Tag: McLaren Speedtail

  • 2020 McLaren Speedtail headed to auction

    When the McLaren Speedtail was unveiled two years ago, the entire 106-unit production run had already sold out despite a near-$2 million price. Now one of those supercars is scheduled to cross the block at an RM Sotheby’s auction on Jan. 22.

    That car is Speedtail number 36, which was ordered on July 20, 2020, and delivered to McLaren Philadelphia (despite not being street legal in the U.S.) a few months later, according to the listing. It’s still virtually brand new, with just 30 miles on the odometer.

    The car has over $170,000 worth of options, according to its build documents. It’s painted in MSO Heritage Atlantic Blue, with white stripes and wheels, and a gloss carbon-fiber front wheel cover. The interior features a mix of satin carbon-fiber and Alcantara trim, with vintage tan aniline leather upholstery and contrast stitching. A suitcase designed to fit the front trunk and a gold-colored titanium tool set are included with the sale.

    McLaren Speedtail number 36 (photo by RM Sotheby's)

    McLaren Speedtail number 36 (photo by RM Sotheby’s)

    McLaren envisioned the Speedtail as a successor to the legendary F1, reflected by its three-abreast seating layout and 106-unit production run (matching the F1). Its focus on road rather than track use also echoes the F1, which was designed as a road car first, and only modified for racing after owners requested it.

    The Speedtail has a hybrid powertrain built around a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, producing a total of 1,055 horsepower and 848 pound-feet of torque. McLaren previously quoted 0-186 mph in 12.8 seconds, and a 250-mph top speed.

    McLaren may not launch a supercar that surpasses the Speedtail for at least a few years. The automaker is reportedly dialing back its range-topping Ultimate Series, with the next model—a successor to the P1 plug-in hybrid—due in 2025.

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  • Here’s how you detail a $2.2M McLaren Speedtail

    With a $2.2 million price tag and a production run limited to 106 cars, the McLaren Speedtail is a supercar that demands to be handled with care. This video shows how professionals detail one of these rare machines, and apply paint-protection film to keep it in pristine condition.

    The car appears clean, but still gets thoroughly washed to remove and traces of dirt, grease, or oil. That includes rinsing with warm water, and using foam and a cleaning solution to lift off any residue. That’s done twice, and then the car is shampooed with a lambswool mitt and two-bucket wash method (which detailer Topaz Detailing says will help prevent paint damage). Finally, a clay bar is used to remove dirt embedded in the clear coat.

    The Speedtail then gets detailed, with two stages of machine polishing, and sheets of film are placed over each body panel. The film is made wet so it can be moved into place, similar to waterslide decals on model cars. Water is then pushed out with a squeegee, sealing the film to the body panels—as well as the Speedtail’s carbon-fiber wheel covers. Blow drying ensures a firm seal.

    McLaren Speedtail

    McLaren Speedtail

    Unveiled in 2018, McLaren considers the Speedtail to be the successor to the legendary F1. However, that car’s designer, Gordon Murray, has unveiled his own spiritual successor in the form of the T.50 supercar.

    Like the F1, the Speedtail has a three-abreast seating arrangement, placing the driver in the center. It also follows the F1’s philosophy of being a road car first, and a track car second. McLaren calls it a “hyper GT.”

    However, the Speedtail still boasts 1,055 horsepower and 848 pound-feet of torque, courtesy of a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and a single electric motor. McLaren has confirmed a top speed of 250 mph—or 9.9 mph faster than what the F1 managed.

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