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2021 McLaren Sports Series Validation Prototype Spied, “VP628” Is Plug-In Hybrid

Spied in February 2020 with a charging port on the driver’s side rear wing and the fuel filler cap on the passenger’s side rear wing, the Sports Series Gen 2 development program has switched from MV614 to VP628. In the British automaker’s jargon, that means that we’re dealing with a validation prototype.
"VP628" 2021 McLaren Sports Series Gen 2 Validation Prototype 45 photos
Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
2021 McLaren 570S2021 McLaren 570S"VP628" 2021 McLaren Sports Series Gen 2 Validation Prototype"VP628" 2021 McLaren Sports Series Gen 2 Validation Prototype"VP628" 2021 McLaren Sports Series Gen 2 Validation Prototype"VP628" 2021 McLaren Sports Series Gen 2 Validation Prototype"VP628" 2021 McLaren Sports Series Gen 2 Validation Prototype"VP628" 2021 McLaren Sports Series Gen 2 Validation Prototype"VP628" 2021 McLaren Sports Series Gen 2 Validation Prototype"VP628" 2021 McLaren Sports Series Gen 2 Validation Prototype2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model2021 McLaren MV614 Hybrid Prototype Previews Sports Series Gen 2 Core Model
The plug-in hybrid bits and bobs are obscured from view, but the yellow sticker that reads “high voltage” is a clear indicator of what hides under the camouflage and bodywork. Pretty similar to the exterior design of the 720S, this fellow here features two exhaust pipes that are flanked by thin LED taillights.

Bigger cooling ducts for the mid-mounted engine are also visible, feeding fresh air to the intake of the… wait for it… twin-turbo V6. McLaren has confirmed the switch to a six-cylinder powerplant in a future model, and by the looks of it, the Sports Series Gen 2 makes the most sense as the recipient of the new mill.

It remains to be seen if the e-motor will drive the front axle or the rear, but then again, do look forward to better output ratings than the 570S. Some say the successor of the 570S could teach the 600LT a thing or two about straight-line acceleration, and given the instantaneous torque delivery of the electric motor, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the replacement proves quicker than the Sports Series Gen 1.

Around 20 miles on electricity alone is what “sources suggest” according to an earlier report on the yet-to-be-named model, though that may be wishful thinking if you remember that the Ferrari SF90 Stradale boasts 16 miles. On the other hand, this fellow here is the start of a new chapter for McLaren as the Brits prepare for lineup-wide electrification – be it hybrid or plug-in hybrid assistance.

EVs are not on the automaker’s agenda, though. McLaren’s chief exec once said that the current batteries are too heavy for supercar applications, let alone a hypercar from the Ultimate Series. On that note, it’ll be interesting to see if the older 3.8 will be discontinued in favor of the 4.0 and the all-new V6 engine.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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