McLaren MP4-12C

Called the MP4-12C, it’s set to make all the headlines at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The car follows in the footsteps of the legendary F1 of the Nineties, and aims to take McLaren straight back to the top of the class.

While bosses have still to confirm 0-60mph times or a top speed, the newcomer is powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine and has a featherweight body.

So it’s safe to predict a sprint time of about 3.5 seconds and a 200mph maximum.

The complex name is born out of McLaren’s motorsport heritage.

It comprises the chassis designation of its Formula One racers (MP4), an internal code number (12) and the use of carbon in the car’s body and chassis (C).

Mated to the powerful engine is a ‘Seamless Shift’ double-clutch gearbox that alters the speed of gearchanges to suit everyday use or performance driving.

What’s more, the 12C becomes the first production model to use the lightweight carbon monocoque found in grand prix cars. This Carbon Monocell tips the scales at only 80kg, is incredibly rigid and doubles as a safety shell.

Further weight savings have been achieved with the introduction of aluminium and cast-iron composite brakes. Buyers will be able to specify even more powerful carbon ceramic anchors as an optional extra.

In addition, McLaren has fitted a ‘virtual’ limited-slip differential, similar to that on Ford’sFocusRS.

The company’s Brake Steer system stops the inside rear wheel spinning to limit cornering understeer. As with all the safety packages included on the 12C, though, the driver will be able to adjust the level of interference to suit their taste.

Another feature is McLaren’s new Proactive Chassis Control suspension.

This is based on double wishbones with coil springs, and replaces the traditional anti-roll bars with an adjustable roll control system. This limits body movement in corners – but the suspension is decoupled when travelling in a straight line, so that it can absorb bumps well.

While comparisons between the 12C and the F1 are inevitable, the two cars are very different.

The F1 was the ultimate money-no-object, limited-run road car. But with the MP4-12C, McLaren plans to become a major supercar producer, building 1,000 in the first year of sales.

The F1 was the ultimate money-no-object, limited-run road car. But with the MP4-12C, McLaren plans to become a major supercar producer, building 1,000 in the first year of sales.

The car is due here in 2011, and will take the fight to the the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo.