Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Big Mac: British design student pens McLaren F1 successor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/the-big-mac-british-design-student-pens-mclaren-f1-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/the-big-mac-british-design-student-pens-mclaren-f1-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/the-big-mac-british-design-student-pens-mclaren-f1-successor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


McLaren LM5 design study by Matt Williams - Click above for image gallery

Since hiring Frank Stephenson as its styling chief last year, the nascent McLaren Automotive hasn't been lacking for design talent. But the general consensus over his first design at Woking seems to be that the MP4-12C is missing a touch of originality to set it apart from other supercars. Enter one Matt Williams, a recent graduate of the transportation design program at England's Coventry University who thinks he can do a better job with the study you see here.

Positioned above the MP4-12C in McLaren's product porfolio, the LM5 concept is envisioned as a successor to the venerable McLaren F1. That means three seats across, with a central driving position. That means power provided by BMW's M division; a retuned version of company's soon-to-be-retired 5.0-liter V10 in this case. And of course, that means epic performance. Unfortunately, it's just a concept car, extant only in the clay and CAD. So for now, we'll just have to sit and wait to see what Stephenson and his colleagues at McLaren cook up next, admiring the images in the gallery below in the meantime.


Gallery: McLaren LM5 design study by Matt Williams


[Source: Diseno-art.com]

The Big Mac: British design student pens McLaren F1 successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept carConceptCarCoventryCoventryUniversitydesign studyDesignStudyfrank stephensonFrankStephensonlm5maclarenmatt williamsMattWilliamsmclarenmclaren f1mclaren lm5mclaren mp4mclaren mp4-12cMclarenF1MclarenLm5MclarenMp4MclarenMp4-12cThu, 15 Oct 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: McLaren F1 considering acquisition of BMW F1 engine ops]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/report-mclaren-f1-considering-acquisition-of-bmw-f1-engine-ops/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/report-mclaren-f1-considering-acquisition-of-bmw-f1-engine-ops/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/report-mclaren-f1-considering-acquisition-of-bmw-f1-engine-ops/#commentsFiled under: , ,



McLaren's Formula One cars have been powered by Mercedes-Benz engines since 1995, but that could soon come to an end. The relationship between Daimler and McLaren has become increasingly strained over the past two years, following the Spygate scandal and the automaker's decision to have AMG build the SLS.

With BMW withdrawing from Formula One at the close of this season, the hot rumor in the paddock at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend is that McLaren chairman Ron Dennis is considering scooping up rival BMW F1's engine-building operations. Mercedes supplies engines to the this year's likely champions, the Brawn team, and a split with McLaren would allow MB to concentrate its efforts there.

McLaren's Middle Eastern investors reportedly support the move, which would allow the team to join Ferrari, Renault (if the French team remains in F1) and Toyota in building its own chassis and engine. Apparently, BMW's deal to sell the Sauber F1 team doesn't include the engine operation in Munich, leaving McLaren free to make its move.

[Source: F1-Live]

REPORT: McLaren F1 considering acquisition of BMW F1 engine ops originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW F1BmwF1f1formula 1Formula1mclarenmclaren F1MclarenF1mercedesmercedes-benzSat, 03 Oct 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Raikkonen could be back at McLaren in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/rumormill-raikkonen-could-be-back-at-mclaren-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/rumormill-raikkonen-could-be-back-at-mclaren-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/rumormill-raikkonen-could-be-back-at-mclaren-in-2010/#commentsFiled under:



According to British newspaper the Mirror, Kimi Raikkonen could be driving for McLaren next year. The Iceman drove for Ron Dennis' outfit from 2002 to 2006 and scored plenty of victories but couldn't get the World Championship. Then he left for Ferrari in 2007 where he promptly won the World Championship the first year.

This season rumors have persisted that Fernando Alonso is moving to Ferrari next year. Seemingly in support of that, the only thing Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari team head Stefano Domenicali would say about next year is that Raikkonen has contracted for next year -- neither would say that the driver would actually be there.

The hitch in this latest story is that Kimi will only vacate the seat if he is paid his full salary, something like $49 million. If one adds Massa's salary and the salary one could expect to Alonso to make to that, 2010 would make for a stupendously expensive driver's budget. With Alonso cleared of any sanctions in Renault's crash-gate, it looks like Ferrari has some decisions to make -- forty-nine million of them...

[Source: F1 Live | Image Source: Paul Gilham/Getty]

Rumormill: Raikkonen could be back at McLaren in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1falsefernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrariferrari f1FerrariF1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenmclarenmclaren f1mclaren-mercedesMclarenF1motorsportsrenaultrenault f1RenaultF1Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Coming this Wednesday, the McLaren MP4-12C!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/coming-this-wednesday-the-mclaren-mp4-12c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/coming-this-wednesday-the-mclaren-mp4-12c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/coming-this-wednesday-the-mclaren-mp4-12c/#commentsFiled under: ,


1997 McLaren MP4/12 Grand Prix racer

This coming Wednesday, McLaren will finally reveal the followup to its legendary F1 road car, but this weekend, in an interview with the Times of London newspaper, Ron Dennis finally announced the car's name. The supercar which until now had been referred to as the P11 will be dubbed the MP4-12C. That designation draws directly on McLaren's formula heritage where the company's racecars have borne the MP4 designation since 1981. Why the road car is named after the relatively unsuccessful 1997 model is not clear at this point, but perhaps we will learn more this week.

Of course, a name in-and-of-itself doesn't have anything to do with how good the car itself might be. Besides the name, Dennis did drop a few other hints about the car. As with the venerable F1, the chassis of the new supercar is to be made of carbon fiber. This time around, the car has gullwing doors and only two seats, rather than the three staggered thrones of the F1. Features like an automatic variable rate suspension likely means the MP4-12C won't be under the 2,400-pound weight of the F1.

In spite of its immense performance, the only 106 F1s were built over six years including the race cars - for the MP4-12C, McLaren is looking to achieve a much more ambitious target: 1,000 units per year.

[Source: The Times of London | Image: Wikimedia Commons - CC 2.0]

Coming this Wednesday, the McLaren MP4-12C! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren f1mclaren mp4-12cmclaren p11MclarenF1MclarenMp4-12cMclarenP11ron dennisRonDennisMon, 07 Sep 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Gordon Murray working on successor to McLaren F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/report-gordon-murray-working-on-successor-to-mclaren-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/report-gordon-murray-working-on-successor-to-mclaren-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/report-gordon-murray-working-on-successor-to-mclaren-f1/#commentsFiled under: ,

McLaren F1 LM - Click above for high-res image gallery

"There's no point in trying to outdo the F1, they'll never do it. The world has moved on..." That's what legendary designer Gordon Murray told CAR about the future of the supercar. We'd like to disagree, but you can't argue the subject of supercars with the father of the McLaren F1. Fortunately, he's willing to take another crack at it to show us how it's done.

Currently, Murrary is keeping busy revolutionizing the way we build cars with his iStream technology and his soon-to-be-released T25. His next project will be more performance-oriented, but rather than trying to outdo the McLaren F1, he'll be going for a high power-to-weight ratio by decreasing the latter, not increasing the former. The result promises to be "expensive and exclusive", but quite different from the P11 program on which his successors at McLaren are currently working - a program which Murray apparently doesn't give much of a chance. Better show 'em the way, Gordon.


Gallery: McLaren F1 LM


[Source: CAR]

REPORT: Gordon Murray working on successor to McLaren F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gordon murraygordon murray supercarGordonMurrayGordonMurraySupercarmclarenmclaren f1mclaren p8MclarenF1MclarenP8supercarThu, 03 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Autocar</i> drives the McLaren F1 GTR ahead of P11's debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/video-i-autocar-i-drives-the-mclaren-f1-gtr-ahead-of-p11s-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/video-i-autocar-i-drives-the-mclaren-f1-gtr-ahead-of-p11s-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/video-i-autocar-i-drives-the-mclaren-f1-gtr-ahead-of-p11s-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Click the image above to view the video after the jump

Some guys have all the luck. Fresh off his adventure chasing a Lamborghini LP670-4 SV around Millbrook with a Corvette ZR1, Steve Sutcliffe is back in front of Autocar's cameras -- only this time he's driving a McLaren F1. And not just any old McLaren F1. No, Mr. Sutcliffe is driving a F1 GTR -- one of the McLaren Le Mans winning race cars converted back to street duty. Chassis number 10 owned by Pink Floyd's drummer and certified auto maniac Nick Mason, to be precise.

So, what's the difference between a regular F1 and a F1 GTR? Weight. About 400 pounds. The F1 GTR barely tips the scales at an unbelievable 2,068 pounds. That's Lotus Elise territory. Yet it still packs the mid-mounted 617 hp BMW M Power V12. And instead of the regular F1 gears, the GTR sports much shorter (i.e. quicker) gears, which has the "who cares?" effect of lowering the top speed from 240 mph to 180 mph.

Before you get ahead of yourself, listen to Sutcliffe run through the gears -- it sounds as if he's whipping the car. And if you're not smiling when he says, "There's a very small, red dot in the mirror," we don't know what's wrong with you. Pay special attention to Steve's facial expressions throughout the clip -- they tell the full story. Oh, and the video has something to do with the new McLaren P11's debut, but frankly, we don't care.

Continue reading VIDEO: Autocar drives the McLaren F1 GTR ahead of P11's debut

VIDEO: Autocar drives the McLaren F1 GTR ahead of P11's debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>F1 GTRF1GtrMcLarenMcLaren F1McLaren F1 GTRMclarenF1MclarenF1GtrNick MasonNickMasonPink FloydPinkFloydSteve SutcliffeSteveSutcliffeThu, 03 Sep 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: McLaren at Le Mans: Pursuit of Perfection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/video-mclaren-at-le-mans-pursuit-of-perfection/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/video-mclaren-at-le-mans-pursuit-of-perfection/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/video-mclaren-at-le-mans-pursuit-of-perfection/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

McLaren F1 LM - click image above for high-res gallery

You know, we could have titled this one "Car Porn" and it would make as much sense. After the jump you'll find a few videos documenting the more than legendary McLaren F1's inaugural 1995 Le Mans effort. And while the car is without question beyond cool, you may not have actually lived until you watch Andy Wallace talk you through an entire qualifying lap of Le Mans, including Mulsanne's Corner. Which, as Andy explains, simply ain't what it used to be -- nowadays you take it at 180 mph, not 250 mph. And it gets better from there. Block out about forty minutes and just sit mouth agape and watch. Thank us later. Also -- Gordon Murray's hair totally rules. Four videos, after the jump.


Gallery: McLaren F1 LM


[Source: Cold Track Days]

Continue reading VIDEO: McLaren at Le Mans: Pursuit of Perfection

VIDEO: McLaren at Le Mans: Pursuit of Perfection originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Hours of LeMans24HoursOfLemansGordon MurrayGordonMurrayLe MansLeMansMcLarenMcLaren F1McLaren F1 LMMclarenF1MclarenF1LmThu, 13 Aug 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Reasonably Priced Car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/more-top-gear-on-monday-jay-leno-drives-the-reasonably-priced-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/more-top-gear-on-monday-jay-leno-drives-the-reasonably-priced-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/more-top-gear-on-monday-jay-leno-drives-the-reasonably-priced-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click above to watch video after the jump

Last week we saw AC/DC's Brian Johnson on Top Gear's Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment and for the first time ever the consensus was, "no need to fast forward." Now, we're not going to say that the former Tonight Show host and pistonhead extraordinaire Jay Leno is as mesmerizingly fun as AC/DC's front man. But Jay does own two Lamborghini Miuras, which is it's own sort of spellbinding. In fact, the notoriously anti-American Clarkson calls Leno the world's "#1 petrolhead." High praise indeed.

For his part, Jay is affable and halfway laughable. He gives a very strange, inaccurate answer as to why Americans drivers won't let people with their turn signals on into a lane (real answer: because we're jerks), but does tell an absolutely fantastic story about two "gang bangers," his McLaren F1 and the three tunnels on Kanan Road. Yes, fine, but does Leno drive fast? Well, he's quite smooth. And the second fastest American. See for yourself after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Reasonably Priced Car

VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Reasonably Priced Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jay Lenojay leno top gearJayLenoJayLenoTopGearJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonMcLaren F1MclarenF1Star in a Reasonably Priced CarStarInAReasonablyPricedCarTop GearTop Gear Star in a Reasonably Priced CarTopGearTopGearStarInAReasonablyPricedCarMon, 03 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: McLaren planning hybrid supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/rumormill-mclaren-planning-hybrid-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/rumormill-mclaren-planning-hybrid-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/rumormill-mclaren-planning-hybrid-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


McLaren F1 LM - Click above for high-res image gallery

McLaren has put up a job posting for a Senior Engineer for Powertrain Hybrid Technology on its official website, which may offer a few clues as to where the automaker may be heading in the near future for its road cars. As far as rumors go, this one seems pretty solid. According to an unnamed spokesperson quoted by Autocar:
It (hybrid technology) is something we want as a forward-thinking, technology-driven company. We have been considering it for future projects. All the advert means is that we are looking for a senior engineer in powertrain hybrid technology. Read into it what you will.
One possibility is that McLaren will attempt to adapt the KERS system from its Formula 1 race cars for street use. It's widely agreed upon that McLaren's KERS implementation is the best in F1 and both BMW and Ferrari are also thought to be working on KERS for future road cars.

Within the next few years, McLaren is expected to introduce a couple of new supercars, including a replacement for the current SLR, codenamed P11, and a successor to the famed F1 supercar from the mid '90s that's currently known as the P12.


Gallery: McLaren F1 LM


[Source: McLaren via Autocar]

Rumormill: McLaren planning hybrid supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenhybrid supercarHybridSupercarKERSmclarenmclaren f1mclaren hybridmclaren kersmclaren p11mclaren p12MclarenF1MclarenHybridMclarenKersMclarenP11MclarenP12Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[1997 McLaren F1 GTR race car for sale in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/1997-mclaren-f1-gtr-race-car-for-sale-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/1997-mclaren-f1-gtr-race-car-for-sale-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/1997-mclaren-f1-gtr-race-car-for-sale-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,


1997 McLaren F1 GTR "Long-Tail" - click above for a high res image gallery

For those whose cash reserves have not been completely depleted by the current global recession, a very special car is currently up for sale in Japan via Wintel. This racer is one of ten long-tail McLaren F1 GTRs built especially for the 1997 FIA GT season.

The F1 GTR first hit the track in 1995 when a model barely removed from the roadgoing version raced to victory at Le Mans. By 1997, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche had seen the writing on the wall, and combined with the series' updated rules, had created their own competitors, including the CLK-GTR and the 911 GT1. McLaren's 97 F1 GTR had all-new bodywork with a longer nose and tail that reduced drag and dramatically increased downforce. By this time, the new purpose-built Mercedes and Porsche cars were regularly outrunning the McLaren, although the latter did manage 197 mph on the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans. There is no indication of a price tag, although if you have to ask...

Gallery: McLaren F1 GTR - Gulf Davidoff


[Source: Wintel.co.jp]

1997 McLaren F1 GTR race car for sale in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FIA GTFiaGtLe MansLeMansmac f1MacF1mclarenmclaren f1mclaren f1 gtrmclarenf1MclarenF1GtrMon, 29 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: The Superest of Supercar Shootouts: Bugatti Veyron vs. McLaren F1 on Top Gear]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/video-the-superest-of-supercar-shootouts-bugatti-veyron-vs-mc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/video-the-superest-of-supercar-shootouts-bugatti-veyron-vs-mc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/video-the-superest-of-supercar-shootouts-bugatti-veyron-vs-mc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Bugatti Veyron vs. McLaren F1 - Click above to watch video after the jump

Episode 2 of Top Gear's 13th season aired last night in the UK, and the main event was a one-mile drag race between the McLaren F1 and the Bugatti Veyron. Notice that we didn't say a McLaren F1 and a Bugatti Veyron. These two supercars are so super (and rare) that any single example tends to represent the whole run of each, and since your chances of encountering two of either kind in the same place are practically nill, they might as well be the only ones in existence.

The Top Gear crew chose Abu Dhabi as the location for its supercar shootout. With an arid climate that sees practically no rain or freezing-and-thawing cycles, the roads in Abu Dhabi are long, straight and, most importantly, free of pot holes. Richard Hammond chooses to pilot the Bug and The Stig takes the centrally located wheel of the F1. We won't spoil the results except to say that this is the most real and nail-biting competition that we've seen on Top Gear in a long time.

Follow the jump to watch yesteryear's supercar, the McLaren F1, go head-to-head with today's top dog, the Bugatti Veyron. Thanks for the tip, Will!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: The Superest of Supercar Shootouts: Bugatti Veyron vs. McLaren F1 on Top Gear

VIDEO: The Superest of Supercar Shootouts: Bugatti Veyron vs. McLaren F1 on Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti mclarenbugatti versus mclarenbugatti veyronbugatti vs mclarenBugattiMclarenBugattiVersusMclarenBugattiVeyronBugattiVsMclarenf1mclarenmclaren f1MclarenF1richard hammondRichardHammondthe stigTheStigtop gearTopGearveyronveyron versus mclaren f1VeyronVersusMclarenF1Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[FOLLOW-UP: McLaren F1 all fired up for return to England [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/follow-up-mclaren-f1-all-fired-up-for-return-to-england-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/follow-up-mclaren-f1-all-fired-up-for-return-to-england-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/follow-up-mclaren-f1-all-fired-up-for-return-to-england-w-vide/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

We hate the sight of a destroyed exotic, especially one so rare and exceptional as the McLaren F1. So we're glad to bring you this follow-up report from Santa Rosa, California, where one such supercar went up in smoke last week. And though it hasn't been fixed yet, journos on the scene report that the McLaren in question is being flown back to the factory in England to be repaired.

Ordinarily an engine bay catching on fire would be cause enough for a write off, but this is no ordinary vehicle. With a reported value in excess of $2 million (and being insured for $3 million), even if the repairs cost over a million by themselves, it'd still be well worth the effort and expense, especially if there hasn't been any real damage to the chassis. Check out the video after the jump, and follow the link to check out the full report at the Press Democrat where they quote the most authoritative source in the land. (Hey, one good turn deserves another.)

[Source: Press Democrat]

Continue reading FOLLOW-UP: McLaren F1 all fired up for return to England [w/VIDEO]

FOLLOW-UP: McLaren F1 all fired up for return to England [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnt mclaren f1BurntMclarenF1californiaf1mclarenmclaren f1MclarenF1press democratPressDemocratsanta rosasanta rosa californiasanta rosa press democratSantaRosaSantaRosaCaliforniaSantaRosaPressDemocratsupercarwrecked exoticWreckedExoticMon, 08 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil's in the Details: McLaren F1 meets maker in California]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/devils-in-the-details-mclaren-f1-meets-maker-in-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/devils-in-the-details-mclaren-f1-meets-maker-in-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/devils-in-the-details-mclaren-f1-meets-maker-in-california/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's the little things in life that make all the difference. Flames shooting out the exhaust of a supercar? Awesome. Flames billowing out of the entire engine bay? Uh-oh. So seeing a McLaren F1 - in the United States, no less - going up in smoke is a real tear-jerker.

We have to admit that with so many drivers exhibiting more flash than talent, reporting on the endless barrage of destroyed supercars got a little tiresome, if not downright depressing. The McLaren F1 made even the Ferrari Enzo seem dime-a-dozen common - 100 examples were made in all, and only a tiny fraction of those squeaked through DOT regs to make it Stateside.

Reportedly valued at $2 million, this toasted Mac was spotted on Airport Boulevard in Santa Rosa, California, its BMW V12 on fire after its owner reportedly took it for a ride after leaving it dormant for six months. If that's the case, this is proof positive that cars need to be driven, not mothballed.

[Source: Wrecked Exotics]

Devil's in the Details: McLaren F1 meets maker in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacalifornia exoticsCaliforniaExoticscrashed supercarCrashedSupercarf1Mac F1MacF1mclarenmclaren f1MclarenF1santa rosasanta rosa californiaSantaRosaSantaRosaCaliforniawrecked exoticsWreckedExoticsTue, 02 Jun 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Formula 1 fixture Ron Dennis quits McLaren Racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/report-formula-1-fixture-ron-dennis-quits-the-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/report-formula-1-fixture-ron-dennis-quits-the-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/report-formula-1-fixture-ron-dennis-quits-the-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



McLaren F1 doesn't need to cheat to win, but for some reason they keep on doing it - cheating, that is. The team's most recent snafu is being called Liargate, and it has resulted in a McLaren sporting director being sacked, Lewis Hamilton talking of switching teams, Martin Whitmarsh fumbling to right the ship, and everyone expecting the FIA to sock McLaren with a scorching penalty.

The next act in the soap opera involves Ron Dennis. After 43 years in in the sport, the 61-year-old has just announced that he is exiting the company's racing operations, although he is reportedly adamant that the timing of his leaving the team is "purely coincidental." Buzz around the F1 campfire would indicate otherwise, with some suggesting that the move may be designed in part to curry favor with the FIA in hopes of showing the team some mercy during its hearing later this month.

Dennis isn't leaving the McLaren clan altogether, however. He will now work as executive chairman of McLaren automotive, which has been long rumored to be pursuing a new range of sports cars. The first model is still expected to arrive for 2011.

It is a regrettable way for Dennis to end four decades at the second winningest team in F1 history. However, in addition to trying to help the team avoid the FIA's wrath, the move is also expected to make Hamilton and his father much more amenable to remaining in the fold.

[Source: BBC | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

REPORT: Formula 1 fixture Ron Dennis quits McLaren Racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McLaren F1 LM - Click above for a high-res gallery

With all the resources that McLaren is pouring into launching its new road-car division, you can bet the P11 (targeted at the likes of the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4) won't be the only product on offer. Back in February, reports surfaced that McLaren is working on a smaller P8 to rival the Porsche 911 and Audi R8, but the latest news sounds even more tantalizing. Frank Stephenson, the lauded designer which McLaren hired to spearhead the styling of its new line of supercars, has revealed that the company is working on a replacement for the legendary McLaren F1 supercar.

The original, powered by a BMW-sourced 6.0-liter V12 with over 600 horsepower, shattered records and quickly seized the top step of the supercar ladder in the earlier 90's, and stayed there for years. Its successor promises to be just as revolutionary, with power provided by a retuned version of Mercedes AMG's 6.2-liter V8 modified by Mahle (formerly part of Cosworth) with an eye on the Bugatti Veyron and Koenigsegg CCX in terms of price and performance. As for what it'll look like, Stephenson says he's starting from a blank sheet of paper, so we'll have to sit tight and see what he cooks up for us.


Gallery: McLaren F1 LM


[Source: AutoWeek and Autocar]

Return of the Mac: successor to McLaren F1 in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frank stephensonFrankStephensonmclarenmclaren f1MclarenF1Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: McLaren P11 caught weathering the snow storm]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/spy-shots-mclaren-p11-caught-weathering-the-snow-storm/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/spy-shots-mclaren-p11-caught-weathering-the-snow-storm/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/spy-shots-mclaren-p11-caught-weathering-the-snow-storm/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's been a few months since the last batch of spy photos of the upcoming McLaren P11 supercar, and now we've got some shots of the new Mclaren braving the snowy climes of Sweden. CAR has a pair of photos of this newest road-going rocket from the lads at McLaren and although Frank Stephenson's redesign is hard to spot under all of that camo, the prototype in these pics has finally lost the dorsal fins we saw on the previous prototype.

Of course it's always easy to point out similarities to other current sports cars when something like this bows, but we see some F430 and Gallardo in the front 3/4, as well as some original McLaren F1, and even a bit of VW Nardo in the profile and rear. The Saleen S5S Raptor, Rossion Q1 and Lotus Esprit replacement also come to mind. None of which is necessarily a bad thing.

As opposed to the ultimate supercar -- the F1 -- the P11 is designed to go head-to-head with cars like the Ferrari F430. Weight is expected to be less than 3,000 pounds, with power coming from a 550-hp V8 built by famed engine builder Mahle. Convertible and racing variants are planned after the coupe's launch in 2010 and we can hardly wait.

[Source: CAR]

Spy Shots: McLaren P11 caught weathering the snow storm originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren f1mclaren p11MclarenF1MclarenP11Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Vodafone McLaren Mercedes launches the 2009 MP4-24]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/vodafone-mclaren-mercedes-launches-the-2009-mp4-24/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/vodafone-mclaren-mercedes-launches-the-2009-mp4-24/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/vodafone-mclaren-mercedes-launches-the-2009-mp4-24/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to see McLaren's launch of the new MP4-24 in high resolution

I spent a couple of teenage summers working at a camp where, every August, the director would announce his retirement. And every year, he'd be back... until one year he wasn't, and everyone was surprised. Meanwhile, the motorsport press has speculated on the retirement of McLaren team principal Ron Dennis for years now, but every year he'd be back on the pit lane wall. Now Ron's actually moving on, and this is the last car designed and produced under his direction.

It's called the MP4-24, and like those of McLaren's competitors -- including the recently-launched Ferrari F60 and Toyota TF109 -- the new car has to conform to the revised regulations. That means a bigger front wing and a smaller rear one with fewer little aero bits in between. Underneath is McLaren's KERS regenerative braking system, and the ECU which the team is now supplying to the entire grid. The MP4-24, which carries on the same chrome and Vodafone-red livery as last year's, was unveiled at the team's ultra-high-tech headquarters in Woking, England, after which the team's test driver Pedro de la Rosa took it for its first laps at the newly constructed Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal. McLaren's reigning champion Lewis Hamilton and his Finnish team-mate Heikki Kovalainen will take over from de la Rosa in the coming days, when several of the other teams will begin testing as well in the ramp-up to the Australian Grand Prix which kicks off the season on March 29. But not before the rest of the teams unveil their cars, so stay tuned.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-24

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes launches the 2009 MP4-24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren f1mclaren mercedesmclaren mp4-24mclaren-mercedesMclarenF1MclarenMercedesMclarenMp4-24Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The Fine Print: Hamilton will get his McLaren F1 LM after 3 titles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/the-fine-print-hamilton-will-get-his-mclaren-f1-lm-after-3-titl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/the-fine-print-hamilton-will-get-his-mclaren-f1-lm-after-3-titl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/the-fine-print-hamilton-will-get-his-mclaren-f1-lm-after-3-titl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the McLaren F1 LM

Now that Lewis Hamilton has secured the Formula One championship, supercar fans around the world are asking when he'll get his hands on that rare McLaren F1 LM. The incredibly valuable supercar - initially reported at $4 million but now apparently worth closer to 8 - was promised to the budding young driver if he won the title. However, the condition was that he win both the drivers title and, together with team-mate Heikki Kovalainen, lock up the constructors' title for the team, as well. Although he won the drivers' championship, the constructors' crown went to arch-rivals Ferrari, but since McLaren chief Ron Dennis is such a good sport, he's renegotiated the terms.

If Hamilton manages to repeat his title victory with a hat-trick - that is, take another two championships - he'll get his hands on the bright orange supercar. That's quite a challenge, but Dennis called it a "small price to pay for three world championships." Indeed, but by then McLaren will have a whole slew of supercars on the market for Lewis to choose from. In the meantime, he'd better keep his head down and focus on the prize.

Gallery: McLaren F1 LM


[Source: F1-Live]

The Fine Print: Hamilton will get his McLaren F1 LM after 3 titles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dennishamiltonlewislewis hamiltonLewisHamiltonmclarenmclaren f1mclaren f1 gtmclaren f1 gt lmmclaren f1 gtrmclaren f1 lmMclarenF1MclarenF1GtMclarenF1GtLmMclarenF1GtrMclarenF1Lmron dennisRonDennisWed, 05 Nov 2008 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[McLaren P11 supercar goes under the knife again before 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/mclaren-p11-supercar-goes-under-the-knife-again-before-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/mclaren-p11-supercar-goes-under-the-knife-again-before-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/mclaren-p11-supercar-goes-under-the-knife-again-before-2010/#commentsFiled under:

We reported ex-Fiat boss Frank Stephenson was tasked with a clean-sheet redesign of the upcoming McLaren supercar, codenamed the McLaren P11, just two months ago. Now we are hearing word that the exotic has been totally redesigned and is scheduled for a launch in 2010. Prototypes of the two-seat, mid-engined coupe (and convertible) are in testing as you read this.

Both body styles are reportedly built on a carbon fiber tub with aluminum front and rear subframes. Weight is expected to be less than 3,000 pounds, making it one of the lightest high-performance cars on the road (the current Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren coupe, more than a bit on the porky side, tips the scales about 750 pounds heavier). Power for the supercar is expected to come from a 550-hp V8 built by famed engine builder Mahle.

Now that the design of the P11 is theoretically set in stone, McLaren needs to find a factory in which to build it. Sites across Europe, including those in Italy, Austria, and Britain, are being considered. Insiders say the factory will announce their manufacturing decision next summer.

[Source: Autocar]

McLaren P11 supercar goes under the knife again before 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ExoticFrank StephensonFrankStephensonMcLarenmclaren f1mclaren p11mclaren-mercedesMclarenF1MclarenP11Mercedes-Benz SLR McLarenMercedes-benzSlrMclarenP11SupercarTue, 04 Nov 2008 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Lewis Hamilton becomes youngest ever F1 World Drivers Champion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/03/lewis-hamilton-is-the-youngest-world-driving-champion-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/03/lewis-hamilton-is-the-youngest-world-driving-champion-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/03/lewis-hamilton-is-the-youngest-world-driving-champion-yet/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We're not going to tell you who won yesterday's season finale at the Brazilian Grand Prix. We'll leave that to Noah in his usual race recap. What we will tell you is that Lewis Hamilton bounced back from a scandal-ridden season that saw his McLaren team excluded from the championship in 2007 to capture this year's World Drivers Championship. That makes Hamilton the youngest F1 champion ever in only his second year as part of the grand prix circus. British-born Hamilton won the title 67 days before his 24th birthday. With five wins in 2008, he successfully managed to avoid the sophomore jinx. Hopefully he won't follow in the footsteps of Jacques Villeneuve and abandon a successful team for a startup with lots of money and zero success. The really big question for Lewis now is will he acknowledge that he is in fact the Stig? Thanks to Richard for the tip!

[Source: Formula1.com, Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty]

Lewis Hamilton becomes youngest ever F1 World Drivers Champion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnelewis hamiltonlewis hamilton championlewis hamilton drivers championLewisHamiltonLewisHamiltonChampionLewisHamiltonDriversChampionmclarenmclaren f1mclaren-mercedesmclarenf1Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:25:00 EST