Come 9/9/9 McLaren Automotive will unveil one of the most anticipated supercars of the year, the MP4-12C.
Previously known by its codename P11, the car will go on sale in 2011 and will be a successor to the McLaren F1 supercar. This car will compete with the likes of the Porsche Turbo, Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Murcielago.
Thanks to its Formula 1 association the car will have state of the art technology. The MP4-12C will have a carbon-fiber body structure, it will also incorporate technology known as a “brake steering” system. It will allow the driver to brake either rear wheels via a selectable second brake pedal resulting in reduced wheelspin and the elimination of under-steer.
The power will come from a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V8 petrol engine and accessed through a 7-speed gearbox which will reportedly pump out 600 to 700bhp with a top speed of 200mph+. The state of the art technology in the MP4-12C will incorporate a wi-fi connection, an onboard computer and self-adjusting suspension.
CEO Ron Dennis stated “expect to see a total of three models over the next six years, culminating in annual sales of about 4,000”.
Of the three upcoming cars the MP4-12C is the midsized one, said to have a future price tag of £150,000 (US$246,000). A 911 rival will launch for about £60,000 (US$98,400) and a Lamborghini Murcielago competitor will round out the initial lineup.
