British supercar maker and Formula One spin-off, McLaren Automotive, has unveiled the first in its new MP4 range of carbon-fibre sportscars.
The new McLaren MP4-12C Image: McLaren |
The MP4-12C is the latest in the McLaren stable, but the first in the new MP4 road car range using a MonoCell bonded carbon chasis, derived from the McLaren F1 racing car, but taking a fraction of the time to manufacture and significantly reducing costs.
With access to the unique McLaren racing simulator, the MP4-12C has been designed with both speed and safety in mind. This includes a ProActive Chassis Control system to smooth chassis movement during cornering, breaking, etc.
The car will be power from 0-100kph in just 3.1 seconds if the Corsa tyre option is taken, or a more stately 3.3 seconds with 'standard' tyres, to reach 205 mph (330kph) thanks to a twin-turbo, 32-valve, V8 aluminium engine, coupled to a seven-speed gearbox.
The first of the 1,000 cars scheduled for production will be built at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England, until the company has completed construction of its adjacent £40m Production Centre in Spring 2011. The engines will be produced at the new Ricardo engine assembly plant in nearby Shoreham.
As with all previous McLarens, the supercar comes with a super price tag attached - although significantly less than it's first road car, the McLaren F1, which commanded an eye-watering £640,000 ($1.5m) when launched in 1992. The new MP4-12C is clearly designed to appeal to a slightly more frugal buyer, selling at just £168,00, €200,000 or $229,000.