A group of six organisations have formed a new partnership to develop technology for the next generation of McLaren super-car engines.

The syndicate comprises Woking-based McLaren Automotive, BMW, the University of Bath’s Powertrain & Vehicle Research Centre (PVRC), current McLaren engine manufacturer Ricardo, Lentus Composites and castings group Grainger & Worrall.

The project — part-funded by the Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre — aims to develop new combustion technology that will produce a higher output per capacity than is currently possible and further reduce CO2 emissions.

It forms part of McLaren’s Track 22 plan, which includes a £1 billion investment in R&D over the next five years, with a view to launching 15 new cars by 2022.

Mike Flewitt, chief executive of McLaren Automotive (cars.mclaren.com), said: “This is an exciting project that plays to the strengths of all partners.

McLaren Automotive has an exceptional reputation for building the world’s finest engines, as showcased by our M838T and its previous category wins in the International Engine of the Year awards.

“We will continue to independently design and build our own engines, and the benefits of this project will help us accelerate the development of our next-generation powertrain.”