McLaren revealed today the MP4-X concept, which shows the company's vision of the future of motorsport. The McLaren MP4-X racecar is currently just a design concept. It features a monocoque chassis that is aimed at improving the safety of the driver. Apparently it can take multiple hits and it increases survivability. Even if deformed, the chassis has the ability recover its original form. The McLaren MP4-X comes with active aerodynamics, which include electronically controlled wings, and charged electrodes that turn the air around the wings into plasma during cornering. Many of the body parts of the McLaren MP4-X are made of adaptive shape-memory alloys. This means they can change their shape when needed. As far as the MP4-X's engine goes, McLaren did not disclose a whole lot of details.
However, they do mention it will come a hybrid powertrain, and inductive coupling mounted into the track for recharging.
The McLaren MP4-X also comes with ground effects, which were banned from Formula one back in 1982. The MP4-X comes with an expansive ground-effect floor, with huge venturi channels.
[Source: McLaren]
McLaren MP4-X Concept video presentation:
