McLaren going HYBRID and 4WD with new Hybrid McLaren hitting 60mph in 2.3s

McLaren plans to introduce hybrid powertrains across its range in the next few years, with a new lighter V6 engine and four-wheel drive in the mix.

McLaren have made it very clear that they’re not heading down the same SUV ‘Supercar’ route as rivals Ferrari and Lamborghini. But they are going down the hybrid route.

Speaking to Car and Driver, McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt said that McLaren is planning to deliver its first hybrid supercar in 2020 – which will go on sale in 2021 – on a new platform and with a lighter V6 engine, adding just 30kg to the car’s weight in the process.

The new hybrid supercar will use an electrically-driven front axle to aid traction, with Flewitt claiming it will allow stunning performance and traction – just 2.3 seconds to 60mph.

Not only are McLaren planning their first hybrid car for next year, they plan to hybridise their entire range in the next few years, although an electric McLaren is a very long way off.

According to Flewitt, current lithium-ion battery tech is too heavy, too expensive and not sufficiently energy dense to work in a McLaren, but he has high hopes for Solid State batteries which are expected to hit the mainstream in the next few years.

But despite that, an electric McLaren is still decades away.