The engine code for the McLaren F1’s BMW V12 is S70/2.
Gordon Murray wanted a naturally aspirated engine for the F1, prioritising predictable throttle response and reliability over the extra complexity of turbocharging. BMW Motorsport, led by engineer Paul Rosche, developed the 6,064 cc, 60-degree V12 specifically for McLaren’s road car.
The S70/2 used an aluminium block and heads, four valves per cylinder, dry-sump lubrication and continuously variable inlet cam timing based on BMW’s VANOS technology. Its 627 hp output exceeded Murray’s original target, although the finished engine was also heavier than requested.
A common mix-up is confusing S70/2 with BMW’s M70 V12, used in production 7 Series and 8 Series models, or with the related S70B56 fitted to the 850 CSi. The McLaren unit was a specialised, high-performance design. A closely related S70/2 also powered the McLaren F1 GTR, while the BMW V12 LMR later used a similar engine in endurance racing.