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McLaren Ramps Up Carbon Fiber Plant
McLaren Automotive Ltd.’s new Composite Technology Center in Sheffield, England, has produced its first prototype carbon fiber chassis.
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McLaren Automotive Ltd.’s new Composite Technology Center in Sheffield, England, has produced its first prototype carbon fiber chassis.
The carmaker plans to begin crash testing the lightweight structure this spring, prior to launching series production in 2020. The second-generation Monocell tub will underpin future McLaren models.
McLaren opened the £50 million ($66 million) center in November. Employment at the 75,000 sq-ft facility is expected to more than triple to 200 people over the next year.
McLaren has used carbon fiber chassis since launching the MP4/1 Formula 1 race car in 1981. With the new composites center, the company says it could eventually supply carbon fiber components to other carmakers.
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