McLaren quashes rumors of F1 successor

We have to admit we hopped on the hype train when Autocar reported earlier this week about McLaren’s plans for a true F1 successor with a similar three-seat layout. That train is now making an emergency stop since the company’s boss Mike Flewitt says it won’t happen because he does not believe there is a viable business case for it.

He went on to specify McLaren is often asked to make a V12-powered, three-seater supercar with a manual gearbox, but “it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right thing to do now.” He made it clear by telling journalists gathered at the company’s financial results meeting that “we’re not going to make another one.”

Not all hope is lost, though. Autocar through the voice of its editorial director, Jim Holder, told Car & Driver "I’m entirely confident in the story. It’s well sourced and verified, and a scout around dealer comments and forums should leave anyone questioning its veracity in no doubt about its truth. There are customers and potential customers out there openly discussing the car as described.”

With limited-run special editions such as the 675LT in Coupe and Spider guises reaching sold-out status almost instantly, don’t be too surprised if McLaren will come up with something along the lines of an F1 in the years to come. It might not have a naturally-aspirated engine paired to a manual gearbox, but at least we're hoping for a three-seat cabin with a central driving position.

If you really want an F1 and money is no object, McLaren itself has one for sale, or at least it did late April. It’s one of the final units made and has been pampered by MSO. (pictured here)