McLaren X2 Concept is a Formula 1 Racer From the Far Future
McLaren has revealed its vision for a Formula 1-style race car from the far future.
The creation, dubbed the McLaren X2, is actually an evolved version of a design study McLaren first showed off in 2015 called the MP4-X.
McLaren designers drew up the MP4-X after the FIA called for increased driver protection for open-wheel racing cars. Formula 1 found a solution in the way of the controversial ‘halo’ for this year, so McLaren felt it was fitting to revisit its MP4-X idea in the wake of the halo’s introduction.
The X2 is a future-vision canopy car that looks virtually identical to the MP4-X – except it has McLaren’s new papaya orange livery applied to it instead of the old red/black combo from the Honda days.
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Like the MP4-X, the fictional X2 was envisioned with a variety of forward-thinking technologies, such as inductive charging, a high-impact protective canopy, active aerodynamics, a ground-effect floor and even an onboard system that monitors the driver’s vital signs. McLaren also envisions the X2 coming with thin battery cells that could be easily integrated into the vehicle’s body and crash structure – a similar idea of which was applied the Lamborghini Terzo Millenio concept.
Perhaps one day Formula 1 will ditch its rather ghastly halo in favor of a more neatly integrated solution such as the canopy featured on the McLaren X2.
Discuss this story on our McLaren Forum.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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Maybe someday F1 will stop the silliness of unnecessarily dangerous open wheel racing. This would be an excellent transition vehicle.
That McCarren is an old design.. been around like 5 years has worn all sorts of colors.. even seen as a street car.. to a few.. The McCarren is just another sell out like Indy has become..