McLaren MP4-12C named

The McLaren P11 has now been named - it will be the McLaren MP4-12C

Ron Dennis has revealed in an interview that the new McLaren – codename P11 – will be known as the McLaren MP4-12C.

Update 9/9/09: McLaren has now released full details and pictures of the McLaren MP4-12C

Update 10/0/09: Ron Dennis talks about the MP4-12c and McLaren Automotive’s future plans.

We reported recently that McLaren plans to unveil detail of the McLaren P11 – the Ferrari 458 Italia competitor – on 9th September. Well, it looks like Ron Dennis has jumped the gun a bit and divulged that the car we’ve know by its codename – McLaren P11 – since we first learned of its existence will be known as the McLaren MP4-12C. Catchy little moniker.

But of course it’s about McLaren history, and more than a passing nod to its F1 heritage. The McLaren F1 cars are all dubbed MP4, but I think we’d prefer to have seen something like McLaren F2. Still, a rose by any other name…

What Ron also let slip was that the MP4-12C will be powered by twin-turbo V8 engine mated to a seven speed ‘box and likely to deliver 600bhp+. The suspension will offer the optimum setup at all times – from boulevard bowling to track storming – through a sophisticated automatically adjusting system.

The MP4-12C will feature proper supercar standard fare like  gullwing doors, but is intended to be a technological tour de force, with wi-fi for internet access and a futuristic feel to the cabin.

Details are being kept under wraps until Wednesday, but we’ll get more detail then. It also seems likely that we may get a little more information on the Babay McLaren – the 911 Competitor – and perhaps even the new McLaren F1, even though that’s not due for another five years.

We’ll be on then case on Wednesday.