McLaren’s all-new supercar has been spotted out testing. The long rumoured Ferrari F430 rival – codenamed the P11 – will be a different animal to McLaren’s last two road cars, the superlative 240mph F1 and SLR that was co-developed with Merdedes.
Like the SLR it will use a V8, but that’s pretty much where the similarities will end. The P11 will be more about small supercar-baiting, with the car’s closest rivals likely to be the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8 V10.
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For that reason expect around 550bhp to provide some stern competition to the Europeans, with a low target weight of around 1200kg to maximise performance. A semi-automatic paddle-shift transmission is likely while the car will be mid-engined and rear-wheel drive. The side profile shots of the P11 mule show proportions similar to those of the McLaren F1, and although it is a very heavy disguise, expect influences from the most iconic of supercars to feature on the P11.
It’s due an unveil later in 2009, with sales to start a year later. It should cost around £150,000, although there are scant details confirming specification at the moment. Keep your eyes on evo.co.uk for the latest developments on Britain’s all-new supercar.
