2020 McLaren Speedtail

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McLaren Speedtail Review: Son Of F1

Fans of McLaren have been clamoring for a successor to the iconic F1 for decades now, and it finally arrived in 2019. Dubbed the Speedtail, McLaren's latest offering in its Super Series of hypercars is what the company calls a Hyper-GT. Powered by an evolution of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the 720S, as well as the fashionable hybrid assistance you'd expect of a modern hypercar, the Speedtail produces 1,036 horsepower and 848 lb-ft of torque, all of which is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. While it's down on power in comparison to the Koenigsegg Regera, these outputs are nothing to sniff at.

While its looks are not what one may consider traditionally beautiful, the McLaren way is to produce a functional design first and a pretty form after. Thus, McLaren's fastest and most aerodynamic vehicle takes on something of a teardrop shape. However, is a three-seat layout enough to make the Speedtail worthy of succeeding the historic F1? No, but there's more than just nostalgia at play here.

McLaren Speedtail Changes: 🚙What's New?

Although based on the brilliant 720S, the Speedtail is an all-new vehicle with all-new technology. A carbon tub is a familiar piece of that technology, but it, too, is new and features built-in passenger seats. A full glass canopy with electrochromic glass that darkens at the push of a button is something new too, but keen-eyed observers will notice the lack of wing mirrors. Another new feature is a pair of retractable rearview cameras that cause less turbulent air than traditional mirrors would. Fixed wheel covers at the front also aim to smooth the air while the rear features flexible carbon fiber ailerons instead of a traditional hydraulic spoiler. Essentially, every part of the car is completely new and totally special.

Pros and Cons

  • A future tech icon
  • Incredible acceleration
  • Limited volumes make it rare
  • Nostalgic elements make it uber-cool
  • Probably the most capacious hypercar ever - until the Koenigsegg Gemera arrives
  • Not much of a looker
  • You can't drive it too often in the States
  • Sold out

2020 McLaren Speedtail

Production of the Speedtail commences in December 2019 and rolls into 2020 after all the development work and high-speed testing is completed. Each Speedtail will be uniquely customized to its owner's requirements and production will continue until all 106 cars have been delivered. The first deliveries started in February 2020.

2019 McLaren Speedtail

The Speedtail is only the fourth-ever McLaren in the Ultimate Series, after the iconic F1 of the '90s and the modern-era P1 and Senna. It's also the first modern McLaren to revive the F1's three-seater layout. It has more than 1,000 hp with the assistance of a parallel-hybrid system and with its long-tail, low-drag body, it reaches 250 mph, making it the fastest McLaren ever. With the liberal use of carbon fiber, McLaren has managed to limit the car's curb weight to around 3,400 pounds. It was first unveiled in October 2018 and went into production in 2019. All 106 cars in the production run have been spoken for.

Specs and Trims: McLaren Speedtail models and configurations

The McLaren Speedtail is a special ode to the F1 of the 90s, but instead of being totally retro, this car leaps into the future with next-gen battery and aero tech. It still uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, thankfully, but it is supplemented by an electric system to generate 1,036 hp and 848 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends this output to the rear wheels exclusively, and the car can achieve 186 mph in a scarcely believable 12.8 seconds - quicker than any other car on the planet. It's also the fastest McLaren ever made, with a top speed of 250 mph. Inside, you'll find a triangular seating layout, with two rearward seats molded from the carbon tub and a central driver's seat slightly ahead. The cabin is almost entirely encapsulated in glass from shoulder height up, and some of it is electrochromic to prevent glare and block harmful rays. Just 106 units are being produced, each with an estimated cost of around $2.3 million.

2019 - 2020 Speedtail Coupe
$2,230,000
Starting Price (MSRP)
  • Engine:
    4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Hybrid
  • Transmission:
    7 Speed Dual-clutch Automatic
  • Drivetrain:
    Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Configurations:
    Speedtail
Key Features
  • 1,036-hp hybrid powertrain
  • 106 units being produced
  • 250-mph top speed
  • 0-186 mph in 12.8 seconds
  • Retractable rearview cameras in the doors
McLaren Speedtail Coupe Full Specs

The McLaren Speedtail is a unique proposition, which makes it all the more special considering how many thousand-horsepower, multi-million-dollar hypercars are on offer these days. While it has those features, it has a unique approach to performance and offers an impressive level of practicality for cars at this level. Among its many awe-inspiring features are a wireless charging pad for the entire car’s hybrid system, power-operated dihedral doors, electrochromic glass, and flexible carbon fiber active aero aids.

Speedtail Exterior

No car has ever been as swoopy as this one, but some similarities with past automobiles are present. Those carbon wheel covers fixed in place over 20-inch front wheels call to mind the Jaguar XJ220, while the rear end with its low tail is reminiscent of that of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. A pair of exhaust tips are housed in a massive rear diffuser, while a vertical brake light is a nice futuristic touch. The front headlights are vaguely Aston-like, until you notice the running lights that curve downward into radiator vents, thus bringing the McLaren "swoop" detail into play.

2020 McLaren Speedtail Front View McLaren
2020 McLaren Speedtail Aft View McLaren
2020 McLaren Speedtail Front Angle View McLaren
See All 2020 McLaren Speedtail Exterior Photos

Dimensions

The Speedtail is a full 23.3 inches longer than the 720S, bringing the car to a total length of 202.4 inches. It's 78.7 inches wide and stands just 47.2 inches tall. In terms of dry weight without fluids, the lightweight hypercar tips the scales at just 3,153 pounds, which increases to a curb weight of around 3,400 pounds, ready to go.

  • Length 202.2 in
  • Curb Weight 3,153.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

The Speedtail is intended to be fully customized by each buyer, and any color can be matched and applied to the bodywork. The paint itself will be something special too, with ultra-fine pigments that are intended to make the body look wet at all times. Various custom carbon finishes can be had too, and even words or images can be integrated into the weave, while the badges and other details can be finished in your choice of precious metals including platinum, gold, or anything else you may like.

Speedtail Performance

The Speedtail is McLaren's fastest and most aerodynamic car yet, thanks in part to a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid system that produces a total of 1,036 hp and 848 lb-ft of torque, along with a titanium-infused carbon fiber body. However, while it's the quickest and fastest car McLaren has ever produced, it doesn't have the F1's once-held title of being the fastest car in the world. Instead, the Speedtail is limited to 250 mph. However, its acceleration figures are good enough to best some of the fastest cars ever. While the previous McLaren halo car, the P1, took a leisurely 16.5 seconds to get from 0-186 mph, and the Bugatti Chiron takes 13.6 seconds, the Speedtail undercuts them both with an incredible time of just 12.8 seconds, thus proving that aerodynamics and weight are just as important when it comes to performance as all-out brute force from a big engine. As usual for McLaren, the Speedtail sends its power to the rear wheels exclusively.

2020 McLaren Speedtail Side View McLaren
2020 McLaren Speedtail Rear Angle View McLaren
2020 McLaren Speedtail Wheel McLaren

Engine and Transmission

The 720S donated its M840T engine to the Speedtail, although it has been modified for use in the Speedtail. Along with electric assistance, the whole powertrain now produces 1,036 hp and 848 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission makes a reappearance here too, and thanks to our experiences in other cars equipped with this system, we can safely assume that the Speedtail will provide lightning-quick shifts at speed, and smooth gear changes when cruising at low speeds. Thanks to that hybrid system, acceleration is as phenomenal as the figures above would imply, and we expect throttle response to be just as incredible. Still, this car is billed as a GT, albeit a very extreme one, so it should be just as good at long-distance trekking should you wish to take the Speedtail on longer trips.

  • Engine
    4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Hybrid
  • Transmission
    7 Speed Dual-clutch Automatic
  • Drivetrain
    RWD

Handling and Driving Impressions

With claims of such astonishing acceleration, the Speedtail will surely be incredible in a straight line. However, with such a long slippery body, it remains to be seen how good it is in the corners. Still, McLaren is not the type of company that does things halfheartedly, so handling should be phenomenal, and thanks to an adaptive suspension system and aspirations of being a "hyper-GT", it ought to be remarkably comfortable too. While that expansive glasshouse will provide unparalleled levels of visibility for all occupants, it may take some time to adjust to seeing the images from the rearview cameras on either side of the dash, rather than looking towards where mirrors would normally reside. At the rear, flexible carbon fiber ailerons inspired by the aeronautics industry will help with downforce and are capable of acting as one airbrake system, so stopping will certainly happen at a phenomenal rate.

Speedtail Gas Mileage

Despite the presence of electrical assistance, the Speedtail's EPA-estimated fuel-economy figures are 12/20/15 mpg on the combined cycle, heavier than the figures of the non-hybrid 720S with its 15/22/18 mpg. Clearly, the Speedtail's hybrid system is for power and peformance, not fuel economy.

Speedtail Interior

The interior of the Speedtail is remarkably spacious for a hypercar, thanks to a three-seat layout. It seems all the more spacious thanks to the glass roof too. Buttons on the dash are few and far between, with most controls above the driver on the roof, another aeronautic cue, but also an attempt to keep the driver focused on the road ahead. Three screens sit ahead of the driver, with one for vehicle settings and functions, another for infotainment and media, and the central screen for typical driver info. Leather is used for almost every surface, with a highly durable form of the stuff even replacing traditional carpeting on the floor. As unique as the exterior of the Speedtail is, so the interior, too, stands out from anything else in production at the moment.

2020 McLaren Speedtail Steering Wheel McLaren
2020 McLaren Speedtail Central Console McLaren
2020 McLaren Speedtail Seat Details McLaren
See All 2020 McLaren Speedtail Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

Two seats are built into the rear of the Speedtail's cabin and form a part of the carbon tub, while the driver gets a single seat ahead of the rears. As you can imagine, this makes legroom for all passengers incredible, but getting in and out will surely be a tricky affair. Ladies, don't wear a miniskirt if you're getting in the back. The driver has a very focused view ahead, with only the essentials in terms of buttons on the dash, while the steering wheel and touchscreens are simple and easy to reach. The doors are dihedral, but don't worry about how to close them once seated - they're power-operated.

  • Seating capacity
    2-seater

Interior Colors and Materials

Personalization is a key feature of what McLaren is offering Speedtail buyers, and colors are as limitless as your imagination. Various types of aniline and semi-aniline leather are used for most surfaces, with nubuck leather on the dash and hints of carbon fiber showing on the doors and steering wheel. Some splashes of aluminum are also seen, helping contrast with numerous matte finishes in the cabin.

Speedtail Trunk and Cargo Space

The Speedtail is remarkably practical for a hypercar, offering as much as 5.7 cubic feet of volume. A small section in the nose can hold a carry-on case, while bespoke luggage can be added in the back, allowing you to carry enough clothing for a weekend away for you and your passengers.

In the cabin, there isn't any room for the contents of your pockets, nor are there any cupholders, but that's what you get in a car with a strange seating layout and gullwing doors.

2020 McLaren Speedtail Dashboard McLaren
2020 McLaren Speedtail Front Seats McLaren
2020 McLaren Speedtail Interior Overview McLaren

Speedtail Infotainment and Features

Features

As is common on hypercars, advanced driver aids are nowhere to be found, but tech junkies will appreciate the power-operated dihedral doors, the rearview cameras that can be retracted at speed or when parked, and the three displays ahead of the driver. Electrochromic glass replaces traditional sun visors and can darken a strip of the windscreen at the push of a button, while those who aren't fans of hooking their cars up to a wall socket for recharging will appreciate the Speedtail's novel wireless charging pad that is included in the sale of the car. Other features include height-adaptive suspension for traversing low obstacles and the obligatory backup camera.

Infotainment

Not much is known about the Speedtail's infotainment system, but we can tell you that it is operated by the right-hand-side touchscreen display in the dash. If past McLaren systems are anything to go by, there won't be Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and the system will be a little slow to respond, but advances are likely to have been made, and you can at least be sure of Bluetooth connectivity and a powerful sound system.

Speedtail Problems and Reliability

As a brand new model that is yet to be driven on our shores, no recalls have been issued thus far. However, it may be worth noting that one recall was issued for the latest 720S on which some of the Speedtail's design is based. This was for a foam pad that may retain moisture and subsequently corrode the fuel tank.

A limited and powertrain warranty covers the Speedtail for three years with no mileage limit, but it is worth noting that the law imposes a 2,500-mile limit annually on vehicles that are imported under the Show or Display law, which is the only way that the Speedtail is likely to be semi-legal in the States.

Speedtail Safety

Crash tests have not been performed on the Speedtail and are unlikely to ever occur for this model, but thanks to a titanium-infused carbon fiber structure, the Speedtail should be exceptionally rigid.

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.

Key Safety Features

The Speedtail's strange seating layout means that it does without side-impact airbags, but rollover and frontal airbags are included. However, advanced driver aids are not, and you will have to rely on the anti-lock brakes, traction and stability systems, parking sensors, and rearview cameras to keep from damaging the car or others around you.

Verdict: 🏁Is the McLaren Speedtail a good car?

The Speedtail is built as a completely new technological showcase but carries some similarities to the famously brilliant F1, a car that owned the production speed record title for an incredibly long time. While the Speedtail is faster than the F1, others have since smashed that record and the Speedtail's 250-mph top speed means that it won't grab the headlines or be revered as much as its predecessor. Does this make it a poor attempt? No. The Speedtail is built to show the world McLaren's ability in implementing new technology and the fact that it has a three-seat layout and is limited to the same 106 units that were sold of the F1 only means that McLaren is aware of its history and has paid tribute in a small way. The Speedtail is about so much more than speed, and ushers in a new era of aerodynamic brilliance, as well as a change in direction towards more sustainable technology. McLaren claims that the battery has the best power-to-weight ratio of any production unit, and innovations like wireless charging show that McLaren is thinking of the future, not just the headlines. The Speedtail is a unique hypercar, but it is certainly of technological importance, and will undoubtedly have many more fans than buyers.

🚘What's the Price of the McLaren Speedtail?

Pricing starts at around $2.3 million before any taxes or other fees, and as pricey as that is, you can personalize the car in innumerable ways, provided your pockets are deep enough. With just 106 being built though, that investment will certainly pay off in the future.

Additional Packages

Little is known about how exactly one can enhance the Speedtail, but we do know that a bespoke luggage set can be optioned in. Numerous options for customization exist with the paint, carbon fiber, leather, and other aesthetic features, with even the option for precious metals on various parts of the car.

🚗What McLaren Speedtail Model Should I Buy?

Sadly, all 106 units are already spoken for, but if you're one of the lucky ones to have an order in and you haven't yet decided how to spec your Speedtail, we'd recommend getting the optional luggage set, and we'd probably opt for a light color on the interior to enhance the roomy effect created by the expansive glasshouse. On the outside, we'd opt for a sleek and futuristic shade of silver to accentuate the smooth lines of the slippery Speedtail.

McLaren Speedtail Comparisons

Bugatti Chiron Bugatti
Aston Martin Valkyrie Aston Martin
CompetitorHorsepowerMPGPrice (MSRP)
McLaren Speedtail1,035 hpTBC$2,230,000
Bugatti Chiron 1,500 hp9/14 mpg$2,990,000
Aston Martin Valkyrie 1,160 hpTBC$3,250,000

2020 McLaren Speedtail vs Bugatti Chiron

The Chiron is the car that kids of today will know as the fastest car in the world, much like the McLaren F1 was the car that many of us grew up idolizing for its astonishing speed record. While the Bugatti is a big, hulking, all-wheel-drive behemoth with a massive 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine that is as subtle as a sledgehammer, the Speedtail (coincidentally with exactly 50% of the displacement, turbos, and layout of the Chiron) is a precision tool, more akin to a perfectly crafted, minimalist scalpel. Where the Chiron uses brute force to ram home its efficacy, the Speedtail uses a more diligent and elegant approach, embracing the laws of aerodynamics rather than forcing its way past them. The Speedtail is a strange-looking thing, but there's artistry about how pure its design is, and with better acceleration, fewer production numbers, and a lower asking price, it's no wonder that McLaren is so proud of it.

See Bugatti Chiron Review

2020 McLaren Speedtail vs Aston Martin Valkyrie

Another hotly anticipated British hypercar is Aston Martin's Valkyrie. While the Aston has no turbos, it does have a Cosworth-developed 11,100-rpm V12 screamer along with a Rimac-designed electric system that helps the car produce an astonishing 1,160 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. It too uses exceptionally complex design to make the most of aerodynamic behavior, but while the Speedtail is built almost exclusively to go as quickly as possible in a straight line, the Valkyrie is all about the corners. Sure, it still has a top speed above 200 mph, but the Valkyrie is designed as a sort of street-legal Formula 1 car, and thanks to an almost completely bare cabin, it will undoubtedly be less comfortable than the Speedtail while offering far better performance on just about any circuit. Essentially, the Speedtail is for straight-line speed and luxury while the Valkyrie is for handling and naturally-aspirated aural pleasure. If you can afford either, however, you can probably afford both.

See Aston Martin Valkyrie Review

McLaren Speedtail Popular Comparisons

The most popular competitors of 2020 McLaren Speedtail:

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