McLaren P12: a Veyron rival

McLaren's extensive model rollout over the coming years continues apace, with new details now emerging on the spiritual successor to the legendary 1990s F1 supercar.

Codenamed P12, the new range-topper is expected to gain an elaborate alphanumeric model name (as per the existing MP4-12C).

UK’s Car magazine has quoted a company insider as saying the P12 looks “like something out of iRobot”, in contrast to the slightly more mainstream lines of the MP4-12C.

According to the British publication, the P12’s profile is distinguished by a canopy-style greenhouse with a Zagato-esque double-bubble roof.

As per its lesser sibling, the flagship McLaren features carbonfibre-intensive construction and uses pushrod suspension similar to the type seen in the new Lamborghini Aventador.

Adaptive dampers, hydraulic anti-roll control and an advanced traction control system will also be part of the package, reports Car.

However, those expecting a big-displacement V8 may be mildly disappointed to learn the P12 will be powered by same twin-turbo 3.8-litre unit as the 12C, albeit boosted by a KERS energy storage system that will reportedly put 800bhp (597kW) at the behest of the driver.

According to Car, this power output will enable the ‘Mega-Mac’ to leap from standstill to 60mph (96km/h) in Bugatti Veyron-rivalling 2.8sec, while 100mph (160km/h) is expected to flash past in 5.5sec. Perhaps even more eye-opening is a predicted 0-200mph (0-320km/h) sprint in 20sec.

The P12 will be no less rare than the Veyron, as McLaren is expected to produce just 500 examples over a four-year model cycle, with pricing expected to start around the $1.5m mark.

Car magazine suggests a concept version of the P12 will surface later this year, with the showroom reality due to debut in 2014.

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