McLaren Speedtail: This aerodynamically efficient beast is already sold out at $2.26 mn

McLaren has recently showed off its next chapter in its Ultimate Series — the Speedtail. It is McLaren’s first ‘Hyper-GT’ and most aerodynamically efficient car ever. And the fastest McLaren to date as well.

The Speedtail can achieve the highest maximum speed of any McLaren to date, reaching 403 km/h — a feat made possible by a blend of aerodynamics, powertrain and dynamic excellence. Yet it claims to deliver an unprecedented blend of contemporary craftsmanship, materials innovation and bespoke personalisation. It has an ability to sprint from 0-186mph in 12.8 seconds.

Priced from 1.75 million pounds plus taxes, only 106 units are going to be built. And the bad news is, all of them have already been snapped up.

Design
The Speedtail model is built around a bespoke McLaren Monocage carbon fibre structure and benefits from lightweight engineering throughout, including an all-carbon fibre body, aluminium active suspension and carbon ceramic brakes.

The teardrop-shaped cockpit and aerodynamic body are the foundation for the exceptional aerodynamic drag efficiency, with features such as carbon fibre frontwheel static aero covers, retractable digital rear-view cameras (in lieu of mirrors) and active rear ailerons further contributing to the ultra-low drag achieved.

Aerodynamic rear
The rear diffuser of the McLaren Speedtail works in conjunction with the rear blades to reduce base pressure and drag, achieving this through the fluent merger of the airflow from the top and the underside of the vehicle. The result is a further improvement to aerodynamic drag efficiency.

Powertrain
The powertrain is a petrolelectric hybrid developing a combined 1,050PS to support the extraordinary performance. The hybrid powertrain enables a relentless increase in vehicle speed regardless of engine rpm and the low weight of the Speedtail — only 1,430 kg dry — hastens this ability.

Interior
Being at the wheel of a Speedtail is likely to be an experience, unlike any other car. It has a luxurious threeseat cockpit and the driver is positioned centrally, with seating for two additional passengers set slightly rearwards. There is luggage space within both the nose and tail of the vehicle and a bespoke luggage set is available to every owner. The carbon fibre, leather and metalwork on the cases being matched to the interior specification of their Speedtail.