Although earlier reports suggested that plans to produce a smaller, mid-engined stablemate for the McLaren Mercedes SLR had been shelved, it now appears that Mclaren is to develop a compact sportster and stuff an enormous 6,3-litre V8 into it.

Although earlier reports suggested that plans to produce a smaller, mid-engined stablemate for the McLaren Mercedes SLR had been shelved, it now appears that Mclaren is to develop a compact sportster and stuff an enormous 6,3-litre V8 into it

The new car will now be developed exclusively by McLaren, and it will be available a bit later than the initially-projected 2007 launch date. It is unclear whether the car will carry any Mercedes badging.

Codenamed the P8, the car will be equipped with a new normally aspirated 6,3-litre V8 engine, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division, and will probably have a peak power output of 373 kW. Though it bears the McLaren name, the car will also come with several components sourced from the German manufacturer.

Late last year, the head of the Mercedes Car Group Eckhard Cordes ordered a review of the company’s future products to improve standards and help lower costs. The smaller supercar was intended to slot into the Mercedes-Benz lineup between the SL55 AMG and SLR.

Production of the SLR remains unaffected, and McLaren will continue to manufacture it at its Woking plant.

Original article from Car