In the fall of 2009, McLaren announced its intention to launch, starting in 2011, the MO4 12C, an exceptional sports road car which will succede the Mercedes-McLaren SLR.  McLaren surprised everyone by announcing that this car would be commercialized without the partnership of Mercedes.  When unveiling its MP4 12C concept car, McLaren indicated that the new sports car would sport a 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 producing 600 horsepower, with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and would weigh only 1400 kg.