standards in the world of supercars.
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