McLaren Developing Smaller, Cheaper Sports Car

McLarenMcLarenUnited Kingdom, 1963 > present92 models
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has admitted to developing the third car in its brand, codenamed the P13. The new car will be smaller and less powerful than the 12CMcLaren MP4-12CUnited Kingdom, 2009 > present15 versions
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There is no specific word on the P13's styling yet, but it will certainly follow the familial look of other McLaren road cars. Like the rest of the brand's cars, it will use a carbon fiber monocoque. McLaren is comfortable enough with carbon fiber technology to be able to build thousands of these cars a year, plus its other offerings. The carbon fiber monocoque will also make it easier to create a convertible model later, like it did with the 12C.

Power for the P13 will reportedly come from a detuned, 450hp version of the company's 3.8-liter V8 that is already used in the 12C and P1. The transmission will also likely be the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission from the 12C and P1McLaren P1United Kingdom, 2013 > present26 photos
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Prices will be around €140,000 or $180,000, which will put it in competition with higher end 911sPorsche 911 Gen.6 [991 Series]Germany, 2011 > present110 versions
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, the Audi R8Audi R8Germany, 2006 > present44 versions
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and Aston Martin VantageAston Martin Vantage (modern) Gen.1United Kingdom, 2005 > present61 versions
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. It sees a gap in the market for a highly styled sports car to compete against those cars. The 12C will be left to compete with FerrarisFerrariItaly, 1947 > present233 models
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. 

Sales are expected to begin in 2015. 

Source: Autocar