The P11 is tipped to look like this with added features. Photo / Supplied
The P11 is tipped to look like this with added features. Photo / Supplied
McLaren's first home-grown supercar since the legendary F1 will not only set new performance standards, but will be the most eco-friendly in its class.
That's what the McLaren company is saying about its new P11 two-door and rival to the Ferrari F430.
Although no official images of the P11 weremade available at the unveiling in Britain, the P11 looks almost identical to the car shown here, adding a number of louvres to the front and rear bumpers, a pop-up rear wing and projector-style headlights.
Going on sale in 2011, the P11 will cost around 150,000 ($390,000) in Britain and boast technology from the company's Formula One cars, including the latest lightweight carbon-fibre materials. It will be the first model to come from a new independent company, called McLaren Automotive, headed by Ron Dennis, who has stepped down as team boss of McLaren's Formula One operation.
Dennis said the P11 would be "the most environmentally friendly car of its type". It's expected to feature a KERS-style system, similar to that of the company's Formula One cars, which captures heat energy from braking, boosting the engine's power. Dennis also said the P11 will set new standards for safety.
Other technical details are thin on the ground, but the P11 is expected to use a Mercedes AMG-sourced 6.2-litre V8 engine and get carbon ceramic brakes. Some 1000 models will be built in the first year of production, with a spiritual successor to the original F1 and an entry-level sub-100,000 model completing the range and taking the company's output to 4000 cars by 2015.
Production will take place at a new factory - likely to be within the grounds of McLaren's base outside of London - with the new company generating 800 new jobs.
Dennis said he expected the new venture to double the value of the McLaren Group. The P11 is expected to make its worldwide debut at the Los Angeles motor show in November.
