Discover the exclusive McLaren Project Endurance, a limited‑edition hypercar debuting in Australia with a price north of $3.5 million. Learn more now!
McLaren has taken a bold step back onto the world of endurance racing with the launch of the Project Endurance hypercar, a limited‑edition machine that also doubles as an ultra‑exclusive road car for a handful of privileged clients.
Racing heritage fuels the new project
After winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995, McLaren withdrew from top‑level endurance competition for more than two decades. The brand announced its return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in the Hypercar class from the 2027 season, positioning the Project Endurance as the spiritual successor to the historic F1 GTR that conquered the track in ’95.
Two distinct editions
McLaren will produce two versions of the car:
- Race‑spec version – built for the WEC, equipped with a 2.9‑litre twin‑turbo V6 hybrid power‑unit. Due to Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations, its output is capped at 670 hp.
- Customer road version – a non‑hybrid, 730 hp monster that delivers a raw, “pure” driving feel. It bypasses BoP limits, allowing the full power of the engine to be unleashed.
Design cues and symbolism
The road car sports McLaren’s classic white‑and‑red‑orange livery, echoing the iconic F1 MP4/2 driven by Alain Prost in 1984. The number “7” and a subtle “748495” reference McLaren’s Triple Crown achievements: the 1974 Indianapolis 500, the 1984 F1 championship, and the 1995 Le Mans victory.
Technical highlights
- Engine: 2.9 L V6 twin‑turbo (hybrid for race version, naturally aspirated for road version)
- Power: 670 hp (race) / 730 hp (road)
- Transmission: 8‑speed sequential gearbox tuned for both track and road use
- Traction & brake control: bespoke systems designed for drivers without professional racing experience
- Weight optimisation: non‑hybrid architecture on the road model reduces mass and enhances agility
Exclusivity and pricing
McLaren plans to build only about 35 units, each hand‑picked for a select group of clients. Australian buyers have already placed orders, paying roughly 5 million AUD (around US$3.51 million) per car. For the first two years after delivery, McLaren will handle storage and maintenance, ensuring the vehicle remains in pristine condition.
Auction milestone
The inaugural Project Endurance was auctioned in December 2025, fetching a staggering US$7.6 million, underscoring the model’s status as a future classic.
What’s next?
With homologation for the 2027 WEC Hypercar class already underway, McLaren’s dual‑approach strategy aims to win on the track while offering an unmatched ownership experience on the road. The Project Endurance is poised to become a benchmark for performance, heritage, and exclusivity in the supercar world.
