Here is a write up on the new McLaren:
2011 McLaren MP4-12C In Detail - Motor Trend

Im particularly concerned about the CF tub. The front and rear chassis are alum, joint by the CF tub. I wonder if the car would snap in 1/2 like the Enzo. CF is known to shatter. I don't know if it's intentional for the front and back to snap off but I'd be worried if anyone is in the market for one.

Mclaren MP4 12C Rolling Chassis Front Three Quarter Photo

Mclaren MP4 12C Rolling Chassis Side Photo

 

I wouldn't worry about it. It's a safety feature. In production cars like this, you still need some form of crumple zone to pass crash tests.

 

If you watch the Press event video from the McLaren Technology Center you'll hear them mention that they used the same chassis for a side impact test that they had already used for a front end impact test and it survived both so well that they were able to reuse it again for a third test.

Of course at extremely high speeds you are not going to be able to overcome the laws of physics in any car, but it does sound like safety of the MP4-12C was of primary concern to the designers.

Also, while the McLaren photos in the MotorTrend article are nice, they are the same set of photos that EVERYONE is publishing and I am already quite tired of looking at them. I can't wait for some of the better magazines to get their hands on some real cars and take their own photos. Hopefully in colors other than the Presentation Orange.

>8^)
ER

 

I can't wait for the first review of this.

 

STIG LAP, nuff saud.