McLaren has revealed the first images of a development test mule used to fine tune their upcoming three-seat Hyper-GT, set to be revealed in 2019.
Currently code named BP23 (bespoke project two, three seater), McLaren has opteded to begin real-world testing of new components under the guise of a modified 720 S body shell.
McLaren has said that BP23 will be "the fastest ever McLaren," but (for the first model at least) the final production product wont be a track-focused hypercar.
McLaren aren't revealing any technical details about the project yet, but Speaking with AutocarUK, Andy Palmer, McLaren Ultimate Series line director said the new project has met the company's targets.
"It’s just faster - that’s all we’re saying at the minute,” said Palmer.
“The goal of this car is to give customers the ability to have a high level of luxury, bespoke elements on the car, high performance, high speed – a very much road-focused grand tourer.”
With a central driving position and passenger seats on both sides, the BP23 seating layout will mirror that of the 90s F1. But unlike the F1, McLaren say that the purpose of BP23 is to combine hypercar performance with the comfort of a GT car. McLaren will also build 106 BP23's once it goes into full production, the same number as the F1.
“The centre seat is an amazing thing. The attraction is not only the driving position, but you can take two passengers and luggage on a long journey. I’ve been sitting in the back and it’s not a bad place to be."
BP23 is the second Ultimate Series car for McLaren after the P1, but unfortunately for perspective buyers', all BP23 chassis numbers are said to be assigned or pre-sold.
The price tag is estimated to be around $3.7 million.
However, for more hardcore hypercar fans, it's expected McLaren will launch one more Ultimate Series car in 2019 - currently known as P15 - which is said to be the most extreme road car McLaren has ever built.
BP23 and P15 are two of 15 new variants McLaren plan to introduce over the next six years.
