The ‘new McLaren F1’ will be called Speedtail

McLaren has revealed the spiritual successor to its legendary F1 supercar will be called Speedtail. Set to be unveiled later this year, the new £1.6 million (plus taxes) car will become the fastest McLaren ever.

Boasting a central driving position like the F1, with two more side-by-side seats, the new car will be the latest in McLaren’s Ultimate Series range, joining the McLaren Senna that recently so impressed critics including Motoring Research.

Up to now, the Speedtail has been known by its concept code, BP23. Described by the firm as a ‘hyper-GT’, the McLaren Speedtail will use a petrol-electric drivetrain, that will power it to a top speed of at least 243mph.

Little more is known about the car at this stage, although McLaren has teased that it will be super-streamlined (hence the Speedtail name) and use some “exquisite” new materials.

It won’t only be the fastest McLaren ever – it will also be the most luxurious. “The McLaren Speedtail will deliver the unparalleled blend of extreme performance and sporting luxury that befits its status as the ultimate road-going McLaren.”

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But if you love the idea of owning a McLaren Speedtail, then sorry, you’re out of luck. The firm’s only making 106 of them and they’ve all been sold out – indeed, ordering closed before the car was officially announced back in November 2016.

When is it coming? Production will begin from the end of 2019 – and as a reward for their patience (and huge outlay), McLaren says the 106 Speedtail customers will be the first to see it, ahead of the car’s public reveal later in the year.