2018 Mclaren 570 Spider $227k Msrp on 2040-cars

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McLaren ceases production of 12C to focus on 650S

If you raised an eyebrow in suspicion when McLaren insisted its new 650S would join its lineup in tandem with – and not as a replacement for – the MP4-12C, we're with you. The 650S is, after all, based closely on the 12C, distinguishing itself essentially with a revised shape, updated equipment and more power. And with the Spider version having debuted alongside the coupe in Geneva, there's really little room left for the 12C at all. Keeping both around at the same time would be like if arch-rival Ferrari offered both the old California and new California T (or the 360 Modena and the F430 that followed) at the same time. Yet McLaren has remained adamant that the 12C isn't going anywhere despite the arrival of the 650S. Or is it? Well, yes and no. Reports coming in from the UK indicate that, while McLaren will continue to offer the 12C to customers who order it, the company has actually ceased production of the older, less expensive version for the time being in order to gear up for producing the newer 650S. Keeping both models on the order sheet will likely cease once McLaren's upcoming entry-level model, dubbed P13, comes along. Essentially replacing the 12C with the 650S at that point will allow Woking to open up a bigger price difference between it and the new model, helping to differentiate between the two. In the meantime, the House that Bruce (or Ron) Built appears to be taking a similar approach to Pagani, which kept the Zonda on offer long after the Huayra came along.

McLaren is making a three-seat successor to the F1

They had us at three seats. McLaren just announced a new car, currently called BP23, that is the spiritual successor for the iconic F1 supercar. Just 106 will be made, the same number as the F1, and they're already sold out. And yes, it will have a three-seat configuration. BP23 is short for "Bespoke Project 23" and, hey, McLaren has never been strong on names. This the company that launched its current road-going car lineup with the memorable title of MP4-12C, after all. What few details we have, though, point to a everything else about the car being amazing. McLaren calls the BP23 a Hyper GT, because it's designed for long-distance travel. The powertrain will be a hybrid, which we expect to exceed the 904 horsepower total output of the P1. Inside, every single piece of switchgear will be unique to the BP23. Along with the three-seat configuration, the new car will also feature the dihedral doors that are now a McLaren calling card, but with a twist. This time around the doors will be power operated and extend into the roof, Ford GT40-style. And in case you were wondering, yes, the body is all carbon fiber. Pricing has yet to be revealed, but we're told it's seven figures. Which is incredibly vague. Then again, if you haven't already had a meeting with McLaren Special Operations, the price doesn't matter.Related Video:

Fernando Alonso drives Senna's McLaren in latest promo clip

McLaren has put a lot of great drivers in the cockpit over the years. Several multiple World Champions in fact, from Ayrton Senna to Fernando Alonso. It may seem only fitting then that the latter should get a chance to sample the former's ride, and that's just what the team has done for this latest promo video. It's actually the trailer for a new clip called Don't Crack Under Pressure, celebrating 30 years of partnership between McLaren and TAG Heuer, filmed at Catalunya (Spain). Which is all well and fine, but the point is: Alonso, in Senna's car, the MP4/4 in which Senna won his first World Championship in 1988. And he's playing cat and mouse, no less, with Jenson Button in the new MP4-30, which is powered once again by Honda. Just like in the Senna days.