Baby McLaren

**Niko_Fx** · 06-07-2004, 06:48 PM

Mercedes McLaren P8 aims for supercar playground in 2008
The SLR was just the first shot: Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are beyond planning stages for a mid-engine, V8-powered supercar with sights set on Ferrari’s 360 Modena and Ford’s GT. The project car—though only in its formative stage—has a dedicated group looking into its engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing feasibility, and is codenamed P8. If given approval in the coming months, P8, which would slot between the robust SL65 AMG and the SLR McLaren, could be on the streets testing by late 2006 and in showrooms by late 2007.

2008 MERCEDES McLAREN P8
ON SALE: Late 2007
BASE PRICE: $200,000 (est.)
POWERTRAIN: 6.3-liter, 500-hp, 516-lb-ft V8; rwd, seven-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 3000 pounds (est.)
0-60 MPH: 3.9 seconds (est.)

The P8, depicted here as an artist’s rendering, is officially only a concept. Clearly, management from both Mercedes-Benz and the McLaren Formula One super team would like to put a car like P8 into production. “Yes, we are looking at a mid-engine road car,EMercedes boss JEgen Hubbert told AutoWeek last week. “But there is no decision on production.EBefore production can happen, M-B and McLaren board members must give P8 unanimous approval.

What gives credence to the likelihood of P8 seeing production? News that ultra-performance car guru Neil Hannemann, the engineering mind behind the Dodge Viper, Saleen S7 and the Ford GT, left the friendly confines of Ford in Dearborn Jan. 31 for a job as engineering director at McLaren.

P8 also makes smart business sense. The SLR is built in the new McLaren Technology Center in Woking, England, a reported $300 million investment already made by both Mercedes and McLaren. Only by expanding the model product lines of this collaborative effort can that investment be amortized.

There is also ego at stake—M-B and McLaren compete with Ferrari in Formula One on racetracks around the world and want to take on the Italians in the performance street car arena. Perhaps another spur in the side to do this car is knowledge that rival Audi is at an advanced stage with its own mid-engine supercar, the Le Mans, using the Lamborghini Gallardo underpinnings (AW, Feb. 16).

http://www.maybach.ru/en/news_390.html

**MrVette83** · 06-07-2004, 07:33 PM

I've heard something about this before, it was in Car and Driver I think. The points that they brought forth hinted at a possible McMerc trinity, having three cars that would each complete closely with or surpass the three 2-seat Ferraris.