McLaren is considering a roomier model, possibly an SUV
'Whether it's a crossover... yet to be decided'
McLaren's SUV is taking shape, and it might not be an SUV. The company has confirmed that it is seriously considering expanding the range with a larger model capable of seating more than two passengers, but has not decided which way to go.
“The most important thing is to provide [a car] that has as much space or opportunity for the McLaren customer to share the experience with as many people as possible. Decisions will be made, and the truth is that everything will be decided at that time.''It hasn't been done yet,'' explained Jamie Corstorfine, director of product strategy at the British firm, in an interview with industry magazine Automotive News.
It's easy enough to offer more space or capacity if your range consists only of low-end supercars. While an SUV like the Aston Martin DBX would certainly fit the bill, Corstorphine's comments suggest that other body styles are also being considered. For example, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo will offer more space and capacity than the 765LT. So the Subaru Impreza will be a bit of a hatchback, and here's the problem: McLaren wants to make sure its family model stays true to its roots.
“If we're going to do anything, whether it's this type of product or any other type of product, the test for us is whether we can accurately reflect McLaren's DNA. This is it. But you spend time on thinking and proof, - added Korstorfin.
McLaren chief technical officer Michael Leiters echoed these comments in August 2022. He admitted that high-end SUVs are in high demand and Ferrari had to stop taking orders for the Purosangue to avoid a huge backlog. Placing McLaren in this segment is easier said than done. Everything the firm comes up with must be in line with its DNA, he added.
While SUVs and supercars may seem like they exist on opposite ends of the same spectrum, the marriage between the two is not as far-fetched as it seems.
“The most important thing is to provide [a car] that has as much space or opportunity for the McLaren customer to share the experience with as many people as possible. Decisions will be made, and the truth is that everything will be decided at that time.''It hasn't been done yet,'' explained Jamie Corstorfine, director of product strategy at the British firm, in an interview with industry magazine Automotive News.
It's easy enough to offer more space or capacity if your range consists only of low-end supercars. While an SUV like the Aston Martin DBX would certainly fit the bill, Corstorphine's comments suggest that other body styles are also being considered. For example, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo will offer more space and capacity than the 765LT. So the Subaru Impreza will be a bit of a hatchback, and here's the problem: McLaren wants to make sure its family model stays true to its roots.
“If we're going to do anything, whether it's this type of product or any other type of product, the test for us is whether we can accurately reflect McLaren's DNA. This is it. But you spend time on thinking and proof, - added Korstorfin.
McLaren chief technical officer Michael Leiters echoed these comments in August 2022. He admitted that high-end SUVs are in high demand and Ferrari had to stop taking orders for the Purosangue to avoid a huge backlog. Placing McLaren in this segment is easier said than done. Everything the firm comes up with must be in line with its DNA, he added.
While SUVs and supercars may seem like they exist on opposite ends of the same spectrum, the marriage between the two is not as far-fetched as it seems.