McLaren reveals new supercar

McLaren's stunning MP4-12C is expected to carry a price tag of around $400,000.

McLaren has revealed its long-awaited, technology-packed new road car, the MP4-12C.

Several of its technical features draw upon McLaren's experience in motor racing.

The most notable of these is probably the extensive use of carbon fibre, which makes for an exceptionally strong and stiff body structure.

McLaren has made road cars before but in conjunction with other major manufacturers – the widely praised 1992 McLaren F1 used a V12 engine supplied by BMW, while more recently, the company built the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren with its Formula 1 engine partner, Mercedes.

The MP4-12C, though, is an "all-McLaren" effort, including the engine, a 3.8 litre V8 producing 600 horsepower.

When it goes on sale in early 2011, the new car is expected to cost up to NZ$400,000.

- THE INDEPENDENT