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2009-12-08: Exclusive closer look at McLaren's all new MP4-12C ...

During the month of December we usually highlight some of the greatest machines - old and new - that we saw or were launched during the past year. Today we kick our 'best of' series off with a closer look at the McLaren MP4-12C that was announced in September. Although it won't enter production until 2011, we had the chance to shoot one of the pre-production prototype inside McLaren's fabulous Technology Centre.

The MP4-12C will be the first McLaren road car since the legendary F1 of the 1990s. While aimed at a completely different market, the MP4-12C includes many of the hallmarks that made the F1 such a legendary car. Every bit on the car has been designed specifically for the MP4-12C.

At its core the new McLaren features a cutting edge, single-piece carbon-fibre monocoque chassis that combines rigidity with light weight. Thanks to McLaren's advanced molding techniques, the tub can be produced at just a fraction of the time and expense than conventional carbon chassis. This allowed the British company to use it for a car aimed squarely at the segment dominated by Lamborghini, Porsche and Ferrari. For the first time in the company's history, a bespoke McLaren engine was developed to suit the MP4-12C's particular packaging needs. It is a twin-turbocharged, 3.8 litre V8 that produces around 600 bhp and 600 Nm of torque. This is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox. With McLaren's exceptional eye for detail and aerospace levels of quality control, we have little doubt that the MP4-12C will set new benchmarks in its segment.

Ahead of the launch of the final design, we can today provide you with an exclusive 24-shot galleryof the MP4-12C prototype.