2011 McLaren MP4-12C Revealed Further In New On-Road Videos

FOLLOWING JAY LENO'S spin in the passenger seat last year, McLaren has released a new video of its upcoming MP4-12C supercar.

The video features the newer 'XP Beta' test cars - looking identical to the production model revealed last year - as they undergo final testing of the car's revised twin-turbo engine, new gear ratios and more efficient cooling. Updated suspension components and an upgraded electrical system also figure among the XP Beta's new specs.

Scheduled for production later this year, the MP4-12C is powered by a new, McLaren-designed 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 developing 447kW and 600Nm of torque. Nearly 80 percent of that torque is available from below 2000rpm.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission - which McLaren calls 'Seamless Shift' - and like the Ferrari 458 Italia - a number of driving modes are available.

A paddle system inspired by that found in McLaren's F1 cars is found behind the steering wheel, and both paddles can be either pushed or pulled to perform a gear change, with the left paddle shifting down and the right shifting up.

A carbon monocoque shell - or a 'Carbon Monocell' as McLaren calls it - forms the basis of the 12C's body, developed specific for optimum strength, rigidity and light weight. Weight distribution is 43/57 front/rear.

The 2011 McLaren MP4-12C will launch in Europe from late next year to early 2011, at a price of around AU$250,000.