When the McLaren MP4-12C debuted, it was seen as a disappointment by many. Certainly the car’s performance was amazing, but not the Bugatti-beating numbers some had expected. That’s because it was never built as a Veyron rival but rather a Ferrari 458 killer. A proper successor to the McLaren F1 would come, however, and according to a new report by CAR Magazine, it will launch some time this year.

Powering the car, code named the P12, will be an up-rated version of the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 used in the MP4-12C, with one important change – KERS. Yes, the newest McLAren machine will utilize a kinetic energy recovery system, generating power under baking and then making that energy available in the form of electric boost on demand.

As for the chassis, it will reportedly be a similar structure to the MP4-12C as well, but with an even higher use of carbon for minimum weight.

Styling for the vehicle is said to be vastly more dramatic than the 12C (we certainly hope so), but with a conventional side-by-side cockpit, rather than a three-seat layout like the F1.

Pricing is said to be around $1.2 million.

[Source: CAR]

With sales of the MC4-12C now well underway in Europe, McLaren has reportedly begun testing on its new hypercar and successor to the F1.

Targeting the world’s most exotic exotics, the “mega-Mac” is being benchmarked against cars like the Veyron, as well as the upcoming models like the successor to the Enzo and the Porsche 918 Spider.

According to AutoCar, first tests of the car took place in Spain last month.

Rumored to power the supercar is a 5.0-liter V8 engine making just shy of 800-hp – or roughly 160-hp per liter. A 7-speed dual clutch transmission is also expected to be a part of the package. In addition, look for a pushrod suspension setup, five-stage traction control system, a carbon fiber tub and active aerodynamics.

Priced at close to one million dollars, McLaren is expected to build just 500 units over a four year period.

[Source: AutoCar]

Most car enthusiasts would probably agree, that the McLaren F1 was and still is one of the most desirable supercars of all time. It stormed onto the scene with a three-seater passenger layout, a 627-hp V12, a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 241 mph. It had not only beaten its competition, it had annihilated them. The records it set were so impressive, it took over a decade to beat them, by cars sporting much more power. However, since the top speed crown has been taken from McLaren, many have been waiting to see what this Woking, U.K. based car company will do next.

According to the latest rumor mill, McLaren is already working on just such a car. No, it won’t be a more powerful version of the MP4-12c, but an all new car that is expected to debut in 2014. Internally, the project is known as ‘Mega Mac’ and it is rumored to be limited to 500 units, with a price-tag of less than $1-million, which would make it a bargain compared to Bugatti or Koenigsegg’s latest offerings.

This new car will feature active-aerodynamics to keep it hugging the ground at speed, because it will be really fast. Insiders suggest a 0-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds. Keep the accelerator buried a bit longer and you’ll see 100 mph flash by in 5.5 seconds, and 200 mph in just 20-seconds flat. That means it would hit the double-ton faster than a Veyron Super Sport. Not to worry, Brembo ceramic brakes will be on duty to calm all the fury.

Powering this new McLaren is rumored to be a Ricardo developed 5.0-liter V8, capable of producing around 800-hp. The transmission will be a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox built by Graziano.

No actual styling sketches have been revealed, but expect a blending of the old F1 with the new MP4-12c, only angrier. We can hardly wait to see the final result.

[Source: Autocar]

Having already announced it’s new MP4-12C exotic and setting up a worldwide dealer network, McLaren is now planning a successor to its F1 supercar, reports AutoCar. When the McLaren F1 debuted back in 1992 it created a new standard for performance vehicles and set a top speed record that stood for over a decade until the launch of the Bugatti Veyron in 2006.

McLaren has already announced plans to build additional models, with rumors of a more entry-level vehicle competing with the Porsche 911. This is the first serious report that a true successor to the F1 is in the works.

According to reports, an inside source at McLaren has said the new car will be “revolutionary” and will also look the part. Apparently McLaren designers have taken note of the fact that while the MP4-12C is regarded as an incredible machine, it’s styling isn’t nearly as captivating as the F1.

Other than the fact that it will use a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and feature a mid-engine layout, there are no confirmed details on the car and it’s not known if like it’s predecessor it will use a central driving position.

[Source: AutoCar]

Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9th, McLaren will unveil its next exotic, the MP4-12C. The name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but it has an historical significance, namely, that it has the name MP4 name as all of the McLaren race cars.

In an interview with the Times of London ahead of the vehicle’s debut creator Ron Dennis revealed that he intends to not only build the MP4-12C, but two other sports cars, one to compete with the Porsche 911 and another along the lines of the Porsche Carrera GT.

As for the MP4, Dennis says it will have a timeless design, with a high-revving V8 engine, a seven-speed gearbox and a light-weight carbon fiber chassis. Oh, and scissor doors will also be a part of the package. Other features include a variable rate suspension that stiffens up with speed, as well as a wireless connection that will allow you to download MP3s from your driveway.

While it’s not expected to be at the same level as the F1 supercar, this exotic, says Dennis will, “on all performance parameters and price… be better than our competition.” Dennis also said he intends to produce racing versions of the car to compete in motorsports.

McLaren Automotive, which recently emerged when Dennis left the McLaren Group F1 team, is funded by Dennis, the Swiss engineering company TAG and Mumtalakat, a private equity firm of the Bahrain government. The group has already spent £100,000,000 on the project and will announce shortly that it will quadruple that number of the coming years. “We’re building more than a car,” said Dennis. “We’re building a brand.”

[Source: Times Online]