As we trace the slow but steady progress of the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C to market, today brings a milestone: the start of regular production in the company's Technology Centre (MTC).

Full series production will take place at the not-yet-completed McLaren Production Center (MPC), but the first batch of cars will be built under the tight controls and watchful eyes of McLaren's best.

The MPC is due to enter operation in May, and is where the bulk of the 1,000 MP4-12Cs are to be built in 2011.

In case you've forgotten, the MP4-12C uses an innovative carbon fiber monocoque chassis tub, a potent 600-horsepower 3.8-liter V-8 turbocharged engine, and some of the purest motorsports-derived electronic controls to ever hit the street.

The first deliveries should begin soon, with U.S. sales gearing up through the recently-established dealer network.

Check out the video below for McLaren's sum-up of 2010, along with a pitch from McLaren F1 driver Jenson Button.