This video on developing the McLaren MP4-12C is the first in a series on how the MP4-12C was built. This one focuses on the initial testing and development phases, using a Formula 1 simulator and meeting the McLaren test driver. We get an idea of the testing procedure, in Bahrain and at the Arctic Circle, and see track drives at the Nurburgring together with daily rambles around the highways and byways of the UK.

Continue reading: McLaren MP4-12C development video

The McLaren P11 could be called the McLaren MP4-12C on its 2009 Frankfurt motor show debut next week. The Times has revealed that the presentation of the supercar is only the start in the creation of a new global brand of supercars.

As the name would suggest, the McLaren “P11″ is inspired by the MP4-12 Formula 1 car of 1997. It was a legendary year for the brand, winning the F1 and bringing the “silver arrow” back to icon status.

The MP4-12C name is set to acknowledge the partnership with Mercedes both in the past, and also with this new McLaren P11 model. With a couple of Formula 1/supercar touches such as gullwing doors, the MP4-12C will be powered by a V8 engine with a seven-speed gearbox and self-adjusting suspension.

The new model is set to be the first in three models to be released, with McLaren aiming for yearly production of 4,000 models, selling 1,000 in the first year. The other models to be introduced prior to 2015 will be entry-level models competing with the Porsche 911 and then filling the gap left by the Carrera GT, discontinued by Porsche. We’ll be waiting for next week’s Frankfurt show to get the details.

Source | The Times via Autoblog

Continue reading: McLaren P11 to be released at Frankfurt with name of MP4-12C

Ross Brawn is set to auction some of the historic pieces from the old Honda Formula 1 team. And in another act of liquidity, it appears Renault has also taken a similar decision. But there’s a catch: none of the models will be sold as whole cars, with only single components being available.

At the next Silverstone Classic Race Meeting Ross Brawn will sell the chassis of the BAR and Honda, which partecipated in F1 seasons from 2001 to 2006. And for the joy of fans, the prices are not stratospheric, with the 2001 BAR apparently up for grabs at 8,000 euros. As far as decorative pieces go, it’s not bad memorabilia.

The only dissatisfaction is likely to be for Brawn, as the auction proceeds will be far inferior to the 20 million pounds that the team has lost for the rights to the Honda name, and therefore revenue, that haven’t been recognised.

At the Silverstone GP Renault is to promoted a similar initiative, with chassis, engines and other components of F1 that have participated in the British gran prix up for sale. It looks like the right time to be collecting bits and pieces of memorabilia.

Source | PistonHeads

Continue reading: Formula 1 sales from Brawn and Renault

All these lovely F1 cars were present at the Geneva show, from vintage F1 models to modern examples. If you’re an F1 fan, there’s nothing better than comparing models to see developments in technology and aerodynamics, from Honda in 1984 to Jaguar.

Continue reading: F1 models at Geneva

In conjunction with the presentation of the new Toyota Formula 1 single seater for 2009, Toyota has released the first shots of the new car, along with this curious, fast-forwarded video of the construction of the Toyota F1.

The video re-traces the assembly of the TF109 in all its production phases, until ready for the track. If only it were really that fast!

Source | Jalopnik

Continue reading: Toyota: how to build an F1 in one minute