With no radiators to clear, the nose is very low, which lowers the frontal area while giving the driver a very good view of the road. The air intakes behind the doors for the radiators feature turning vanes that resemble the McLaren logo. Needless to say, they are also functional as they direct the cooling air to the longitudinally mounted radiators.

The rear end has the most character with prominent exhausts surrounded by a big grille and black horizontal bars that also house the LED lights. The engine compartment is visible through a large window in the rear deck. Large glass surfaces all around provide the driver with unparalleled levels of visibility.

The accommodating interior strives to combine a high level of functionality with driver and passenger comfort. (Photo: McLaren)

Access to the comfortable interior is through large dihedral doors that are opened by swiping a hand underneath the broad shoulder running across the top of the door. The dihedral design uses just one hinge and allows for full access even in the tightest of spaces.

Functionality is also prevalent throughout the interior. All switches and buttons are mounted within reach of the driver and are grouped according to application. The most important information is presented to the driver in the binnacle behind the steering wheel, which features a very prominent tachometer. Additional info is presented in a screen mounted on the floating center console. The grip of the steering wheel is modeled after grips of the wheels used by McLaren's World Championship-winning Formula 1 drivers.

Functionality even played a role in the deciding the name of the new McLaren. Except for the F1, MP4 has been used for all McLaren built since the company was acquired by Ron Dennis' Project 4 in 1980. It originally referred to Marlboro Project 4 but more recently, it is short for McLaren Project 4.

The 12 represents a level of performance as determined on McLaren's internal Vehicle Performance Index. Future models with different performance characteristics will receive a number according to their positions on the index. Easiest to explain is the C, which indicates that that MP4-12C uses a carbon-fiber chassis.

McLaren revealed the first details of the MP4-12C in the fall of 2009 even though production was not expected to commence in earnest until this year. This gives McLaren ample of time to test the car in all conditions and set up a dealer network.

A fleet of 20 test cars has already been constructed, which has already taught invaluable lessons that will be used for the full-scale production. They have been dispatched around the world for round-the-clock testing duties. In the first year, McLaren plans to build about 1,000 examples in a new, purpose-built factory. During the following years, McLaren plans to add one new model to the line-up every year.

The McLaren MP4-12C looks set to seriously shake up the segment dominated by Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. Unlike any of its rivals, the MP4-12C sports the carbon-fiber chassis, and the level of quality boasted by the new McLaren should also be class leading.

Whether it will work as well on the road as it looks on paper remains to be seen, but there is no reason to doubt that. While the Italians may still have it cornered for pure passion, the MP4-12C will above all represent the most logical choice. It is a McLaren after all.

For more photos, see McLaren MP4-12C.

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