Enough with the rumors about McLaren’s plans to resurrect one of the most iconic supercars of all time, as our spies snapped the first photos of a prototype model that proves once and for all that that the British firm has indeed begun work on a replacement for the F1, codenamed P12.
While the front end may remind you of McLaren’s MP4-12C, move your eyes pass the front pillar and you will see many differences including the teardrop shaped roof that sports a central air intake – just like the original F1.
What won’t be making a comeback on the new P12 is the F1’s three-seat layout with a central driving position as the prototype features a conventional two-seat setup.
The F1’s successor will make use of a heavily modified version of the MP4-12C’s carbon fiber chassis and a lightweight body with specially honed aerodynamics.
Whereas the original F1 was powered by a BMW-sourced V12 producing 618bhp, the P12 will be fitted with an in-house developed V8 turbo that will surpass the 700-horsepower mark. Some sources state that McLaren may also use a Formula 1-style Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).
McLaren’s new flagship supercar, which isn’t due on the market before 2015, will compete against the Ferrari Enzo’s replacement that is expected to be introduced next year.
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