From Road and Track:
"With the complettion of a new technology center in Woking, England, and the integration of the Mercedes-Benz SLR production line under the same roof as the Formula 1 program, McLaren and Mercedes are looking for a bigger return on their investment by producing several models instead of only one. As in F1, Mercedes' aim is to take on Ferrari with a new sports car slotted between the SLR McLaren and the Mercedes SL. This mid-engined car, codenamed P8, will compete with the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo when it comes to market in 2007 with an asking price somewhere between $175,000 and $225,000.
The engine is a new normally aspirated 6.3-liter V-8 with four valves per cylinder. It will provide around 500 bhp and will also power AMG versions of Mercedes S-, SL-, CL-, and E-Class cars. With turbocharging, it could provide up to 700 bhp, leaving the field open for future derivatives of the P8. To keep costs in check, the plan calls for this engine to be mated to the new 7-speed twin-clutch transmission developed be Ricardo for the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve. The rear-drive P8 will use some components--like axles--from the next generation SL, while the interior will be unique to the P8, except for the seats, which will be adapted from the SLR.
To compete with the F430, the target curb weight is about 2800 lb. The McLaren will be fabricated from carbon fiber, except for the aluminum subframe used to mount the engine.
The P8 won't be the only new car built alongside the SLR at Woking. In addition to an SLR successor (codenamed C60, a front-engine project that features a 700-bhp turbo V-12), rumors are also swirling about another mid-engine super sports car to compete with the Bugatti Veyron. This car could have close to 1000 bhp and would probably share parts--such as the Ricardo 7-speed gearbox--with the P8 and ME Four-Twelve. This high-end super sports car will not appear before 2010.
I don't have a scanner so if anyone can get a picture I would apprieciate it. What are your thoughts on this?