For many years, McLaren has staunchly opposed the notion of introducing an SUV or crossover. However, over the past 18 months, and with industry veteran Michael Leiters now leading the company, McLaren’s resistance to SUVs has started to wane.
In fact, Leiters has expressed openness to the idea of a McLaren SUV, although he has clarified that such a vehicle will not hit the market before 2028.
If the British marque eventually chooses to emulate the paths of Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini, what might its SUV resemble? Well, designer Sergiy Dvornytskyy has envisioned such a vehicle, and it looks so realistic that you could be fooled into thinking this is something straight out of McLaren’s design department.
Illustrations Sergiy Dvornytskyy
This isn’t the first time we’ve crossed paths with Dvornytskyy, nor is it his first endeavor in crafting a beautiful SUV, as he did the same late last year with a quad-turbo W12 SUV for Bugatti. He refers to his latest project as the Activa and it takes obvious design inspiration from existing McLaren models, most notably the 750S.
The front of the SUV could be best described as clean and elegant. It has a pair of simple LED headlights with a familiar McLaren shape as well as a perfectly-sized grille and black splitter. The Activa has also been imagined in a shade of orange and sports a gloss black roof and pillar, adding to its sporty appeal and sleek shape.
Read: McLaren 750S 3-7-59 Celebrates Indy 500, Monaco GP, And Le Mans Wins
Dvornystkyy says he envisions the Activa being propelled by the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine as the 750S, albeit situated at the front, hence the elongated hood. Similarly flowing lines to the 750S are also visible along the sides of the SUV as are door handles that sit flush with the bodywork, black arches, and large wheels with black and silver spokes. At the rear, a sleek LED strip serves as both the taillights and a light bar, adding to its modern aesthetic.
What are your thoughts on Dvornystkyy’s McLaren Activa design study? Do you believe it stays true to McLaren’s design ethos, or does it diverge too far from the brand’s identity?
Note: These are independent designs that have not been endorsed by McLaren.