Torque talk

First look: The Mclaren mp4-12c

In June we brought you news that McLaren Automotive was developing a sports car arm. Now, three months on, the first pictures of the company's new MP4-12C vehicle have been released.

This model will be the first of many high performance cars the company will introduce to the roads in the coming years, from its base in Woking, England.

The vehicle will have a 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine producing about 600bhp through a seven-speed seamless shift duel clutch gearbox. With top speed over 320kph, the MP4-12C races from zero to 100kph within four seconds. It is billed as a "two-seat mid-engine model in the 'core' sports car segment for cars costing between £125,000 (Dh750,000 ) and £175,000".

As one would expect of McLaren, it has been inspired by Formula One technology and the company hopes the 12C will challenge other premium sports cars when it makes its Middle East debut in 2011. The company also believes this region will become one of the most important markets, according to Ian Gorsuch, McLaren Automotive's Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa.

"The Middle East will be a key market for McLaren Automotive, so we have worked hard to ensure that the 12C will be perfectly suited to the marketplace. This has included conducting hot weather testing to experience the uniquely challenging summer conditions that exist here," he says.

"When it comes to high-performance sports cars, customers in the region are exceptionally well-informed and passionate. In the 12C, which draws on the spirit of Formula One and delivers real-world technological advances, we have a model that will set new standards in its segment."

At its heart is a carbon fibre chassis structure, the Carbon MonoCell, which is not only a first for cars of this sector and taken from it's winning Grand Prix cars but the first time any motor has had a one-piece structure of this nature.

"The 12C offers performance and technology that exceed that of the world's most expensive and sophisticated supercars, while competing in a much more accessible market segment," says Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director.

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