What we all thought was a prototype of the facelifted MP4-12C when our spies captured the Spider model testing at the Nürburgring earlier this week, may be in fact a test mule for McLaren’s upcoming entry-level sports car, currently known under the codename P13.
A McLaren spokesman broke the news to several UK outlets including Autocar and Autoexpress, stating that this is “a mule prototype of P13 undertaking early testing,” while he added that the British firm will not be exhibiting at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year.
Our man with the long lens snapped the MP4-12C Spider-based test mule with the same license plates as before, but with different wheels and yellow markings on the bumper and roof outside the Nordschleife.
If McLaren is being honest and isn’t trying to hide a facelift for the MP4-12C from the public, then it is likely testing the P13’s hardware, include the engine and chassis, both of which will be sourced from the MP4.
Expected to cost about 30 percent less than the US$230,000 / £170,000 at around $160,000 in the States and £120,000 in the United Kingdom, the P13 will employ a de-tuned version of the MP4’s 3.8-liter V8 delivering between 450 and 500 horses, rivaling the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SLC.
McLaren is looking to launch the new P13 within the next two years.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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