British supercar company McLaren Automotive has announced a multi-year partnership with engine supplier Ricardo to manufacture its next-generation V8 power unit as part of a long-term investment deal.
Designed in-house by McLaren’s powertrain team, the new high-performance V8 engine will power the next generation of lightweight, high-performance hybrid supercars as part of the company’s Future of Performance strategy.
The agreement sees a continuation of the of the long-term relationship between the two UK-based companies, with Ricardo building both the V6 and V8 engines that will power McLaren’s existing and future models.
Since the introduction of the car maker’s first series production supercar, the 12C in 2011, Ricardo has produced around 34,000 McLaren powertrains at its purpose-built assembly facility at Shoreham-by-Sea.
The agreement ensures Ricardo will supply both hybrid and non-hybrid variants and, together with McLaren, make further significant investment in its high-performance engine production facility.
“Our new high-performance, hybrid V8 powertrain will form an integral part of McLaren’s next generation product line-up delivering best-in-class performance and thrilling driver engagement,” McLaren Automotive CEO Michael Leiters said.
“This new agreement with Ricardo is, therefore, an important part of our ‘Future of Performance’ strategy and builds on the enduring relationship between the two British companies, providing a boost for jobs and ensuring increased investment.”
Ricardo CEO Graham Ritchie said he was looking forward to continuing the highly successful relationship his company has with McLaren Automotive, in a partnership that has now been extended into its third decade.
“We are extremely pleased to have concluded this new engine supply agreement with McLaren Automotive for their next generation high-performance V8 powertrain, which extends the long-term relationship between both companies into the next decade.”
