McLaren's 570S based Mule Hybrid reveals the secret 720s category-inspired dash car that could be the next model in the sports series
A test mule appears to be McLaren's upcoming hybrid sports series model - with a glimpse of the dashboard revealing what the car's design could be.
McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt, told the car back in April that the first series of Ultimate Hybrid will be a replacement for its Sports Series lineup, which includes the 540C, 570S, 570GT and 600LT, and it will be launched this year.
This new test mule, marked as a hybrid from established badges and sophisticated internal wiring, is based on the 570S but with a modified exhaust and carbon fiber aerodynamic bodywork additions. More interesting, however, is what can be seen in the interior shots.
As part of a new digital dial design, this prototype features a 'car status' menu based on detailed graphics of what looks like a category Mclaren 720s with a redesigned front end. Although not confirmed, it's possible that this could give us a glimpse into the design of the next generation of the sports series model.
The 720s category is only marginally longer and wider than the 570S, and uses the same 'Monocell II' fiber passenger under the carbon cage. This shape makes it one of the most aerodynamic McLaren models ever, which may be the main motivation for the brand to use the 720s in the Sports Series design category.
The exact specifications of what's under the skin of these prototypes remain closely under wraps. Rumors strongly recommend the Woking automaker will switch to V6 power for the new hybrid system, saving weight and increasing efficiency, with electric power more than making up for losses in cylinder volume.
The Sport Series replacement is also expected to come with a charging port, making it a plug-in hybrid rather than the regenerative hybrid system found in the P1. It's also both petrol and electric powered with just the rear wheels.
Until the weight of the hybrid system can be completely abolished, Flewitt hopes to minimize it. “I've always said my goal was to run the hybrid at the same weight as the outgoing car,” he said of the car last year.
“We're not going to hit, but we're going to be in the 30-40kg range. If you consider that the hybrid system P1 was 140kg, we did a huge amount to manage the weight. I piloted a prototype and the car is very convincing. We wouldn't run him if he didn't."
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