The automotive industry has changed quite dramatically over the last decade, prompting most automakers to enter new markets in order to increase profits and expand globally. The most common trends were to develop car-based crossovers and to up the ante in the quality department for more premium products. Porsche->ke1 saved itself from bankruptcy by building the Cayenne SUV->ke212 and Panamera sedan,->ke1840 while most American and Asian companies flooded the market with crossovers of all shapes and sizes. More recently, Lamborghini->ke44 confirmed it will produce the Urus SUV,->ke3276 while Ferrari->ke252 is expected to also come up with a people hauler in the near future.

Very few brands remained true to their roots, one of which is McLaren Automotive.->ke284

The Brits have expanded quite rapidly over the last couple of years by launching the Super Series and Sport Series,->ke4981 two vehicle lineups that have grown to include nearly ten models, including body style variations and race cars. But, despite its plans to treble global sales by 2017, McLaren said it has no plans to build an SUV.->ke145 However, one such vehicle could see the light of day via McLaren Special Operations (MSO), which is looking into creating a new architecture for a high-riding, sporty vehicle with seating for at least four.

If this project comes to fruition, MSO will most likely develop a high-performance sedan on the same platform as well. While this is nothing but speculation right now, with no confirmation from Woking, we decided to have a closer look at what a McLaren sedan->ke142 would bring to the table. To go with our speculative review, we also created a rendering of McLaren's first-ever four-door.

Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming McLaren Sedan.

2019 McLaren Sedan

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 McLaren Sedan
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 500
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Granted, envisioning a vehicle that might arrive in a few years isn't easy, but we considered several factors in creating this rendering. As you may have already noticed, the sedan was penned around McLaren's current design language and the front fascia bears a close resemblance to the 650S.->ke4801 There are many reasons for that.

First, if McLaren wants to expand and keep up with high-performance manufacturers such as Ferrari and Lamborghini, MSO's SUV needs to become reality in a couple of years or so. Once the hauler goes into production and the Brits have a new architecture (the current carbon-fiber tub isn't suitable for an SUV), the sedan would become easier to develop. With that in mind, I expect the four-door to break cover by the end of the decade.

Second, with McLaren having confirmed plans to further expand both the Sport and Super Series with several new models, production of the two is likely to continue for at least another three years or so until 2019 and 2020. This means that a revised design language isn't likely until then, with both the sedan and SUV set to use similar styling.

Third, with both the Sport and Super Series being based on the same design that debuted on the P1 supercar,->ke4608 it's quite obvious that McLaren has also adopted a corporate look, and it would make a lot of sense for the sedan to sport similar features. Although a four-door would be a departure from the brand's racing roots, Woking will still want it to remain recognizable as a McLaren.

All told, I expect the yet unnamed sedan to be very similar to the Sport and Super Series from the nose to the A-pillars, with a fascia based on the 650S'. Of course, even though the overall shape and features such as the headlamps will remain pretty much the same, the sedan should get a revised apron that is less aggressive and more stylish. Given that the engine will sit between the front wheels, the sedan will also have a significantly longer hood and slightly taller fenders.

Much like any other high-performance sedan, McLaren will probably aim for a coupe-like roofline with a raked rear windscreen, muscular haunches, and sporty side skirts. Around back, we could see a totally different fascia from the 650S', but I still expect the sedan to have a race-inspired diffuser and large exhaust outlets.

Interior

The interior is a lot more difficult to pen, as McLaren could either go with a layout based on the 650S' or opt for a cabin that will be more similar to the SUV's. The latter is obviously a mystery at this point. The new architecture would allow McLaren to craft a new interior for the SUV, which would then be transferred to the sedan with various modifications. After all, both vehicles will offer seating for four or five people and will have similar dimensions on the inside.

But, no matter what McLaren chooses to do, the sedan's cockpit will be one of the sportiest and most luxurious on the market. Look for high-grade leathers and fine Alcantara, carbon-fiber and aluminum inserts, as well as plenty of upholstery colors and combinations to pick from. Several customization possibilities will be available from MSO, a division that's capable of delivering bespoke models that go beyond what the folks over Ferrari can craft nowadays.

More importantly, it will have more room than any other McLaren, as well as a proper trunk that will have space for more than just a couple of golf clubs.

Drivetrain

Currently, McLaren uses just one engine, the award-winning, twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-8, for its entire lineup. Unless the brand is planning a major drivetrain overhaul soon, and that's not very likely to happen, the turbocharged V-8 will solider on until at least 2020 with various revisions. This means it could also find its way into the sedan, albeit with revised internals for a more road-oriented experience. Output could sit anywhere between 500 and 550 horsepower in the base model, with a more powerful, 600-horsepower version to act as a range topper. A revised version of the current seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission should send all that power to the wheels.

Unlike Sports and Super Series models, the sedan could also benefit from an optional all-wheel drive system. McLaren will most definitely create one for the SUV and then customize it for the sedan. Also, the four-door will feature a more comfortable suspension system and bespoke driving modes, including one for enhanced fuel economy.

Speaking of economy, I expect the sedan to also get a hybrid drivetrain, but it remains to be seen whether the electric motor will be based on one P1's or McLaren will develop a brand-new one. Much like the AWD system, the hybrid drivetrain will probably debut in the SUV.

Expect all versions of the sedan to hit 60 mph from a standing start in less than four seconds and a hit a top speed close to 200 mph.

Prices

It's way too early to talk about pricing here, but don't expect this sedan to come cheap. My best guess is that the four-door will hit the market with a sticker in excess of $300,000, which will make it significantly more expensive than the McLaren 650S.

Competition

Porsche Panamera Turbo S

It's difficult to place the McLaren sedan in a certain niche without a proper spec sheet, but based on what the market has to offer right now in terms of fast and luxurious sedans, the Panamera Turbo S seems to be the closest thing. Porsche's range-topping sedan comes with a 4.8-liter V-8 engine rated at 570 horsepower and up to 590 pound-feet of twist and a mind-boggling 0-to-60 mph sprint of 3.6 seconds when equipped with the Sport Chrono package. Its top speed is equally impressive at 192 mph. Its interior is as luxurious as they get, but customers looking for something a bit more exclusive can go for the limited-edition Exclusive Series. This model's interior is dressed up in fine Poltrona Frau and Nappa leather, walnut burl wood, and a new rear-seat entertainment system with high-resolution, 10.1-inch screen. Priced from $263,900 for the 2015 model year, the Exclusive Series is already sold out, but I'm sure Porsche will come up with another limited-edition version soon.

Find out more about the Panamera Turbo S and Panamera Exclusive Series here and here.

Conclusion

Sure, the McLaren sedan may be just pure speculation at this point, but it could soon become a reality if the British brand wants to expand further. While I would rather see McLaren stay true to its roots and stay away from SUVs and sedans, both could become necessary for survival given the current market trends. A sedan and an SUV will most likely return greater profits compared to the Sport and Super Series, which will enable McLaren to develop even greater sports cars, as well as a successor to the P1 hypercar. It will probably take years for Woking to offer a sedan, but it if does, it will certainly be the lightest and quickest four-door on the market. If that's not exciting, I don't know what is.