The McLaren Senna is expected to arrive in South Africa before the end of 2018, with eight examples finding homes in Msanzi.
The McLaren Senna is the second member of McLaren's Ultimate Series, and named after legendary F1 champion, Ayrton Senna, who won all three of his F1 driver titles with the team in 1988, 1990 and 1991. The Senna is largely based on the 720S, using modified versions of its carbon-fibre monocoque and powertrain.
McLaren claims the Senna is the ultimate streetable track car - even more focused that the P1. It’s said to have sacrificed daily drivability for a more intensive driver experience. The Senna is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and produces 588kw and 800nm, and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. That makes it the most powerful combustion engine ever fitted to a McLaren, being roughly 127kw more than the McLaren F1’s V12 BMW motor.
0-100kph takes just 2.8 seconds, 0-200kph is done in 6.8 seconds, and the quarter-mile takes 9.9 seconds, while it has a top speed of over 340kph. Need to stop from 200kph? That will take just 100 metres. It’s said to weigh in at around 1198kgs (that’s around 220kg lighter than the 720S), and will comfortably out-perform the McLaren P1.
Only 500 are being made and all have been spoken for. While McLaren South Africa has yet to release any pricing on the track focused road car, it is believed to cost around R40 million - depending on MSO customization. However, there is a more affordable and somewhat easier way to get into a Senna, as it is now available in Forza Motorsport Horizon 4.
Also worth a look: the McLaren unveils Artura Spider: A new era of open-top hybrid and the McLaren teases its 500kW plug-in hybrid Artura .
FAQ
Q: What does the McLaren Senna cost in South Africa?
The McLaren Senna is believed to cost around R40 million in South Africa, depending on MSO customisation options, though McLaren South Africa hasn't released official pricing yet.
Q: How fast is the McLaren Senna compared to other McLarens?
The McLaren Senna hits 0-100kph in just 2.8 seconds and 0-200kph in 6.8 seconds, making it faster than the McLaren P1 and significantly quicker than the 720S it's based on.
Q: Is the McLaren Senna street legal in South Africa?
Yes, the McLaren Senna is fully street legal in South Africa, though McLaren describes it as the ultimate streetable track car that sacrifices daily drivability for track performance.
Q: How many McLaren Sennas are coming to South Africa?
Only eight McLaren Senna examples are destined for South African roads, making it an extremely rare sight on local streets.
Q: Is the McLaren Senna worth buying over other supercars?
The McLaren Senna is worth buying if you prioritise track performance over comfort and have R40 million to spare, as it's the most powerful McLaren ever made and outperforms even the legendary P1.
Should You Buy It?
The best track-focused hypercar under R50 million in SA is undoubtedly the McLaren Senna at around R40 million. If you're looking for the ultimate weekend warrior that can embarrass supercars costing twice as much on track day, this is your weapon of choice. However, unless you have a serious racing addiction and money to burn, the more civilised 720S at half the price will give you 90% of the thrills with actual daily usability. The Senna is a definite yes for track addicts with deep pockets, but a hard pass for anyone wanting a comfortable grand tourer.
