McLaren P14 hybrid to replace the 650S next year
McLaren has confirmed that the successor to the 650S will receive numerous aerodynamic updates but that pales in comparison to the news that its engine will borrow elements of the seminal McLaren P1 – in short it will deploy a downsized evolution of the P1’s hybrid powerplant.
Codenamed the P14 during the development cycle, this second McLaren to get hybrid technology will fall into the middle tier Super Series category. Below it in the Sports Series is the recently launched 570s and the top Ultimate Series is still reserved for the McLaren P1 and P1 GTR. This has been staggered to protect their models from in-house competition although a P14 hybrid will be a highly competent super car that will exceed every tiny expectation.
According to McLaren’s design director Frank Stephenson the engineers and designers have worked to create the most beautiful and aerodynamic car possible. He further goes on to boldly suggest that the technology will make other manufacturers wonder “why didn’t we do that”
The challenge facing the engineers involved with the P14 is how to incorporate the battery power without adding too much to the car’s kerb weight. Battery technology needs to evolve at a faster speed to the point where it will be a viable solution – some insiders are reporting a date twelve months from now.
