McLaren to Launch Limited-Run Ultimate Series Speedster in 2020
McLaren has confirmed a new Ultimate Series open-cockpit roadster for 2020, with only 399 units planned and a focus on delivering the brand’s purest driving experience yet.
McLaren has officially announced its next Ultimate Series model: a limited-run, open-cockpit speedster set to debut in 2020. The new car, which will be built in just 399 examples, is designed to deliver what the company calls its “purest driving experience yet.” Expressions of interest are already being taken from existing customers, with the car’s public debut scheduled for late next year.
The new speedster joins McLaren’s Ultimate Series, which includes the P1, Senna, and Speedtail. It is positioned between the track-focused Senna and the ultra-streamlined Speedtail hyper-GT in both character and price. McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt confirmed the model during a customer event at Pebble Beach, describing it as a car aimed at “road-focused driving pleasure” thanks to its open cockpit and lightweight construction.
Lightweight, Open-Cockpit Focus
While McLaren has released few technical details, the new model will use the company’s carbonfibre chassis and a version of the familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The car is expected to weigh less than the 1,198kg Senna, making it one of the lightest production models in the company’s recent history. The open cockpit design is intended to maximise driver engagement and provide an unfiltered connection to the road.
Pricing will fall between the £750,000 Senna and the £2.1 million Speedtail, though the final figure has not yet been announced. McLaren is targeting existing customers first, with the order book opening during the Pebble Beach Concours weekend. The car’s name has not been confirmed, but it is expected to be revealed closer to the launch date.
Position in the Ultimate Series
The Ultimate Series represents the pinnacle of McLaren’s road car range, with each model offering a distinct character. The Senna is the most track-focused, while the Speedtail is a streamlined, high-speed hyper-GT. The new speedster is intended to offer a different experience, focusing on driving purity and engagement rather than outright lap times or top speed. Its closest rivals will include the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2, both of which also adopt open-cockpit layouts for a similar emphasis on driver involvement.
- 399 cars to be built globally
- Order books open to existing McLaren customers
- Debut planned for late 2020
- Price bracketed between Senna and Speedtail
The new car will use McLaren’s established V8 twin-turbo engine, but no official performance figures have been released. The focus on low weight and open-air driving suggests the model will appeal to collectors and driving enthusiasts seeking a raw, analogue experience within the brand’s most exclusive line-up.
What It Means for McLaren and Buyers
For McLaren, the addition of the speedster broadens the Ultimate Series with a model that sits apart from both the Senna’s track intent and the Speedtail’s high-speed luxury. For buyers, the car promises a rare combination of exclusivity, open-air thrills and McLaren’s latest engineering. With the production run capped at 399 and a focus on existing customers, demand is expected to outstrip supply well ahead of the car’s public debut.
Technical details, including the final name and performance figures, will be announced closer to launch. For now, McLaren’s confirmation sets the stage for one of the most focused and exclusive models in its modern history.
