McLaren MP4-12C Launch "On Track"

Rumors the MP4-12C supercar's launch has been delayed are incorrect, according to McLaren execs. "Because we have decided not to exhibit at the L.A. Show, someone has decided that means we're delaying," says McLaren Automotive PR chief Mark Harrison, who described the Web-sourced rumors as "daft". "All is still on track for production start in late 2010, with the car going on sale early to mid-2011."

McLaren Automotive technical director Dick Glover heads a 50-strong testing and development team that's been working with eight development cars (called XP cars in McLaren-speak) during the past year. The 2009 testing program has focused heavily on two of the most famous tracks in the world -- the notorious Nurburgring Nordschleife and the BBC Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome.

Mclaren Mp4 12C Prototype Hot Weather Testing
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A McLaren MP4-12C prototype undergoing hot weather testing in Bahrain.
"Having to develop a brand new range of cars from scratch to the standards expected of McLaren, featuring ground-breaking new structures and powertrain is the ultimate challenge," says Glover. "But now we know just what the 12C is capable of, we are able to push on into 2010."

Glover's team is using experience gained from McLaren's long experience in Formula 1, where engineers continuously develop and implement major vehicle changes in very short time frames. Detailed daily reports from all MP4-12C test sessions are sent to personnel in a wide range of functions, ensuring the full range of the company's engineers, designers and management are able to contribute their experience. Simulation and rapid engineering practices -- two core aspects of a successful Formula 1 team -- are then employed to re-calibrate the XP test cars for the following day, or night's, development targets.

Mclaren Mp4 12C Prototype Test Dick Glover
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McLaren Tecnical Director Dick Glover.
A unique F1-inspired program also brings the whole development team together at one venue over a period of up to two weeks. Huge strides are gained during these intense testing periods as all car systems are stretched to their limits in combination and as a whole, rather than part by part in sequence.

"McLaren has always set itself the highest standards," says chief test driver Chris Goodwin. "We are the most successful ever motor racing team; we designed and built one of the world's most iconic sports cars in the world [the McLaren F1], and pioneered carbon fiber development on race and road cars. We took those standards into the development program for the MP4-12C."

2011 Mclaren MP4 12C Front Three Quarters View Motion 2011 Mclaren MP4 12C Rear Three Quarters View 2011 Mclaren MP4 12C Cockpit
2011 Mclaren MP4 12C Interior View 2011 Mclaren MP4 12C Side View Driver 2011 Mclaren MP4 12C Rear View

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2009/112_0911_mclaren_mp4_12c_launch_plan/index.html#ixzz0X5Rh3xLU