The much-anticipated McLaren Hypercar was unveiled during the 93rd running of the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours ahead of its FIA World Endurance Championship WEC 2027 debut.
The new prototype, developed under the LMDh regulations, is a bold statement of intent as McLaren seeks to reclaim its place among the elite manufacturers in the Hypercar class—a category that has rapidly become the battleground for the world’s most prestigious automotive brands.
The unveiling took place in the vibrant atmosphere of Le Mans where the public was treated to a first look at the prototype in the fan village, a fitting backdrop given McLaren’s iconic history at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
The showcar, resplendent in the brand’s iconic papaya orange and black livery, immediately drew attention not just for its striking aesthetics but also for the symbolism embedded in its design.
Prominently displayed on the bodywork were the numerals 748495, a subtle yet powerful nod to McLaren’s victories in the three events that constitute motorsport’s elusive Triple Crown: the 1974 Indianapolis 500, the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix, and the 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours.
At the heart of the new McLaren Hypercar is a state-of-the-art V6 twin-turbo hybrid powertrain, developed in a close collaboration between McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive.
This engine configuration is designed to deliver the perfect balance of performance, efficiency, and reliability required for the grueling demands of endurance racing.
The powertrain sends its output to the rear wheels, ensuring the car remains true to McLaren’s racing DNA while embracing the future of hybrid technology.
The chassis, a critical component for both performance and safety, is supplied by Italian engineering firm Dallara renowned for constructing world-class racing chassis with BMW and Cadillac also relying on their technology for their respective Hypercar programs.
The collaboration extends beyond just the race car, as McLaren’s Project: Endurance customer program will also see a limited number of road-adapted versions of the Hypercar produced, offering select customers the opportunity to own and experience a machine developed in parallel with the WEC contender.
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Participants in the program will not only acquire a hyper-exclusive McLaren Hypercar but will also be granted unprecedented access to the team’s test and development activities as it prepares for its WEC 2027 debut.
The operational side of McLaren Hypercar project is equally impressive. The team responsible for fielding the car in the WEC will be United Autosports, a name already familiar to endurance racing and one that has enjoyed a successful partnership with the brand in the LMGT3 class.
The Hypercar team will be known as McLaren United AS, reflecting the deep integration between the two organizations. Leadership will be under James Barclay, who joins McLaren Endurance Racing after a successful tenure as team principal at Jaguar in Formula E.
The timing of McLaren’s return is particularly poignant as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the brand’s historic victory at Le Mans with the legendary McLaren F1 GTR.
That triumph remains one of the most iconic moments in endurance racing, and the new Hypercar project is seen as both a tribute to that legacy and a bold step into the future.
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