Today, images of the 2010 McLaren P11 have emerged, both in camo’d prototype form and as a clay model. The P11 will rival cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430 in both price and performance, undercutting the McLaren F1, which it will nevertheless draw inspiration from. It’s expected that the P11 will be priced somewhere between $300,000 and $400,000 when it goes on sale in mid-2010.
For the money, you’ll get a supercar distilled to its essence: a mid-mounted V8 engine (possibly the 6.2-liter AMG unit), rear wheel drive, a carbon fiber chassis and bodywork and a Conran-designed interior. Also present will be F1-inspired technology like carbon/ceramic brakes and a semi-auto gearbox. CAR magazine, which published the shots of the clay model, suggests power will be around the 500 HP mark, with weight coming in around a seriously light 2,650 Lb. 0-60 should take less than four seconds, while the top speed will be right around 200 MPH.
Disappointed that this isn’t the game changer the original F1 was? Don’t be; this should be a car that’s capable of providing more driving thrills than the F430 or Gallardo priced at a level your everyday corrupt CEO can afford. A McLaren for the merely rich masses? We can stomach that.
