F1 Champs Button and Hamilton to Race McLaren MP4-12C at Goodwood Festival of Speed


The upcoming McLaren MP4-12C will make its first public outing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from Thursday 1- Sunday 4 July 2010. Event goers and enthusiasts alike will also get the chance to see McLaren's new supercar in action as reigning F1 champion Jenson Button and 2008 F1 champion Lewis Hamilton will drive the MP4-12C up Goodwood Hill on Saturday and Sunday respectively in the Supercar Run

Following their test of an 'XP Beta' 12C prototype at Goodwood Motor Circuit in March this year, Jenson and Lewis will now get behind the wheel of the newer (as in further developed) VP9 Validation Prototype car.

McLaren said that the latest prototype version will be finished in a 'traditional' orange hue and ride on lightweight forged alloy wheels in a Stealth finish, adding that the car will feature a carbon fibre splitter, diffuser, engine covers, engine bay panels and seat backs.

Powered by a mid-mounted 3.8 liter V8 with 600HP, the new MP4-12C will go on sale in Spring 2011. McLaren has not yet released pricing on the MP4-12C, but the company stated that it will compete with cars in the 'core' high performance sports car sector, priced between £125,000-£175,000.