Every once and a while we come across cool stuff and amazing technology that doesn't have anything to do with our normal programming of social networking, mobile and their apps.

In 1998, Gordon Murray and McLaren Automotive released the McLaren F1 supercar to the world.  It is not only still the fastest naturally aspired production car in the world (top speed 240mph / 391km/h), but it contains many proprietary technologies and design principals to keep it on top even 12 years later. 

Their newest supercar is in the final stages of development and we can expect a world class car, maybe the best in the world again.  Using the same terminology as software development, they call their prototype a "Beta" experimental prototype.  They have been working on many new technologies for several different parts and systems of the car.  Those new technologies have been tested in isolation over the last few years.  This new "Beta" test car is the first time all the new technologies come together in a model that is getting close to the production model. 

The new model is called the McLaren MP4-12C XP.  The XP in the name stands for experimental prototype and the rest of the name is well defined and thought out as follows:
"‘MP4’ has been the chassis designation for all McLaren Formula 1 cars since 1981. It stands for McLaren Project 4, resulting from the merger of Ron Dennis’ Project 4 organisation with McLaren.
The ‘12’ refers to McLaren’s internal Vehicle Performance Index through which it rates key performance criteria both for competitors and for its own cars. The criteria combine power, weight, emissions, and aerodynamic efficiency. The coalition of all these values delivers an overall performance index that has been used as a benchmark throughout the car’s development. It represents power and efficiencies.

The ‘C’ refers to Carbon, highlighting the unique application of carbon fibre technology to the future range of McLaren sports cars.

The elements of this name represent everything that the McLaren MP4-12C stands for:
‘MP4’ represents the racing bloodline
‘12’ represents the intense focus on complete performance
‘C’ represents the revolutionary Carbon MonoCell"

McLaren has released a video of their new supercar testing in Spain.  It is expected to go on sale in 2011.  Pricing is not mentioned at this stage but if you have to ask how much, you probably can't afford it.  The original F1 is the most expensive production supercar, over $1 million each and the most expensive went at action in 2008 for $4 million.  

More information is available on the McLaren Automotive website.