Hardly startling scoop of the year, but we thought you might find some interest in this curio spyshot of the new McLaren MP4-12C driving past the outgoing SLR.
Although McLaren has unveiled the 12C already, this hard-working test car is still wearing its disguise as it tests at a UK track facility. The new Macca supercar doesn’t go on sale until 2011, so there’s plenty of development work continuing behind the scenes.
And what about the SLR? When does that die?
Production of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is winding down, as the front-engined V8 comes to the end of its life with the final edition Stirling Moss series. The McLaren Technology Centre is now being prepared for the launch of the new standalone McLaren range.
The new range of McLarens, spearheaded by the new MP4-12C, will be assembled at a new Foster-designed factory planned alongside the Woking, UK, headquarters. It’ll be sunk into the ground in a Teletubbies style to minimise environmental impact.
McLaren Automotive boss Ron Dennis plans to build around 1000 cars a year from 2011, rising to around 4000 vehicles when the three-strong range is complete. All the models planned will be mid-engined supercars.
A long gestation, then. But one we suspect will be worth the wait.