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McLaren MP4-12C Unveiled, More Road Cars Also Planned
Published Mar 18, 2010
Just the Facts:
- McLaren officially unveiled its MP4-12C supercar in England today.
- The company says more versions of the MP4-12C, including a higher-performance model and a convertible, are in the works.
- McLaren also promises a pair of rear-engine two-seater road cars will join the MP4 soon.
No more detail was given, but it is thought that the two will bookend the supercar. The cheaper model would take on Porsche's 911, with a more expensive car taking on the pricier Ferraris and Aston Martins.
There will also be more versions of the MP4-12C, including a higher-performance model and a convertible. Producing an open version will be substantially easier than it is with conventional monocoque cars: the MP4's carbon-fiber tub and aluminum spaceframe structure effectively act as a separate chassis, the exterior body panels being unstressed. McLaren was able to use the same rolling chassis for three frontal crash tests. The sacrificial forward aluminum section prevents damage to the tub and even the windshield.
The MP4's carbon tub is manufactured using new techniques that allow it to be produced for "a four-figure sum," according to insiders, which compares favorably to the $68,500 cost of the one for the McLaren-assembled Mercedes-Benz SLR. This technology is fundamental to the change in the car's dynamic performance that McLaren will say is a consequence of its strength, low weight and build accuracy and will almost certainly form the platform core of its future models.
The MP4-12C is propelled by a 3.8-liter V8 of McLaren's own design developing 600 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, 369 of it from 2,000 rpm to 6,800 rpm. McLaren has performed almost 1 million miles of testing with the MP4 and is now quoting performance figures that include a 0-125-mph time of under 10 seconds, 125-0-mph in under 5 seconds, a top speed of over 200 mph and under 300g/km of CO2.
The company claims to have received more than 1,600 "intentions to purchase" the car, substantially more than 2011's planned output of 1,000 cars. It aims to win 4 percent of the global supercar market.
The MP4-12C will be built in a new facility next door to McLaren's headquarters, where it will eventually have the capacity to build 4,000 cars annually.
Dennis confirmed that McLaren has now completed due diligence with a new business partner who will take a 48 percent stake in the company, including both road and Formula 1 racing-car operations. Dennis also said that he expects that the road-car division, known as McLaren Automotive, "is four to five years away from true profitability." Between $1.02 million and $1.15 million will have been invested to launch not only the MP4-12C but also the road-car company.
Inside Line says: Many good things to look forward to. — Richard Bremner, Correspondent
http://www.insideline.com/mclaren/mp4-12c/mclaren-mp4-12c-unveiled-more-road-cars-also-planned.html
