2019 Mclaren 570 Spider on 2040-cars

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McLaren won't do an SUV, says company design chief

While many carmakers traditionally known for supercars have bolstered their lineups with SUVs and crossovers, that will not happen with McLaren. At least according to McLaren design chief Mark Roberts, as quoted by Automotive News. Roberts made the statement at an event preceding the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, saying, "We really do deliver on the ultimate driving experience. For us, it means no compromise. An SUV doesn't allow us to deliver on that. It's not a no-compromise kind of vehicle." Company boss Mike Flewitt was asked the same question way back in 2014, and the response was similar: "We need to remain very focused. McLaren is a sports car brand, and that's exactly what we're going to remain." For a number of sports car brands now offering SUVs, it's all about making money to make money: Selling profitable, in-demand, high-riding vehicles provides them with the bankroll to keep developing their low-slung core products that show the brand in the best light. For McLaren, dilution like that isn't an option, despite its intent to bring as many as 18 new models to the market by 2025, electrifying its lineup with hybrid tech. Roberts told Automotive News: "For a small company like McLaren, it's a big deal and a big challenge. It's putting a big demand on [McLaren's production facility] to step up to demand and build more volume." Still, for some carmakers, the old thought "Never say never again" will prove true: Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne famously told reporters in 2016, "We won't make an SUV. You'll have to shoot me first." Despite that, Ferrari confirmed an SUV was on the table when the late Marchionne was still very much alive. And Rolls-Royce, which recently launched its massive Cullinan SUV, reportedly " wasn't even discussing SUVs" as late as 2013. Related Video:

McLaren 570S Track Pack removes 55 pounds just to add them back at 150 mph

Though the McLaren 570S is plenty sporty as-is, the British supercar builder decided there was room for improvement. That improvement comes by way of a new Track Pack option for the sports car. The meat of the upgrade are a gaggle of lighter parts to go along with a new rear wing. Inside, leather upholstery is swapped for Alcantara, and the standard buckets are replaced with carbon fiber racing-style units. Combined with lighter wheels, the package reduces the 570S's weight by 55 pounds. The new rear wing, exclusive to the 570S, nullifies the weight gain, and then some, once up to supercar-level speeds. The wing is 12 mm taller than the stock example, and produces an extra 64 pounds of downforce at 150 miles per hour. The other performance-oriented goody included in the package is the McLaren Track Telemetry system. This app records lap times, sector time splits, and logs data for analysis of your performance. Because McLaren knows owners will want people to see that they have the most hardcore 570S available, the company made a couple of visual tweaks, too. The roof is painted in what McLaren calls "Dark Palladium" and the exhaust and wheels are given a "stealth-finish." Based on the photos, this seems to be a fancy way of saying "satin black." The Track Pack is now available for ordering and delivery in 2017. The package isn't cheap at a price of GBP16,500, or $20,595 at current exchange rates. But look at it this way. The extra grams from those dollars in your wallet were slowing you down on the track. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Fernando Alonso to race in the 24 Hours of Daytona

MEXICO CITY — McLaren Formula One driver Fernando Alonso will compete in next January's 24 Hours of Daytona as preparation for an eventual race at Le Mans. The United Autosports team owned by McLaren executive director Zak Brown announced the move on Thursday. Alonso, a double Formula One world champion who is competing in this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix, made a big impression last May when he entered the Indianapolis 500 and led for 27 laps. He has set his sights on becoming only the second driver, after Briton Graham Hill, to win motorsport's Triple Crown. That entails winning the Formula One title, or Monaco Grand Prix according to other interpretations, as well as Indianapolis and Le Mans. Alonso, 36, has won Monaco as well as his 2004 and 2005 world titles. He recently signed a contract extension keeping him at McLaren in 2018. "The Daytona 24 Hours is the most iconic U.S. endurance race and one of the world's great races. Everyone knows it," said the Spaniard. "It's not part of the Triple Crown but, as I have always said, my aim is to be a complete driver and this experience will help me in the preparation for any other endurance race I might take part in. "I am excited to go back and race in America," he added. "After the great time I had during the month of May for the Indy 500, I am looking forward to taking part in another legendary race that will bring back all those amazing sensations that US fans gave me." Daytona comes before the start of Formula One's pre-season testing when drivers are mostly working on physical preparation for the year ahead. Le Mans, on June 16-17, does not clash with any grand prix — unlike Indianapolis, which is on the same weekend as the showcase Monaco race. Alonso will partner British teenagers Lando Norris, the McLaren development driver tipped to take a reserve role next season, and Phil Hanson. Daytona, in Florida, will be the first time the Spaniard has raced a prototype sports car. Reporting by Alan BaldwinRelated Video: Image Credit: Getty Motorsports McLaren Racing Vehicles US