According to a Dec. 11 article on LeftLaneNews.com, McLaren has confirmed that they are, in fact, developing an entry-level model to add to their line-up. Allegedly, this model is known internally as the P13.
With a low nose, large air vents and fluid lines, the P13 will take on design cues found on the P1 hypercar, but in a much more compact manner. The reasoning behind this “scaling down” is that McLaren wants this car to compete with the likes of the Porsche 911. Like the MP4-12C, the P13 will be built on a carbon fiber MonoCell shell, one of McLaren’s great innovations.
In the article, they go on to say that McLaren will be powering the P13 with a detuned version of the 3.8-liter V8 found in the 12C. This means you should not expect the 616 hp of the 12C, but a more tame, sub-400 hp that is closer to the 911’s output.
The McLaren P13 is set to go on sale sometime next year as a 2015 model, with a convertible variant to follow shortly thereafter. An unveiling date has yet to be announced, but with all the buzz, it should be quite soon.