Photo credit: Lukas Wenzhöfer
Lukas Wenzhöfer works at Porsche, slapping surfaces into shape, but once he steps out the door, he is free to let his thoughts run wild with even wilder ideas. When not working, the guy who models Alias in his leisure time creates thoughts that push the boundaries of what’s conceivable well beyond what’s typical or expected in the real world. His latest creation is the McLaren YF-22, a basic digital design that takes its sharp lines and lethal presence from the Lockheed YF-22 prototype, which later became the F-22 Raptor.
Wenzhöfer drew heavily from the stealth fighter’s design. Sharp panels rip through the air with purpose. The nose tapers off to a small point, the cockpit canopy is incredibly low and sits flush, and the intakes are gigantic, plainly supplying a lot of thrust in the manner you’d expect from a pair of jet engines (something not generally associated with road cars). The rear haunches flare outward in a surprise controlled manner, while the back end narrows down to vertical stabilizers that also serve as functional aero elements. Every surface is inspected to ensure that it is free of extraneous adornment, such as glossy carbon or decorative vents, and only has a clean line. The finished effect feels like a precision instrument designed for speed rather than a typical showroom; it has a ‘tool’ vibe to it.
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However, McLaren’s own history provides a solid foundation. Wenzhöfer is inspired by the iconic original F1, with its ultra-simple, barely-decorated insignia and clean, stripped-back forms that appear poised to take off even when stationary. He upgraded this to the YF-22, ensuring that it still appears unmistakably McLaren, despite the fact that it is a significant departure from what we would generally anticipate from the brand. The proportions remain low and long, and the cab-forward posture brings the driver right up against the front axle for a tighter, sharper reaction. The dihedral doors swing forward, precisely like historic McLarens, revealing a compartment that has been stripped down to its bare essentials.
Wenzhöfer puts it simply: modern supercars are all too soft and glossy. He prefers a design that is honest and has integrity, therefore avoid unnecessary cladding and panels. The YF-22 is like a breath of fresh air, removing all of that to reveal a machine that communicates precisely what it is in terms of shape and proportion. He even goes so far as to label McLaren’s existing design language ‘almost ideal’ (making the decision to reinvent all but unavoidable). Rather than improving on what they already have, he has created something new by merging fighter jet discipline with supercar drama, seeking to bring out the best in both.
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