• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

DESIGN

A McLaren sports car is designed to offer the customer unrivalled performance, handling and style. To succeed in this mission, not only must all vehicle components and systems function efficiently, but support the whole vehicle mechanical, aerodynamic and visual aspirations.

All McLaren vehicles are designed to achieve a series of performance targets which require careful specification of the aerodynamics, weight and weight distribution, ensuring that engine power and tyre grip levels are used to deliver performance rather than overcome inefficiencies in vehicle design.

VEHICLE PACKAGE & LAYOUT

The conceptual vehicle layout and package controls the design at a whole vehicle level, to deliver a vehicle concept that meets the performance and market requirements.

Virtual modelling tools are employed to generate a concept package of the vehicle with all major components, dimensions and masses positioned and tracked. This 3 dimensional layout of the car enables key vehicle dimensions such as wheelbase and wheel tracks to be optimised and maintained throughout the concept development.

Similarly, the major vehicle systems are packaged according to their functional requirements enabling the whole vehicle mass properties (centre of gravity and polar moment of inertia) to be established and optimised, by employing this data to simulate the vehicle’s performance on the road and race track.

OCCUPANT PACKAGE & ERGONOMICS

Driver packaging is one of the key considerations at the early concept stage. Special attention is paid to visibility and seating position, as well as the position of primary driving controls such as the seat, steering wheel and pedals.

Physical models and seating bucks are built and tested by people of all sizes as well as professional racing drivers to ensure the driving position, visibility and environment is suited to the vehicle’s dynamic ability.

AERODYNAMIC INTEGRATION

The vehicle package data is used to drive the aerodynamic and styling programmes. The aerodynamic properties of a high performance vehicle are fundamental in the McLaren Automotive objective of providing performance with safety.

As well as ensuring the lift (downforce) and drag co-efficient values are achieved, cooling requirements for engine, transmission and brakes must also be met. Simultaneous package, aerodynamic and styling development ensures aesthetic integration of form with aerodynamic and mechanical function.