Ron Dennis primed for McLaren P11 launch

McLaren-Mercedes frontman Ron Dennis last week announced his intention to relinquish the role of team principal to long-standing deputy Martin Whitmarsh -- a move the former claims was prompted by the growing needs of the company's road-car business.

McLaren previously had a crack at the road-car genre with its celebrated Gordon Murray-designed F1 (pictured) -- of which 106 examples were produced from 1992-98) -- and the British concern subsequently teamed up with Mercedes-Benz to create the SLR (due to cease production this year).

The Woking-based company's next-generation supercar is codenamed P11, and prototypes of the sportster began testing in mid-2008.

Precise information about the P11 isn't as yet to hand, but company insiders have suggested the car will be positioned as a rival to the circa-$400k Ferrari F430.

As per its iconic F1 ancestor (which weighed a waif-like 1140kg), the P11 will reportedly be significantly lighter and more compact than its opposition, which suggests it may succeed in recapturing the less-is-more brilliance of Gordon Murray's 1990s masterpiece.

According to Euro sources, motive power for the P11 will come from a Mercedes-derived 400kW V8 engine built by Germany's Mahle, which bought out UK engine builder Cosworth in 2005.

The P11 is expected to be unveiled later this year, and it's believed the first versions will roll into European showrooms in the first quarter of 2010. The initial coupe model will be followed in due course by roadster and ultra-high-po variants.

Given the timeframe for the project, it appears an appropriate juncture for the hardnosed Dennis to turn his attention to the customer-focused side of the business.

"This group has to grow," Dennis said. "And that means having someone firmly at the helm during this difficult period for all companies. This is 100 per cent my decision, and the time is right."

The victory of his protégé Lewis Hamilton in the 2008 F1 world championship may have made his decision easier, particularly in the wake of the Stepneygate scandal and defeat-from-the-jaws-of-victory manoeuvre that marred McLaren's 2007 campaign.

"Last year's result made the decision easier," Dennis conceded. "But it wasn't the catalyst. It is just what I think is right for the company and its shareholders."

Dennis says he will still attend a few F1 races this year, but his long-serving right-hand man Whitmarsh will make all final decisions over a race weekend.