The McLaren MP4-12C, the first in a range of high-performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive, goes on sale in the UK and Europe in spring 2011 at a groundbreaking price for a carbon chassis-based car. At 168,500 GBP in the UK, and from 200,000 EUR in the EU, it will be the only car in its competitor set to:

• Offer a carbon chassis (the MonoCell).
• Be conceived, designed and developed within a Formula 1 factory.
• Offer the heady combination of 592 hp, from a 3.8-liter engine in a car with a dry weight of around 2866 lbs.

Pricing for North America and Canada, Asia Pacific, Middle East and South Africa will be confirmed at a later date.

Antony Sheriff, Managing Director of McLaren Automotive said: "When we embarked on this challenge to design, develop, build, sell, and service the world's most exciting and high-quality high-performance sports cars - from a brand new factory at our Formula One headquarters - we knew expectations would be high. To deliver a true McLaren sports car, and, frankly, a reason to exist amongst great competition, it was clear we needed a unique concept that offered tangible advantages. With a unique carbon chassis as the foundation, and a powerful, but highly efficient McLaren engine at its heart, the 12C offers staggering value: no other carbon-based car can compete at this price-point, or with the 12C's technology and performance.

"Add to that a focus on ensuring that our customers will be offered spectacular care by a focused, financially strong global dealer network, and I believe we have launched a new type of car company, not just a new car. Announcing such competitive prices is a major step for us and another milestone achieved," Sheriff concluded.

The 12C's MonoCell introduces genuine innovation to the automotive industry and new performance standards. It is 'pure' McLaren, with all parts, from engine to switchgear, designed by McLaren.

12C prices in UK and European markets, inc. VAT:

• United Kingdom 168,500 GBP
• Germany 200,000 EUR
• France/Monaco 201,000 EUR
• Italy 201,680 EUR
• Belgium 203,360 EUR

The 12C can be specified with a wide range of personalization options, pricing for which will be confirmed at launch. There are 17 high-grade exterior paint finishes, including 'McLaren Orange' - a solid hue that was made famous by the McLaren racing cars of the 1960s and '70s.

A choice of 14 interior trims can be specified inside the cabin. Performance upgrades include a sports exhaust system, carbon ceramic brake discs, polished-finish calipers and two lightweight forged wheel options. The 'standard' 12C features just one piece of carbon - the MonoCell - but carbon fiber options will include mirror casings, engine bay panels and engine cover.