McLaren’s elusive P11 supercar has popped up on the grid once again, this time blitzing Germany’s ever-popular Nurburgring. Tentatively scheduled to be officially introduced in the spring with production beginning in 2010, the P11 is McLaren’s replacement for the Mercedes-Benz SLR.

A series of clay model images of the P11 made their way around the internet last year, but these are some of 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 early 2010.

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.

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