Report: McLaren to launch a family-friendly SUV

McLaren Automotive is busy designing a car for ‘family use’, Car Magazine reports quoting CEO Michael Leiters who allegedly confirmed the marque was looking into alternate car types to raise profits.

Per Car Magazine, Leiters pointed out that present-day tech and lithium-ion batteries do not facilitate the creation of a full-fledged electric supercar. Such a car – if designed with this tech under the hood – will come out too heavy and handle worse than the modern McLarens do.

On the other hand, launching a battery SUV or limousine would be more appropriate. The handling is not a crucial issue for either, and the power could theoretically exceed 1,014 PS (1,000 hp / 746 kW).

It is worth pointing out in this context that the former McLaren CEO objected strongly against developing an SUV. Leiters also did not say explicitly that such a car was in the works, but his words cannot be interpreted any differently. His Ferrari background ended with him supervising the Purosagnue SUV project. Even before that, Leiters worked to create the Porsche Cayenne.

As for electric cars, the closest thing McLaren has to them right now is a hybrid named Artura – you can see it in the gallery and the video below.