McLaren planning three new models, including one $96k sports car
McLaren has several fingers in a handful of pies, and with its tenure with Mercedes-Benz coming to an end, it has more time to focus on expanding its range to compete with the big boys from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche.
According to CAR, three new models are being developed, spanning the range from a modern-day F1 to a $96,000 (£60,000) "entry-level" halo sports car that takes aim at the Porsche 911. The new coupe will utilize McLaren's extensive fabrication and materials experience, but at a sub-$100k price point, don't expect construction methods akin to its greatest hits. Power could be provided by a M-B mill, but McLaren isn't ruling out the development of its own engine.
Filling the rest of the range will be the P11 supercar, reportedly using a 600-hp, AMG-sourced 6.2-liter V8, and a yet-to-be-named vehicle that will slot in below its range-topper and 911-fighter. The recent appointment of Frank Stephenson – the man who brought us the MINI and Fiat 500 – as design director, partnered with McLaren's legendary chassis development means good things are on the way. Here's hoping some of it finds its way to U.S. shores.
[Source: CAR]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
StarkRavingMad 10:37AM (10/29/2008)
Finally Bruce McLaren dreams will be realised... This is an emotional moment for me.
Reply
TJ 10:38AM (10/29/2008)
Bring back the F1, nearly as it was... update the materials and bonding to the latest technology, leave the looks, dimensions, configurations.
The original F1 was the pinnacle of automotive design and mechanical brilliance. Clearly the most pure supercar ever built.
Update the technology, leave the form intact.
Reply
Eddie 10:42AM (10/29/2008)
The F1 is truely timeless. It still looks great and performs better than 98% of supercars today. I bet they could make another 99 at $750,000 each and they would all sell.
Richard 11:05AM (10/29/2008)
Without any doubt at all!
zamafir 12:39PM (10/29/2008)
They can't because Murray is working on other projects and Murray is the reason the F1 is what it is, not McLaren. A supercar without Murray will NOT have the focus or resolve of the F1.
I'm with you, don't bring back the F1. Do bring back another Murray/McLaren collaboration - though it'll never happen, Murray already built the ultimate supercar, why do it again? (uber rhetorical as Murray’s already addressed the issue a million times).
Gomi 10:44AM (10/29/2008)
That's a great shot. Looks beautiful in white.
Reply
TKE 10:48AM (10/29/2008)
When is McLaren not planning some new road car? Every six months or more we hear about McLaren's supercar plans and their relationship or lack thereof with M-B. Hurry it up already.
Reply
Red 10:49AM (10/29/2008)
I'm confused. AB says "there will be a $96,000 entry level 911 fighter", but then a vehicle that will slot below the range-topper and 911 fighter? Was this a typo? Which is the entry-level vehicle, the $96,000 vehicle or the un-named vehicle? I wanna know so I can start saving my pennies :D.
Reply
Catapult 11:00AM (10/29/2008)
I believe that the un-named car is below the P11 but above the 96K car. Probably some type of ferrari fighter or something.
XJ 11:05AM (10/29/2008)
I think it is a typo. Probably meant the P11 will be a "slot below the range-topper but above the 911 fighter". Also, the P11 link currently doesn't work.
Bad AB! Bad!
Richard 11:06AM (10/29/2008)
There already is a 911 fighter from the UK. It's called a Lotus.
TJ 11:22AM (10/29/2008)
Really? and which Lotus competes with the 911? The Esprit was last produced in '04, but when was the last time it was imported to the states?
Patrick 11:49AM (10/29/2008)
It's not a real McLaren without a BMW M Motor.
Reply
kwsdurango 12:49PM (10/29/2008)
I can't wait to see the $96k car. I never thought I'd be able to own a McLaren. At that price, well, just maybe...
Reply
gt-racer 2:52PM (10/29/2008)
Unless Gordorn Murray builds it then I will not accept it as a McLaren save the rare chance that it is a phenomenal car.
"...Frank Stephenson – the man who brought us the MINI and Fiat 500 – as design director, partnered with McLaren's legendary chassis development means good things..." - in what world?
Reply
Mobius_1 3:09PM (10/29/2008)
How about a GT-R fighter? :P
Reply
tuna 5:44PM (10/29/2008)
In addition to being responsible for the Mini and the 500, I think it's worth pointing out that he is also responsible for the X5, Maserati Quattroporte and MC12, plus Ferrari F430 and 612.
Looking forward to what these McLarens will look like.
Reply
adrian 7:58PM (10/29/2008)
Even after all this time that F1 still looks hench.
Reply
mikey 5:22PM (10/30/2008)
Its amazing how fresh the F1 looks after all this time, its a case of function following form. I imagine it will continue to look good even as cars such as the Enzo, Zonda and Veyron start to show their age, nice as they are, they lack that timeless quality. As for updating the materials, its hard to imagine how to improve on a 100% carbon body and chassis, this car was so far ahead of its time. Its still one of the fastest cars in existence, and suprisingly practical, good visibility, cargo space, 3 seats! And I'm pretty sure it could destroy a veryron round most tracks, despite a 400bhp disadvantage, it still has a better power to weight ratio. Still the ultimate supercar IMHO.
Reply