McLaren P11

Although a recent shift in McLaren’s design management has delayed the company’s upcoming P11 performance car by at least a year, it doesn’t look as though the P11 project has been brought to a complete standstill. The P11’s mechanical components are reported to be set, and a series of new images reveals the P11’s design could be closer to production-ready than first thought.

The P11 was originally slated to make its debut in 2009, but its first auto show appearance will now be sometime in 2010. The P11’s production date has also been moved back, with a target now set for 2010 or early 2011.

Word has it that the P11 is taking aim at the Ferrari F430 Scuderia and the Porsche GT2 and will use a Mercedes AMG-sourced 6.2-liter V8 making 550 horsepower. Although the engine will be sourced from AMG, it is believed that Mahle — the company that took over Cosworth — will build the engine. That power will be sent to the rear-wheels and the car should be capable of sub-4 second 0 to 60 runs, as well as a top speed over 200 mph.

Following the launch of the P11, McLaren is expected to offer a Spider version of the P11, which has likely been delayed until early or mid-2012

Also on the calendar for the 2012 or possibly even 2013 is an even more high-performance version of the P11 — dubbed the P12. The P12 — which will probably wear the GTR nameplate in production — will channel the spirit of the original McLaren F1 and, as such, will be powered by a V10 making in excess of 600 horsepower. To further push its performance to the limits, the P12’s P11-based platform will be completely re-engineered to reduce as much weight as possible.

© Source: leftlanenews
We need your comments below >>