New-age McLaren F1 just two years away

McLaren will roll out a successor to its hallowed 1990s F1 supercar (pictured) in 2012 -- two years ahead of the original plan -- according to UK's respected Autocar magazine.

Contrary to the perception that McLaren would for now focus solely on launching the Ferrari 458-rivalling MP4-12C and getting its global dealer network up and running, McLaren insiders told Autocar the firm is working feverishly on a modern-day F1.

According the publication, it will be a "revolutionary hypercar and one which will be instantly recognisable as such."

The F1 will allegedly be the result of a development programme that's the "speediest the industry has yet seen" and it will be similar in theme (ie mid-engined and built around a carbonfibre monocoque) to the MP4-12C.

Despite its state-of-the-art ingredients, Autocar's sources have indicated the new hypercar will bear some similarities to the original F1, although whether it will also feature a central driver's seat isn't yet known.

As with the 1990s F1 (which tipped the scales at less than 1150kg), much emphasis is being placed on keeping weight to a minimum and "the new F1 is expected to pioneer many new solutions in this field".

Autocar reports the newcomer will feature "novel wheel and lighting designs, both contributing much to its distinctive look".

The car's pioneering features may extend to a cutting-edge, low-emission powertrain and "standard-setting suspension".

The price of the flagship model is likely to be substantially more than the 12C, says Autocar, but it will allegedly be a higher-volume proposition than the original F1, of which just 106 examples were built from 1992 to 1998.

Meanwhile, the soon-to-be-launched MP4-12C recently made its 'competitive' debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with F1 aces Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button piloting a McLaren Orange Validation Prototype (VP) 12C to pole position in every Supercar Run (check out the video at Carsales TV) up the famous Goodwood Hill.

McLaren also used the occasion to display a 12C rolling chassis showcasing the car's hydraulic suspension, carbon Monocell backbone, compact 3.8-litre twin-turbo engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

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