9:21 AM
In this rare instance, a divorce seems to be benefiting everyone--including supercar fans.
The Mercedes-McLaren hookup that spawned the SLR is unwinding this year, and for the second time this week, we’ve received shots of what the one of the companies is doing next. In this case, it’s McLaren’s P11.
Spy shooters caught the supercar during a snowy testing session in Sweden as it undergoes cold-weather drills. These shots look similar to what we’ve seen before, though the car is heavily clad in black and white plastic.
The Formula One-inspired car will compete with the Ferrari F430 and new Mercedes supercar, the SLR McLaren-successor SLC, due for 2011. Spy shooters recently caught the SLC.
The two-seat P11 is expected in November 2010. It will rely heavily on carbon-fiber and aluminum materials, which would help keep weight under the 3,100-pound threshold. A soft-top spider could arrive in 2011.
Look for a turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 from AMG that will be reworked and given a McLaren badge. It could check in around 550 hp. The unit could be paired with a F1-style quick-change transmission.
The supercar has evolved since former Fiat and Ferrari designer Frank Stephenson signed on with McLaren.
