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[VIDEO: McLaren releases first webisode of MP4-12C development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/video-mclaren-releases-first-webisode-of-mp4-12c-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/video-mclaren-releases-first-webisode-of-mp4-12c-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/video-mclaren-releases-first-webisode-of-mp4-12c-development/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Inside McLaren: developing the MP4-12C - Click above to view the video after the jump

McLaren Automotive has just dropped a new video, the first in a series, that promises to show the story behind the company's upcoming MP4-12C supercar. This first episode gives us a peek at the car's development background, introduces us to some of the key players in the process, and even gives us a look at some of the key venues in the gestation of the new Lamborghini and Ferrari fighter from Woking.

This first short film, which you can find after the jump, is entitled: Inside McLaren: developing the MP4-12C. Pretty straightforward then, as is the dialogue. Technical Director Dick Glover takes us on a brief tour of McLaren's facilities - Racing, Electronics and Automotive, which he describes as the heart of the operation. He even points out the F1 simulator, where drivers and engineers have worked on race setups for the past 12 years. The MP4-12C team gets to play in there, too.

Next up is Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin. He talks about the tracks and roads used in the development process, tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife and the Top Gear track at Dunsfold, which happens to be close to the McLaren facilities. Chris also gives us an idea of the extreme temperatures the 12C has been tested in, from the Arctic to Bahrain. Episode 1 wraps up with an introduction to some of the key engineers on the team, including Simon Andrew, Rob Tyers and Steve Hayes.

All of this is punctuated with glimpses of the 12C in action, which is why we're really all here in the first place. As cool as the McLaren facility is, the car is the star. Follow the jump for the video and full press release from McLaren.

[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading VIDEO: McLaren releases first webisode of MP4-12C development

VIDEO: McLaren releases first webisode of MP4-12C development originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenMcLaren MP4-12CMcLaren p11MclarenMp4-12cMclarenP11MP4-12CvideoFri, 13 Nov 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno (almost) takes a closer look at the McLaren MP4-12C]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/video-jay-leno-almost-takes-a-closer-look-at-the-mclaren-mp4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/video-jay-leno-almost-takes-a-closer-look-at-the-mclaren-mp4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/video-jay-leno-almost-takes-a-closer-look-at-the-mclaren-mp4/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jay Leno lifting the McLaren MP4-12Cs carbon fiber tub - Click the image to view the video after the jump

In this video, our favorite zillionaire car freak -- Jay Leno -- goes to the ultra-modern McLaren factory in Woking, England to look at the brand new MP4-12C. Only they don't show it to him. Well sure, they show him the ridiculously lightweight carbon fiber central tub. They show him three-dimensional CAD renderings. And finally they show him... the P11. But not the final MP4-12C.

Why not? Dunno, but we're guessing this was filmed before all the final revisions to the MP4-12C were made. What we do know is that Leno sits in the prototype P11 and gives us a pretty jet-lagged, lethargic guided tour of the interior. Though he does perk up near the end, when he begins talking about getting one for his already +5 envious collection. Have a watch, after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno (almost) takes a closer look at the McLaren MP4-12C

VIDEO: Jay Leno (almost) takes a closer look at the McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jay LenoJayLenoMcLarenMcLaren MP4-12CMcLaren P11MclarenMp4-12cMclarenP11MP4-12CP11Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[McLaren MP4-12C: First batch of details and images surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/mclaren-mp4-12c-first-batch-of-details-and-images-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/mclaren-mp4-12c-first-batch-of-details-and-images-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/mclaren-mp4-12c-first-batch-of-details-and-images-surface/#commentsFiled under: ,

McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for an image gallery

Today's a big day for McLaren. After ambitiously launching its own separate automotive division to follow in the footsteps of arch-rival Ferrari, the British race engineering firm has finally released its long-anticipated new supercar. Called the MP4-12C, it's been developed entirely in-house, and features the latest advances in automotive technology derived from the Formula 1 circuit.

Ooh, where to start? The MP4-12C is built around an extremely light and rigid carbon fiber tub. But rather than the heavier multi-piece tubs used by its competitors and predecessors, the MP4's is made from a single piece, weighing a spritely 176 pounds). The body panels are all carbon fiber and composites, making the new McLaren more expensive to build than its competitors and resulting in an expected £160,000 ($265k) price tag - higher than either the new Ferrari 458 Italia or the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, but lighter in weight, too.

Behind the tub sits a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine producing around 600 horsepower and 433 lb-ft of torque, offering what McLaren claims is the highest horsepower to CO2 ratio of any internal combustion engine on the market - gasoline, diesel or even hybrid. Contrary to earlier speculation that suggested Mercedes could continue furnishing its erstwhile partner with at least the engine blocks while producing its own SLS supercar and furnishing Pagani as well, McLaren says the unit was developed entirely in house. The bespoke mill features a flat-plane crank, dry sump and can rev up to 8,500 rpm, though 80% of the torque is said to be available from as low as 2,000 rpm. That ought to be good for a 0-60 time in the low threes and a 200+ mph top end.

While you might have expected carbon ceramic brakes to keep all that power and speed in check, McLaren says its conventional discs actually weigh less. They're aided by a Brake Steer system that brakes the inside rear wheel to combat understeer. But the real trick system is in the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, where Pre-Cog lets the driver load up the next gear by half-squeezing the paddle and then engaging with gunshot speed.

With the new MP4-12C, McLaren's betting the economy will bounce back soon. It's planning on building 1000 units in 2011, a quarter of which will go each to the domestic UK market and over here to the United States. The C designation also suggests that they're planning a roadster version to join the coupe. But for now, we'll just enjoy this first batch of images in the gallery below and peruse the lengthy press release after the jump.


Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C first shots

mclarenp112mclarenp113mclarenp114mclarenp115mclarenp116

[Source: McLaren via CAR Magazine]

Continue reading McLaren MP4-12C: First batch of details and images surface

McLaren MP4-12C: First batch of details and images surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingmclarenmclaren automotivemclaren mp4 12cmclaren mp4-12cmclaren p11MclarenAutomotiveMclarenMp4-12cMclarenMp412cMclarenP11mp4mp4 12cmp4-12cMp412cp11supercarTue, 08 Sep 2009 20:39:00 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[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[McLaren intends to build new production facility to rival Maranello]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/mclaren-announces-new-production-facility-to-rival-maranello/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/mclaren-announces-new-production-facility-to-rival-maranello/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/mclaren-announces-new-production-facility-to-rival-maranello/#commentsFiled under: , ,



First came Paragon, the terrifically high-tech McLaren Technology Center that is the corporate and production HQ for Ron Dennis' various company interests. Now, Dennis is planning a McLaren Production Center (MPC) that will engineer and build "McLaren Automotive's range of innovative high-performance sports cars from 2011."

Speaking of the need for in-house production, Ron Dennis said "It would be easy enough to consider building McLaren sports cars in existing productive and experienced foreign factories.... However, McLaren is a great British company founded over 40 years ago that should, in my view, continue to design and build our own products."

A planning permission application was submitted this week. If approved, the MPC would sit next to Paragon and employ 800 people who could churn out 20 McLaren sports cars, like the P11, each day. As with Paragon, it would is expected to be designed by the firm of Fosters+Partners and employ some of the same environmental principles, with site landscaping and building placement aimed at minimizing visual impact.

[Source: F1SA]

McLaren intends to build new production facility to rival Maranello originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manufacturingmclarenmclaren p11mclaren production centerMclarenP11MclarenProductionCentermpcp11paragonplantsukFri, 22 May 2009 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Baby McLaren to take on 911]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/18/rendered-speculation-baby-mclaren-to-take-on-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/18/rendered-speculation-baby-mclaren-to-take-on-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/18/rendered-speculation-baby-mclaren-to-take-on-911/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We've been hearing about McLaren's future product onslaught for almost a year, and in addition to the F430-rivaling P11 supercar, the bespoke automaker is planning a 911-fighter to slot in underneath it. AutoExpress tapped a design firm to render the new coupe and although it comes off as a botched attempt to replicate the Audi R8 - right down to the wheels - it could give us a glimpse of what to expect.

McLaren wants to increase its output by several thousand units over the next five years and the new "entry-level" supercar is where it expects to find the sales. In an effort to reduce costs, the mid-engine coupe will be based off the P11's rear-wheel-drive chassis, with motivation provided by AMG's 6.2-liter V8. Keeping size and weight in check are two of McLaren's primarily goals, so expect a footprint smaller than the R8, a composite body and plenty of aluminum. Early speculation says that around 450 hp will be transmitted to a semi-automatic gearbox (controlled with paddle shifters), with a curb weight of around 2,800 pounds. That should allow the new coupe to scoot to 60 in around 4.5 seconds and top out at 195 mph before you have to deploy the standard carbon ceramic brakes. Pricing is expected to be around £80,000 with sales beginning sometime before 2012. Thanks to all who tipped in.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Baby McLaren to take on 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi r8AudiR8mclarenmclaren p11MclarenP11porsche 911Porsche911Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pump up the Volume: McLaren to target 4000 sales annually]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/pump-up-the-volume-mclaren-to-target-4000-sales-annually/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/pump-up-the-volume-mclaren-to-target-4000-sales-annually/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/pump-up-the-volume-mclaren-to-target-4000-sales-annually/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the McLaren P11

With the SLR speeding out of the picture following the debut of the Stirling Moss edition speedster, the only vehicles McLaren will be producing are the handful of Formula One racers it'll need to defend its title this season. But that's about to change, as newly refocused McLaren chief Ron Dennis has revealed in an interview with London's Financial Times.

With an eye towards Ferrari, which manages to sustain its racing efforts on the back of its 60-year experience producing road cars, McLaren plans to expand its sales from it current 100 units per year up to 1000 units annually by 2011 and up to 4,000 in the long-term. However, recognizing that investing in such capacity could be a prohibitively expensive venture, Dennis hinted that production could be outsourced to an independent coachbuilder.

Gallery: McLaren P11 - spy shots


[Source: Financial Times via World Car Fans]

Pump up the Volume: McLaren to target 4000 sales annually originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dennismclarenmclaren p11MclarenP11ron dennisRonDennisTue, 10 Feb 2009 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: McLaren P11 supercar spied in the snow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/spy-shots-mclaren-p11-supercar-spied-in-the-snow/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/spy-shots-mclaren-p11-supercar-spied-in-the-snow/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/spy-shots-mclaren-p11-supercar-spied-in-the-snow/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of McLaren P11 spy shots

We brought you similar spy shots of the McLaren P11 supercar undergoing cold weather testing a few days ago, but now we have our own high-res shots to share. Though the clean sheet redesign of McLaren's Ferrari fighter is obscured by camo and cladding, the basic shape and some design elements are clearly visible. You can browse the high-res gallery below yourself and pick out what cues the P11 may be borrowing from other supercars. The car's designer, Frank Stephenson, is also rumored to be baking roadster and racing variants into the car's new design. Another thing that the P11 will borrow is its engine, which is rumored to be a version of the 6.2L V8 used by Mercedes-Benz in its high performance AMG cars. Power is expected to be in the 550-600 range, with the car's overall curb weight rumored to be less than 3,000 lbs. McLaren is nearing the end of its commitment with Mercedes for the McLaren SLR, a car that is most assuredly fast but still not allowed in the super car club. The P11 will be more like a spiritual successor to the famous F1 that still reigns as one of the greatest super cars of all time. Whether or not the P11 can fill those shoes remains to be seen, but based on these spy shots, it will most definitely look the part.

Gallery: McLaren P11 - spy shots


[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: McLaren P11 supercar spied in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frank stephensonFrankStephensonmclarenmclaren p11MclarenP11p11spy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 03 Feb 2009 12:34:00 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[Ron Dennis steps down from McLaren F1, focusing on supercars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/ron-dennis-steps-down-from-mclaren-f1-focusing-on-supercars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/ron-dennis-steps-down-from-mclaren-f1-focusing-on-supercars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/ron-dennis-steps-down-from-mclaren-f1-focusing-on-supercars/#commentsFiled under: ,



Ron Dennis, the man behind the McLaren-Mercedes F1 team, announced he'll be stepping down from his position on March 1st to concentrate on McLaren's future endeavors. Dennis made it clear during today's press conference that his departure shouldn't be perceived as retirement. On the contrary, Dennis said, "The first thing I'm going to do is work harder." And by "work harder" Dennis means he'll be focusing on the new road-going efforts of McLaren Automotive.

The new McLaren supercar - codenamed the P11 - is slated to hit roads in 2010, with power provided by a 600-hp AMG-sourced 6.2-liter V8. Three different variants will be offered, ranging from a standard road car, a convertible and a race-ready version. McLaren is also rumored to be working on two other models, including a Porsche 911-fighter expected to be priced below $100,000. In this economy, Ron has his work cut out for him.

At the end of February, Dennis will end his 28-year reign at McLaren-Mercedes and hand over the day-to-day operations to current team CEO, Martin Whitmarsh. Thanks to all who tipped in.

[Source: ITV-F1 | Image: Getty/AFP]

Ron Dennis steps down from McLaren F1, focusing on supercars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclaren mercedesmclaren p11mclaren-mercedesMclarenMercedesMclarenP11p11ron dennisRonDennisFri, 16 Jan 2009 14:32:00 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[Spy Shots: McLaren P11 already caught on the road]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/spy-shots-mclaren-p11-already-caught-on-the-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/spy-shots-mclaren-p11-already-caught-on-the-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/spy-shots-mclaren-p11-already-caught-on-the-road/#commentsFiled under: ,

Earlier today we told you the latest news on McLaren's upcoming "F1 Jr." P11 project. We even showed you a glimpse of what is believed to be a styling buck for the new F430/Gallardo fighter. Expected to show up in production trim about 18 months from now, the P11 will certainly be a tough secret for McLaren to keep. The P11 is one of the most highly anticipated sequels in automotive history, so it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that spy shots of running prototypes have already surfaced. This time it's Auto Express publishing a few pics of the car in the wild. Heavily camo'd, the car was spotted near the McLaren F1 shop in Woking, Surrey. Even in disguise you can see that the car looks like it will be as trim as we hoped it would be. Expected stats include a 6.2L AMG V8 possibly turbocharged to 500 hp, 1,100-kg curb weight, 0-60 in under four seconds and a top end of 200+ mph. AE also thinks pricing should fall into the £150,000-£200,000 range.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: McLaren P11 already caught on the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren p11MclarenP11p11p11 spy picsp11 spy shotsP11SpyPicsP11SpyShotsspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsMon, 13 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[CAR reveals spy shots of McLaren P11 supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/car-reveals-spy-shots-of-mclaren-p11-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/car-reveals-spy-shots-of-mclaren-p11-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/car-reveals-spy-shots-of-mclaren-p11-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

UK-based CAR magazine teased over the weekend that super secret photos of a mystery car would be published on its website today, and that car has turned out to be the McLaren P11. While P11 is just a code name, the actual car and its real name are still around 18 months away. CAR's photos show a styling buck of the new McLaren, which is said to be a volume supercar to compete with the likes of the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430. Recent job listings for McLaren suggest that its body will be made of lightweight composites and the engine will likely be sourced from the company's most visible partner, Mercedes-Benz. Expect a version of Merc's 6.2L V8, possibly turbocharged, to produce upwards of 500 bhp behind the P11's seats. Ex-Fiat designer design chief Frank Stephenson is leading the styling charge for the P11, or will be any day now, and as you can see, it mixes a little Ferrari with some Lotus and throws in a dash of McLaren F1 for the sake of continuity. A 200+mph top speed and sub-4-second trip to 60 are likely performance targets for McLaren's new baby, which could be produced in relatively large numbers for such a small company, around 5,000 units per year or so. Click the source below to check out all three pics of the McLaren P11.

[Source: CAR]

CAR reveals spy shots of McLaren P11 supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Although McLaren's next supercar is expected to be very different from the SLR, the company made in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz, one element will carry over: derivatives. It's one thing that the SLR cannot seem to let go of, breeding six different versions so far, and the upcoming P11 supercar is anticipated to breed at least a couple of versions of its own.

Predictably, the first will likely be a convertible. If Frank Stephenson designs the P11 with a drop-top variant in mind from the start, both models should benefit structurally. The second is anticipated to be a racing version, and although the original McLaren F1 begat a highly successful GTR version (and subsequently re-road-ized LM model), the SLR never went racing despite breeding a track-oriented 722 GT version. A racing-spec McLaren P11 (or whatever name it is eventually given) could prove highly successful in a sportscar racing series, however, it would likely be offered as a customer car instead of a factory works team so as not to distract McLaren from its never-ending pursuit of the Formula One championship, which it is leading now but incredibly it has not won since 1999.

[Source: Autocar]

Deviants: Roadster, racing versions of McLaren P11 to follow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren derivativesmclaren f2mclaren p11mclaren variantsMclarenDerivativesMclarenF2MclarenP11MclarenVariantsMon, 01 Sep 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[McLaren P11 supercar goes back to the drawing board... in two months]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/mclaren-p11-supercar-goes-back-to-the-drawing-board-in-two-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/mclaren-p11-supercar-goes-back-to-the-drawing-board-in-two-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/mclaren-p11-supercar-goes-back-to-the-drawing-board-in-two-mo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The McLaren P11 will still be powered by a 6.2-liter Mercedes AMG unit, but nobody knows yet what the car that goes around the engine is going to look like. Frank Stephenson, recently of Fiat fame, has been given instructions to completely redesign the car when he starts at McLaren. However, he can't take up the position at McLaren until he finishes his "gardening leave," a mandatory vacation between sensitive jobs that aims to prevent employees from taking their inside knowledge with them.

McLaren says that the car won't look anything like the sketches that made the rounds last year. That's not such a bad thing -- while a good looking car, the sketches were uninspiring and a bit derivative. We expect that the man who has had a hand in everything from the BMW X5 and MINI to the Ferrari F430, Maserati Quattroporte and MC12 probably has a few good ideas left lying around. Unfortunately, the arrival of the P11 has been pushed back a year due to the redesign, to probably mid-to-late 2010.

[Source: Autocar]

McLaren P11 supercar goes back to the drawing board... in two months originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupecoupesfrank stephensonFrankStephensonmclarenmclaren p11MclarenP11p11supercarsupercarsWed, 27 Aug 2008 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Dissolution of Mercedes-McLaren partnership confirmed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/dissolution-of-mercedes-mclaren-partnership-confirmed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/dissolution-of-mercedes-mclaren-partnership-confirmed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/dissolution-of-mercedes-mclaren-partnership-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click for hi-res gallery of the Mercedes SLR McLaren

It's hard not to follow a story like the veritable fleet of new supercars set to follow the controversial Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The supercar came out of the partnership between Benz and McLaren in Formula One, but while the racing cars have been highly competitive, the SLR has been less so. As a result, Mercedes and McLaren are going their own separate ways for the next generation of high-performance exotica.

Mercedes, with in-house rodders AMG and its racing spin-off, HWA, is preparing two new models to succeed the SLR: the SL65 AMG Black Series (which has been spied many times over) and the SLC (which we've seen disguised in Dodge Viper bodywork). McLaren, meanwhile, is anticipated to produce the new P11 mid-engined supercar on its own, without Mercedes input. The dissolution of the car-producing enterprise between the two powerhouses is not expected to affect their joint grand prix racing program.

The last iteration of the SLR - following the original coupe, the Roadster and the 722 - will be a limited-production lightweight speedster, on which we recently reported. Despite all its available variants, Mercedes has sold fewer than 1600 examples of the SLR to date.

Gallery: 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition


[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

Dissolution of Mercedes-McLaren partnership confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With the mostly unloved Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren set to get the official axe in 2009, the path is clear for the next McLaren-branded supercar to be unveiled. Expected to be built at its facility in Woking, England, McLaren has plans for the as-yet-unnamed vehicle to compete with Ferrari's incredible F430. Rumored to be powered by a 550-horsepower V8 engine featuring a basic design snagged from Mercedes and built by Mahle (that of the former Cosworth tuning fame), the power-to-weight ratio should handily outdo that of the Prancing Horse. Shortly after the new coupe codenamed P11 is unveiled, a convertible version is also expected.

True hardcore McLaren enthusiasts should mark 2012 as the year that McLaren returns to form with a proper replacement for its awe-inspiring F1 of a few years back. Powered by a lightweight version of the P11 architecture, this car codenamed the P12 is expected to be powered by a V10 engine with over 600 horsepower. The waiting list will likely start right... about... now.

[Source: Autocar]

New McLaren supercar expected for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 May 2008 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari may have kicked off the era of the modern supercar with the F40, but McLaren took the concept to a whole new level with the F1. Letting a legendary Formula One designer like Gordon Murray have essentially free reign brought forth a 241 mph, three-seat masterpiece of which fewer than 100 were ultimately built. Others challenged the F1s throne, and the Bugatti Veyron eventually overtook its performance marks, but there is still nothing quite like Murray's original triumph.

McLaren has apparently decided that the time is right to create a successor. They are hard at work on a lightweight two-seater powered by a V8 engine under the name P11. That's one less seat and four fewer cylinders than its forebear, but modern engine tech should be able to render something even faster. British magazine CAR has details of the new supercar that's expected to launch in 2010 in their November print issue.

[Source: CAR]

McLaren working on a successor to the mighty F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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