McLAREN BOSS RON DENNIS has announced that the company’s brand new supercar will debut this week as the MP4-12C, drawing its name from the company’s Formula 1 heritage. Above and following are recent spy photos of the car undergoing testing, dubbed at the time the ‘P11′.

The new McLaren, unlike its F1 forebear, will be aimed at a more ‘entry-level’ supercar market (if you can wrap your head around such a notion) taking on the likes of the Ferrari F458 Italia.

Dennis revealed to the Times of London that the MP4-12C will utilise a carbon-fibre chassis, featuring gullwing doors and - clearly evident above - a traditional two-seat interior layout.

According to the report, the new car will feature a seven-speed sequential transmission and self-adjusting suspension with dynamically varying damper settings. Dennis has also conceded that power output is likely to be around 410kW.

While there are no further specifics, an AMG-sourced 6.2 litre V8 is rumoured to provide power to the rear wheels.

Despite the heavy camouflaging, it’s clear from the cab-forward wedge shape and air-intakes that the successor to the legendary McLaren F1 will feature a mid-engine layout.

A KERS-style regenerative braking system is also expected to feature on the P11, giving a temporary power boost at the push of a button.

The extensive use of carbon fibre, alloy composites and other lightweight materials can be expected to keep weight down to around 1200kg.

In line with its supercar opponents, McLaren will likely be aiming for a sub-four seconds 0-100km/h sprint, and a top speed beyond 320km/h.

High-mounted exhausts are visible on the prototype, and a flat floor-pan is rumoured to feature.

In speaking with the Times of London, Dennis revealed that the MP4-12C is but one of three new models McLaren will be introducing by 2015. A smaller model aimed (and priced) at the Porsche 911 is planned, as is an in-between model to face off against the Porsche Carrera GT.