Autoblog

McLaren announces first six U.S. dealers for the MP4-12C

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:14:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising

McLaren dealer rendering - Click above for high-res image gallery

Six weeks after announcing the first 35 cities that would get dealers to sell the MP4-12C, McLaren Automotive has now released the names of the first six North American retailers. The first franchises are going to the Auto Gallery in Beverly Hills, CA, Park Place in Dallas, TX, Miller Motorcars in Greenwich, CT, Price Family Dealerships in San Francisco, CA, Lake Forest Sportscars of Chicago, IL and Dew Luxury Motor Cars in Tampa Bay, FL. In the coming months, McLaren also plans to assign dealers in Miami, Orange County, Philadelphia and Toronto.

McLaren expects to start deliveries of the MP4-12C about a year from now with a price tag starting at between $225,000 and $250,000. The company plans initial production volumes of 1,000 cars a year with volumes rising to 4,000 a year as it adds new models.

Despite the impressive specification of the 12C and McLaren's obvious pedigree, it will be interesting to see how well the company fares in the market, especially if the economy doesn't pick up significantly. Unlike Tesla which has struggled to find buyers beyond the early adopters, McLaren has a car that doesn't demand the same significant compromises as an EV and the company already knows how to build cars after doing the F1 and the Mercedes-Benz SLR. Time will tell and we look forward to how it will play out.

Gallery: McLaren Automotive dealer renderings

[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading McLaren announces first six U.S. dealers for the MP4-12C

McLaren announces first six U.S. dealers for the MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: McLaren to launch 2+2 version of MP4-12C supercar?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance

McLaren MP4-12C (above) and McLaren F1 (top) - Click above for high-res image gallery

The McLaren MP4-12C has barely hit the market yet, and already reports are surfacing of new variants. Last year we were already seeing reports of a convertible version in the works. Then reports of a potential privateer racing model trickled out a few months later. Now, word from across the pond is that McLaren Automotive is planning on squeezing an extra couple of seats into the MP4-12C to make it a proper 2+2.

With an enlarged cabin, the 2+2 would be the first four-seater to roll out of Woking - most of their chassis, after all, are single-seaters - but it wouldn't be the first McLaren with more than two seats: The famous McLaren F1 supercar featured a unique 1+2 configuration with a central driving position, a setup McLaren abandoned for the MP4. With the 2+2 version, it looks like at least one of your dates will have to sit in the back. Good luck smoothing that one over there, slick.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

[Source: Auto Bild - translated]

Report: McLaren to launch 2+2 version of MP4-12C supercar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McLaren Automotive celebrates 20 years of the pulse-quickening F1 supercar

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Racing

McLaren F1 20th anniversary - Click above for high-res image gallery

When you think about all of the truly iconic supercars that have been produced throughout history, not many carry the same mystique and world-renowned praise as the McLaren F1. Exactly 20 years ago, a team of engineers and designers came together in an attempt to build the automaker's vision of "the finest sports car the world had ever seen." And even though the official F1 road car was not launched until May 1992, McLaren is celebrating 2010 as the 20th anniversary of the F1 project. After all, this car changed how the world thought about lightness, packaging and supercar design.

Over the course of four years, McLaren produced 64 F1, five F1 LM and three F1 GT road cars, along with 28 F1 GTR racers and six test prototypes. At the end of its lifespan in 1998, the F1 became the world's fastest production car, and while that title is now reserved for the almighty Bugatti Veyron, the McLaren still holds the record for fastest naturally aspirated road car. (Tricky, tricky!) Beyond that, the F1 garnered a healthy amount of respect for dominating Le Mans - these cars took first, third, fourth, fifth and thirteenth place at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as winning that year's GT1 championship.

McLaren Automotive celebrated the F1's 20th anniversary by inviting owners, past and present, to a dinner at the automaker's technology center in Woking, England, which included a display of 21 road and race F1s. Looking to the future, McLaren will begin production of the MP4-12C supercar, followed by an entire range of performance cars, all built in-house. Will any of these new creations be able to hold a candle to the iconic F1? Only time will tell, but for now, we raise our glass to the original McLaren F1. Three cheers, indeed.

Follow the jump to read more about the F1 and the 20th anniversary celebration in McLaren's press release.

Gallery: McLaren F1 20th Anniversary

[Source: McLaren Automotive]

Continue reading McLaren Automotive celebrates 20 years of the pulse-quickening F1 supercar

McLaren Automotive celebrates 20 years of the pulse-quickening F1 supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McLaren Automotive names first 35 cities to get dealers

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 21 May 2010 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising

McLaren dealer rendering - Click above for high-res image gallery

McLaren Automotive has announced the 35 cities where the MP4-12C will be available when it goes on sale next year. Dealers in the 19 countries on the list are still being evaluated and at least 23 of them will be named by McLaren prior to the public debut of the new sports car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

There are few surprises on the list of cities, with all of the usual suspects being represented including Paris, London, Los Angeles and Tokyo. As you'd expect, the Middle East is over represented with seven locations, including two in Saudi Arabia. The UK isn't left of the mix with one dealer each in Manchester and Birmingham, while those of us in the States will have to check out McLaren's newest supercar in Tampa, Florida. Over 500 dealers have applied for the first 35 outlets and McLaren expects some expansion in 2012. Of course, that's all dependent on demand, but with 2,500 prospects expressing interest in buying an MP4-12C so far, there could be a McLaren boom in the making.

Gallery: McLaren Automotive dealer renderings

[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading McLaren Automotive names first 35 cities to get dealers

McLaren Automotive names first 35 cities to get dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McLaren announces comprehensive restructuring, management changes

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, MISC

Fiat and Ferrari aren't the only ones undergoing a comprehensive restructuring as longtime rival (both on and off the track) McLaren has announced a major reorganization of its operations and several management changes.

The biggest shift for McLaren is the split between McLaren Automotive (which will produce the new MP4-12C supercar) and the McLaren Group (which operates the racing team). The roadcar unit is being split off into its own operation, based out of the McLaren Production Centre, which shares its grounds with the McLaren Technology Centre next door.

The two companies will now report to two separate boards, which will in turn be accountable to separate shareholders. But to keep things sufficiently confusing for the rest of us, most of the key players - including executive chairman Ron Dennis, team principal Martin Whitmarsh, CFO Andy Myers, incoming legal counsel Tim Mumane and shareholders Mansour Ojjeh and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Essa al-Khalifa - will continue to serve on the boards for both companies. Richard Lapthorne, who was until now serving as non-executive chairman of the single unit before the split, will be leaving the company. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading McLaren announces comprehensive restructuring, management changes

McLaren announces comprehensive restructuring, management changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McLaren MP4-12C configurator goes online

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Luxury

McLaren MP4-12C configurator - Click above for high-res image gallery. Follow the jump for video

McLaren has pressed the "Start" button on another Internet time waster: its MP4-12C configurator is online and waiting to drain your imaginary Luxembourg account. There are 17 exterior colors, lots of carbon fiber bits, special brake calipers and tires, and a selection of varied cockpit mix-n-match options from which to choose.

McLaren F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button have already configured theirs, but of of course we prefer the Autoblog option. As if you needed more info, there's a press release after the jump as well as a video and pics below. When you're finished with all of that, you know what to do, work be damned.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C configurator

[Source: McLaren Automotive]

Continue reading McLaren MP4-12C configurator goes online

McLaren MP4-12C configurator goes online originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray shares his thoughts on the McLaren MP4-12C

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance

McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for high-res image gallery

Gordon Murray is perhaps the most innovative automotive engineer of the last several decades. He's never been afraid to try out offbeat ideas and more often then not, they've worked exceptionally well. Long before the Ariel Atom, Murray created the Rocket, built by the Light Car Company.

Murray's greatest creation, of course, was the McLaren F1. As with the Rocket and the T25 city car that he's currently working on, low mass was (and continues to be) a defining principle.

Following the official launch of McLaren Automotive and the MP4-12C a few days ago, Murray discussed the new car with AutoExpress. He's glad to see that in spite of recent trends toward heavier cars, McLaren was able to keep mass comparatively low on its new car. The MP4-12C is several hundred pounds heavier than the legendary F1, but it also contains a lot of safety equipment that wasn't in use when the earlier car was built.

Murray is also happy to see that McLaren employed some of the concepts that he worked on before he left the company, such as the carbon-fiber monocoque that was planned for a follow-up to the Mercedes-Benz SLR.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

[Source: AutoExpress]

Gordon Murray shares his thoughts on the McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Shots: McLaren MP4-12C takes the stage at company unveiling

John Neff — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, UK

McLaren MP4-12C at company unveiling - Click above for high-res image gallery

Early this morning, at least in the U.S., McLaren Automotive had a coming out party in its home town of Woking, England. We were there in person and witnessed the unveiling of not only a new sports car company, McLaren Automotive, but also its flagship product: The MP4-12C. This will be the first of an entire range of new McLaren sports cars, and the company best know for its exploits on the F1 race circuit appears to have built a doozy of a supercar to kick things off.

McLaren F1 drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton were on hand at McLaren's technology center to pull back the sheet on the MP4-12C. The rear-wheel-drive supercar features a mid-mounted 3.8-liter V8 producing 600 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque with an 8,000-rpm redline. Comparisons with the legendary McLaren F1 will no doubt be made, but no performance numbers are available for the MP4-12C yet and, we suspect, their missions in life are not exactly the same. The MP4-12C appears to be a supercar you could live with on a daily basis, more like a Gallardo than a Murciélago (though we suspect it might leave both in the dust).

Since we were there, we also meandered about McLaren's facilities and captured stills of a bare MP4-12C chassis, rolling bodies on the assembly line, the XP11 prototype that was used for testing and various historical McLaren automobiles that were hanging out in the lobby. Check out the virtual tour of today's big event in the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C At Company Unveiling

Live Shots: McLaren MP4-12C takes the stage at company unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McLaren Automotive officially launches itself and MP4-12C supercar [w/video]

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, UK

McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for high-res image gallery

At a press conference held at its technology center in the UK this morning, McLaren Automotive officially launched itself into existence as a real, honest-to-goodness automaker. McLaren Automotive chairman Ron Dennis introduced the new MP4-12C by reminding the audience that since McLaren entered Formula One competition in 1966, the team has won 25 percent of all the races that have taken place. McLaren created the first carbon fiber chassis F1 car in 1981 and the first series production road car with a carbon chassis. The now-departed Mercedes-McLaren SLR was the highest-selling carbon fiber chassis road car ever (so far).

The MP4-12C is the next chapter in the story. Dennis emphasized that the MP4-12C and future McLaren products will be engineered, manufactured and most importantly exported from the UK. Dennis repeatedly used the word passion when discussing what McLaren wanted to achieve. Anthony Sheriff, Managing Director of McLaren Automotive discussed the car in more detail. When the program started five years ago, McLaren decided that it needed to be better than its competitors in Italy and Germany. If a customer wanted a car as good as a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche, they could just buy one of those cars.

Continue reading after the jump and stay tuned for live images of the MP4-12C from McLaren's press conference.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading McLaren Automotive officially launches itself and MP4-12C supercar [w/video]

McLaren Automotive officially launches itself and MP4-12C supercar [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: McLaren MP4-12C being tested in Spain

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance

McLaren MP4-12C undergoing testing - Click the image above to view the video after the jump

As McLaren Automotive moves toward production launch of its new MP4-12C next year, the workload for the engineers is intensifying to make sure everything functions as it should. Since England isn't always the most pleasant place to do high speed testing this time of year, the latest batch of prototypes have been shipped south to Spain for more work.

The so-called XP Beta cars have dispensed with the black and white camo and are now clad simply in flat black vinyl. If the production twin-turbo V8 sounds anything like it does in the video the new McLaren will have one of the best notes on the road. The beta cars feature updated engines, gear ratios, cooling and electrical systems.

These test vehicles are integration prototypes intended to make sure all systems function properly together. Some of the test units are running high-speed durability test 24 hours a day with a team of two dozen engineers watching over them. One of the goals is to make sure that the MP4-12C remains stable at its maximum speed, something not all supercars manage to achieve. We can't wait to try it out for ourselve, but before that happens check out the video after the jump.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C first shots

[Source: McLaren Automotive]

Continue reading Video: McLaren MP4-12C being tested in Spain

Video: McLaren MP4-12C being tested in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Along Came a Spyder: McLaren MP4-12C production plans include retractable hardtop?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, UK, Rumormill

McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for high-res image gallery

Reports emerging from the UK are giving us a hint at what to expect in the near future from McLaren Automotive in its bid to make an assault on the exotic supercar market. The reports stem from plans filed by the F1 team's nascent road car division and its new manufacturing facility next to the current McLaren Technology Center in Woking, England.

According to Autocar, part of the layout for the new facility has been dedicated to "RHT Sub Assembly", indicating that McLaren could be preparing to produce a retractable hardtop version of the new MP4-12C. While the notion of fitting a lightweight supercar with a heavy folding roof mechanism may seem antithetical to its ethos, Ferrari made huge advances with the roof on the California, and McLaren will be looking to show up its chief rival. Insiders suggest the McLaren's folding roof could be made of either aluminum alloy or possibly carbon fiber.

The overall timeline for production, however, suggests that McLaren may have to begin producing the MP4 where the outgoing SLR has been assembled in its current facility. McLaren has ambitious plans for a new factory adjacent to its existing headquarters, but with delivery of the first new supercars scheduled for November, the new underground facility isn't likely to be ready in time.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

[Source: Autocar]

Along Came a Spyder: McLaren MP4-12C production plans include retractable hardtop? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MP4-12C - Coming to America: McLaren Automotive sets up North American distribution

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising

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

How many low-production exotic supercars have we had to gaze at longingly from across the ocean? The prohibitively high cost of homologation for the U.S. market has kept more than a few niche automakers away. Even the mighty McLaren F1 had to be brought in through loopholes, with considerable delays, costs and modifications. But the new McLaren MP4-12C won't follow the same path, as the racing outfit's nascent road car division has revealed its strategy for worldwide distribution, and North America is figuring large in its plans.

The company has just announced the appointment of regional managers for both North America and Europe as well as the Middle East and Africa, taking its worldwide distribution by the horns. McLaren North America will be based in the New York area and will be headed by one Anthony Joseph, a former regional manager for Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati, whose first task will be the establishment of ten dealer franchises in the United States and Canada. Of course, McLaren first needs to begin production of the MP4-12C, its initial new offering, with sales projected to begin in the spring of 2011. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading MP4-12C - Coming to America: McLaren Automotive sets up North American distribution

MP4-12C - Coming to America: McLaren Automotive sets up North American distribution originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ron Dennis on the new McLaren MP4-12C

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos

Ron Dennis on the McLaren MP4-12C - Click above to watch video after the jump

It's not hard to see who McLaren has in its sights with the new MP4-12C. The supercar was launched only shortly after - and is positioned only slightly higher - than Ferrari's brand-new 458 Italia. And while other automakers have delved into F1, only two current F1 teams have delved into building road-going supercars.

Though it's one thing to surmise such things, it's quite another to hear it explicitly coming from the mouth of the company's chairman. While the outfit might not bear his name, it might as well, because Ron Dennis is, for all intents and purposes, a modern day Enzo Ferrari. Follow the jump to see what he has to say about the new company with twenty years' experience and their first new product.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ron Dennis on the new McLaren MP4-12C

VIDEO: Ron Dennis on the new McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: McLaren MP4-12C is ready for its close up

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, MISC

McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for high-res image gallery

For those who've been anxiously awaiting the replacement of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, last night was a very big night indeed. Not only did the new Mercedes SLS AMG leak out, but McLaren itself released full details of its new MP4-12C. We ran the info as soon as we could gather it along with an initial batch of images, and now we're back with more for your viewing and desktop-plastering pleasure.

The design of McLaren's new supercar - its first independent road-car project since the legendary McLaren F1 - comes from the hand of one Frank Stephenson, the multi-national, American-educated designer responsible for the reborn Mini, BMW X5, Fiat 500 and countless Maseratis and Ferraris. His design of the MP4-12C is dominated by McLaren's tick logo, which figures large in the air vents all around the car as well as the LED lights. The shape is otherwise clean and streamlined, aided by the use of adaptive aerodynamics. The interior is accessed via signature McLaren forward-upward hinged doors, and though lamentably without the 1+2 configuration made famous by its precursor, envelops the driver and passenger in thin, molded bucket seats. The dashboard is dominated by a 7-inch multimedia display, and the Pre-Cog gear system is operated via paddles mounted on a rocker, allowing up and downshifts to be affected from either side, just like in McLaren's championship-winning grand prix cars. Check it all out in the high-resolution image gallery below, and stay tuned for video footage to follow shortly.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

[Source: McLaren]

Pics Aplenty: McLaren MP4-12C is ready for its close up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:39:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, MISC

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

[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.

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