Road & Track interviewed McLaren Automotive CEO Michael Leiters, scrutinizing his strategies to elevate the carmaker back to its former pinnacle. Leiters, who joined in late 2022 after a stint at Ferrari, has primarily focused
on rectifying organizational issues and overcoming delays, such as those with the Artura model, while securing sufficient funding to stabilize operations. Despite these efforts, McLaren still has a significant journey ahead to reclaim its former glory from twelve years ago when the MP4-12C dazzled enthusiasts with its blend of performance and drivability.
Presently, McLaren’s allure is chiefly carried by models like the 750S and 765LT, with the GTS and Artura facing challenges in capturing the supercar market’s favor, evident in the company’s financial statements. Road & Track reported a staggering 2023 loss exceeding $1 billion against 2,137 global sales, equating to over $500,000 loss per car.
Leiters emphasized McLaren’s commitment to prioritize supercars and Ultimate Series vehicles like the P1 and Senna, aiming to surpass competitors with innovative approaches. Notably, McLaren is developing a lightweight EV supercar, targeting a curb weight similar to the Artura PHEV at around 3,300 pounds, contrasting with rivals like the Lamborghini Revuelto (3,900 pounds) and Rimac Nevera (5,100 pounds).
Acknowledging market dynamics, Leiters revealed McLaren’s venture into SUV development, focusing on a performance-oriented vehicle that accommodates more than two occupants, albeit avoiding the term “SUV.” Proposing a plug-in hybrid powertrain rooted in McLaren’s engine technology, Leiters hinted at potential collaborations to optimize costs and preserve McLaren’s brand essence.
Despite challenges like excessive serial production and limited editions, Leiters defended McLaren’s strategy and advocated for an EV supercar’s relevance amidst market shifts. He also discussed future Ultimate Series cars, emphasizing performance over all-wheel-drive considerations.
For deeper insights into Leiters’ vision and McLaren’s future trajectory, the full interview with Road & Track provides comprehensive details.