McLaren has denied it is in acquisition talks with Apple after claims the iPhone maker was preparing a billion-pound bid for the British supercar manufacturer.

The Woking-based company said there were no discussions over a sale or investment from Apple. It followed reports that the two companies had been in discussions for months, which had appeared to confirm Apple’s ambitions to shake up the motor industry by making its own electric vehicle.

“We can confirm that McLaren is not in discussion with Apple in respect of any potential investment,” a spokesman said. An Apple spokesman said the company declined to comment on rumour and speculation.