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Did McLaren use Ford engines?


McLaren, a name synonymous with high-performance racing and luxury sports cars, has a rich history in motorsport and automotive engineering. One of the intriguing aspects of McLaren's journey is its relationship with engine manufacturers, particularly Ford. This article delves into the history of McLaren's use of Ford engines, exploring the context and significance of this partnership.


The Early Years: McLaren and Ford


In the early years of McLaren's racing endeavors, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s, the team utilized Ford engines in several of its race cars. The most notable collaboration was with the Ford Cosworth DFV engine, which became a dominant force in Formula One. This engine was renowned for its power and reliability, helping McLaren secure numerous victories.


Key Collaborations


Throughout its history, McLaren has partnered with Ford in various capacities:



  • Ford Cosworth DFV: This engine was pivotal in McLaren's success during the late 1960s and early 1970s, powering cars like the McLaren M7A.

  • McLaren F1: While the iconic McLaren F1 did not use a Ford engine, it showcased McLaren's engineering prowess and set the stage for future collaborations.

  • Ford's Influence: The engineering expertise and resources provided by Ford played a significant role in McLaren's development during its formative years.


Modern Era: Shifting Partnerships


As McLaren evolved, so did its partnerships with engine manufacturers. In the modern era, McLaren has primarily collaborated with Mercedes-Benz for its Formula One engines. However, the legacy of Ford's involvement remains a significant part of McLaren's history.


Conclusion


In summary, McLaren did indeed use Ford engines, particularly the renowned Ford Cosworth DFV, during its early racing years. This partnership contributed to the team's success and helped establish McLaren as a formidable force in motorsport. While McLaren has since moved on to other engine suppliers, the impact of Ford on its legacy is undeniable.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does Range Rover use BMW engines?


From the powerful and agile Range Rover Sport to the commanding and imposing Range Rover, the integration of BMW engines has transformed these SUVs into true performance machines capable of tackling the most challenging terrain while offering exhilarating on-road dynamics.



Who makes McLaren engines?


No, McLaren does not manufacture its own engines for its production cars. Instead, they typically source engines from other manufacturers. In recent years, McLaren has used engines supplied by companies such as Honda, Mercedes-AMG, and Ricardo.



Does McLaren use Ford engines?


Since Mercedes-Benz dominates the V6 Twin Turbo hybrid engine manufacturing, McLaren has signed a deal with Mercedes-Benz, which will make McLaren F1 engines through 2025.



Did McLaren work with Ford?


On the 55th anniversary of Bruce's win at Le Mans, it's worth recalling that Bruce McLaren contested the event on eight occasions, winning at his sixth attempt in 1966, at the wheel of a works Ford.



Did McLaren use BMW engines?


I asked, I tried to persuade them, but in the end could not convince them to do it, and the McLaren F1 ended up equipped with a BMW engine."



Why did McLaren win in Ford vs Ferrari?


McLaren is declared the winner as, having started behind Miles, his car traveled farther overall. Miles is placed second. Shelby accuses Beebe of deliberately costing Miles the win, but an unusually sanguine Miles lets it pass, saying to Shelby, "You promised me the drive, not the win."



Is McLaren using a Mercedes engine?


McLaren returned to its use of Mercedes engines in 2021 after previously being a customer of Renault. The initial deal extended until the 2024 season, but McLaren will continue to use Mercedes from 2026 to 2030.



Who builds McLaren engines?


The engine is built at Ricardo's engine assembly facility in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. The turbochargers are supplied by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), and are different units from those used in Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions.



Who uses Ford engines in F1?


Red Bull Ford will provide the power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 to at least 2030.



Does Aston Martin use Mercedes engines?


Currently, Aston Martin's entire line is powered by Mercedes-Benz engines. At some point, the luxury carmaker will have its own engines after developing the F1 powerplant.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.