Mystery prototype turns out to be MC1 supercar

Posted Mon Jan 21 2008 11:59 AM by Alex Kaufmann

Early last year, images of a heavily disguised prototype surfaced and led to speculation that the test-mule was in fact a future Lotus model. Most sites, including this one, concluded the car was the next-generation Esprit in testing but it appears it was actually the creation of a new joint-effort between engineering and design firms C2P Automotive and MotorCity Europe. This is an official rendering of what their new car will look like when it starts production around 2011.

According to its developers, the new model will be called the MC1 and it will be powered by a mid-engined 600hp V10 engine. The prototype sits lower than a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 and is a little narrower as well, but it rides on chunky 21in wheels and features a full carbon-fiber monocoque body and scissor-style doors. At its rear, the design sports a set of vertical taillights and matching vertically stacked exhaust pipes.

The MC1’s lines were penned by David Hilton, a designer whose previous works include the Ford Focus RS and S-Max, and production will probably be handled by a coachbuilder located in the UK. Hilton also runs the MotorCity Europe design firm and originally created the design to showcase the firm’s talents. We just hope the MC1 doesn’t turn out to be a pie in the sky like so many other promised supercars from the UK.

Via: CAR

Reader Comments

Mon Jan 21 2008 12:42 PM
chris says

the car looks rather goofy. looks like it's trying too hard. just what i would have expected from some one who is known for designing the s-max and the focus RS. He's got a chance to make a real car and he's tried too hard.
Mon Jan 21 2008 12:53 PM
Ivan says

I think it looks very good. This is what I expect from supercar. I mean, you're paying so much money and get something familiar-looking like lambo or Ferrari. Lets be honest, those are good cars, but we got used to their designs over the years.
This car looks like something out of the future. I don't know how much of it will translate into the
production version, but I like it.
Mon Jan 21 2008 1:15 PM
Gus says

Looks a little like the Birdcage, I like it.
The nose could use a little cleaning up...
Mon Jan 21 2008 8:46 PM
ohmy says

hmm it reminds of me of something

oh yea, a vacuum, haha like those dustbusters handheld ones. haha

cool car though

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