McLaren P11

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Automedia

30th January 2009

Here are the pictures that prove McLaren's new supercar is almost showroom ready. Spied undergoing winter testing in Sweden, the stunning machine is entering one of the final phases in its development ahead of a projected unveiling in Spring this year.

Following in the wheeltracks of the original F1 road car and replacing the joint venture McLaren-Mercedes SLR, the new model will target rivals such as Ferrari's F430 and Lamborghini's Gallardo with a price tag of between £150,000 and £200,000. 

Codenamed P11, Auto Express was the first to spy the newcomer when we caught it testing outside McLaren's factory in Surrey. As you can see, this latest prototype is slightly different to the original shakedown mule we spied in Woking, wearing re-profiled panels at the rear and a longer nose to disguise the real look.

Although it's heavily-camouflaged, you can still make out the distinctive profile and compact proportions of the mid-engined machine, which draws much of its inspiration from the original McLaren F1. Power is rumoured to come from a Mercedes AMG-tuned 550bhp 6.2-litre V8, hooked up to a semi-automatic paddleshift gearbox.

Lightweight composite body panels will keep weight down to around 1,250kg, ensuring the P11 will boast awesome performance. Although it's thought that the newcomer will be unveiled later this year, sales won't start until 2010. 

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