McLaren Unveils 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar 'McLaren MCL-HY' and Exclusive Project: Endurance Track-Only Model 'MCL-HY GTR'

Formula 1 World Champion McLaren announces the MCL-HY, its FIA Hypercar, which will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar class from 2027. With this machine, McLaren will return to the top class of the Le Mans 24 Hours race, challenging to achieve motorsport's Triple Crown once again.

The development of the MCL-HY will proceed through a comprehensive 2026 testing program using test mules, preparing for homologation.

In parallel with the racing car, McLaren is developing the customer-exclusive track-only model, the MCL-HY GTR. As part of Project: Endurance, this offers an extremely exclusive track driving program and the experience of being part of a race team to McLaren's special clients.

On May 4th, McLaren unveiled the MCL-HY, an FIA Hypercar. This sports car will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), highlighted by the Le Mans 24 Hours race, from 2027. Based on this, the customer-exclusive track-only model, the MCL-HY GTR, is currently being offered to McLaren VIP owners through the Project: Endurance program.

The MCL-HY's rigorous testing program will continue through 2026, in preparation for homologation next winter. The vibrant 2026 test livery revealed is inspired by the McLaren M6A. Bruce McLaren once dreamed of entering Le Mans with the M6GT, based on the M6A. The MCL-HY is a declaration of commitment to this heritage. Sports car racing is ingrained in McLaren's DNA. McLaren dominated Can-Am from the late 1960s to early 1970s, and the McLaren F1 GTR achieved a legendary victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1995.

For McLaren, returning to the top class at Le Mans is also the beginning of a challenge to achieve motorsport's Triple Crown once more (winning the Monaco GP, Indy 500, and Le Mans 24 Hours). As McLaren already competes at the pinnacle of Formula 1 and the NTT IndyCar Series, the MCL-HY completes the final piece for achieving significant goals that only McLaren can accomplish.

The McLaren Hypercar team will commence its track testing program for the MCL-HY in May 2026, in preparation for its WEC debut in 2027. This testing will also simultaneously develop the customer-exclusive track-only model alongside the racing car.

The 2026 testing program will be led by McLaren Hypercar Team factory driver Mikkel Jensen, supported by McLaren Driver Development Program (DDP) drivers Gregoire Saucy and Richard Ferschhoor. Additionally, United Autosports driver Ben Hanley will participate, bringing valuable machine development experience to the team.

Designed according to ACO / IMSA LMDh regulations, the MCL-HY combines lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque construction with unparalleled balance. Its race-spec twin-turbo V6 engine and MGU hybrid system produce a total maximum output of 520kW (707PS), driving the rear wheels. With a minimum weight of 1,030kg, it boasts an efficient power-to-weight ratio. Developed with a focus on balancing overwhelming performance with the efficiency required in endurance racing, it is designed to compete at the highest level in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the demanding Le Mans 24 Hours race.

McLaren's FIA Hypercar was shaped through close collaboration. World-class engineering and advanced aerodynamics from McLaren Racing were applied, utilizing McLaren Automotive's design expertise to embody McLaren's unique design DNA.

Furthermore, this is the first time McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive have collaborated in the form of a customer-exclusive track-only model like the MCL-HY GTR. The MCL-HY GTR was designed in parallel with the racing car but was intentionally developed without the LMDh hybrid system mandated for the FIA Hypercar. Powered solely by a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged racing engine, its weight is reduced.