McLaren P12 to be Revealed at the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix

McLaren P12 artist rendering by CarMagazine.Co.UK

Sources suggest that McLaren’s F1 successor will be unveiled at this years Monaco Grand Prix. The event runs from the 24th to the 27th May. The new car is known at the moment as the P12 and will be the second model in McLaren Automotive’s line-up. Whilst the debut is expected at the classic Formula 1 street race, it won’t go on sale until at least 2014.

We’ve already heard a fair bit about McLaren’s flagship model. Designed by McLaren’s chief designer Frank Stephenson, the British sports car will have dramatic styling and a two-seat configuration unlike the car it succeeds. Aside from the MP4-12C, Frank Stephenson’s other works include the new MINI, the Maserati MC12, Ferrari F430 and the Maserati Quattroporte.

The powertrain of the McLaren P12 will be borrowed from the McLaren MP4-12C. The power output of the 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 will get an upgraded to as much as 800 horsepower. It should also be coupled with a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) system, inspired by McLaren’s experience in Formula 1 racing. Speculation puts McLaren’s target top speed for the P12 at 260mph. With a target weight of 1,140 kg (over 600kg’s lighter than the Bugatti Veyron) this sounds entirely possible.

No mules have been spotted yet that we know of, however, we are told that McLaren dealerships have already seen the car. Production should be limited to limited to 500 cars, with an exclusive price tag of $ 1.56 million.