McLaren is preparing a souped-up version of its 12C coupe that will launch this year targeting the Ferrari 458 Speciale. According to preliminary information, the new car will be sold as a stand-alone model and will be positioned above the 12C in McLaren’s lineup.
A report from Autocar says the new model will deliver on-road performance that will exceed that of the Ferrari 458 Speciale. According to an unnamed source, the car will be based on the same carbon fiber Monocell as the 12C and will be powered by an uprated version of the same 3.8-liter V8 engine delivering around 650hp.
The hot McLaren is expected to feature a very different style from the 12C and to be influenced from the P1 hypercar, particularly at the front end. Styling changes will focus mainly on aerodynamics. “The 12C is already incredible, but the P1 was designed as the ultimate car aerodynamically, and those lessons can help every car in the range,” the source mentioned.
The interior will also be upgraded compared to the MP4-12C and the car should be equipped with standard carbon-ceramic brakes and other performance-enhancing modifications.
The Ferrari 458 Speciale is powered by a 4.5-liter V8 engine producing 597hp (605PS) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm. The car sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3 seconds, from zero to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.1 seconds, while top speed is 325 km/h (202 mph).
By Dan Mihalascu
Note: McLaren 12C GT Sprint race car pictured
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