McLaren’s elusive P11 has moved from the realm of rumor into reality with just shot spy-photos of the first prototype photographed during cold weather testing. Tentatively scheduled to be officially introduced in 2010, and with production beginning later that year or in early 2011, the P11 is McLaren’s replacement for the SLR, a Ferrari F430 competitor.
A series of clay model images of the P11 made their way around the internet last year, but these are the first spy shots of the upcoming supercar.
The P11 was originally slated to make its debut sometime this year, but its first auto show appearance will now be sometime in 2010. The P11’s production date has also been moved back, with a target now set for 2010 or early 2011.
Word has it that the P11 is taking aim at the Ferrari F430 Scuderia and the Porsche GT2 and will use a Mercedes AMG-sourced 6.2-liter V8 making 550 horsepower. Although the engine will be sourced from AMG, it is believed that Mahle — the company that took over Cosworth — will build the engine. That power will be sent to the rear-wheels and the car should be capable of sub-4 second 0 to 60 runs, as well as a top speed over 200 mph.
Size wise, the P11 should slot between the Audi TT and R8.
Following the launch of the P11, McLaren is expected to offer a Spider version of the P11, which has likely been delayed until early or mid-2012
Also on the calendar for 2012 or possibly even 2013 is an even more high-performance version of the P11 — dubbed the P12. The P12 — which will probably wear the GTR nameplate in production — will channel the spirit of the original McLaren F1 and, as such, will be powered by a V10 making in excess of 600 horsepower. To further push its performance to the limits, the P12’s P11-based platform will be completely re-engineered to reduce as much weight as possible.
McLaren recently broke ties with Mercedes after co-creating the SLR supercar, which should clear some room in the McLaren factory just in time to start production of the P11.
01/30, 8:55 AM
posted by:
05Z88Path
Front end reminds of a Ferrari F430…
01/30, 10:27 AM
posted by:
savedsol
That’s some serious camo. The lines portrayed are obviously to imitate an F430 and completely cover the real body work.
01/30, 10:29 AM
posted by:
CarbonGSR
Can’t wait to see this car without the camo.
01/30, 11:06 AM
posted by:
Borat
When all top dogs are licking wounds, I wonder what will be the fate of specialty shops?
01/30, 11:44 AM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
” Will use a Mercedes AMG-sourced 6.2-liter V8 making 550 horsepower. Although the engine will be sourced from AMG, it is believed that Mahle — the company that took over Cosworth — will build the engine”………..Weak!…
“GTR nameplate will channel the spirit of the original McLaren F1 and will be powered by a V10 making in excess of 600 horsepower.”………O.K……
But why not use the AMG 6.8 V-12 Twin Turbo and push out 850H.P.?
YA,… NOW WE TALKING!!!!
01/30, 12:35 PM
posted by:
NismoSentraKen
==>>yarddog82abn: What inda world is this fictional “6.8″ engine are you talking about? Benz’s BiTurbo V12 is a 6.0. And the Zonda F, 7.2 with no turbos. Don’t criticize without “realistic” facts.
01/30, 1:57 PM
posted by:
BlazeAbraham09
yarddog82abn, McLaren is one of my favorite car companies just because they don’t use turbos or superchargers. Isn’t the McLaren F1 still the world’s fastest naturally-aspirated car? I think a car is much more respectable minus the superchargers and turbos…which is why I never grew to like the Bugatti. Quad-turbos? Come on…anyone can do that (I mean with the money and time). It takes an exceptional amount of skill to make a fast car without any turbos or superchargers. That’s incredible engineering! That’s not to say I don’t like modifying your car that way…I’m hoping that if I get a G8 GT, that I can put a supercharger on it.
Still, I have an insurmountable amount of respect for cars like McLaren and Ferrari that don’t use turbos or superchargers.
I can’t wait to see this one. =D GO MCLAREN!
01/30, 3:05 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
I totally agree with you about everything except the Bugatti BlazeAbraham. I mean seriously not everyone could make that car, do you think you could? Do you think you could engineer a car with quad turbo W16 engine that has 10 radiators and goes so damn fast that the body actually changes shape at high speeds? Like I said I agree with you about NA power and I am a huge McLaren fan but I think both of those cars are engineering wonderments, neither should be shadowed by the other.
01/30, 4:27 PM
posted by:
qpt_dude
The F1 and Veyron are engineering wonders, but for different reasons. The F1 is amazing because well, it doesn’t use turbo or superchargers (BMW sourced by the way, not AMG). The Veyron is a marvel because it is the very image of excess. Its engine can shove the car’s 2 ton arse to 250+ HP and keep it there for 15 minutes. Also, that engine could make some light planes fly at a respectable speed.
That said, the last two McLarens (SLR and F1) were among my favorite cars. I have hopes for this car, but I’m expecting a let down. It’s only gonna compete with the likes of GT2 and Scuderia 430? I guess every car company is starting to turn to lighter, less powerful, track cars instead of the horsepower monsters they were making.
01/30, 5:51 PM
posted by:
NismoSentraKen
===>>qpt_dude i totally agree with your whole entire second paragraph.
01/30, 7:11 PM
posted by:
BlazeAbraham09
F3INT))AP3X, I agree that the Bugatti is an instant-classic…but I dunno. I just can’t love it. It’s just my personal opinion. I never said I could build one.
01/30, 8:33 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
“Quad-turbos? Come on…anyone can do that (I mean with the money and time).”
Anyone can do that you say; so are you not in the category of “anyone?”
01/30, 10:18 PM
posted by:
BlazeAbraham09
I think you missed the part where I said “I mean with the time and money”…even though you just quoted me. Yeah, give me $2 million and get me out of school for the rest of the year. I can give you something similar to that. =)
01/30, 11:39 PM
posted by:
winnipegjets
blaze, you cant actually build one of those even if you had all the time and money in the world, so dont try and pretend like you can. i think what you meant to say, and correct me if im wrong, but any automaker could do that if they had enough money and you were just being sarcastic in your last comment. also, you cant just stick 4 turbos on anything, you need at least 3 cylinders to run a turbo without blowing up an engine in hurry, so the minimum engine you could use is a v12, but benz could definatley stick an extra 2 turbos on their 65 series engine, and pump out way over 1000 hp. thats who would have the best shot at doing that
01/31, 12:51 AM
posted by:
pursang
the front end resembles the NSX prototypes that got cancelled. Anyway I also never really fell in love with the veyron. It’s too technical and all very german. Not lovable.
01/31, 2:19 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
@..NismoSentraKen, come on Brabus has a 6.8lt. so why not….
@..BlazeAbraham09, your right a “al natural” motor is more respectful. But if you can why not…
I understand that the entry price level of this car is less then 1/4 of their flagship super car. And that McLaren has nothing to prove to no one, everyone else has tried to dethrone them. I’m just saying why not show off a bit by making 600+hp turbo powered car….
01/31, 3:40 PM
posted by:
BlazeAbraham09
Winnipegjets, my sarcasm is very sedated. I’m just happy you picked it up. I’m fully aware of the fact that you can’t stick a turbo on something like a Smart Fortwo though. And Benz does that anyway. I’m sure if they wanted to increase the PSI on their Bi-Turbo V12, the could’ve and put the HP rating well over 900.
Pursang (isn’t that the trim level for a Veyron?), BMW’s are awesome. They’re the only German cars I like (minus the X6, X5, and X3). They’re a real group of drivers cars.
Yarddog82abn, I know what you’re coming at…but it’s just more amazing to me when a car can put up that kind of power without all the turbos and superchargers. I’m not trying to defame the Veyron. I just have so much more respect for the F1. My appologies if I offended you.
01/31, 3:57 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
@..BlazeAbraham09, It’s cool bro.
02/01, 3:02 AM
posted by:
Das Stig
Marvelous. I have been waiting for the P11 Mclaren ever since I saw it on EVO Magazine alongside the F430 Scuderia. The entire design aspects of it combined with a hopefully promising engine will certainly be satisfying. Until then.
05/16, 10:22 AM
posted by:
sameerfair
Such a disappointment, such a disappointment.
Look at the side view of it.
It looks, not like a McLaren but a dredded Corvette. The wheel base is just toooooooooooo long.
That boot area, Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long.
and that C pillar, gosh. This isnt a 2 seater coupe, this just isnt, It must be of a 2 + 2 car.
McLaren, guys, think for the ratios, it just isn’t right.
Have a look at the height of the rear tyre to the height ratio of the front tyre. This isn’t you mates. McLaren’s are minimalistic, principalities on four wheels, and this thing isn’t even close.
People are expecting a lot from you, a heck of a lot. Dont disappoint us please, just don’t. Look at Pagani for a minute. Yes they have gone bonkers but it has its own especial aesthetic appeal. Its an ingenious design.
Please guys, fans of yours don’t expect a “for the price” car. Let ferrari follow that toyota streak but don’t steer away from your racing line mates. Please I beg you. This is just too not right.