McLaren P11 caught testing

A couple of weeks ago we reported that Ron Dennis was stepping down from control of McLaren F1, to concentrate on other projects in the McLaren group. One of the main ones was the development of McLaren’s new Ferrari bashing P11, a mid-engined lightweight 2 seater, in the mould of the old McLaren F1, but at a much lower price point – £180-£200k.

Proof of how far along the P11 is came today with pictures of the car out testing in chilly climes in Sweden (just like the next generation Porsche 911 (998) and the new Baby Rolls Royce, the RR4).

The McLaren P11 is a hand-built carbon composite 2 seater, mid engined car, with a target weight of only 1250kg. Power is likely to come from a Mercedes lump, and probably a tuned version of the 6.2 litre AMG found in the ’63s’, mated to an F1 style flappy-paddle gearbox.

On the inside it will probably sport more luxurious trim than its older sibling the F1, but be more functional than the competition. However, it is certain that McLaren will opt for the more traditional 2-seat layout, rather than the 1+2 layout found in the F1.

The McLaren P11 is not expected to be in showrooms until next year, but it is highly likely that the car, in final form, will be around before the end of the year.