McLaren confirms McL 820 name for upcoming supercar

McLaren has confirmed the name of its upcoming supercar – the McL 820.

It’ll arrive as the brand’s new ‘series supercar’, which will effectively make it its core model to sit between more entry-level sports cars and range-topping, limited-run hypercars.

The Super Series has contained some of the Woking brand’s most famous models, including the original MP4-12C, 650S and, more recently, cars like the 720S and 750S. That final car entered into a hugely competitive market, too, rivalling models like the Ferrari 296 GTB, Lamborghini Temerario and Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

McLaren has unveiled its new model name at a special installation in London’s Covent Garden, with a kiwi bird statue wrapped in camouflage bearing the new title. The kiwi bird was first used as a mascot by founder Bruce McLaren and has remained a core image for the brand ever since.

The new name combines McL – which is inspired by the brand’s motorsport heritage – with a number. In this case, the ‘820’ figure refers to the upcoming car’s 820ps power output, which puts it at 809bhp.

It’s expected that the new 820 will use a hybrid powertrain which will likely be based around a turbocharged V8 engine. While further details have yet to be announced, the car’s power output would make it one of its most powerful series-production supercars to date.

Further details and information surrounding the new McLaren McL 850 are expected to be announced early next year.