McLaren has announced a new 'Sports Series' range, which will consist of sub-650S models that will rival the Porsche 911, Audi R8 and Ferrari California T.
The range, which is due to be revealed in the second quarter of 2015, will most likely consist of coupé, Spider and track-focused versions of what had previously been known as the McLaren P13.
A single teaser image of the car, showing a camouflaged prototype, has also been released by the company.
McLaren reveals more details of its Porsche 911 rival
Each variant of the upcoming Sports Series will get its own bespoke name. Given McLaren's more recent naming conventions, for example the 650S and the later Asian market 625C, it's likely that the new Sports Series range will adopt a similar naming strategy.
A McLaren official told Autocar that no model names had been confirmed for the new cars yet, however. McLaren has, in recent history, registered the names Mergulho, Masta and Parabolica – all famous motorsports corners – but these are understood to have been for another commercial purpose.
The company has also registered Longtail, a reference to the 1997 F1 GTR which is often referred to by the same name, but this was most likely acquired to protect the company's intellectual property.
Pricing is expected to start at around £125,000 for the new Sports Series McLarens, which have been pitched as "pure driver's cars". Currently the company produces around 1400 cars a year; when the Sports Series is in full production – by the end of 2016 – that number will rise to around 4000.
Sub-650S McLaren P13 - new details
Production versions of the mid-engined P13 will use a modified version of the 650S' carbonfibre composite chassis. They're also expected to use a derivative of the company's Ricardo-built twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V8, much like the other cars in the manufacturer's range.
The entry-level Sports Series model is believed to be capable of 0-62mph in around 4.0sec – about 1.0sec slower than the current 650S – and will achieve a top speed of around 185mph.
Company boss Mike Flewitt said: “The P13 will be a very engaging car to drive. It will be fun but safe.” He also told Autocar that the Sports Series will be more practical, thanks to changes to the sills of the tub which will improve access.
The Sport Series' launch campaign, dubbed 'Black Swan Moments', will cover 13 chapters of game-changing events, comprising notable occurrences in world – and the company's – history.
In 2017 it is expected that the McLaren range will be extended further with the P15, a supercar costing upwards of £300,000.
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