There’s a palpable sense of excitement swirling through the world of motorsport enthusiasts and luxury car aficionados. With the intoxicating rise of Formula 1 and the nostalgic resurgence of motorsport, it’s no surprise that McLaren is at the top of the list and whispered giddy conversations. This August, McLaren raised the curtain on its latest masterpiece, the Le Mans Hypercar, as part of the highly exclusive Project: Endurance customer car program. The unveiling, held during the prestigious Monterey Car Week, was much more than a simple debut—it was an ode to McLaren’s storied racing heritage and an exciting preview of what’s to come.
A Legendary Livery with a Nod to the Past
At the heart of this reveal is a striking new livery that pays homage to one of McLaren’s most celebrated moments. The design gives a sterling hat tip and echoes the brand’s first Triple Crown win at the 1974 Indianapolis 500, a race that saw fellow Texan Johnny Rutherford—affectionately known as “Lone Star JR”—drive the legendary M16 to victory.
The Hypercar’s body is stunning in papaya known as McLaren Orange, accented by a bold dark blue center stripe, inspired by the Texas flag’s signature hue. The cockpit roof completes the tribute, featuring the lone white star of Texas, reminiscent of Rutherford’s iconic helmet. And, of course, the car proudly displays Lone Star JR’s race number three, along with McLaren’s Speedy Kiwi and Speedmark logos. It’s a good look that is recognizable and polished.
This thoughtful livery ties the car directly to McLaren’s motorsport legacy in Texas and the greater United States, creating meaningful emotional connection for fans.
The Triple Crown Ambition
First revealed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, the McLaren Hypercar is poised to make a splash. Its official racing debut will take place in the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), where McLaren will begin the challenge to re-take the elusive Triple Crown of motorsport in a single season—a feat that would further cement its place among the legends of all time.
The Triple Crown, for those new to the term, consists of victories at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. McLaren’s pursuit of all three in a single calendar year is a daring and bold ambition that showcases the brand’s relentless drive to be the best in the world as well as a hunger for excellence and innovation.
Exclusive Ownership: Project: Endurance is About More Than Just a Car
Project: Endurance isn’t just about owning a car—it’s about joining a very select club and immersing yourself in the world of professional racing in decadent style. The program offers owners, prospective buyers, and fans the chance to experience the Hypercar up close and personal at exclusive events in Monterey, Dallas, and Miami throughout August as the team makes the over 3700-mile cross-country trek.
But the perks go far beyond a front-row seat access at glamorous events. Owners are invited to be at the very center of McLaren’s motorsport development and testing program. This includes behind-the-scenes access to the upcoming McLaren United AS WEC campaign, vital experiences at destinations around the globe, introductions to key team personnel and drivers, and participation in a comprehensive track driving program at some of the world’s most famous race circuits.
A Two-Year Track Program Like No Other
For those who crave the thrill of the track, Project: Endurance offers a two-year McLaren customer track program designed to elevate your driving experience to new heights. Owners can hone their skills with professional driver coaching and receive personalized support from their own pit crew and race engineers. This tailor-made journey allows each participant to master their own hypercar and push the boundaries of sportscar racing in a nurturing, dynamic and most definitely high-octane environment.
Imagine the roar of the engine as you accelerate down the straights, the adrenaline rush as you navigate tricky corners, and the satisfying thrill of knowing you are part of an exclusive group living out the dream of a lifetime racing at the highest level on Planet Earth. Our editorial team is literally dreaming of it as we speak.
A Global Celebration
Nick Collins, CEO of McLaren Group Holdings, expressed his excitement for Project: Endurance, noting that the opportunity to own this Le Mans Hypercar and participate in the development and testing program is a unique to any organization in the field of racing. The unveiling at Monterey Car Week—and following showcases in Dallas and Miami—demonstrate McLaren’s commitment to engaging customers, allowing unprecedented access to audiences and fans across the globe.
“There is a huge level of excitement for Project: Endurance around the globe…,” Collins said. “The opportunity to be one of only a few to own this Le Mans Hypercar and be directly involved in the development and testing program is a very special proposition. We’re looking forward to showcasing Project: Endurance, with a livery tied specifically to our motorsports heritage in the US, to Americas customers and prospects throughout August.”
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How to Get Involved
For those interested in learning more about Project: Endurance or joining the ranks of McLaren owners, additional events will take place in Dallas and Miami through the end of August. Be on the lookout for more information about additional events as the fall progresses.
For more information, visit https://cars.mclaren.com/en/project-endurance.
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