What would you improve on?

[drewwtms]

Hi,

Have we delved into this before? If McLaren were to start building the F1 again*, what improvments or changes do you think should be done? Or what do you think would be done?

Forgive me if this has been gone over in the recent past.


* = I KNOW they have said they won't ever build the F1 again, I'm just supposing here.

[tvrfreak]

Good question, I often wonder what today's McLaren would be...

Broadly, I think he would keep the philosophy identical:
An ultimate roadcar oriented towards the pure driving experience, with no driving aids.

These would then translate to the car's general areas:

Looks
About the same...front duct like a Lotus Elise I would think. Maybe a few more "classic" styling elements since we have learnt how angular designs quickly become dated, as do fins and strakes.

Performance (Aerodynamics, Acceleration, Handling, Braking)
Carbon brakes for sure.
Even better weight savings using new components in stereo, lights, seating, etc.
Even better aerodynamics, if possible
Probably a Mercedes powerplant, normally aspirated I would think
Different tyres
Different wheels
Suspension would be quite different, as I have heard that their design has been improved upon

Reliability
Different ECU?
Better climate control?

I am sure it would have a lot more electronics, but most of them would be "behind the scenes" and not manifest themselves in a million buttons and LEDs.

I would also like to see a sunroof or automatically retracting hardtop or at least a photochromatic glass top. And an F1-style paddle shifter. Oh, and after what happened to Chris Dawes' car, a really awesome fire suppression system as well.

In some interview Gordon Murray mentioned that he detests the bonnet latches, so I am sure he would change those as well.

[mini magic]

i was thinking about this too recently. i think tvrfreak covered everything tho

[mini magic]

.....

[maartenvanthek]

i would definately not go for a mercedes powerplant, since that is used on the pagani (concurrent). I won't change the looks, since it looks like a very recent supercar, still, after ten years, which i reckon, is an enormous achievement, i still think it looks innovative and i think that will never change, it is the best designed road car ever.
engine might be more powerful, and a real sequential gearbox.
tyres are an issue, so are the brakes, and maybe for some extra downforce, a bigger diffusor could be made. and i wanne have some LCD display's (fighter aircraft stile) in the cockpit. for navigation. maybe even an engine management system you can modify in the car. so if it starts to rain, less power output. but it's too perfect to change something about it. it is the best for what it is, not for what i could be better. every positive thing has a negative thing. there's no such thing as a win-win situation, and the McLaren proves to be the ultimate compromise.

[mini magic]

i would definatley keep the bmw powerplant. a merc powerplant would probably mean an f1 tranny, and the 6 speed is perfect

[drewwtms]

The philosophy would have to be the same. I think they could make some money by introducing an "Evolution" model. Something to keep them busy until the next Mercedes project. The clear thinking and logic of the original philosophy still appeals to everyone but the car could benefit from newer technology.


I agree and wouldn't change the looks all that much. From some angles I don't like it but overall I think it's distinctive without being overdone. It has its own unique look and to do something different might come close to someone's else's design. But a refresh of the front and rear is in order.
Carbon brakes, yes please!
Lighter car with simpler electronics and maybe more advanced materials in the engine to lighten weight.
Powerplant is a tough call. A wouldn't want another Merc supercharged sedan engine in there. But the conflict with BMW would be hard to get around. Not that AMG couldn't build a motor worthy of McLaren F1. I guess I'm undecided on this one.
It definately needs a selection of wheels. And some stickier tires to give it some better grip than the average ability of it now. Something over .95 at least without being punishing.
Maybe a Club option with better tires, removal of some of the trimmings, a modest aero package and less restrictive exhaust. And possibly adjustable suspension.
F1-paddle shifter (optional)
F1 traction control system with launch assist (standard on street cars, optional on others)
Fire suppression is a good idea too.
An easier way to get in and out. And not just for the driver.

That's what I have come up with based on what you all have posted so far.

[KoenigseggCC]

The only things I'd do "improve" the car is add a radio so you can listen to traffic reports and not get stuck in a traffic jam, And put Carbon brakes on like it was originally going to have. There is not much more you could do to improve it apart from making it cheaper (I feel a flaming coming on for that last comment)

oh and give Peter Steven's a pencil and a sheet of paper so he could have another go at the rear of the car because thats one part of the car I don't like.

Originally posted by drewwtms
Maybe a Club option with better tires, removal of some of the trimmings, a modest aero package and less restrictive exhaust. And possibly adjustable suspension.

Err haven't you just described a converted GTR or LM?

[Peloton25]

...I'd want the chassis number to be a big sticker on the roof of every car so that there would be no question as to which one it is.


Actually, I would have a serious reply, but many of my concerns have already been covered. Carbon brakes and the paddle shift transmission being my idea of the best places to improve on the legend.

>8^)
ER

[Porsche]

Nothing.... don't mess with perfection.

As for the powerplant issue, is any non-naturally aspirated engine out fo the question? What about a Turbocharged BMW powerplant with the WRC's anti-lag system? Perhaps even a smaller displacement F1 style V10 with reliability increased and restrictions decreased? The possibilties are endless.

I'd also maybe put the high mirrors back on in addition to what Peleton said, he pretty much covered any cough flaws cough that the mclaren may have had, thos emirrors are too sexy on that car. I think a larger production run would be nice as well as a price increase to further piss off those who don't get the F1.

[mercman]

i love this car except for the interior.

[drewwtms]

Originally posted by drewwtms
Maybe a Club option with better tires, removal of some of the trimmings, a modest aero package and less restrictive exhaust. And possibly adjustable suspension.

Originally posted by KoenigseggCC
Err haven't you just described a converted GTR or LM?

A GTR is not road-ready and intended for race-use. I wouldn't want to drive on on the street - even to a car show or something. That would be cool for the track but I would want to drive my car there.

They only made 5 of the LM. Too spendy even by McLaren F1 standards. And worth too much to take on the track for a regular basis. And the LM is too much like a GTR inside.

If I were Ron Dennis or Gordon Murray I would have an option where you could get some of the LM features (suspension, wheels, tires) but still retain some of the road car's niceties like the stereo and proper seating for the passengers and retractable windows. And I would not want the HDF kit on it because I think it's too aggressive-looking and not necessary for the street. I want to see something in between a road car and an LM in looks, features, and character.

I'm done rambling now.


P.S. - no one has flamed you and I don't think anyone of us would. If they made more cars and partnered with Mercedes for some parts the price might come in cheaper.

[KoenigseggCC]

Originally posted by drewwtms
A GTR is not road-ready and intended for race-use. I wouldn't want to drive it on the street - even to a car show or something. That would be cool for the track but I would want to drive my car there.

If I were Ron Dennis or Gordon Murray I would have an option where you could get some of the LM features (suspension, wheels, tires) but still retain some of the road car's niceties like the stereo and proper seating for the passengers and retractable windows. And I would not want the HDF kit on it because I think it's too aggressive-looking and not necessary for the street. I want to see something in between a road car and an LM in looks, features, and character.

Take a look what I posted, I said converted GTR I meant like make it into a road legal like Mclaren have done with a few of them, I'm sure if you had a GTR and you asked Mclaren they would converted it to pretty much what you wanted, (the windows, the interior, the stereo and such from the roadcar and the suspension, wheels, tyres and such from the GTR or LM) I mean they did change many GTR's to LM spec (or atleast the LM look) so changing a GTR to mostly roadcar spec wouldn't bother them a great deal I don't think, and yeah, I don't like the HDF kit, it isn't exactly "modest"

Originally posted by drewwtms
P.S. - no one has flamed you and I don't think anyone of us would. If they made more cars and partnered with Mercedes for some parts the price might come in cheaper.

Yeah I'm surprised nobody has flamed me over that comment yet but its what *I* would do to improve it, I think if you took a look back over the thread you can see everyone wants something a little different. Maarten said it best when he said "McLaren proves to be the ultimate compromise"

[drewwtms]

Originally posted by KoenigseggCC
Take a look what I posted, I said converted GTR,

I know what you meant. The purpose of this thread was/is, what would be changed if McLaren started making the F1 again.

If I had a mil or two to spend on a car I would consider what you were saying. It would be a ton of work to get it roadworthy but I would consider it.

That brings up an interesting point. Have there ever been any 97-spec GTRs converted to road use? There are quite a few LM-copies out there but have there been any Longtail racers made into street cars? Not an LM-copy but rather a GT-copy.

[mini magic]

Originally posted by Peloton25
paddle shift transmission being my idea of the best places to improve on the legend.

>8^)
ER

no way would i get paddle shift on a McLaren, it defies the term "the thrill of driving"