McLaren has kept its cards to itself on the MP4-12C in terms of straight line performance, but finally the specs are in. The headline is this: 0-200km/h in 8.9 seconds.
Yes, it's quicker than the Ferrari 458 Italia (and any other production Ferrari), quicker than the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera and quicker than the Porsche 911 Turbo S.
The last of those is the only car that comes close, and in fact the McLaren has to cheat a little to beat its 0-100km/h time. The Porsche hits 100km/h in 3.3 seconds, which is exactly the same as the McLaren's, except that the British car is available with an optional Corsa tyre pack that takes it down to 3.1 seconds. Top speed is 330km/h.
Only a Bugatti Veyron or a Koenigsegg should be avoided in a drag race, basically - cars that cost many, many times more than the McLaren.
The twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine produces 600hp, compared to the 578hp unit of the 458 Italia, and uses 11.7 litres/100km on the combined cycle (24.2mpg).
Extensive use of carbon fibre and aluminium, including a one-piece moulded carbon chassis, gives it an amazing 461hp/tonne power-to-weight ratio. It weighs just over 1,400kg before you take out the calculator.
Production at McLaren's brand new Woking facility in England has begun and the car goes on sale this summer.