McLaren's all-new supercar goes into production

The first McLaren MP4-12C began its journey down the production line this morning.

Chassis number 01 is the first of an anticipated annual run of 1,000 cars to be manufactured in a bespoke new £40m McLaren Production Centre, near Woking. 

Set to take on the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche, the new British-built supercar features a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering 592bhp and 443lb.ft. of torque.

Weighing in at just 1,300kg, thanks to the extensive use of carbonfibre, the 12C will reach 62mph in less than four seconds and costs potential customers £168,500.

First presented to the public at last summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed it is the first new McLaren road car since the iconic McLaren F1 of 1992.

Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director, said: “In five years, the MP4-12C has evolved from a concept we developed in our own Formula 1 simulator, to a groundbreaking high-performance sports car offering unique technologies and outstanding dynamic performance.

“It has been an intensive development programme, but now the fun really begins as our future owners look forward to taking delivery of their 12Cs.”