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McLaren Automotive officially launches as the MP4-12C speeds toward production

McLaren Automotive laid out its ambitious plans to become a competitive player in the high-performance car market on Thursday and wants to build up to 4,000 top-shelf sports car annually by the middle of the decade. The company held a grand opening at its base in Woking, England, to celebrate the progress and officially unveil the MP4-12C as it moves toward production. The estimated 592-hp supercar is expected to be exceptionally light and aerodynamic as the company takes aim at the best of Ferrari and Lamborghini.

Jaguar and Williams F1 to partner on C-X75 hybrid supercar technology

Jaguar is teaming up with Williams F1 to put a limited run of $1.1 million C-X75 hybrid-powered supercars into production in late 2013 with a crucial partnership that links two storied British companies to develop cutting-edge technology. Jag and Williams have been working on a production plan for the C-X75 since January and will share development over the next few years. “Williams has expertise in composite structures, advanced powertrains, aerodynamics, low-volume production and speedy production development,” said Bob Joyce, Jaguar Land Rover's chief engineer.

Porsche announces new Weissach design center and wind tunnel

Porsche is to invest around €150m into its Weissach development facility, including a new design center. The plans also include an electronics integration department and a state-of-the art, on-site wind tunnel, which is hoped will allow the company to realize an holistic approach to efficient design, with a strong focus on aerodynamics. When we spoke with head of Porsche design, Michael Mauer, at this year's Paris motor show, he also alluded to the fact that the Volkswagen Group's – and, more specifically, Walter de'Silva's – recent influence on the German manufacturer was shifting its attitudes: "The Volkswagen Group has a very good understanding of how much freedom a brand needs to keep its characteristics and with [Walter] as 'conductor', I feel a lot of support with design issues within the company," explained Mauer.