McLaren Posts Record Sales, Profits

British supercar maker McLaren Automotive Ltd. doubled sales to 3,300 cars in 2016 and hiked its pretax profit 70% to £9.2 million ($12 million). Both results were record highs.

Revenue climbed 44% to £650 million ($843 million) last year. Operating profit surged 180% to a record £66 million ($86 million), and net profit reached £7 million ($9.5 million) from £3 million in 2015. McLaren says revenue generated by its Special Operations unit, which produces individually customized cars, surged 147%.

McLaren predicts even stronger results for 2017, thanks to the launch in March of the 720S two-seat hypercar (pictured). The company says this year’s run of 1,500 units is already sold out. The 720S—the first in McLaren's Track22 series—is powered by a twin-turbo V-8 that makes 710 hp and propels the car from zero to 100 kph in 2.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 341 kph (212 mph).

McLaren began making road cars only six years ago. Last year the company sold 1,100 cars in North America, its largest market. Sales climbed 153% to 1,000 units in Europe and grew 90% in Asia Pacific.