We've been hearing about McLaren's future product onslaught for almost a year, and in addition to the F430-rivaling P11 supercar, the bespoke automaker is planning a 911-fighter to slot in underneath it. AutoExpress tapped a design firm to render the new coupe and although it comes off as a botched attempt to replicate the Audi R8 – right down to the wheels – it could give us a glimpse of what to expect.
McLaren wants to increase its output by several thousand units over the next five years and the new "entry-level" supercar is where it expects to find the sales. In an effort to reduce costs, the mid-engine coupe will be based off the P11's rear-wheel-drive chassis, with motivation provided by AMG's 6.2-liter V8. Keeping size and weight in check are two of McLaren's primarily goals, so expect a footprint smaller than the R8, a composite body and plenty of aluminum. Early speculation says that around 450 hp will be transmitted to a semi-automatic gearbox (controlled with paddle shifters), with a curb weight of around 2,800 pounds. That should allow the new coupe to scoot to 60 in around 4.5 seconds and top out at 195 mph before you have to deploy the standard carbon ceramic brakes. Pricing is expected to be around £80,000 with sales beginning sometime before 2012.
[Source: AutoExpress]
