McLaren has unveiled its new WEC hypercar! In 2027, the British manufacturer aims to return to endurance racing and contend for the overall victory at Le Mans. Under the leadership of Zak Brown, the team has long been working towards a comeback at the highest endurance level. With participation in IndyCar, the WEC, and Formula 1, McLaren is also aiming for the Triple Crown. For hypercar enthusiasts, there will also be a GTR model of this new car.
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The now presented car, the MCL-HY, is based on the LMDh regulations and uses a Dallara LMP2 chassis, combined with a V6 twin-turbo engine jointly developed by McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive. The unveiling was accompanied by a striking test livery, which clearly nods to the team’s rich history. “This is the FIA WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans hypercar with which McLaren returns to the top class of sports car racing,” the team wrote on social media.
“And the color scheme? Inspired by the M6A, our very first championship car, which Bruce McLaren himself built and also raced. After Bruce won Le Mans in 1966 with Ford, he dominated the Can-Am series in 1967. It was in the M6A that he saw a way back to Le Mans – this time in a McLaren. Unfortunately, he never saw that dream come true. Now that we are preparing for our entry into the WEC in 2027, this test livery carries that ambition with it.”
Triple Crown
McLaren is entering two cars, which are run by United Autosports. The first test kilometers will soon be completed by, among others, Mikkel Jensen, Richard Verschoor, Grégoire Saucy, and Ben Hanley. Little is known about the final driver lineup, but the ambitions are clear. “McLaren Racing now has three racing programs at the highest level: Formula 1, IndyCar, and WEC,” said CEO Zak Brown. “That means McLaren, its partners, and fans can together compete for the Triple Crown – the Monaco GP, the Indy 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
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The collaboration between McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive goes beyond just the MCL-HY. A GTR version is also being developed, intended for a select group of McLaren collectors. “The track version has been developed in parallel with the race car and is deliberately designed without the FIA-mandated LMDh hybrid system,” McLaren reported. The company is also setting up a two-year program for customers, with six track days. “Each customer benefits from professional driving coaching, a dedicated pit team, and technical support.” Delivery of the McLaren MCL-HY GTR track car begins at the end of 2027. How many units will be built is not yet known.
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