McLaren 650S-Based BMW Supercar Rumored
BMW is rumored to have reached out to McLaren for a possible supercar partnership.
Automobile reports that the German automaker has approached McLaren for assistance on a halo model, hoping to create a supercar based on the next-generation McLaren 650S.
You see, about a year ago BMW’s then chairman Norbert Reithofer axed plans for a BMW M100 supercar as well as a proposal that would rebody and retool the current BMW i8. The M100 was aiming to be a lightweight supercar with a mid-engine setup and two seats. Powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine, it was going to have around 750 horsepower and adaptive aerodynamics.
Since Reithofer gave it a no go, Klaus Fröhlich, head of BMW research and development, looked to McLaren to help create such a model, one that would complement the i8 and wouldn’t tarnish either brand.
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Now, it is believed that BMW will use a 4.0-liter V8 engine with four turbochargers to pack the supercar with at least 750 horsepower. Two of the turbos will be exhaust-driven while the other two will be electric. A coupe model will be priority, although a convertible variant could follow. As for production, BMW is looking at late 2018, allowing it to take advantage of McLaren’s updated platform that will be used on the second-generation 650S.
If all goes according to plan, a concept will debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and the production model will be priced well above $225,000 when it arrives dealerships in time to be a 2019 model.
[Source: Automobile]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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What if this leads to a renewed long-term partnership between McLaren and BMW? Engine development is an expensive business. BMW's 4.0 is almost the same displacement as the McLaren 3.9 BMW's 4.0 is a hot vee so the exhaust pulses are the same as McLaren's 3.9 flatcrank