Photo: SB-Medien
Our team of spy photographers stationed in frost-gripped Scandinavia recently locked lenses with a McLaren MP4-12C in silver at a gas station. The interior of the car was completely covered up and when they tried to take a closer look, the two engineers drove off. How suspicious!
The only clue as to what this car may preview is the fact that a sticker saying "MV103" can be seen, right at the top of the windshield. But what does it mean?
MV is likely short for Mule Vehicle. As for the rest of the number, the we know that the Sports Series production prototype has the codename GXP102. We've expected for quite some time that it's called "series" because there will be more than one car and this prototype previews whatever follows the coupe.
As to what that might be, we're not exactly sure, but speculative reports indicated the Sports Series range may mirror Porsche, so a convertible is the likely next step. Another possibility would be that this is their first 2+2, supposedly developed under the codename P16" or a chassis development vehicle for all-wheel drive. McLaren also talked about a car called the P15, which would slot between the 650S and the P1.
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The only tangible piece we have on the Sports Series is a picture of the carbon fiber tub of the vehicle, which McLaren officially presented on Facebook a few weeks ago. They also said that power will come from a lesser version of the 3.8-liter V8 they use in all their current cars. The tub shape would suggest that making a conventional convertible or a Targa model will be the easiest thing from an engineering point.
McLaren has also hinted at the possibility of another Asian market model and a rack-oriented GT3 variant. Regardless, it's unlikely that the MV103 will become a production car before 2016. We may find out more during this year's New York Auto Show, where the Sports Series will be officially revealed.
MV is likely short for Mule Vehicle. As for the rest of the number, the we know that the Sports Series production prototype has the codename GXP102. We've expected for quite some time that it's called "series" because there will be more than one car and this prototype previews whatever follows the coupe.
As to what that might be, we're not exactly sure, but speculative reports indicated the Sports Series range may mirror Porsche, so a convertible is the likely next step. Another possibility would be that this is their first 2+2, supposedly developed under the codename P16" or a chassis development vehicle for all-wheel drive. McLaren also talked about a car called the P15, which would slot between the 650S and the P1.
The only tangible piece we have on the Sports Series is a picture of the carbon fiber tub of the vehicle, which McLaren officially presented on Facebook a few weeks ago. They also said that power will come from a lesser version of the 3.8-liter V8 they use in all their current cars. The tub shape would suggest that making a conventional convertible or a Targa model will be the easiest thing from an engineering point.
McLaren has also hinted at the possibility of another Asian market model and a rack-oriented GT3 variant. Regardless, it's unlikely that the MV103 will become a production car before 2016. We may find out more during this year's New York Auto Show, where the Sports Series will be officially revealed.
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