McLaren to make performance SUV, and it won’t be electric

Eight years ago, McLaren pledged it would never go down the route of making its own performance SUV, instead choosing to remain purely a sports car company. However, the brand has confirmed overnight that it will break its promise.

The British automaker has announced it plans to invest £500 million (A$943 million) into its UK manufacturing operations, opening a new factory and planning to add 1000 local jobs.

The announcement bucks the recent trend of brands reducing their UK manufacturing footprint. The likes of Honda, Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover are among the brands to have reduced their presence in the region.

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The boost in spend will see McLaren develop its own in-house hybrid engines and transmissions. The brand said its increased investment will lead into the development and launch of several new models, including “a performance SUV”.

Speaking to Reuters , McLaren CEO Nick Collins said the performance SUV will be true to the brand’s core values.

“We'll do it very much in a McLaren way. It will bring something unique to the segment, which we think the customers will value,” he said.

There's no indication of what the SUV will be named or what it will be powered by. However, the model is likely to lean on hybrid technology similar to the twin-turbo 3.0-litre plug-in hybrid V6 powertrain seen in the Artura.

Asked by the outlet whether the brand will look into an electric vehicle, Mr Collins gave an adamant answer. “We will do an electric ​vehicle when our customers ask us for one, and they're not asking.”

But never say never. There was a time not too long ago that McLaren was just as adamant that it would never produce an SUV.

In 2018, then executive and president of McLaren’s North American wing, Tony Joseph, famously wrote off the thought of McLaren producing an SUV.

In an interview with ABC , Mr Joseph said, “There are three reasons why there will not be a McLaren SUV”.

“It could dilute the brand,” said Mr Joseph. “An SUV is not a driver’s car. And if we made that financial investment in the technology, will it pay off? It’s not the customers who are asking for an SUV. It’s the media.”

One by one, the majority of the motoring world’s performance and luxury car brands have released SUVs – often with great success.