An "entry-level," mid-engined McLaren two-seater with aspirations of taking on the Porsche 911. Its code name is P13.
The company that built the benchmark F1 supercar nearly 20 years ago, the sublime 12C, and dozens of F1 racers over the decades has created rather lofty expectations.
PLATFORM: The same basic carbon-fiber tub and aluminum substructure architecture as used in the 12C.
POWERTRAIN: The 12C's twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 will return, though detuned to approximately 450 horsepower.
COMPETITION: Audi R8, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Carrera S.
WHAT MIGHT GO WRONG: Lots. The P13 has to perform as well—plus be as practical and cost the same—as the upper-end Carreras. That three-legged stool will spontaneously combust if everything isn't perfect.
ESTIMATED ARRIVAL AND PRICE: It'll be priced to compete with well-equipped 911s. In today's dollars that's around $120,000. However, the market price may balloon by 2016, the earliest we expect to see it.