McLaren P14 spy shots

Isn't it embarrassingly funny how many unknowledgeable posters like PSk waste their time on Ferrarichat? Sorry if this sounds rude but what a sad disappointment it is reading comments like theirs. If they're not sure of the facts or are too comatose to check, why in the world do they want to reveal to us how thickheaded they are?

 

Was just about to post this. It's funny that people are pointing out how Ferrari changed so much from 308/328 to 348/355 to 360/430 to 458/488 as some sort of slight against McLaren for looking the same. Of course they changed so much, these are next gen model updates.

McLaren, having cars on the road for 5 years, is still on the first generation of each of their three model lines. How much change does anyone expect within the first run for each series? The first next gen car will be will be P14, and from what we can tell it looks drastically different from the P11 it replaces. I'm sure the model that eventually replaces P13 will be drastically different as well, just like the 348 was so much different than the 328 and the 360 was so much different than that 355.

I do hope McLaren gets around to making another front engined GT like the SLR, and maybe a 4 seater, but for now they have three similar but distinct cars that are competitive in three entirely different market segments, and that's pretty cool for a brand new manufacturer.

 

I think it's a very clever way of doing things.
Look how Porsche built its success mostly on the 901 derivatives: the basic shape and concept are still existing now, more than 50 years later.
McLaren seems to be doing the same.

 

That's what they say!!

All their models share the same carbon fibre tub design, receive different front and rear subframe and suspension and are clothed differently. Some have active aero, etc...

As for their units, they are all based on the same Ricardo-designed block, fitted with different ancillaries, electronics, engine mapping, turbo boost, etc... to deliver different outputs and power deliveries.

 

I have all 3 of those cars. The tubs are different shape, size, weight. 650 has the original tub, 570 has a lower entry sill and P1 has a full cage. Only thing they share in common is they are CF.

The engines are very different. They have different pistons, heads, cams, turbos. P1 is a hybrid. The cars don't even drive or sound the same.

 

Frefan is Mcfan


Dear sir, 650 vs 570, what's the inside scoop? (or which do you prefer?)

 

Perhaps your ownership is clouding your ability to recognise that every Mclaren uses the same carbon tub that is merely modified to suit and the one engine that they have developed with an external engine builder has been given the same treatment.

I can paint my apartment and add some shelves, but its still the same apartment. I would be dishonest if I told people that it was a brand new apartment.

 

I don't want to enter in an argument here, but I visited the McLaren production unit at Guilford about 3 years ago as part of a club party.

We were explained that the research and definition of the chassis was one of the most important costs in designing a car. McLaren claimed to have spent £millions in defining their platform, forming the core of their vehicles. An identical tub would suit different models of the same generation. [I try to remember the exact expression they used]

As for the engine, our host told us that at the moment (that was in 2013), ALL McLaren would use the same ENGINE BLOCK, originally designed by the consultant firm Ricardo, with different internals, state of tune, etc... So, the same block could very well be the basic of the hybrid unit on the P1.

It would make sense for McLaren to do as most other constructors and use the same platform for different models, and the same engine base to develop different units.

 

If you follow my posts....I have not really complained that McLarens are too similar, but that the P14 doesn't really follow on from the 650 or other McLarens, and looks unbalanced and, to me at least, unattractive.

Summary to spell it out...

- too many themes from other cars; 458 waistline, R8 cab forward
- others say cars are too similar, I say they are not enough 'familiar'; those two things are not mutually exclusive
- Car was promised to be a fabulous and exciting design, and personally I am disappointed

Please notice the lack of dismissive tone.

 

I have ferrari's too. I like all cars. My 650 is actually a 675. I prefer that, its the best all-around sports car I've ever driven.

You can't modify a tub once its made. You can't cut it, or screw into it. If you think a 570 tub and a 650 tub is just the difference of bolting on a shelf, or modifying it by cutting it, then I think its obvious who's the cloudy one. And lets face it, any carbon tub of any kind is vastly superior to no carbon tub. It sounds to me like you just want to bash McLaren but your argument is really lame so its not working.

Its the same base but most of the components are changed or improved since 2013. How long has Chevy been using the small block 350, or ford the 302 and 351. That just means its a great engine. Its all the other parts that give it personality. Nothing wrong with that. That block is proprietary to McLaren is very light and good for 850HP.

 

I dunno - those carbon fiber chassis samples from McLaren all look pretty black to me.

>;^P
ER

 

They developed a single tub and have worked with the actual manufacturer of it to modify to suit the various models. The same goes for the engine. They are a tiny car company that simply don't have the money to do otherwise.

Don't have a meltdown. Those are just facts.

 

Hilarious

 

Meet McLaren?s new supercar | Top Gear

 

11.45 - 12.09

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnTqYiN392U

 

Please note a "spin off" is not "the same" and "a version" is not "the same".

No one on this side of the debate has ever or would ever claim that clean sheet designs were used for each of McLaren's three platforms or any of their different powerplants. There would be very little logic in that approach if that's what McLaren had done whether they have a lot of money or not.

This issue is the broad-brush approach of "the same" being factually inaccurate and making any person who uses that argument as a knock on McLaren look foolish time and time again.

>8^)
ER

 

Each model has started with the SAME tub and SAME engine and then modified each to suit.

The only foolish ones here are those pretending that the above isn't the reality. Some clearly more foolish than others.

 

You clearly were not paying attention to frefan's post. You can NOT start with the SAME tub - there is no way to modify an existing Monocell for a 12C/650S in order to create the Monocage for a P1 or a Monocell II that is used on the 570S/570GT. Simply IMPOSSIBLE given how they are constructed.

You could say they started with the same basic design for a tub - that's a more accurate statement and you'd have no argument from me there, but when the new tub is produced - guess what?

Not the same tub anymore.

>8^)
ER

 

BTW ginge - is there any chance you could be Warden Norton from Shawshank?

Image Unavailable, Please Login

I've been "entertained" by your posts here on FChat for several years here and that is how I always picture you.

In case you're confused by this question, it's that line that Andy Dufresne delivers in the Warden's office midway through the film. The one that makes him so upset.

>8^)
ER