McLaren

McLaren Inc. was set up in 1961 by Gordon McLaren in Mercer Island, WA. Stuart Smith joined as Gordon's partner in 1968 and work moved to Bellevue, WA.

Automobiles made by McLaren Automotive have just one goal: of integrating as much Formula 1 technology into a street vehicle as potential. Founded in 1989 that business has not been very effective but the few versions they created made automotive history.

In keeping with their goals, their first automobile was named the McLaren F1. It was dubbed a supercar by analysts and folks who really drove, and not merely because it has an one-million dollar plus plus tag. Only 100 models were produced between 1997 and 1992.

It held the title of the fastest production car for all year, with an unofficial top rate of 241,35 miles per hour (that's 391 km/h for people used for the metric system). Now, the title is dropped to the SSC Ultimate Aero TT and the Bugatti Veyron. Remember that while both of these vehicles were turbocharged, the F1 was naturally aspired.

There have been several versions manufactured from the F1, the GT, the GTR with versions 64 F1, 5 LM, 3 GT, 9 GTR95, 10 <>GTR97 and 9 <>GTR96. This allowed another individual sitting immediately behind the driver to see the thrills of driving in a Formula 1 race-car.

Created much like a regular Formula 1 car, this version had all of the security functions that F.I.A. demands and then some. Assembled out of the carbon-fiber monocoque, the MP4/98T has a 3.0 litre V10 MercedesBenz engine.

McLaren is among the most successful teams in F1, being the next group in the constructors championship amount (eight), behind the British also Williams F1 . and Ferrari Throughout its history, twelve of the pilots who directed a McLaren took over the title.

In the '90s, the firm expanded its reach again by opening offices first in Spokane, WA and Salt Lake City, UT. The business has consistently appreciated profitability and fiscal stability. The present leaders is dependant on collaborative effort, involving all team members.

In 1999 an even more exotic car was planned to appear under the McLaren marque.

In 2006 the SLR 722 edition came out with better engine and in 2007 the Convertible reach the roads. In April 2007 it was declared that the SLR would be discontinued for the coupe model and last year for the convertible model.

However, you should not fret to much if you believe the SLR is aged, reports are coming in that McLaren is now developing a brand new vehicle, codename P11, which will become an alternative to the F1, with a rumored rate of 390 km/h.