McLaren Speedtail squares up to real-world testing

The McLaren Speedtail, affectionately nicknamed Albert after its famous McLaren F1 forebear which was designed in Albert Drive, Woking, Surrey, has begun its year-long test regime in the real world. 

The first stages are being conducted in a closed facility with public road trials due to commence in December 2018. As the development and validation programme progresses every aspect of the Speedtail’s performance will be honed as the full 1,050PS available to Speedtail drivers to propel the prototype to 403km/h (250mph) is used – including in high-speed trials with McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver and former IndyCar champion Kenny Bräck at the wheel.

Ben Gulliver, Head of Vehicle Development, McLaren Automotive stated, “The start of real-world testing represents a major step in the development of the McLaren Speedtail. As the first fully representative prototype, ‘Albert’ will build on the invaluable work still being put in by earlier development cars, allowing us to sign-off vehicle attributes including chassis dynamics; brake performance; damper tuning; tyres; NVH and aspects of ergonomics and comfort. With a huge amount achieved already, the McLaren Speedtail is well on the way to fulfilling its destiny as the greatest McLaren road car ever.”

Albert, McLaren's first Hyper GT,  has a production-specification chassis and petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain, as well as its unique three-seat cockpit with a central driving position which was pioneered in 1992's iconic McLaren F1.

Production of the £1.75 million (plus local taxes) McLaren Speedtail is due to commence at the end of 2019, with first deliveries in early 2020. As with the McLaren F1, 106 cars will be available and all have already now been allocated to owners.

See below for more images of the Speedtail prototype including when Premier GT got up close and personal with it at McLaren's Woking HQ.