Synonymous with speed and innovation, McLaren has etched an indelible mark on the automotive industry. Since it was founded in 1963 by Bruce McLaren, the New Zealand racing driver and visionary, the British-based brand has evolved from a Formula One racing team to a renowned luxury sports car manufacturer.
Synonymous with speed and innovation, McLaren has etched an indelible mark on the automotive industry. Since it was founded in 1963 by Bruce McLaren, the New Zealand racing driver and visionary, the British-based brand has evolved from a Formula One racing team to a renowned luxury sports car manufacturer.
McLaren's journey began on the racetracks of Formula One, driven by its founder’s vision to not only compete, but excel. The team quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to racing technology, introducing advancements that would shape the future of the sport, and soon secured its first Formula One victory in 1968, setting the stage for decades of dominance on the track.
The company has consistently been at the forefront of cutting-edge engineering, with advancements in aerodynamics, materials, and performance. This includes the utilisation of carbon fibre in the construction of their Formula One cars in the 1980s - a groundbreaking move that revolutionised the industry (and later influenced the creation of our forged carbon fibre Vivere freestanding bath).
The McLaren F1 GTR - © Copyright McLaren Automotive Limited
In 1992, McLaren took a bold step into the world of road cars with the McLaren F1. Regarded by many as the greatest sports car ever built, the F1 was a triumph of engineering and design. Its unmatched performance, featuring a centrally positioned driver's seat and a powerful BMW V12 engine, set a new standard for supercars and remains iconic to this day.
Since then, the McLaren road car lineup has expanded with models such as the 720S, the GT, and the Speedtail pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of speed, precision, and luxury.
The McLaren 720S - © Copyright McLaren Automotive Limited
The McLaren Artura - © Copyright McLaren Automotive Limited
Recently celebrating its 60th birthday, today the brand continues to evolve, maximising performance while also embracing sustainability. As well as signing up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and Race to Zero targets, McLaren has also launched its first hybrid electric sports car.
First unveiled in 2021, the Artura is described by the brand as a “distillation of everything we’ve ever learned”, combining ultralight engineering with blistering power to achieve a top speed of 205mph.
In line with the changing landscape for motor vehicles, McLaren is also expected to launch its first all-electric car before 2030, heralding a new era for the British superbrand.
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The McLaren F1 63 Chassis - © Copyright McLaren Automotive Limited