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McLaren 720S hybrid test mule spied out testing on public roads

McLaren has expressed its intent to make electrified hybrid vehicles for some time now. McLaren CEO, Mike Flewitt, previously said all of its Super Series and Sports Series cars would be hybrids by 2025 as part of the company's Track25 agenda. Today we're spy shots give us our first look at McLaren's hybrid future in the form of a 720S hybrid test mule. How do we know it's a hybrid? Thankfully, our spy photographer was able to catch the "Hybrid" and "Hybrid Prototype" test vehicle stickers plastered on the camouflage of what otherwise looks like a normal 720S. This prototype is likely just some sort of McLaren test mule since the company has said the first hybrid cars (besides the Speedtail) are meant to be from McLaren's Sport Series, and the 720S is part of the higher-end Super Series. McLaren also hasn't spelled out what powertrains its hybrid Super Series cars will be getting down the road, so any guessing as to what a 720S replacement would receive is still just speculation. As for what this powertrain is, we're left to speculate. The company has revealed one hybrid powertrain for the Speedtail. It uses a twin-turbo V8 and makes a combined output of 1035 horsepower and 848 pound-feet of torque. A detuned version of that powertrain could make sense, especially as McLaren already uses variations of its twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 in Sports and Super Series internal combustion cars. Rumors have also swirled about a potential new turbocharged V6 combined with an electric powertrain. A V6 hybrid power plant may make less power than a detuned V8 hybrid, but it's still bound to be plenty potent. All-wheel drive could be in the cards, too, as Flewitt has let on that McLaren is considering such a system with the front wheels being driven via the electric motors. The newest concrete news from McLaren will be coming out tomorrow with the release of the McLaren Grand Tourer. This car is meant to be more comfortable and livable than the rest of the Sports Series is now, so check back for all the details on that.

McLaren refutes rampant Alonso rumors post-crash

There have been a lot of rumors surrounding Fernando Alonso after his crash at the Formula One test-session two days ago in Barcelona. And none of that was helped any by the shroud of secrecy that seemed to have enveloped McLaren in the aftermath of the incident. But late yesterday the team issued an update on the champ's condition, addressing some of those rumors head-on. Firstly, McLaren is "pleased to confirm that... Fernando Alonso is making a solid recovery in hospital," and that's the most important part. The statement goes on to say that "he is being kept in hospital for further observation, and to recover from the effects of the medication that successfully managed his routine sedation yesterday." From there picks up the fight against rampant speculation. Though Working confirms that it has yet to determine the cause of the accident, it vehemently denies the rumor that Alonso passed out behind the wheel after having been shocked or inhaled toxic fumes from the hybrid powertrain's batteries. "Our data clearly shows that he was downshifting while applying full brake pressure right up to the moment of the first impact – something that clearly would not have been possible had he been unconscious at the time." The rumors were fueled by first-hand accounts, particularly from his arch-rival Sebastian Vettel, suggesting that Alonso was slumped over before veering suddenly off-track and hitting the wall. They weren't helped any by the veil that hid Alonso from view as he was removed from the wreckage to be taken first to the trackside medical complex and then loaded onto a helicopter to be taken to the hospital. But the evidence seems to point towards the strong and shifting winds as the culprit, as other drivers reported being tossed around by sudden gusts as well. "Our data also confirms that Fernando's car struck the inside concrete wall, first with its front-right wheel and then with its rear-right. It was a significant lateral impact, resulting in damage to the front upright and axle," McLaren described the incident. "After the initial impact, the car slid down the wall for about 15 seconds before coming to a halt. All four wheels remained attached to the car, but no damage was sustained by the bodywork or crash structure between the front and rear wheels." News Source: McLarenImage Credit: Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Celebrities Motorsports McLaren F1 mclaren-honda

McLaren 650S isn't your average middle child

The all-new McLaren 650S is making its auto show debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show today, and we've just had a proper first look at the British exotic's new midrange model. Boasting McLaren's familiar 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V8, the 650S packs 641 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to hit 60 in a brisk 3 seconds, placing it firmly between the wildly quick P1 and the standard MP4-12C. The 650S' overall look sits between McLaren's other two offerings, as well. The front bears a strong resemblance to the P1, while the rear is much more aligned with the 12C. We've got a full gallery of live images from the floor of the 2014 Geneva Motor Show up top. You can also hop back to our original post on the 650S for the complete roundup of details. PERFORMANCE FIGURES ANNOUNCED FOR THE McLAREN 650S AHEAD OF GENEVA DEBUT Feb 27, 2014 - New McLaren 650S Coupe can accelerate 0-200km/h (0-124mph) in just 8.4 seconds - Faster than rival 'stripped out' road racers, yet offers far superior comfort, refinement and equipment - Available in Coupe and Spider variants from launch As the first example of the McLaren 650S rolled off the line at the state-of-the-art McLaren Production Centre in Woking, McLaren Automotive has released performance numbers and confirmed pricing ahead of the global debut at the 84th International Geneva Motor Show. The latest addition to the McLaren range accelerates to 100km/h (62mph) from rest in just 3.0 seconds, and can reach 200km/h (124mph) in just 8.4 seconds. The standing quarter mile (400m) takes 10.5 seconds, and top speed is 333 km/h (207 mph). This performance puts the latest model from McLaren a full second quicker than the iconic McLaren F1 road car to 200 km/h, and 0.6 sec faster over the standing quarter mile, underlining its performance focus. This represents a sprint time to 200 km/h more than half a second quicker than the rapid 12C, which continues in production. Optimised aerodynamics ensure that the performance of the McLaren 650S is accessible and increases driver engagement. Enhanced handling, high-speed balance and steering turn-in result from improved levels of downforce. 'Driving excitement is at the absolute heart of the McLaren 650S,' explains Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. 'Of course the performance figures are important, and they help boost excitement. But they're only part of the story.