McLaren 820 successor Hints at 809bhp and a Ferrari-Rivaling Punch

The McLaren 820 successor has finally shown its hand, and Woking’s latest tease is pure theatre. A giant kiwi sculpture in Covent Garden hid the name, and the number behind it points to 809bhp. For anyone who lives for apex speeds, that is serious ammunition.

Decoding the McLaren 820 successor Name

Naming logic at Woking has always been refreshingly literal. Metric horsepower in PS becomes the badge, so 820 translates to roughly 809bhp. Bruce McLaren’s kiwi roots and the McL prefix from the 6GT both point to a deliberate reset. Like the McLaren 720S before it, this car will live or die on chassis purity.

Power arrives from one of two new hybrid powertrains, built in-house for the first time. Michael Straughan has pointed toward the current V8 or its future evolution. Even so, the real test is whether the chassis stays composed over mid-corner kerbs. Lightness remains the currency here, as McLaren confirms its broader engineering direction.

Hybrid V8 Purity Under Scrutiny

Meanwhile, the 750S is being retired after a decade on sale, spanning the 720S and the 788HS. This McLaren 820 successor will replace it, and pricing remains under wraps. On paper, expect a figure well above the outgoing car (est.).

Woking Refuses the Electric Detour

Woking shuns full electrification, and the company insists it cannot afford a firebreak pause like Jaguar. Straughan says new products will phase in quickly. Ultimately, the McLaren 820 successor carries the analog connection that built the brand’s reputation. Follow every twist at Auto News Magazine.

Written By

Marcus Vance

Senior Track & Performance Editor at Auto News Magazine. Veteran automotive journalist specializing in chassis dynamics, apex telemetry, track-day specials, and high-revving mechanical purity.

View all articles by Marcus Vance →