The media recently spoke with McLaren Automotive CEO Michael Leiters to understand his plans for the company. Leiters, who joined McLaren in late 2022 after working at Ferrari, has been focusing on fixing problems like organizational issues and delays with the Artura car. The company has faced challenges in staying profitable, but Leiters is determined to bring McLaren back to its former glory.
McLaren is known for making great cars, with models like the 750S and 765LT being particularly popular. However, newer models like the GTS and Artura haven’t been as successful, leading to financial losses. In 2023, McLaren lost over $1 billion despite selling 2,137 cars worldwide, averaging more than $500,000 loss per car.
Leiters didn’t discuss specific changes to address these issues, but he emphasized that supercars and Ultimate Series cars like the P1 and Senna will remain the company’s main focus. He believes McLaren can stand out by creating a lightweight electric supercar, which no other competitor has achieved yet. This new car, currently in development, aims to weigh around 3,300 pounds, similar to the Artura PHEV.
Leiters revealed that McLaren is working on an SUV or a vehicle with “shared performance” to accommodate more passengers. While SUVs are not typically associated with luxury brands like McLaren, Leiters sees an opportunity to innovate in this space. He envisions a plug-in hybrid powertrain based on McLaren’s engine but is open to partnering with other automakers to ensure the project aligns with McLaren’s brand identity.
Leiters also discussed McLaren’s production strategies, market trends, and future plans, including the possibility of introducing more electric vehicles despite market challenges. For those interested in learning more, the full interview is available on Road & Track’s website.
