McLaren announced on Wednesday (16th) a substantial investment of £500 million, equivalent to approximately R$3.5 billion, aimed at strengthening its engineering and manufacturing activities in the United Kingdom. This financial injection was provided by L'IMAD, a sovereign wealth fund linked to the government of Abu Dhabi, which holds control over the automotive division and has a stake in the company's Formula 1 team.
The funds will be used to develop the brand's first SUV. Internally designated with the code P47, this vehicle represents a departure from the tradition of the Woking-based manufacturer, as it has never produced a series car with more than two seats. Information relayed to dealerships indicates that the utility vehicle will feature four doors, five seats, and a body style superior to any previously launched McLaren.
A clay prototype displayed to the dealership network featured 24-inch wheels and highly sculpted surfaces, suggesting that the brand's intention is not to create a traditional family crossover. The manufacturer confirmed that the SUV will be electrified, incorporating a hybrid system from its commercial launch.
Additionally, McLaren will take over the design and production of its own engines, starting with two new power units and two transmissions, thereby reducing dependence on external suppliers. The funds are also expected to be applied to expand research and development centers, double the production workforce, and generate at least one thousand direct and indirect jobs by 2032.
The estimated arrival of this utility vehicle at dealerships is around 2028. This model is considered fundamental to the strategy defined by CEO Nick Collins, aiming to raise the company's profit margins to levels comparable to competitors such as Ferrari and Lamborghini, who have already entered this segment with models like the Purosangue and the Urus, the latter currently being the best-selling model of the Italian brand.
Before the SUV debut, McLaren plans to introduce a mid-engined hybrid supercar, named P34, scheduled for 2027, equipped with a V6 biturbo engine of about 810 horsepower. Furthermore, the manufacturer is working on a front-engined grand tourer and has declared its goal to present at least one new model annually until 2028.