Gautam Sharma•1 Aug 2013
NEWS
SPY PICS: McLaren P13 prototype
Don't be fooled, this 12C Spyder-based test mule is packing hardware that's destined for the new entry-level P13McLaren is on the verge of gradually fleshing out its model range, with the existing MP4-12C and 12C Spyder set to be joined over the coming months by the high-tech P1 flagship.
Also waiting in the wings is an additional model (known for now as the P13) that will slot in below the 12C as the new entry-level offering for the McLaren range.
Although the accompanying Automedia images reveal what appears to be a taped-up 12C, the car in question is in fact a test mule for components being developed for the P13.
The new entry model is expected to maximise economies of scale by using the same carbonfibre MonoCell as the 12C and P1, which offers the twin benefits of light weight and high levels of torsional rigidity.
Further cost savings are likely to stem from the fact the P13 will use a detuned derivative of the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 that features in both its siblings.
The current MP4-12C generates 460kW, so it's possible the P13’s quota will be pegged around the 380kW mark to leave enough breathing space between it and its big brother, while putting it on par with likes of the latest Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 V10.
Dimensionally, it’s believed the P13 will be slightly smaller than the 12C, with its styling expected to draw on some of the cues pioneered by the radical-looking P1.
We’ll still have to wait a while to see the finished article, as the P13 isn’t expected to surface until the 2014 Paris motor show or the 2015 Geneva motor show. Sales of the vehicle will commence in 2015.
Once production is up to speed, the P13 will be the volume seller of the McLaren range, accounting for up to 2500 annual sales out of the 4000-unit forecast for the brand that company boss Ron Dennis had chalked out.
All three model ranges (12C, P1 and P13) will be able to be built on the same production line at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Tags
MCLAREN
MP4-12C
Car News
Performance Cars
Prestige Cars
Spy Pics
Written byGautam Sharma
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
Related articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Scan to download the carsales app
Want more info? Here’s our app landing page
App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo
are trademarks of Google LLC.