McLaren recently announced it would extend its partnership with engine maker Ricardo “over the next decade.” The report will produce V6 and V8 enginesincluding both hybrid and non-hybrid variants, at a time when most automakers are targeting partial or full electrification.
The two companies know each other intimately, having worked together since the McLaren 12C in 2011, and the partnership has already encompassed 34,000 engines. Ricardo builds the engines at his facility in Shoreham, England and ships them 50 miles to McLaren’s base in Woking. The engine maker said it would “make significant further investments” in its production facility and noted that it already employs more than 100 engineers and technicians on McLaren’s powertrain design.
McLaren Automotive CEO Michael Leiters said the new “high-performance hybrid V8 powertrain will form an integral part of McLaren’s next-generation product line-up, delivering best-in-class performance and thrilling driver engagement.” Ricardo’s chief executive Graham Ritchie echoed that enthusiasm: “We are extremely pleased to have concluded this new engine supply agreement with McLaren Automotive for their new generation high performance V8 powertrain, which extends the relationship long-term relationship between the two companies over the next decade.”
Despite the enthusiasm, it is interesting that McLaren is still betting on gas-powered V8s. LamborghinisThe entire product catalog will be electrified by the end of 2024, and the Italian one supercars manufacturer said it will release its first electric vehicle before the end of the decade. Ferrari it plans to release an electric vehicle in the next few years and noted that 40% of its sales will be electric by 2030.
McLaren has confirmed plans to design hybrid powertrains with this deal, so it will be interesting to see how business transitions in the next years. Either way, the McLaren-Ricardo partnership has produced some impressive vehicles so far, so there’s plenty to be encouraged with this extension.
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