McLaren MP4-12C launched

Amidst a furore of suspense and glamour, the McLaren MP4-12C has been officially launched today, making it the envy of luxury car enthusiasts across the globe who may be heard to whisper ''I need to sell my Aston Martin and buy a new McLaren'' to keep up with other car fashionistas.

The car, to be produced at a new factory near London, is the first in a new range of high performance road cars by McLaren. The 12C is to be promoted as a lightweight, fun two-seater and will hit production at the new plant in Spring 2011.

Autosport report that despite the MP4-12C's credentials, there are no plans in the pipeline to competitively race the sportscar. However, executive chairman of McLaren and former Formula One team boss, Ron Dennis thinks that there may be a market for customer teams to race the car in the future.

Around 1,000 12C's will be produced in 2011, through specialist McLaren outlets in Europe, America, South Africa and Asia-Pacific. The new model is hoping to set the bar in performance, safety and driveability, following the design principle of McLaren's F1 cars.

For those interested in performance, the 12C is expected to reach 0-60 at the low three second mark, with its 3.8 litre V8 engine producing 600 horsepower and 433lb-ft of torque - sure to excite most car fanatics.

McLaren's new project is expected to further improve the luxury car market post-recession. For now we'll have to satisfy our cravings with pictures and press releases, but look out for the supercar on Britain's roads soon.

Kay McGuinness, Maidstone, AUDI A4 AVANT

Brian Coleman, Ferndown, Honda Civic