Our time is unique because many well-known performance companies want to stop using internal combustion engines. Still, McLaren has clarified that it plans to make strong V8s shortly. A news release says that Ricardo, which makes engines for McLaren, will make the new V8 power units. As part of its “Future of Performance” plan, McLaren will use these new engines to power the next version of its hybrid supercars. The multi-year deal builds on an already successful relationship. Ricardo is in charge of the company’s V6 and V8 engine types. The partnership began more than ten years ago when McLaren brought out the MP4-12C, its first car for the road since 2001. Since then, about 34,000 powertrains have been made by Ricardo for McLaren. The Ricardo plant in Shoreham-by-Sea is only 50 miles from the McLaren Production Centre in Waking. This makes it easy for the two UK companies to work together. Ricardo started in 1915 as Engine Patents Ltd., which looked for ways to improve defiance technology for the First World War. Since 1919, the business has been in the same place. Graham Ritchie, CEO of Ricardo, said, “We are delighted to have reached this new engine supply agreement with McLaren Automotive for their next-generation high-performance V8 powertrain.” With this deal, the two companies will continue collaborating for ten years. Per the deal, Ricardo will make regular and hybrid versions of McLaren’s next-generation V8. The company plans to put money into its buildings to keep making things. Around 100 engineers and workers already work on McLaren engines for Ricardo. Over the last ten years, McLaren and Ricardo have done many great things thanks to an engine layout taken from an old Nissan Le Man design. Even though electric cars threaten the entire auto business, this successful partnership will last a very long time.
