It is not often that we see car manufacturers create Formula 1 concept cars, but when they do, they are typically pretty amazing. McLaren has recently just unveiled the MP4-X and it is one impressive vehicle that seeks to revolutionize Formula 1 racing as we know it. It features a radical design, futuristic features, a transforming chassis, an enclose cockpit, and more.
McLaren took a good and long look at all Formula 1 vehicles, both past and present, as inspiration for the MP4-X. They wanted to create something revolutionary, new, and exciting, and it seems that they’ve done a good job with this concept car. The MP4-X will capture the essence of Formula 1, speed and excitement, yet simultaneously offer new technologies and an overall safer car for drivers.
The MP4-X would use a hybrid powertrain as it’s source for speed. Depending on what engines Formula 1 uses in the future, McLaren will also add high-tech batteries to the car as well, and they are even toying with the idea of adding solar cells to the vehicle. More importantly, with the MP4-X’s enclosed cockpit, the driver would also be much safer if an accident were to happen. Formula 1 is one of, if not the most dangerous sport in the world, so the added enclosed cockpit is a big deal.
McLaren has also envisioned the vehicle to include many advanced technologies as well. They have designed the car with active aerodynamics and a chassis that can quite literally transform itself depending on the aerodynamic and racing conditions. The MP4-X would also have high-tech computer systems as well, which would alert the driver if a specific part were to fail mid-race, for example.
The McLaren MP4-X is currently just an idea, like all concept cars. It will remain to be seen if McLaren actually does end up building one. While Formula 1 vehicles most likely won’t radically change in the next few years, the McLaren MP4-X would be a great starting point for what the future Formula 1 vehicles could be like. If they did manage to make cars like the MP4-X the norm in Formula 1, let’s just say this exciting sport would get even more exciting.
Photos from McLaren
