Coming Soon: McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren’s new car, the awkwardly named “MP4-12C'” is part of a roll out of new dealerships. The supercar maker hopes to compete with the likes of Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini:

0-60 mph mark in “under three seconds” when utilizing the launch control feature on its seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Partnered with its 2,870 curb weight (there’s still some debate if that’s “dry” or fully loaded with fluids) and 600 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, the more telling stat is its 0-124 mph time of “under 10 seconds.”

For those of you keeping track at home, the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo hits 60 in 3.2 seconds, the Corvette ZR1 breaks the mark at 3.5 seconds, with the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 and Ferrari 458 Italia coming in at 3.4 and 3.3 seconds respectively – not to mention the Nissan GT-R‘s 3.5-second run. So, is Maranello losing sleep tonight? Not likely. But there’s officially a new player in the supercar set, and we can’t wait to get our grubby paws on it.

That’s fast, although the latest upgrade to the 911 Turbo is about the same speed, if recent reports are accurate.

McLaren MP4-12C’s  best angle:

Signon San Diego

Tho this view taint bad neither:

Sideview doesn’t get interesting until the het to the back haunches

The least interesting angle: The nose of the car (versus the Ferrari 458 Italia has a more interesting face)

Photos via Autoweek

Some front angles come off better than others:

Autoblog

Though given those performance stats, this is the angle you are most likely to see,

GT Spirit

NYT:

“Mercedes provided the supercharged V-8 found in the SLR and its limited-edition variants — the Roadster, 722 and Stirling Moss — and BMW developed the 627-horsepower V-12 that carried the F1 to its record top speed of 240 miles per hour. In contrast, the MP4-12C’s turbocharged 592-horsepower V-8 will be produced entirely at Woking.

Unlike the F1, which was bought direct from the factory, the MP4-12C and future McLarens will be sold and serviced at 35 retailers in 19 countries.

Five dealers will be the brand’s American beachheads: Miller Motorcars of Greenwich, Conn., the Auto Gallery in Beverly Hills, Calif.; the Park Place dealerships in Dallas; Lake Forest Sportscars outside of Chicago; and the Price Family Dealerships in Palo Alto, Calif. . .

Structurally, the 12C distinguishes itself by its carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, a rigid, lightweight structure employed by much more expensive cars like the $1.6 million Aston Martin One-77. To offset development costs, McLaren will increase 12C production after selling the 1,000-car introductory-year run.

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Source:
New Kid on the Sales Block: McLaren Sets Up Dealerships
JONATHAN SCHULTZ
NYT, July 1, 2010 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/automobiles/04MCLAREN.html