- Meet the McLaren MP4-12C
- Market matters
- Gallery: The all new McLaren MP4-12C in pics

When McLaren boss Ron Dennis stepped down from his role in F1 handing overall control of the title-defending team over to Martin Whitmarsh, many feared something was wrong.

But it wasn’t that the team principal had tired of the motor racing scene or his rivalry with Italian manufacturer Ferrari. He’d just decided to do battle on another playing field… Dennis is renown for his obsession with detail that often borders on the obsessive compulsive. So, when he decided to fulfil his ambition to build a sportscar that ‘set new standards in the industry’, how could he possible concentrate on the two at the same time?

The answer is he couldn’t. Taking the step back from the F1 team has allowed the man many hail as an automotive genius to concentrate that dedication into a roadcar – one that would take the fight to Ferrari in showrooms across the world.

‘It is a long-held dream of mine to launch high performance sportscars that set new standards in the industry,’ explains Dennis. ‘We began designing and building cars for aficionados of thoroughbred sportscars almost 20 years ago. I am confident that now is the right time for McLaren Automotive to become a full line high performance sports car manufacturer.’

Dennis confidently predicts we’ll be well out of recession by 2011, perfect timing for the launch of the MP4-12C his team have spent many late nights developing. Combining cutting edge technology honed on the F1 world stage with striking design, the new McLaren is likely to be a sales success.

‘Worldwide demand for high performance cars is strong, in large part because of great cars from great competitors,’ says Dennis. ‘With McLaren joining that list, it will grow stronger still.

‘We are very proud of the McLaren MP4-12C and all the teamwork, intelligent thought and sheer effort that have gone into developing this car. What drives people at McLaren is passion – if you cut them, they bleed McLaren. And there is no doubt in my mind that the 12C fully reflects that focus, drive and determination in its performance, style and ownership potential.’

Cut? Bleed? Sounds like there are some serious initiation ceremonies going on at McLaren’s Woking HQ! But on a serious note, Dennis acknowledges there’s some tough competition in the supercar sector the MP4-12C will be launched into. Ferrari has already shown its hand with the gorgeous Italia 458 and Lamborghini has wowed us with its LP560-4. So what does the McLaren chief think of these rivals?

‘We respect and admire our competitors in the high performance sportscar market, just as we do in the world of Formula 1, but I also believe that fierce competition drives technology and innovation and produces ever better products,’ says Dennis.

‘With the McLaren MP4-12C we are determined to deliver the best car in its sector by almost any measure. It is our philosophy to push what is possible in car design and engineering and bring innovation and engineering excellence to the performance car world. ‘This is the start of an exciting new chapter in McLaren’s history and in global sports car design. We aim to be the best, but will leave that ultimate judgement to our first customers in 2011.’

Better get your name down on the waiting list then…

- Meet the McLaren MP4-12C
- Market matters