Covers McLaren petrol and hybrid engines used across UK and European models - from the M838T 3.8L V8 to the M840T 4.0L V8 and hybrid powertrains. Each engine code includes specifications, compatible vehicles, and emissions data, sourced from official McLaren and EU records.
Data sourced from McLaren Automotive Technical Documentation, EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, and McLaren Service Information.
Find McLaren engine codes by family, model, or generation
| Engine Code | Fuel Type | Series | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | M-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | P-Series | View Specs | |
| Petrol | P-Series | View Specs |
Explore McLaren's electrified powertrain technologies.
Engine specifications and technical data sourced from McLaren Automotive Technical Documentation and EU Vehicle Type Approval Database. Consult vehicle documentation or professional guidance before undertaking mechanical work. Report errors or omissions through our contact channels.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
The engine code is essential for ordering parts, diagnosing issues, and verifying compatibility. It is not the same as the VIN or chassis number. This guide shows exactly where to find it using official McLaren and DVLA sources
A unique identifier (M838T, M840T) used for parts and service.
The 17-digit vehicle identification number with encoded vehicle information.
The chassis or frame number used for registration and legal identification.
The engine code is stamped on the engine block, visible from the engine bay. Look for 'M838T' marking on the timing cover or engine casing. The 3.8L V8 is mid-mounted.
The engine code 'M840T' is located on the engine block, typically visible near the timing cover. The 4.0L V8 is mid-mounted in a longitudinal configuration.
The hybrid powertrain uses the M838T engine code with additional electric motor designation. Check the engine bay label and V5C for complete powertrain identification.
Engine code locations per McLaren Service Documentation. V5C field definitions from DVLA Guide to Vehicle Registration. VIN structure compliant with EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, Article 7.
A technical breakdown of McLaren's core engine systems including twin-turbo V8 architecture, hybrid integration, and direct injection with documented reliability impacts. All data sourced from McLaren Automotive documentation and EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The M838T is a 3.8-litre (3,798.6 cc) 90-degree twin-turbocharged flat-plane V8, designed and developed in collaboration with Ricardo [[11]]. Introduced in 2011 with the MP4-12C, it became the foundation of McLaren's road car lineup.
The M838T features a flat-plane crankshaft, dry sump lubrication, and twin-scroll turbochargers. Direct fuel injection and variable valve timing optimise performance and efficiency. The engine produces between 592-755 HP depending on variant [[55]].
MP4-12C (2011)
592 HP, 443 lb-ft
P1 (2013)
727 HP + 176 HP electric
570S/650S (2015)
562-641 HP variants
Timing cover oil leak
High replacement cost, common on high-mileage units
Thermostat failures
Blocked thermostats reported on 570S models
Spark plug issues
Misfires from faulty plugs or clogged injectors
The M838T is a 3.8-litre (3,798.6 cc) 90-degree twin-turbocharged flat-plane V8, designed and developed in collaboration with Ricardo [[11]]. Introduced in 2011 with the MP4-12C, it became the foundation of McLaren's road car lineup.
The M838T features a flat-plane crankshaft, dry sump lubrication, and twin-scroll turbochargers. Direct fuel injection and variable valve timing optimise performance and efficiency. The engine produces between 592-755 HP depending on variant [[55]].
MP4-12C (2011)
592 HP, 443 lb-ft
P1 (2013)
727 HP + 176 HP electric
570S/650S (2015)
562-641 HP variants
Timing cover oil leak
High replacement cost, common on high-mileage units
Thermostat failures
Blocked thermostats reported on 570S models
Spark plug issues
Misfires from faulty plugs or clogged injectors
All technical descriptions and failure data sourced from McLaren Automotive Product Technical Reports, McLaren Service Information, and EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 on vehicle type-approval.
Authoritative data on McLaren's global engine production, plant operations, and strategic partnerships. All figures sourced from McLaren Annual Reports and EU industrial compliance records.
McLaren engines are manufactured by Ricardo at their UK facility.
McLaren produces approximately 3,200 vehicles per year (2024 forecast). Note the increasing hybrid integration as McLaren transitions towards electrification [[131]].
Note: McLaren produces only petrol and hybrid powertrains. No diesel engines. Production volumes from McLaren Holdings Limited Annual Reports.
Strategic engine manufacturing partnership since 2011. Ricardo builds all McLaren V8 engines (M838T, M840T) at their Shoreham facility, with a renewed multi-year agreement announced in 2023 for future hybrid powertrains [[112]].
Collaborative development of twin-turbo V8 architecture
Ricardo Shoreham facility hand-assembles all engines
Ricardo-McLaren Partnership Announcement, May 2023
Shift in production reflects McLaren's electrification strategy.
This aligns with McLaren's electrification strategy and EU emissions regulations (Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151).
Engine production data verified via McLaren Holdings Limited Annual Reports (2020–2024) and EU type-approval records.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
Confirm the full engine designation using vehicle-specific manufacturer records and the engine marking. An engine serial number, a registration record and a marketed power badge are not automatically the same identifier. Match the VIN/build data and the installed engine before selecting parts or a replacement.
No. A factory-application reference and a replacement-interchange decision are different. Match the full engine designation, vehicle build data, emissions equipment, controls and relevant supplier/OEM information.
No. Records have different review states. Read the correction notice, source scope and application limits on the individual record. Missing technical fields must not be inferred from similar engine codes.
EngineCode.uk provides reference information about McLaren engines. It is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd and also offers an optional replacement-engine enquiry service. Technical information can contain errors or omissions. Check the sources and verification notes for the relevant record, and confirm the details for your vehicle before buying parts or arranging work.
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