McLaren motors has recently reveals their latest MP4-12C GT3 officially. The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 is provided by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 which has been “tuned to race specification.”

Check out the press release for additional information and full performance data on McLaren MP4-12C GT3.

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Gallery:

Press Release:

NEW MCLAREN MP4-12C GT3 BREAKS COVER TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE FIRST TESTS

• MIRA and Silverstone in the UK selected for initial McLaren MP4-12C GT3 tests
• Championship-winning racing driver Álvaro Parente joins McLaren GT as test driver

The first McLaren MP4-12C GT3 to be built by McLaren GT – a new company that brings together the expertise of the McLaren Group and CRS Racing – has successfully undertaken its debut tests at the MIRA proving ground facility and Silverstone Circuit in England. McLaren GT has also appointed a new test driver to its team, 26-year-old Portuguese racing driver Álvaro Parente.

The initial shakedown tests undertaken with the 12C GT3, whereby new components are calibrated and bespoke aerodynamic body structures are appraised for the first time, will be followed by comprehensive tests scheduled throughout March and April at a number of FIA* certified circuits across Europe. News on the development programme, full driver line-up and planned competition for the 12C GT3 will be confirmed after these tests are completed.

MP4-12C GT3 development to focus on quality and performance

McLaren GT Project Manager Andrew Kirkaldy and McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin piloted the new 12C GT3 on its first outings. These real-world tests follow months of virtual testing in the McLaren Simulator at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, which is also used to develop the 12C production car and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ Formula 1 cars.

Andrew Kirkaldy said: “We have an extensive list of subjective and objective development targets set for the MP4-12C GT3. In the first tests, the car is achieving excellent results in many areas including handling, powertrain and other aspects of dynamic performance.

“The 12C’s carbon chassis and aerodynamic efficiency mean we started with a lightweight, dynamically-optimised sports car. Those characteristics are fundamental to any race car.The car is around 100mm wider than the standard production car and features a new suspension system which we have tested in the McLaren Simulator. Having now experienced this new set-up in the 12C GT3 car, I’m delighted with the progress we are making.

“The McLaren GT team is working with Formula 1 technology suppliers, and several of the senior technical personnel involved in this project have vast experience in Formula 1. This is a unique advantage in developing a GT specification car.”

From 2012, McLaren Automotive and CRS Racing will supply and support a limited number of FIA GT3-compliant racing cars based on the McLaren 12C high-performance sports car for privateers.**

MP4-12C GT3: Technical specification outline

The 12C GT3 race car is based on a standard 12C. Developing the race car has required a team of engineers, technicians and test drivers from McLaren Group and CRS Racing to focus on several fundamental components.

The 12C GT3 is based on the McLaren carbon MonoCell chassis, which weighs just 75kg and is produced in a revolutionary one-piece mould. Race specification composite body panels and a fixed rear wing have been added to the GT3 car.

The same 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 as in the production car on which it is based will be used in the 12C GT3, tuned to race specification. A bespoke paddle-shift system operating an all-new Ricardo-designed gearbox developed specifically for racing will be fitted. This system eschews the 7-speed SSG dual-clutch Graziano transmission supplied in the standard 12C.

New electrical architecture is being supplied by McLaren Electronic Systems Limited, including electronic dash and data technologies. Bosch Motorsport will supply a new ABS system for the 12C GT3. A new aerodynamics package has been developed by McLaren Racing in compliance with GT3 regulations, incorporating a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.

The new GT3 car will feature motorsport-specific braking and suspension components. These include bespoke callipers by Akebono, Official Supplier to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Due to regulations imposed by racing authorities, the 12C GT3 will not feature the road-going 12C’s ProActive Chassis Control System; negating the requirement for an anti-roll bar. Instead, the 12C GT3 will use a configuration comprising race-specific roll bars and dampers.

McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin said: “Those who have seen the new MP4-12C production car won’t be surprised to learn that immense attention to detail has been applied in developing the GT3 version. Quality is a watchword. We know that our potential customers will expect McLaren GT to deliver a competitive car right out of the box and, starting now with a programme covering aerodynamics development and durability testing, we are determined to do just that.

“The McLaren GT team is committed to achieving unprecedented levels of performance, also guaranteeing the levels of quality, reliability and durability with which we expect to delight future race teams entering competitions with the 12C GT3.”

Álvaro Parente signs for McLaren GT
Álvaro Parente, a 26-year old racing driver from Portugal, is today announced as the first new professional racing driver to join the McLaren GT race team. McLaren GT Project Manager Andrew Kirkaldy and McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin are leading the development of the 12C GT3, and in total six test drivers will be in the team by the middle of 2011.

Álvaro Parente said: “It is a great honour to be selected to drive with the McLaren GT team. Since receiving an invitation to join the team by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh, I have been made to feel like an important part of the team and I hope to give valuable feedback in developing the car. I have always dreamt of racing a McLaren!”

* Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile

**Professional race teams interested in being the first to own and race the new MP4-12C GT3 should register at www.mclarengt.com

McLaren has recently released officially their latest McLaren MP4-12C with the uncompromising performance that the supercar-maker has promised.

McLaren MP4-12C features a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces a total of 600 PS (441 kW / 592 bhp) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque.

Check out the press release for additional information and full performance data on McLaren MP4-12C Official Release.

McLaren MP4-12C Gallery:

Press Release:

• McLaren Automotive and the groundbreaking new MP4-12C: the vision
• No compromise: McLaren MP4-12C sets new performance and efficiency standards
• 12C Production Prototypes take ‘final’ 1,000 mile road trip in the global development programme
• New McLaren Production Centre and 35 McLaren retailers highlight global car company aspirations
• Technical innovation and bespoke engineering form foundation to ‘pure McLaren’ specification
• McLaren celebrates three decades of carbon fibre ‘firsts’ and carbon fibre innovation with MP4-12C

McLaren Automotive and the groundbreaking new MP4-12C: the vision

• McLaren MP4-12C high-performance sports car on sale worldwide in 2011
• McLaren Racing DNA runs through the development of the 12C and a range of future high-performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive
• New McLaren Production Centre due for spring completion
• A new short film presenting the McLaren simulator and its role in 12C development is available to view at www.youtube.com/mclarenautomotivetv

McLaren Automotive is in the final stages of developing a range of innovative high-performance sports cars that will also be highly efficient, high-quality, lightweight, practical, dynamic, safe, comfortable and visually arresting. On Monday 17 January, the first MP4-12C production car entered the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) General Assembly Hall in Woking, England.

A new £40m manufacturing facility, the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) is currently under construction adjacent to the MTC site, and will open in spring 2011. McLaren Automotive will transfer production of the 12C from the existing MTC assembly line to the MPC in April.

A range of premium carbon-based high-performance sports cars from components that are bespoke, innovative and unique, will then start to be distributed to a dedicated network of 35 retailers in 19 countries around the world.

McLaren Automotive’s target is to achieve unprecedented levels of quality in every area of its business, none more so than in the company’s aim to service customers and cars to a higher level of quality than any premium sports car business has ever offered.

This is not just the launch of a new car. It is the launch of a new car company. So what credentials does McLaren offer to take such bold and courageous steps?

The McLaren Vision

The answer lies with the vision and ambition of McLaren Automotive’s Executive Chairman, Ron Dennis: “McLaren’s first and founding principle was to compete successfully in motor sport and particularly Formula 1. That goal has taken us to great heights; from an engineering and innovation perspective, and by rewarding our people for their endeavours over many long seasons of top level motor racing. But despite all the trophies and great racing successes, there comes a time when the maturity of a company and its future development depends on broadening its activities.

“We have long held the dream of building a range of innovative McLaren sports cars. Sports cars that take the raw elements of Formula 1 principles, processes and performance and forge them into a unique package that adds the requirements of quality, efficiency, comfort and reliability – traditionally opposing goals that I know we can deliver.

“McLaren’s modern history began 30 years ago with an operation of 50 people dedicated solely to winning Grands Prix. Everything we have achieved as a well-honed and fiercely competitive team over the past three decades has prepared us for this moment. McLaren Group and McLaren Automotive now employ around 1,500 people – all dedicated and passionate about being the best. And about launching a new car company and our first car, of which I am very proud. The 12C and the future range of McLaren sports cars will support the long-term development of McLaren and our people.

“This new business will also bring into the UK new investment, a new manufacturing facility – the McLaren Production Centre – and new skilled jobs within the UK’s network of high-tech manufacturing and engineering businesses. I believe that McLaren Automotive is a good example of how the UK can develop a new, innovative and globally influential manufacturing base, through technological innovation in design and build-processes.

“Launching a new car company is a great challenge that is exciting everyone at McLaren. Everything is in place and on schedule for the first of our new range of cars to go on sale in the first half of 2011. These are exciting times – for McLaren, for car enthusiasts and, just as importantly, for people who are passionate about technology, innovation and engineering,”Dennis concluded.

McLaren Automotive today

Although McLaren’s heritage lies principally on the race circuit, the blend of qualities such as ambition, drive and commitment, with more tangible assets such as aerodynamic skills, rapid development through simulation techniques, supreme electronics expertise and a ruthless quest for reliability, have equipped the company to turn Ron Dennis’, and McLaren’s shareholders’ and board members’ dreams into reality.

Taking the vision and turning that into an effective, profitable and world-class car company lies in the hands of McLaren Automotive’s Managing Director, Antony Sheriff, and the teams run by his fellow directors, Alan Foster (Operations Director), Dick Glover (Technical Director), Paul MacKenzie (Projects Director), Greg Levine (Sales and Marketing Director), Frank Stephenson (Design Director), Mark Vinnels (Programme Director), Carlo della Casa (Engineering Director), Mark Wilson (Finance Director), and Ben Wright (Purchasing Director).

The first car in the range, the 12C is now in the final stages of development, and the first stages of production. It has been designed and developed by a world-class team of engineers and test drivers, and will be built to world-class levels of quality and reliability. All development processes have benefited from McLaren’s expertise in Formula 1, and constant integration with the racing team’s techniques and personnel will set new standards in performance for the road.

Antony Sheriff summed up the focus for McLaren Automotive, inspired by high expectations laid down through the years at McLaren, “The overriding principle that has driven us to where we are today is that every car will be ‘pure’ McLaren.
“This means that each and every component has been conceived, designed and produced to McLaren’s specification to meet the extreme requirements of the 12C. There are no carryover components, because they were not good enough. Similarly, our test programmes, production processes and aftersales plans are also brand new and bespoke to McLaren. We have considered everything from a blank sheet of paper to be the best. Being “as good” as everyone else is not good enough; we need to be the best. This approach has given us a remarkable car with ground-breaking performance in all areas.

“Whether it’s the revolutionary carbon MonoCell, the ProActive Chassis Control, or a desire to design cars that can be repaired more quickly and accurately than our competitors, we will deliver cars and a service to our customers of which we are personally proud.

“So, our performance goals do not just relate to the 12C, but to the car ownership experience itself: McLaren Automotive will offer new standards of customer service through its dedicated network of the world’s best car retailers.

“When I came here, Ron inspired me with his belief that winning Formula 1 races was simply doing your job. After that, it was a question of how you won. That’s the winning attitude that permeates throughout McLaren Automotive and sets us apart from our competitors,” Sheriff concluded.

Launch plans and prices

In 2010, McLaren Automotive passed a significant number of milestones in its development as the world’s newest sports car company. The McLaren Production Centre began construction in March, the 12C made its global public debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed in southern England, in North America the 12C debuted at the renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event, and prospective customers for the 12C were given the opportunity to see the car in the metal at a series of exclusive presentations hosted by McLaren Automotive’s new retail partners across the globe.

The 12C goes on sale at a groundbreaking price for a carbon chassis-based car and McLaren Automotive will produce up to 1,000 12Cs for sale worldwide in its first production year.

With the new McLaren Production Centre fully operational, it is anticipated that McLaren will build up to 4,000 cars across its model range annually by the middle of the decade, a figure that will account for between three and four percent of the annual global market for premium sports cars.

No compromise: McLaren MP4-12C sets new performance and efficiency standards

* Lightweight design philosophy the foundation to segment-best performance with efficiency
* Formula 1 integration – technologies, processes and people – inspire the 12C’s headline figures
* 30 years of carbon composite chassis design at McLaren inspires the 12C’s revolutionary carbon MonoCell
* See performance data and technology presented in a high quality short film featuring Jenson Button, entitled ‘MP4-12C Official Performance Data’ at www.youtube.com/mclarenautomotivetv

Through a combination of carbon fibre expertise, innovative Formula 1-inspired technologies and development programmes, and a desire to launch a range of ‘pure McLaren’ road cars, the groundbreaking new McLaren MP4-12C has redefined high-performance sports car benchmarks. By March 2010, when the 12C was first revealed, McLaren Automotive was close to achieving its own high performance targets within the intensive testing and development programme. Key segment targets included:

• lowest CO2 output and best fuel consumption
• highest power with fastest acceleration and braking across all typical benchmark speed and distance parameters
• lightest weight, and therefore highest power to weight ratio

All within a package of more subjective, but equally important, benchmarks: comfort, practicality, driveability, and ownership costs. To be a success, and bring innovation to the market, McLaren knew the 12C had to be the first genuine ‘no compromise’ high-performance sports car.

Now, as the first production cars enter the McLaren Technology Centre, segment-best performance data is confirmed. Headline figures include:

• 0 – 200kph in 9.1s (8.9s on optional Corsa tyres)
• CO2 emissions of 279g/km (equating to 24.2 EU mpg combined)
• 0 – 100kph in 3.3s (3.1s with optional Corsa tyres)
• top speed: 330kph (205mph)
• 100 – 0 kph in 30.5 m (100 ft)
• mile: 10.9s @ 135 mph
• dry weight (with lightweight options): 1301kgs / 2868 lbs
• carbon MonoCell chassis weight: 75kgs / 165 lbs
• power: weight (lightweight options): 461PS / 455bhp per tonne.
• power: 600PS (592bhp) at 7,000 rpm
• torque: 600Nm between 3,000 – 7,000 rpm

McLaren performance

The 12C has been created at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, UK under the same roof as McLaren Racing and the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team: ‘performance’ lies at the heart of the 12C and the McLaren Automotive team responsible for its design, development, engineering and now manufacture.

The 12C’s performance is clearly influenced by the McLaren F1 and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren road car projects. Most notably, in the competitive step-changes seen on the 12C through carbon composite engineering, packaging, and aerodynamics. But the development and manufacturing teams are also peppered with technicians and engineers from iconic periods in McLaren’s motor racing history: people with priceless experience in challenging design target-setting and innovative engineering problem-solving. And with an inherent ambition to win.

To name but three: Jim Chisman, a McLaren Automotive senior technician was a technician on Niki Lauda’s race team and on the 1981 MP4/1 Formula 1 car; Metin Afiya, General Assembly Production Manager, was an engineer on the Le Mans-winning F1 GTR; Dick Glover, Technical Director at McLaren Automotive, enjoyed 12 years in McLaren Racing where he designed the Formula 1 simulator that has also been used in the 12C development programme.

Dick Glover said: “We’re intensely proud of the 12C and how it stands against its key competitors: cars that are, in their own rights, some of the best sports cars the world has ever seen. The really exciting challenge for us was that to set new performance benchmarks against these cars, we had to introduce innovative new technologies. In that respect, we have worked technically like a Formula 1 team, where you are constantly trying to improve performance not against fixed parameters, but to win against competitors who are also constantly developing and improving.

“The 12C is a huge technical accomplishment, but also a car filled with the passion and dedication that comes with working at McLaren. I am very proud of the team behind its development,” he concluded.

Starting from a clean sheet of paper, the 12C is the first ‘pure McLaren’. From its conception, the 12C has been designed around the driver with a carbon chassis. Every one of the 12C’s components is bespoke, and there to either enhance performance or contribute to the unmatched driving experience.

30 years of carbon innovation

In 1981 McLaren Racing introduced the carbon monocoque to Formula 1: it offered an unbeatable combination of strength and lightness. In 2011, McLaren Racing will compete with its 200th carbon fibre chassis.

The legendary McLaren F1 sports car was the first road car to feature a carbon chassis when it launched in 1993. With 2,153 SLRs manufactured in its seven year production run, the 2003 – 2009 SLR is the most successful car in the £300,000+ price-point and the most successful of any car built on a carbon-fibre chassis.

Now, the 12C takes carbon innovation to a new level. It is based on a unique one-piece moulded carbon chassis: the MonoCell, which weighs just 75kgs (165lbs). The MonoCell concept required it to provide the perfect combination of occupant space, structural integrity, light weight, and relatively low construction costs. And the ideal chassis from which to deliver ground-breaking efficiency and performance in the sports car market.

McLaren has recently rolled-out their latest details regarding the MP4-12C North American Tour.

Press Release:

MP4-12C EMBARKS ON TOUR OF NEW McLAREN AUTOMOTIVE RETAILERS IN NORTH AMERICA

Following the successful North American debut of the McLaren MP4-12C at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, McLaren Automotive will begin a launch tour of its selected North America dealership locations. Prospective customers will have the opportunity to see the 12C in the metal and speak to the team responsible for groundbreaking newcomer.

A Supernova Silver 12C, Titanium Silver 12C and the XP13 rolling chassis were presented to over 1,000 guests at the Pebble Beach event by a McLaren Automotive team including Managing Director Antony Sheriff and Design Director Frank Stephenson. Visitors to the McLaren Automotive display included Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger and world-famous car collector, Jay Leno.

McLaren Automotive subsequently moved on to Beverly Hills and presented the 12C to prospective customers at its future McLaren Beverly Hills location on Wilshire Boulevard. On Thursday evening the dealership hosted a cocktail reception for approximately 300 guests followed by private viewings of the vehicle throughout the day on Friday and Saturday. Guests were able to get close to the 12C and the positive feedback from sports car owners in California can be seen in a short film entitled “McLaren MP4-12C: The North American Debut”. This video can be viewed on McLaren Automotive’s official You Tube channel:

On September 1st and 2nd the MP4-12C will be presented by Pfaff Automotive Partner, McLaren’s retail partner in Toronto, Ontario. Thereafter, a team of McLaren Automotive experts will visit the following new members of the McLaren family with the 12C:

McLaren Chicago: Lake Forest Sportscars

McLaren Dallas: Park Place

McLaren Greenwich (McLaren’s representative in the New York Tri-State area): Miller Motorcars

McLaren San Francisco: Price Family Dealerships

McLaren Tampa Bay: Dew Luxury Motor Cars

The Collection McLaren (representing the Miami market)

These dealerships will be eight of the initial ten launch retailers for the North American market. Two locations, Newport Beach in Orange County, and Philadelphia remain open but will be appointed in the coming weeks.

Tony Joseph, McLaren Automotive’s Regional Director for North America said: “Each retailer on this tour will be registering customer interest in the 12C and it’s clear from the feedback at the McLaren Beverly Hills event that our prospects in North America really understand our brand and are looking forward to the launch of McLaren Automotive.”

“We look forward to delivering a great range of unique, innovative sports cars to customers in North America, with a network of McLaren Automotive retailers committed to delivering an ownership experience every bit as good and revolutionary as the 12C itself.”

North American retailers will begin selling the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C from summer 2011 with a base MSRP within a range of between $225,000 and $250,000.

Ends.

Notes to editors:

* McLaren Automotive’s confirmed retailer candidates: McLaren Beverly Hills: The Auto Gallery;

* McLaren Automotive has a rich and seamless heritage in producing premium sports cars for the road. The McLaren F1 road car, which was launched in 1992, set the world land speed record for a production car, and is regarded as one of the best examples of supercar exotica. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, one of the fastest cars on the streets, is also the most successful supercar ever in its price bracket.

* In April 2009, McLaren Automotive was spun off from the McLaren Group as an independent company. It continues to be based at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK.

* McLaren Automotive recently released details on its debut model, the MP4-12C. Drawing on the company’s long-standing Formula 1 experience, the stunning MP4-12C will challenge the very best sports cars on the market when it arrives in North America.

* At the heart of the 12C is a unique one-piece carbon chassis, the ‘MonoCell’. The 12C has been designed around the driver, and its development has been overseen by a team with extensive experience in Formula 1 racing and engineering. Outstanding aerodynamic efficiency and bespoke technologies including Proactive Chassis Control, Seamless Shift dual-clutch Gearbox (SSG), Brake Steer, and the 12C’s unique Airbrake feature in a car which has been developed using Formula 1 simulator technology. A 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine designed and engineered specifically for the 12C develops 592 horsepower and 443 lb/ft of torque.

MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE CONFIRMS LANDMARK LONDON LOCATION FOR FLAGSHIP EUROPEAN SHOWROOM

McLaren Automotive and Jardine Motors Group are pleased to confirm One Hyde Park; The Residences at Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge as the high-profile and visually stunning landmark location for the McLaren London showroom. McLaren London will move into the showroom in early 2011 in preparation for the spring 2011 launch of the McLaren MP4-12C, the first in McLaren Automotive’s new range of high-performance sports cars.

McLaren London at One Hyde Park will represent a true flagship showroom for McLaren Automotive; the architecture of One Hyde Park will establish it as a landmark development, its prime location in Knightsbridge guarantees immediate recognition, and the showroom’s exclusivity as just one of the three key retail spaces at the base of pavilions B, C and D ensures a genuinely unique experience for sports car buyers. McLaren London is anticipated to be McLaren Automotive’s leading European retailer and, potentially, the busiest in the global network.

Christian Marti, McLaren Automotive’s European Regional Director, said: “One Hyde Park has already established itself as a landmark location in London, and we are both proud and excited to be part of its future success. The McLaren London showroom at One Hyde Park will represent everything we strive for at McLaren: great attention to detail, form and function in its visual impact and atmosphere, and a focus on the customers’ requirements. We worked incredibly hard to ensure McLaren is represented by the world’s best retailers, and Jardine Motors Group worked incredibly hard to convince us that they were right for us in London. One Hyde Park completes the picture for both of our businesses as we move towards the launch of the 12C and our future range of sports cars.”

Sinan Omer, Brand Manager at McLaren London, on behalf of Jardine Motors Group, said: “We were honoured and excited to be selected by McLaren Automotive to represent them in London, and we hope to make McLaren London the most successful McLaren retailer in the world. Securing One Hyde Park as our showroom is the icing on the cake, and will give us a home that is befitting of McLaren’s sports cars: like the company’s headquarters, it continues the important McLaren tradition of presenting the company from a stunning facility that is both visually impressive and absolutely fit for purpose.”

Richard Williams, on behalf of Project Grande (Guernsey) Limited, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jardine Motors Group and McLaren Automotive to One Hyde Park. We are in discussion with other leading luxury brands regarding the two remaining units.The McLaren brand is an exciting and befitting addition to the development and will be the only motor brand available at One Hyde Park. With over £100 million worth of apartments sold at the development since we launched the second phase of sales in April 2010 and with presales now totalling over £870 million, it is clear that the development is doing well and we are pleased to announce that it will be completed in late October 2010.”

The One Hyde Park development consists of 86 apartments and three exclusive retail spaces within three pavilions, B, C and D. The McLaren Automotive showroom will be located on the ground floor of pavilion B, the largest of the three retail units, benefitting from a prime position looking out onto Knightsbridge and strategically placed between Harvey Nichols and Harrods at the top of Sloane Street. Jardine Motors Group will take over the retail space and will commence its own specialist interior fit out to McLaren Automotive visual identity standards in preparation for the launch in early 2011.

The McLaren London showroom also recognises the attraction that Formula 1 commands and the motor racing technology that lies at the heart of McLaren’s future sports cars, uniquely displaying one of the team’s Formula 1 racing cars.

Following the March 2010 launch of McLaren Automotive as a brand new British sports car manufacturer, over 2,700 potential customers have expressed a ‘serious intention to buy’ the first car, the MP4-12C. The first 12Cs will be delivered in spring of 2011 and, while exact pricing will be confirmed at a later date, the car will sit in what McLaren terms the ‘core’ sports car segment of cars priced between £125,000 and £175,000.

McLaren Automotive plans to launch the first in its range of high-performance sports cars from 35 of the world’s best automotive retailers. London, Birmingham, and Manchester will represent McLaren in the UK, with other retailers located in USA, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, South Africa, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. All retailers will take a naming structure similar to McLaren London (for example, McLaren Paris and McLaren Miami).

Project Grande (Guernsey) Limited (PGGL) is the owner of One Hyde Park; The Residences at Mandarin Oriental. The development was designed by award-winning architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners with interior design and development management by Candy & Candy. Services and facilities will be operated by 50 on-site dedicated Mandarin Oriental trained staff. Specialist art commissions by contemporary lighting artist, James Turrell will feature throughout the development. When completed in October 2010, One Hyde Park will be recognised amongst London’s most significant architectural landmarks.

The latest McLaren MP4-12C boasts a revolutionary carbon fibre chassis body structure. The McLaren MP4-12C is a high gear performance two-seat mid-engine model in the ‘core’ sports car market section for cars costing between £125,000 and £175,000. The MP4-12C is pure McLaren, boasting no carryover parts from any other car, and will be produced by McLaren in the UK. It goes on sale through a dedicated, worldwide retailer network in early 2011.