3.8-Liter V8 Twin-Turbo Engine

The company entered the supercar market in 1993 with the McLaren "F1." This model featured a body weighing just 1140kg, utilizing abundant carbon and aluminum, and housed a BMW-sourced 6.1-liter V12 engine (producing 627ps) mid-ship. It recorded a top speed of 391km/h and was dubbed the "road-going F1," generating significant buzz at the time.

Production of the McLaren F1 concluded in 1998. Subsequently, in 2003, they launched the Mercedes-Benz "SLR McLaren" in collaboration with Daimler. However, production of the SLR McLaren was also set to end with the limited edition "Sterling Moss" model in 2009.

And now comes the announcement of the McLaren "MP4-12C." Given that McLaren Automotive is a group company of F1's McLaren Racing, it is undoubtedly a supercar developed by incorporating know-how gained from its F1 racing endeavors.

The engine fitted is the "M838T," a 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo developed independently by McLaren. This unit delivers a maximum output of 600ps and peak torque of 61.2kgm. It's stated that 80% of the maximum torque is available below 2000rpm.

Top Speed Exceeds 320km/h

This engine is mounted mid-ship. The adoption of a dry-sump lubrication system and a flat-plane crankshaft allows for a lower mounting position. The transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch type "Seamless Shift" with paddle shifters.

While official performance figures have not been released, acceleration from 0-100km/h is said to be in the low three-second range, with a top speed exceeding 320km/h. These figures rival those of the Ferrari 458 Italia, considered a competitor, which boasts 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 325km/h.

This engine also considers environmental performance. McLaren announces that it has "the lowest CO2 emissions among supercars in its class." This is expected to compete with the Ferrari 458 Italia's CO2 emissions of 320g/km, with predictions around 300g/km.

The chassis incorporates "Proactive Chassis Control" technology, balancing handling and ride comfort. The suspension uses double wishbones, and the driver can select from three modes—Normal, Sport, and High Performance—via a switch on the instrument panel.

Production Begins in 2011

Significant effort has also been invested in the braking system, featuring high-tech elements like "air brakes" and "brake steer," along with aluminum brake calipers that achieve an 8kg weight reduction (carbon-ceramic brakes will also be available as an option).

The exterior pursues aerodynamic efficiency, generating substantial downforce at high speeds. Its form is both aggressive and elegantly supercar-like.

The interior is an evolution of the McLaren F1's design, expressing McLaren's unique world.

Safety features include standard ESP, ABS, ASR, and hill hold assist. A notable technology is the adoption of the "Carbon Monocell," a rigid, one-piece carbon fiber structure surrounding the cabin, marking a world-first for a production car.

Production of the MP4-12C is slated to begin in 2011 at a rate of approximately 1000 units per year. While pricing has not been officially announced, it is estimated to be in the range of £125,000 to £175,000 (approximately ¥19 million to ¥26.7 million).

McLaren Group Chairman Ron Dennis stated, "Now is the time for McLaren to become a full-line sports car manufacturer." With plans to develop more supercars in the class of the Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Murciélago, we eagerly anticipate their future creations.