Photo : - McLaren Automotive Limited

Porsche and Ferrari will have to watch out, McLaren returning once more to the road cars, and not just in a radical version of a Mercedes like the SLR. Though not as ground breaking as its predecessor, the new MP4-12C incorporates the design philosophy of Mclaren F1, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1995.

Announced as a concept in 1991 in Monaco and launched in 1993, the McLaren F1 was startling to look at and the most technologically advanced sports GT of its time including the first full carbon fibre monocoque in a road car. But this technology had a cost, and a million dollar orders were slow in coming. Then in 1995, McLaren turned up with customer teams in the new BPR GT Championship. The F1 GTR proved immediately competitive on the European circuits and did not just win the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1995 but took 4 of the top 5 places overall! Subsequently, Porsche and Nissan rushed into the breach opened by the Woking manufacturer, forcing them to react with the fabulous "long tail" variant. In 1997, these versions of the ultimate F1 finished second and third in Le Mans 24 hours.

The direct descendant of the legendary F1, the MP4-12C was presented to the French press last week. It is less extraordinary perhaps, but more commercially ambitious, with an expected production of 1000 a year (in comparison with the F1 where only 100 examples were made in 6 years). The new MP4-12C retains the general appearance of its illustrious ancestor. As Gordon Murray at the time, Frank Stephenson wanted to keep it simple. Behind the sleek cockpit, engineers have housed a V8 that is more compact and lighter than competitors. The modest 3.8 litre engine will take on the Italians and Germans, with 600hp at 8500rpm. Tipping the scales at 1300 kg, the MP4-12C offers performance comparable to a Ferrari 458 Italia (0 to 200 km/h in under 10 seconds, and about 320km/h top speed).

The new McLaren's advertised price is between 180,000 and 220,000 euros plus tax. For the moment, no race version has been announced, but McLaren is already planning several new models to develop the range.

Above photo: McLaren MP4-12C / McLaren F1 GTR - Le Mans 24 Hours 1995 / McLaren MP4-2 - Formula 1 1984 / McLaren M16 - Indianapolis 1975 / McLaren M8D - 1970 CanAm

Julien Hergault - Translated by Dave Davies