mclaren

McLaren proves P1 concept car has an engine

In this video released by McLaren Automotive, we see the P1 concept car, originally unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, undergoing track testing.

The car sports typical camouflage for models under development, somewhat odd considering the earlier reveal of the concept. One key difference between what was seen at Paris and the model in the video is a big wing sitting on the back of the car. The wing approximates the shape of the P1 at the rear, so could possibly be retractable, although its height would argue otherwise.

As of this posting, McLaren had not specified an engine … Read more

McLaren X-1, the ultimate bespoke car

Many luxury carmakers offer bespoke programs, where buyers can get their cars uniquely customized, but McLaren took the notion of bespoke design a bit further with the X-1. At the request of an anonymous buyer, McLaren, which makes the MP4-12C supercar, designed and build a completely custom car with a unique, carbon fiber body.

The X-1, which was unveiled during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, is based on the tub and chassis of the MP4-12C. The design was informed by such historic cars as the 1953 Chrysler D'Elegance Ghia, 1959 Buick Electra, and 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K. The obviously … Read more

McLaren rolls out MP4-12C supercar in North America

Executives at McLaren Automotive, veterans of the Formula One racing series, are betting that the economic downturn is over and that supercar enthusiasts are ready to buy.

This summer, the English company will try again to sell road cars when it offers its mid-engine MP4-12C supercar at 10 dealerships in North America.

The MP4-12C, priced at $231,400, including shipping, has a top speed of 205 mph and a 0-to-60 time of 3.2 seconds. The two-seater is built around a carbon fiber tub, a weight-saving technology McLaren introduced 30 years ago. Chassis, suspension, and braking systems are pulled straight … Read more

Sneak peek: McLaren's most lust-worthy supercar

McLaren announced production plans for its MP4-12C supercar earlier this year, and most recently brought the car to California so we could get a look.

Along with the car, which a McLaren representative said was 98-percent production ready, McLaren also put an open chassis on display to show off the MP4-12C's construction. The cockpit is housed in a thick carbon fiber tub, with aluminum suspension pieces bolted on front and rear. As these pieces make up the structural elements of the car, the body panels work for aerodynamics, not rigidity.

McLaren boasts that its carbon fiber production techniques are … Read more

'Top Gear' tests for best drifting cars

While it has been fun watching Jeremy Clarkson of BBC's "Top Gear" fame test out fantastic rides for a thrill, I figured why not keep the fun going and bring on all the guys from "Top Gear"--Anthony Davidson and The Stig in this instance--as they try to figure out what the best car is for drifting.

In case you didn't know, drifting is "a driving technique and to a motor sport where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while maintaining vehicle control and a … Read more

Jeremy Clarkson's Thriller: Maserati Gran Turismo

In Tuesday's blog post, we got a closer look at the supposed ultimate lady thriller automobile, the Maserati Quattroporte, and I figured since we're on the subject, why not go for a thrill ride in a Maserati Gran Turismo? Climb in and let's go for a spin with Jeremy Clarkson of BBC's "Top Gear" fame--and away we go!

This clip comes courtesy of an excerpt from Jeremy Clarkson's Thriller series where he pushes all kinds of fine automobiles such as the Alfa Romeo 8C, the Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT, and in this … Read more

New supercar heralds McLaren Automotive

Launching a new car company is a costly endeavor, and launching one that builds $200,000 cars in the wake of a recession seems like madness, but the McLaren Group did just that, announcing McLaren Automotive today.

The new company comes with a factory in the U.K. and the MP4-12C supercar, which goes into production in spring of next year. The car, of which McLaren says it will deliver 1,000 units in 2011, boasts performance figues that include zero to 124 mph in under 10 seconds and a maximum speed of over 200 mph.

How F1 could change the Olympics in 2012

The UK-based McLaren Group, which sponsors the likes of Jenson Button in Formula 1 racing, has created a wireless system that stores data and telemetry info for other athletes as well, including cyclists, rowers, and sailors.

UK Sport, which plans to invest about $500 million (300 million British pounds) in various Olympics endeavors as the country preps to defend its turf during the 2012 games in London, approached McLaren because it has "unique expertise" in data mining, according to the group's head of research and innovation Scott Drawer.

McLaren's Applied Technology division could eventually develop commercial … Read more

McLaren reveals ultralight MP4-12C supercar

McLaren has released photos and details of the McLaren MP4-12C, the automaker's first supercar since the iconic McLaren F1 was launched 17 years ago, not counting the models built in partnership with other automakers.

The McLaren MP4-12C (or just 12C for short) is an all-new model from McLaren with "no carryover parts from any other car." In plain English, that means there are no Mercedes-Benz components, contrary to early rumors. What the 12C does have is a laundry list of interesting performance technologies, including an innovative Pre-Cog shifter tech that we think will breathe new life into dual-clutch, automated, manual transmissions.

Make the jump for more details and glossy photos.… Read more