McLaren MP4-12C: First batch of details and images released

September 9, 2009February 4, 2010 Omar Rana 2011, Coupes, McLaren MP4-12C, McLaren P11, Supercars

2011 McLaren MP4-12C (low-res)

It’s finally here. Known to us so far as the P11, McLaren today took the wraps off its new MP4-12C – the first road-going McLaren since the F1. Apparently, McLaren thinks that the most exciting part of this car isn’t the engine, but the chassis structure that they call “Carbon MonoCell.”

It’s the first time a car in the supercar segment has been based on such a strong and lightweight chassis made of one-piece carbon fiber. In fact, the tub seen in the gallery weighs just 183 pounds.

Of course, there are many of you, like us, who could care less about the chassis and more about what’s sits under the hood. Power comes from a 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine making around 600-hp mated to a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox (SSG). Actual performance figures of the MP4-12C have yet to be released, but CAR Magazine says to look for a 0 to 60 mph time in the low 3 second range and a top speed of more than 200 mph.

Pricing for the McLaren MP4-12C will range from £125,000 ($206,782 USD) and £175,000 ($289,495 USD). It will be produced in the UK and will go on sale in early 2011. Oh, and the MP4-12C won’t be the only road-going McLaren – the company is working on a range of supercars that will be built at McLaren’s Technology Center in Woking, England.

“The 12C, and future models within the range, will challenge the world’s best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group,” says McLaren.

Note: We’re still waiting on the high-res images from McLaren. For now enjoy some low-res photos.

Update: High-res image gallery added.

Click through for more pictures.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C: