Maximum-Speed Runs At Kennedy Space Center Conclude McLaren Speedtail’s Dynamic Development Program Image Credit: McLaren Media
Maximum-Speed Runs At Kennedy Space Center Conclude McLaren Speedtail’s Dynamic Development Program
- McLaren Hyper-GT prototype ‘XP2’ concludes Speedtail high-speed validation program, achieving 403km/h (250mph) more than 30 times during tests at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA
- Culmination of extensive dynamic development process for the fastest McLaren ever, carried out at multiple test venues worldwide
- First customer-order Speedtails now being built at McLaren Production Centre in Woking, UK
Maximum-Speed Runs At Kennedy Space Center Conclude McLaren Speedtail’s Dynamic Development Program Video Credit:DPCcars
Maximum-Speed Runs At Kennedy Space Center Conclude McLaren Speedtail’s Dynamic Development Program Image Credit: McLaren Media
The dynamic development program for the fastest and most technically advanced McLaren ever has concluded in fitting fashion with McLaren chief test driver, Kenny Brack, taking the new Speedtail up to its maximum speed of 250mph at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA.
The final high-speed tests in the ground-breaking hyper car’s extensive engineering validation process saw Speedtail prototype ‘XP2’ reach its maximum speed more than 30 times on the space shuttle landing runway at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds. The exercise concluded a program of high-speed running carried out at multiple test facilities worldwide, including Idiada in Spain and Papenburg in Germany.
Build of the first of 106 Speedtails that will be hand-assembled to customer order has now commenced at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, UK, with deliveries scheduled from February 2020.
“It’s fitting that the Speedtail’s high-speed test program concluded with multiple maximum-speed runs at a location so strongly associated with pushing the boundaries of extreme performance and engineering excellence,” commented McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt. “The Speedtail is a truly extraordinary car that epitomizes McLaren’s pioneering spirit and perfectly illustrates our determination to continue to set new benchmarks for supercar and hyper car performance.”
Blending sleek and seamless beauty with pioneering technologies and truly remarkable performance, the Speedtail sits at the pinnacle of the McLaren Ultimate Series. At seventeen feet long, the carbon-fiber-bodied three-seat Hyper GT is the most aerodynamically drag efficient McLaren ever and a showcase for the brand’s expertise in lightweight engineering.
The Speedtail’s petrol-electric hybrid powertrain delivers the greatest power and torque of any McLaren road car, with a combined 1,055bhp and 848lb ft. The straight-line acceleration and maximum speed of the car set new benchmarks for McLaren, with 0-186mph achieved in less than 13 seconds and the Speedtail able to reach 250mph.
The McLaren-developed battery pack has a power density of 5.2kW/kg, which is the best power-to-weight ratio of any automotive high voltage battery system. The batteries constantly self-charge when the Speedtail is driven – there is no ‘plug-in’ element – however, a wireless charging pad that trickle-charges and maintains the battery’s status when the vehicle is not in use is also included as standard.
Further information about the Speedtail can be found on the McLaren Automotive website, at: https://cars.mclaren.com/en/latest/post/mclaren-speedtail-hits-250mph.
More Stories
Bugatti Bolide Undertakes Extreme Track Testing To Perfect High-Performance Aerodynamics
Lamborghini LB744 Is The New Benchmark For Hybrid Super Sports Cars
Debuting Czinger Vehicles And The 21C Hybercar
Volvo Cars Introduces Refreshed S90 And V90 Models With Mild Hybrid Powertrains Across Entire Line-Up
Hyundai And Kia Developed World First ICT Connected Shift Technology System
Karma Automotive Makes European Debut at 2020 Geneva International Motor Show
The Chiron’s Production Run Enters Its Second Half
The New Elegant Powerful Electrified Performance Mercedes AMG GLE 63 S Coupe
In Secure Shape For The Future Mercedes-Benz at the GPEC 2020
Czinger Teases Sight and Sounds Of Revolutionary 21C Hypercar Ahead Of Global Debut At Geneva International Motor Show
Lamborghini Track Only V12 Hypercar Fires Up For The First Time
Hyundai Motor Expands Partnership With U.S Government To Support Further Exploration Of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies