McLaren has introduced a world-first innovation in supercar engineering, Automated Rapid Tape (ART) carbon fibre. Developed at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in Sheffield, UK, this aerospace-derived material redefines lightweight performance, stiffness, and strength, while reducing waste by up to 95%.

The McLaren W1 hypercar is the first model to incorporate ART carbon, with its active front wing gaining 10% additional stiffness, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. Unlike traditional manual layering, ART carbon uses an automated deposition process, where a fixed head and a rapidly rotating bed precisely place carbon fibre—cutting production time and eliminating unnecessary weight.

This breakthrough allows engineers to optimise carbon fibre placement with unprecedented precision, reinforcing critical load-bearing areas while maintaining ultralight construction. With a prototype high-rate deposition machine already installed at MCTC, McLaren plans to scale up ART carbon production in 2025, paving the way for its wider integration in future supercars.