Gautam Sharma•10 Sept 2012
NEWS
McLaren teases upcoming hypercar
Formula One-steeped supercar manufacturer provides the first glimpse of its rumoured F1 successorMcLaren recently unveiled the second model in its range via the MP4-12C Spider, but the British sportscar specialist has something far more dramatic in store for this month’s Paris motor show.
The abstract rendering alongside is believed to depict a modern-day successor to the hallowed 1990s F1, which shattered every conceivable supercar performance benchmark in its era.
The company is for now playing its cards extremely close to its chest, with its brief PR blurb announcing: “The next exciting chapter of the brand will begin in Paris later this month. The stage is set and the story will unfold over the coming weeks.”
Clearly the aim is to milk every last drop of publicity in the lead-up to the Paris show, with a drip-feed campaign via McLaren’s facebook and twitter accounts dispensing titbits of information over the coming weeks. The teaser pic doesn’t give away too much, but it appears the new model retains the flowing lines of the MP4-12C, although it’s likely to be much more dramatic and aggressive in execution.
Several rumours relating to its powertrain are currently circulating, with some sources suggesting it will pack a V10 engine, while others speculate it will be propelled by an 800bhp (597kW) version of the 12C’s twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8, further boosted by a 150kW KERS system.
UK’s Autocar magazine suggests testing of the car has taken place in Bahrain, Spain and Germany, and the publication estimates pricing will be around the £1 million ($1.5 million) mark, which would put it in Bugatti Veyron territory. A production run of 500 units is planned.
As per the MP4-12C, the new model will be based on an ultra-light carbonfibre monocell underpinned by aluminium pushrod suspension with hydraulic anti-roll control, adaptive dampers and a five-stage traction control system, according to Autocar. Stopping power will reportedly come from Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with brake steer and electronic brake force functions, and there will also be a system that will enable the ABS to be deactivated on race circuits.
McLaren insiders quoted by Autocar have described the styling as “bigger, angrier and more functional looking” than the MP4-12C, and its efficiency through the air will reportedly benefit from active aerodynamics.
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Written byGautam Sharma
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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