McLaren Releases Video of First Hypercar Engine Fire-Up

McLaren Endurance Racing has provided a first glimpse, and listen, of its V6 twin-turbo engine that will power its Hypercar entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship next year.

Revealed in a fire-up video released by the British manufacturer on Tuesday, the purpose-built powerplant is seen on a dyno going through a full power cycle as preparations continue for the McLaren United AS-entered factory program.

A pair of identical engines have since completed its initial dyno test phase, including the first simulated laps of the Circuit de la Sarthe.

“Words cannot describe how it felt to fire up the engine for the first time… but I’ll try,” said McLaren Endurance Racing executive director James Barclay.

“To hear the engine, the heart of the car, come to life is a huge milestone for the team, and one we can be very proud of.

“Listening to and seeing the engine do its first laps of Le Mans is also extremely emotive: it is the sound that, if all goes to plan, will become the soundtrack to some great memories and achievements for the team.

“It is just the start, and we have a long way to go, but it’s a great milestone for the program.

“We’re learning and making improvements in line with what we would expect and, most importantly, we’re running to schedule with the project.”

The first McLaren LMDh-based car, built around a Dallara-supplied spine, is currently in build, with plans to begin on-track testing in May.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John