Earlier this month the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed was held in the UK. It’s a HUGE weekend for the high-end automobile industry and enthusiasts. McLaren decided it would be the perfect place to debut it’s latest creation, the MP4-12C. Formerly known as project P-11, the MP4-12C is McLaren’s new super-car aimed to compete against the Ferrari 458 Italia, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and the like. Price is supposed to be in the neighborhood of $200K-$285K USD, which you’ll have to wait and spend Spring 2011 when they’re available.

The twin-turbo, mid engine v-8, rear wheel drive rocket will boast around 600hp and 443 pound feet of torque. Not only is it fast, but McLaren claims that it is more efficient than a hybrid. It’s got an ultra-stiff carbon fiber chassis, which is supposedly twice as stiff as an aluminum version. With a 7-speed clutchless paddle shifted transmission, it should be a joy to drive.

Aesthetically, I’m not sure that I’m sold on it, but I’d say it’s growing on me. I had a hard time getting the whole picture just looking at photographs, but once I saw it in motion, it really started to grow on me. There is some stiff competition in that price range, but the folks at McLaren are showing up with confidence. If you have a spare moment, you really should check out the very impressive McLaren website, here.