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McLaren Dallas unveils MP4-12C
By David Alvey. Photos by Courtney Perry
Oct 1, 2010

Neil Grossman, McLaren Dallas President (Left) and Heath Strayhan, McLaren Dallas GM (right) point out key features on the “Naked McLaren” chassis before the unveiling

When a company with a racing heritage like McLaren Automotive announces the unveiling of a new production car, excitement builds like an F1 approaching a hairpin turn at full throttle.

Car enthusiasts eagerly awaited the unveiling of the McLaren MP4-12C at an invitation-only event September 23 at Marc Events in Dallas. The $225,000 mid-engine, coupe sports a lightweight carbon fiber MonoCell chassis with a 3.8 liter all-aluminum, twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 592 horsepower to propel the two-seater from 0-to-60 mph in less than four seconds with a maximum speed exceeding 200 mph.

Featuring dihedral doors with a touch entry system, the MP4-12C has a seven-speed, seamless shift gearbox and a hydraulic Airbrake system first used in the McLaren F1 supercar.

“Driving a great sports car is only part of the experience of owning a McLaren,” said Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director. “The level of care and support that our customers get after they buy the car is just as important as a fast lap time. We are confident that we have chosen the finest group of partners in the sports car sector in the right locations.”

Park Place Dealerships is the sole McLaren dealer in Texas. The McLaren Dallas showroom will be located at 5300 Lemmon Avenue, near Love Field, with an anticipated opening in summer, 2011.

McLaren Automotive has a rich heritage in producing premium sports cars for the road. Launched in 1992, the McLaren F1 set the world land speed record for a production car. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, one of the fastest cars on the streets, is also the most successful supercar ever in its price bracket.

Park Place Dealerships represents luxury brands in Texas and California including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Jaguar, Volvo, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Maserati. Founded in 1987 by Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Dealerships is comprised of a dozen North Texas dealerships. More information is available at http://dallas.mclaren.com/ and www.parkplacetexas.com.

Tom Payne, Heath Strayhan and Stan Ley

Brad Pyatt with William & Stevi Mills

The McLaren MP4-12C revealed

Tony Joseph, Regional Director – North America, Mclaren Automotive

Kristina Trujillo and Randy Kara

Heidi Reitmeier, Chris Barta, Amy Smith

Jeweler Denis Boulle with wife Karen and son Nick Boulle

Steijn Stoltz and Jordan Alvis

Ken Schnitzer (right) talks with jeweler Denis Boulle

Chris Campbell-Moore, Ron Sturgeon and Linda Allen