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Spy shots: V8-powered McLaren P11 supercar with gullwing doors

Spy shots: V8-powered McLaren P11 supercar with gullwing doors

Kenneth Hall February 3rd, 2009 Kenneth Hall By Kenneth Hall Author February 3rd, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 When the McLaren F1 first hit the streets it almost immediately catapulted to the top of the performance car scene, taking home the title of world’s fastest production car in 1998 and holding it up until 2005. Building a car better than the original F1 was always going to be a difficult challenge, and perhaps that is why for its successor McLaren isn’t setting its sights too high. While the original F1 competed with the best supercars of its time - cars like the Ferrari F40, Jaguar XK220, and Porsche 959 - its successor will be competing with more ‘entry-level’ models. Rather than chasing Enzos and Veyrons, the McLaren F1 successor will go up against cars like the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo, and as such it will be priced accordingly. Prototypes for the new model, which is currently going by its ‘P11’ project name, have been spotted testing recently near McLaren's factory in Surrey, UK. Spy shots of the prototypes reveal that the new P11 will feature a much chiseled appearance that its McLaren F1 predecessor. Though heavily masked, the prototypes also reveal a mid-engine layout, a tall, squared-off tail, short overhangs, and tapered back headlights. Expect an advanced carbon-composite chassis, a lightning quick F1-style paddle shift gearbox and carbon-ceramic brakes. While Mercedes’ partnership with McLaren will soon come to end, the German carmaker is tipped to be supplying its 6.2L AMG V8 engine. McLaren engineers, however, are expected to work over the engine to the tune of 550hp (410kW). With an estimated kerb weight of about 1,250kg, the new P11 should easily accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 320km/h. First deliveries are expected to start in late 2010, and in the following years a Spider convertible and high-performance GTR version could eventually be launched.McLaren P11 spy shots
The P11 is expected to debut in late 2010 and could be followed by a Spider convertible and high-performance GTR model

The P11 is expected to debut in late 2010 and could be followed by a Spider convertible and high-performance GTR model

Enlarge Photo

When the McLaren F1 first hit the streets it almost immediately catapulted to the top of the performance car scene, taking home the title of world’s fastest production car in 1998 and holding it up until 2005. Building a car better than the original F1 was always going to be a difficult challenge, and perhaps that is why for its successor McLaren isn’t setting its sights too high.

While the original F1 competed with the best supercars of its time - cars like the Ferrari F40, Jaguar XK220, and Porsche 959 - its successor will be competing with more ‘entry-level’ models. Rather than chasing Enzos and Veyrons, the McLaren F1 successor will go up against cars like the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo, and as such it will be priced accordingly.

Prototypes for the new model, which is currently going by its ‘P11’ project name, have been spotted testing recently near McLaren's factory in Surrey, UK. Spy shots of the prototypes reveal that the new P11 will feature a much chiseled appearance that its McLaren F1 predecessor. Though heavily masked, the prototypes also reveal a mid-engine layout, a tall, squared-off tail, short overhangs, and tapered back headlights.

Expect an advanced carbon-composite chassis, a lightning quick F1-style paddle shift gearbox and carbon-ceramic brakes. While Mercedes’ partnership with McLaren will soon come to end, the German carmaker is tipped to be supplying its 6.2L AMG V8 engine. McLaren engineers, however, are expected to work over the engine to the tune of 550hp (410kW).

With an estimated kerb weight of about 1,250kg, the new P11 should easily accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 320km/h. First deliveries are expected to start in late 2010, and in the following years a Spider convertible and high-performance GTR version could eventually be launched.
McLaren P11 spy shots
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Tags: Spy Shots, Supercars, F1, Formula One, Prototype

Posted in: Mercedes Benz, Spy Shots, SLR McLaren


Comments (8 total)

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  1. ma_azlan avatar by azlan #1, Posted: 10/26/2008

    what was soo awesome about the old mclaren was that it was a real supercar no studid gadgets or gismos because you didnt need them the car excited every second. and thats the formula they need to use to create further success if they do produce a new one. i know someone with a brand new twin turbo'd porsche and even that he said after a while you reach its limits and the excitement does tend to fade... but the mclaren doesnt, i really hope they keep that up =]

  2. ma_b59 avatar by b59 #2, Posted: 11/11/2008

    Thats the truth, this was as pure as a supercar could be, ithad soul passion and charisma few cars could match. with a BMW V12 engine loud enough to scare small children it certainly had the credentials to take on the best. It's legacy is still strong today. One hell of a car.

  3. ma_Chris avatar by Chris #3, Posted: 1/30/2009

    small children? im sure that car scared the hell out of half the people that got behind the wheel of it... and anyone who was within earshot if it hit even a notch over 3000 rpm

  4. ma_Mike avatar by Mike #4, Posted: 1/30/2009

    Even if it's not a true successor to the F1, it can still be a success if they do it right. It can be a lightweight, no-frills(following the mould of the F1) super-sports car as opposed to an outright supercar. Make it lighter, faster, better handling than a 430 without any luxuries, a true, hardcore sportscar.

  5. ma_azlan avatar by azlan #5, Posted: 1/31/2009

    thats true, a competitor to an f430 would be great, nothing can really touch it atm except maybe the gallardo. LIGHT always works in a sports car.. something merc have forgotten all about with the sl, and slr..

  6. ma_danDAN avatar by danDAN #6, Posted: 2/3/2009

    I can't see these doors

  7. ma_mburleigh8 avatar by mburleigh8 #7, Posted: 2/3/2009

    That must be allot of camo to be a McClarin.

  8. ma_yuehancao(john) avatar by yuehancao(john) #8, Posted: 2/7/2009

    i thought mclarens used v12s?

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