McLaren Renews Contract With Ricardo To Supply Its Future Engines

McLaren has renewed its partnership with Ricardo, and the engine specialist will continue to build the carmaker’s powertrains.

Ricardo has constructed every engine used by McLaren road cars since the launch of the 12C in 2011 and will continue to do so for at least the next 18 new models and derivatives Woking will build as part of its Track25 business plan. Ricardo says that it will increase investment in its production facility to allow for additional product flexibility, new manufacturing capabilities and greater capacity at the site.

“McLaren is pleased to be continuing our very strong relationship with Ricardo as our engine supplier,” McLaren chief executive Mike Flewitt said.

“Ricardo shares McLaren’s passion for exceptional performance, product innovation and quality. It has also become a trustworthy and reliable partner to McLaren in engine manufacturing. We look forward to working with Ricardo and to receiving its full support as we implement our Track 25 business plan.”

The 2011 engine deal wasn’t the first time Ricardo cooperated with McLaren, as it also supplied the transmission for the iconic F1 back in the 1990’s.

The future of McLaren’s internal combustion engines remains unclear at this stage, but in all likelihood, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that premiered in the 720S will be used across the range, in different states of tune, for the foreseeable future, perhaps including the replacement to the current 3.8-liter V8 Sports Series family. What we do know for sure is that McLaren will make the jump to hybrid power as part of the Track25 business plan, ensuring that all future road models adopt some form of electrification.