McLaren, the brand best known for building some of the most uncompromised, screaming-fast supercars, is switching gears. Big time.
On April 3, 2025, McLaren Automotive announced a merger with British start-up Forseven. This move marks a major shift—McLaren is finally stepping beyond its usual lineup of mid-engined performance cars and gearing up to build… more. Think luxury cars, new tech, and not just EVs.
Wait—Who’s Forseven?
You’re not alone if you haven’t heard of them. Forseven has been in “stealth mode” for the past three years, quietly building a team of designers, engineers, and auto execs. The goal? Launching a new line of high-end vehicles under a fresh brand. They never intended “Forseven” to be the name you’d see on a badge, and now it won’t be—because that brand is becoming McLaren.
The Power Behind the Deal
The merger was set up by CYVN Holdings, an investment company backed by the Abu Dhabi government. CYVN created Forseven in 2022 and has been expanding its grip on the car world ever since. It now owns Gordon Murray Technologies (yes, that Gordon Murray), holds a 20% stake in Chinese EV brand Nio, and bought McLaren Automotive in December 2024.
Now, it’s all coming together under one roof: McLaren Group Holdings Ltd.
New Era, New Boss
Leading the new McLaren Group is Nick Collins, former Forseven CEO and auto industry heavyweight. He’s got experience at Ford, and more recently, helped bring the latest Range Rovers and Defenders to life at JLR. He’ll now oversee both the old McLaren Automotive and Forseven’s future-facing projects.
And yes, the group also keeps a minority stake in the McLaren Formula 1 team—but racing stays separate.
So… What’s Coming?
This merger means McLaren will finally roll out more than just supercars. The secretive Forseven projects—previously under wraps—will now launch as McLarens. Expect new body styles, more comfort, and a mix of high-performance electric and combustion-powered options. In short, McLaren wants to compete head-on with Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and Bentley—not just on the track, but in the showroom.
McLaren is no longer just a supercar brand. It’s evolving—and fast.
