McLaren Revs Up Senna Supercar

McLaren Automotive Ltd. says its new Senna supercar is the “lightest, fastest, most engaging” vehicle it’s ever built.

The vehicle, which is named after three-time Formula 1 World Champion Ayrton Senna, is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The engine kicks out 789 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, which can propel the vehicle from zero to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 211 mph.McLaren says the car can sprint to 124 mph in 6.8 seconds and reach 186 mph in 17.5 seconds. The two-seater also can cover the standing quarter mile in 9.9 seconds, making it faster than the original McLaren F1.

Built on McLaren’s Monocage III carbon fiber chassis, the vehicle has a dry weight of 2,640 lbs. The carbon fiber body panels weigh only 132 lbs, and the doors weigh about 19 lbs—less than half as much as those on the McLaren 720S.

The powertrain and suspension components are mounted on aluminum subframes. A carbon fiber crash structure is integrated into the rear bulkhead, which McLaren says eliminates the need for a roll cage during track driving.

The car’s aerodynamics are optimized with a huge rear wing and front splitter (both with active elements) that can produce up to 1,700 lbs of downforce. Other enhancements include sculptured wheel arches and a host of air dams, scoops, inlets and louvers.

McLaren is introducing its new active chassis control system on the Senna. The system features an uprated version of the P1’s independent double wishbone suspension, with adaptive hydraulic dampers. Onboard sensors allow the suspension to adjust damping in two milliseconds.

The car rides on customized Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. McLaren says the design features a new compound to help reduce braking distance, improve longitudinal performance and optimize ride and handling.

Production of the Senna will be limited to 500 units, all of which are spoken for. Pricing starts at £750,000 ($1 million).