Is The McLaren MP4-X Concept The Future of Motorsports?

Now, they might have not achieved much in the 2015 Formula 1 season, but the MP4-X Concept is something that McLaren explains saying that "Formula 1 race strategists think many laps ahead when planning a grand prix pit stop, while the automotive engineers build high-performance road cars for the next generation of driver."

The MP4-X Concept features a futuristic design and though you might say there are some bits that remind you of the Formula 1 car; well that's right, there are, the nose especially. However, this concept comes with an enclosed cockpit and active aerodynamic body details. The electrodes mounted on the car's wings electronically control the bodywork, enabling downforce changes for cornering and on the straights which basically speaks volumes about the evolution of motorsport.

But things do not end there as the cockpit is equipped with a head-up display which provides all the information the driver needs about important events in the race - such as the positions of the closest rivals, flag and caution data, also the location of the accident, if there's any.

Well, you might think, since it's a concept, they've just thrown in a bunch futuristic technology that might just be a figment of its imagination but McLaren strikes back saying that the technology of the concept is all real, even if it's still in its earliest phases of development.

The most impressive technology in the car is probably the brain synaptic control system that monitors the electrical signals in the driver's brain to control the vehicle's systems. According to the manufacturer, a vehicle with no physical controls at all is a theoretical possibility. Now, I know you're going to James Cameron's Avtaar for the 'connection' between man and beast but clearly even we can tell that this is still in the early stage of development.

Well the obvious question after this is the powertrain that McLaren has put into it. McLaren says that it is focusing on advanced energy recovering systems in addition to more efficient fuels and lubricants. So, the car could receive additional recharging by using inductive coupling built into the track. There is also the possibility that the MP4-X could couple solar energy and employ it to the systems in the car but well, we'll know more

John Allert, group brand director at McLaren Technology Group said, "We have combined a number of F1's key ingredients - speed, excitement and performance, with the sport's emerging narratives - such as enclosed cockpits to enhance driver safety, and hybrid power technologies."

We hope that some of these technologies come to life soon and we also hope to see McLaren Honda drivers up on the podium next season. As far as the MP4-X concept is concerned, well it has the potential to be the best Batmobile ever!