McLaren MP4-12C details released

The mid-mounted engine is McLaren's very own M838T unit, and is a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 592bhp and 600Nm of torque. This enables the MP4-12C to rocket from 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds, or 3.1 seconds if fitted with special Corsa tyres. 0-200km/h comes in 9.1 seconds, or 8.1 seconds with the Corsa tyres, and top speed is rated at 330km/h.

The MP4-12C's MonoCell carbon fibre chassis weighs in at just 75kg, which means that a potential future lightweight version of the car could weigh as little as 1301kg. The transmission is a seven-speed SSG gearbox which offers three drive modes: Normal, Sport and Track.

The MP4-12C comes with adjustable roll control, which replaces mechanical anti-roll bars, and there is a suspension control module that also has 3 modes, Normal, Sport and Track, but works independently from the transmission.

"I am immensely proud of the 12C development team. I don't believe any car company in the world has put as much effort, innovation, passion and sheer determination into launching a car as McLaren has with the 12C...Both in simulation, and in the real world on road and track, we have gone to extremes to ensure the 12C stands up to the performance and quality we know our prospective customers demand," said Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive's Managing Director.

The McLaren MP4-12C is still undergoing testing, with four prototypes being sent to Portugal and Spain for road testing last month, but McLaren has already set up a network of 35 dealers in 19 countries in anticipation of the MP4-12C's global launch later this year.