The McLaren M838T is a 3,799 cc, 90‑degree V8 twin‑turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2011 and 2017. Developed in collaboration with Ricardo, it features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), dry sump lubrication, and direct fuel injection. This compact, lightweight powerplant was engineered to deliver exceptional power density, enabling supercar performance with strong low‑end torque for everyday drivability.
Fitted exclusively to McLaren Automotive's first generation of sports cars, including the MP4‑12C, 650S, and 675LT, the M838T was designed for explosive acceleration and high‑revving character. Emissions compliance for road models was achieved through advanced engine management and catalytic converters, meeting Euro 5 standards.
One documented engineering focus was managing heat soak in the twin‑turbo system, addressed through specific coolant routing and heat shielding. This was detailed in McLaren's internal Technical Service Bulletin MTSB‑V8‑001. Subsequent iterations, like the M840T, featured revised turbochargers and intercoolers for improved thermal efficiency and reliability.
Production years 2011–2017 meet Euro 5 standards for applicable road models (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/MCL/5678).
The McLaren M838T is a 3,799 cc 90-degree V8 engineered for high-performance supercars (2011-2017). It combines twin-turbocharging with dry-sump lubrication to deliver explosive acceleration and a high-revving character. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances extreme performance with necessary road car compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,799 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 69.9 mm | |
| Power output | 441–500 kW (598–675 PS) | |
| Torque | 600–700 Nm @ 3,000–7,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Gasoline direct injection (Bosch MED17.1.1 ECU) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 8.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with twin intercoolers | |
| Turbocharger | Twin parallel turbochargers (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | McLaren C30 Spec (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 190 kg |
The twin-turbo setup delivers immense, linear power but requires strict adherence to McLaren-specified oil (C30 5W-40) and 10,000 km service intervals to protect turbos and internals. The dry-sump system demands specialized maintenance procedures. Heat management is critical; sustained high loads necessitate adequate cool-down periods. Pre-2014 models may benefit from updated turbo heat shielding per McLaren TSB MTSB-V8-001. Using premium 98 RON fuel is mandatory for optimal performance and knock prevention.
Oil Specs: Requires McLaren C30 specification (5W-40) (McLaren TP-M838T-01). Not interchangeable with standard ACEA specs.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all road-legal M838T applications (VCA Type Approval #VCA/MCL/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Peak figures require 98 RON fuel (McLaren TP-M838T-01).
McLaren Technical Publications: TP-M838T-01, TP-MED17-01
McLaren Technical Service Bulletin: MTSB-V8-001
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/MCL/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The McLaren M838T was used exclusively across McLaren Automotive's first-generation sports car platforms with longitudinal, mid-mounted installation. This engine received model-specific power and cooling adaptations-for example, the 675LT featured uprated turbos and enhanced cooling-and from 2017 was succeeded by the M840T variant, creating clear generational boundaries. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code 'M838T' is typically cast into the engine block near the rear bank. The 7th and 8th digits of the VIN (e.g., '12' for MP4-12C, '15' for 650S) correspond to the specific model variant. Visual identification: Look for the distinctive twin-turbo plumbing and dry-sump oil tank on the right side of the engine bay. Critical differentiation from M840T: M838T has a specific Bosch MED17 ECU part number and earlier-design turbochargers. Service parts are generally not interchangeable with the M840T without corresponding ECU and hardware updates per McLaren documentation.
The M838T's primary reliability focus is long-term turbocharger and heat management, with elevated stress in track or hot climate use. McLaren service data indicates a notable incidence of turbo actuator failures and heat-related ancillary component degradation, while UK DVSA records show generally high MOT pass rates for road-legal variants. Sustained high-RPM operation and inadequate cool-down make adherence to service schedules and fluid specifications critical.
Analysis derived from McLaren technical bulletins (2011-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MACLAREN M838T.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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