McLaren is gearing up to build an SUV for the first time in its 63-year history, betting that the glamour of its all-conquering Formula One team can sell cars to wealthy fans who do not own its supercars.

The model, which does not yet have a name, comes as part of a £500m investment by McLaren’s new Abu Dhabi owner that will also create 1,000 jobs, adding to the existing workforce of 2,500 people.