McLaren and BMW confirm technical partnership on next-generation engines
BMW and McLaren will collaborate on new high-output, low-emissions combustion engines, backed by UK government funding and support from six specialist manufacturing partners.
McLaren Automotive and BMW have announced a new technical partnership focused on developing a new generation of combustion engines with higher power and lower emissions. The project, revealed in early 2017, brings together the British supercar maker and the German luxury marque for a multi-year collaboration, with support from the UK government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre.
The partnership’s stated goal is to deliver the highest output ever from a McLaren engine, while simultaneously reducing CO2 figures compared with current powertrains. Although both companies have previously worked together, most notably on the original McLaren F1’s BMW-supplied V12, this new project is broader, involving six manufacturing and supply partners. Ricardo and Grainger & Worrall will contribute expertise in lightweight casting, while Lentus Composites will provide specialist composite structures.
Supplier network and government backing
The Advanced Propulsion Centre in Coventry is supporting the project with funding, reflecting the UK government’s ongoing interest in low-emissions powertrain technology and domestic manufacturing. In addition to BMW and McLaren, the partnership includes Ricardo, Grainger & Worrall, Lentus Composites and other unnamed suppliers, all contributing to the research and development of advanced engine and manufacturing techniques.
- Ricardo: powertrain engineering and lightweight casting
- Grainger & Worrall: advanced casting technologies
- Lentus Composites: composite structures
Implications for future McLaren models
McLaren has confirmed it will continue to design and build its own engines at its Woking facility. The company expects the knowledge and technology gained from the BMW collaboration to accelerate development of its next generation of powertrains. This includes future supercars, with the project widely understood to influence the successor to the McLaren F1, which is set to retain a mid-engine layout and a three-seat configuration.
