McLaren supercar revealed
One of the most eagerly awaited new cars of 2010 broke cover in Issue 1,107… and it didn’t disappoint!
McLaren unveiled the first of what’s expected to be a range of roadgoing supercars – and gave it the clumsy-sounding name of MP4-12C.
On hand to pull the cover from the 200mph mid-engined dream machine were the British firm’s consecutive Formula One world champions, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.
The car aims to challenge the best from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin. McLaren has pedigree – the legendary Nineties F1 was the world’s fastest production car at the time, while the Mercedes SLR McLaren – sold from 2003-2009 – was a stunning example of automotive design and engineering.
The MP4-12C features a revolutionary one-piece carbon fibre chassis called a ‘monocell’. It’s the first of its kind, and McLaren believes it will help the car set new standards in performance, handling and ride – plus safety and economy.
Power comes from a 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, producing close to 600bhp. It’s linked to a seven-speed ‘seamless shift’ dual-clutch box, and gearchanges are carried out via paddles that pivot at the centre of the steering wheel hub.
The set-up should propel the car from 0-124mph in less than 10 seconds. McLaren hopes to sell around 1,000 models a year worldwide via its brand new retail network.
