McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren has announced that it is close to finishing its latest vehicle, the MP4-12C.  The new supercar has entered the final phases of testing, which is being done around the world.  Working under a Formula-1 styled process, each car is being accompanied by a crew of 20-25 technicians and 12 engineers to ensure development moves along as quickly as possible.

The MP4-12C is being tested by two McLaren prototypes: the XP8 and the XP10.  Both are said to be in the “beta phase” of development.  They feature new versions of the M838T twin-turbo engine, new gear ratios in the transmission, new suspension geometry, a better performing cooling package, and an upgraded electronic architecture.  All of these features have been much improved upon from the prototypes McLaren had last year.

McLaren plans to have the vehicle on the road by 2011.  The MP4-12C will boast a 3.8 liter V-8 engine that will put out 600 horsepower.  The engine will be mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch gear box, and will be put into a car that is projected to weigh less than 3,000 lbs.  A two-seater, mid-engine supercar, the MP4-12C is being developed to compete with Lamborghini’s Gallardo and Ferrari’s F430 and 458 Italia.